SUPPLIER EYE

The automotive industry has reached a strategic inflection point, where significant structural change is driving greater levels of instability on one hand, and opportunity (for some) on the other. That's the conclusion I'm hearing in discussions with suppliers and OEMs.

Sure, despite some softness in production volumes in North America, China and Europe, industry output is still relatively high compared with a decade ago. And without doubt, consumers are seeking more innovation, in safety, performance (dynamic and environmental) and convenience - all of which is great news for technology suppliers. It's a time when being well ahead of the curve in engineering and development is a necessity.