Supply chain

LG Secures $370m Audio Systems Deal with Volkswagen Group

LG Electronics will supply car audio systems to Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda from 2012 under a seven-year agreement valued at $370 million.

Ford Focus output hit by dashboard part shortage

Ford's US Focus production has slowed after intermittent dashboard supply forced the company to fly parts in from Europe, raising costs and extending delivery times.

Saab Secures 582-Car Order from China to Pay Wages

A €13 million order from a Chinese buyer will allow Saab to pay overdue wages and some supplier debts, but the company’s long-term future remains uncertain.

Xirallic pigment plant in Japan restarts after earthquake disruption

Merck’s Onahama facility, the world’s only source of Xirallic paint pigment, has resumed production less than two months after the March 2011 earthquake halted supply to automakers.

S&P Lowers Outlook for Six Japanese Carmakers After Earthquake Disruption

Standard & Poor’s has revised its outlook to negative for Toyota, Honda, Nissan and three major suppliers, citing ongoing production stoppages following Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Japanese Carmakers Extend Plant Shutdowns After Earthquake

Production halts continue at Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda as supply chain disruptions and damage assessments deepen, with global manufacturers bracing for knock-on effects.

GM halts Shreveport pickup production after Japan quake disrupts parts supply

General Motors will idle its Shreveport, Louisiana plant for at least a week as parts shortages linked to Japan’s earthquake hit North American pickup output.

Japan Earthquake Puts Upward Pressure on US Petrol Prices

Japan’s earthquake has disrupted refining capacity and boosted demand for refined fuels, raising the prospect of higher petrol prices in the US.

Volvo’s Supplier Relationships at Risk as Geely Bid Advances

Swedish suppliers warn Volvo could lose contracts if Geely’s takeover proceeds without clear patent protections, raising concerns over intellectual property and future component sourcing.

NAVTEQ and Trimble extend global map data partnership

Trimble’s new multi-year agreement with NAVTEQ brings expanded digital mapping, traffic and transport data to its fleet and resource management platforms worldwide.

Chrysler's $29 Billion Annual Economic Impact Detailed

Chrysler LLC reported in December 2008 that its US operations generated over $29 billion in direct economic activity each year, including wages, pensions, taxes and supplier purchases.