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OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs.

As automakers struggle to meet growing demand in emerging countries while fighting to maintain share in sluggish existing markets, they are straining to cut expenses any way possible. That is putting the spotlight on managing inventory throughout the supply chain- moving components and vehicles around the globe with maximum efficiency.

Global manufacturing and international marketing continue to challenge those charged with determining where and when to shift ordering and manufacturing. Globalization continues to pose new issues as OEMs, Tier 1s, and other suppliers throughout the chain attempt to shorten manufacturing times and trim costs while improving quality to part-per-billion levels.