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Sad commentary on state of the auto parts business.... Posted by MI-Roger [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Finding rear glass...., CY, Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:38:04 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I am glad you were able to find the rear glass you needed you needed for your wagon.
US auto manufacturers have been demanding lower and lower prices from their suppliers for so long, that many OEM suppliers are now reorganizing in backruptcy, or have completely disappeared.
In the worst cases the businesses have failed while retaining possession of the special tooling necessary to manufacture the parts, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to profitably manufacture the low volume of parts needed for the service business. One of the Cadillac models had a special edition option equipped with special headlamp lenses a few years ago. The lens manufacturer went out of business taking the dies and tooling with them. Headlamp lenses are a frequently needed part for minor collisions, but the small volume that was manufactured of this particular model makes it too costly for other glass companies to tool up for service parts production. Literally hundreds of owners of these cars are waiting for lenses!
Yet people still argue the US auto industry only needs to demand lower prices from their suppliers to return to profitability. Proper management of the supply chain is an important factor for the success of every business. But the sad truth in the auto industry is that this road for lower part costs has been traveled so hard and for so long that it has now become impassable.
The parts suppliers are hanging on by a thread, hoping their main (or only) customers can survive and get healthy enough to increase their parts demand to the point the suppliers can make a little money on each piece sold.
posted by 24.23.71...
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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