SUPPLIER EYE

Fourth quarter 2019 has arrived, and with it comes a fast-growing anxiety among suppliers. Many of them tell me they can't recall a period when they've faced so many critical decisions that will impact their competitiveness, profitability and strategic direction in the 2020s.

What's different in 4Q19 compared with 2018? There are more “moving parts” to the global automotive business equation that affect every tier of the supply chain. The list includes the myriad of trade disruptions; the chaotic global regulatory landscape; slowing Detroit Three production volumes, and the need to devote resources to develop connected-autonomous and electrification systems that promise almost no short-term return on investment.