Michael Robinet IHS

The Proactive Supplier: On the Cusp of New Technology

Aug. 5, 2014
Proactive suppliers are working now to ensure that they are on the leading edge of new technology, ready for its entry point into the market.

To survive in the automotive industry, to be a part of the growth curve, suppliers need to be proactive. And that means being global.

Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS, during a presentation at the Center for Automotive Research Managament Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich. stressed the need for proactive suppliers ready to support OEMs and their global growth plans.

"The proactive supplier is one that looks out to '18 and '19 and '20," he said.

Those suppliers will be ready for the estimated 161 worldwide vehicle launches expected in 2018.

To be ready, suppliers are working now to ensure that they are on the leading edge of new technology, prepared for its entry point into the market.

They are working directly with manufacturers to get their components and specifications in front of the design teams and engineering teams as technologies are being integrated, "instead of waiting for the RFQ to hit their desk," Robinet said.

Those aggressive moves are necessary because manufacturers are largely only looking to work with one or, at most, two suppliers on any one program.  

"It's all about risk reduction," Robinet said. "That proactive supplier really ensures the longer term success going forward."

About the Author

Ginger Christ | Ginger Christ, Associate Editor

Focus: Workplace safety, health & sustainability.

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Ginger Christ is an associate editor for EHS Today, a Penton publication.

She has covered business news for the past seven years, working at daily and weekly newspapers and magazines in Ohio, including the Dayton Business Journal and Crain's Cleveland Business.

Most recently, she covered transportation and leadership for IndustryWeek, a sister publication to EHS Today.

She holds a bachelor of arts in English and in Film Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

 

 

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