General Motors has spend the past few years implementing new programs and working more closely with its suppliers in order to increase value and innovation among both parties. Now, it seems its efforts are paying off.
According to The Detroit News, GM saw healthy improvements between its suppliers when ranked against other major automakers in the United States. GM grew the most of any OEM, moving into fourth place among Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan and Fiat-Chrysler. Still, GM lags behind Toyota and Honda, even though both saw minor dips, according to the study.
“All the hard work that we’ve been putting in the last couple of years seems to start to be paying off,” said Steve Kiefer, GM’s vice president of global purchasing and supply chain since fall 2014.
Kiefer originally worked with Delphi, a longtime GM supplier. When joining GM itself, he worked hard to bring suppliers into the design and engineering process to spur innovation and and designs.
“It is good to do what we’re doing right now, which is improving our relationships, listening to suppliers, implementing their ideas and coming up with items that improve their profitability and our profitability simultaneously,” Kiefer said.
GM also netted its first ever supplier award recently, and was recognized as most supportive of any other auto manufacturer.
Comment
If I count correctly, 4th place is only three from the cellar! Still a lot of work to become competitive!