SUPPLIER EYE

Those playing in the global automotive field have to keep their eyes on various new ‘curve balls’ that are winding their way toward home plate. Among them are the ever-present trade ‘discussions’ surrounding the U.S.-China relationship, steel and aluminum tariffs and the ongoing instability of Brexit. Behind the scenes, however, another potentially more impactful force is building that will invariably alter the industry's trajectory: China's emergence as a major manufacturing base.

More than the largest single vehicle market and the home to more vehicle-making OEMs than any other country, China's role in shaping automotive strategy is industry-critical.