Brace for Change

摘要

U.S.-based automotive suppliers are bracing for more changes as General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, and Ford battle the European and Asian automakers for market share. While consumers are receiving cash back and 0-percent financing incentives, automotive suppliers will receive more design and warranty responsibilities than ever before. Until recently, automotive suppliers have typically been build-to-print or make-to-order operations. A supplier would receive a drawing from an automaker, quote a price, receive a contract, and produce and ship parts. But the OEMs are now requesting that their suppliers move from the build-to-print operations to engineer-to-order operations. These suppliers are now responsible for design, manufacture, and warranty of entire modules and systems instead of merely manufacturing component parts.