DOWN BUT NOT OUT--A smooth ride isn't in the cards for the automotive industry

摘要

Like many of today's markets, the automotive industry suffers from a split personality: the Big T hree and the New Domestics. Representatives from the Big Three recently appealed to Congress for 25 billion dollars in federal loans. Opinions vary on whether lending money to the domestic automakers is a good idea, but there's a consensus that change of some kind is coming to Detroit. News like this, though, doesn't help the already-down view of OEM suppliers. According to the September OESA Automotive Supplier Barometer, published by the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, "supplier sentiment remained negative in September." The pessimism stems from the turbulence in the industry, which pressures suppliers' managerial and production work forces. "Respondents see retaining top talent, developing global mindsets and experiences, and finding and attracting new personnel with broader, multidisciplinary skills as the major issues facing the management ranks."