GM: Will Evenly Share Cost Savings On Supplier Ideas
2009年8月28日 - 4:12AM
Dow Jones News
General Motors Co. (GM) parts suppliers - who submit ideas to
cut component expenses - will now evenly split any cost savings
over the life of the part or component.
The move replaces GM's former deal whereby suppliers received
only 35% of the money saved during the first year and then nothing
after that.
"This shows that we are committed to engaging with our
suppliers," said GM spokesman Dan Flores. "We hope this will
generate more enthusiasm to doing business with new GM and pull
ahead more ideas."
The change is one of a handful enacted by Bob Socia who took
over as GM's vice president of global purchasing and supply chain
after the departure of Bo Andersson in June.
"We see this as a positive step in the right direction and will
build stronger partnerships with its suppliers," said David Ladd,
spokesman for International Automotive Components Group, which
supplies vehicle interiors. "We hope to take part in the
program."
The U.S. auto makers have traditionally ranked below their Asian
counterparts when it comes to supplier relationships, according to
an annual supplier study by Planning Perspectives, based in
Birmingham, Mich.
GM finished second to last with a score of 183 out of a possible
500 in the May study, which tracks supplier relations based on a
variety of variables. Chrysler Group LLC was last with 162, while
Honda Motor Co. was first at 349.
Relationships between auto makers and suppliers were further
stressed this year as GM and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and a
worldwide recession resulted in production cuts.
"This is an incredible financial incentive GM is giving its
suppliers," said John Henke, president of Planning Perspectives.
"In most industries, all cost-savings revert back to the customer.
With the bankruptcy behind them, I think there is a recognition
within GM that they can start fresh."
Henke added the auto makers who have a better working
relationship with their suppliers get better technology and
innovation in their products.
"Both parties now need to put the past behind them and move on,"
Henke said. "This is a new game."
Flores had no details on how much the change might save both GM
and the parts makers. - By Jeff Bennett, Dow Jones Newswires;
jeff.bennett@dowjones.com; 248-204-5542