#suppliermanagement

https://www.ivalua.com/case-study/general-atomics-and-ivalua-driving-agility-and-innovation-in-aerospace-defense/

Just like improving quality. Don’t hold your breath suppliers, you have heard this before.

In recent years, Ford hasn't exactly had the greatest relations with its suppliers - at least, according to the Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM - Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI) Study - as it ranked next to last among all OEMs in both 2024 and 2025. Then, last summer, The Blue Oval altered its contracts as a way to offset the impacts of tariffs - forcing suppliers to sign more stringent terms, ditch the ability to opt out of their contracts each year, and in exchange, they received new business and tariff cost relief.

Now, Ford is aiming to improve its challenged relations with suppliers, according to Crain's Detroit Business. At an annual event held late last month, Ford supply chief Liz Door reportedly told the company's suppliers that The Blue Oval intends to begin providing them with a three-year outlook for its vehicle plans, a move aimed at helping suppliers better plan for future launches, production volumes, and discontinuations.

This is a notable change given the fact that Ford suppliers have spent the last few years essentially not knowing what the automaker was planning to do, amid many powertrain strategy shifts - and it also signals that the automaker is more confident in its forthcoming plans as well. Additionally, Ford is launching what Door calls a “two-way scorecard” and a “help desk,” which are intended to “simplify and accelerate problem resolution” for suppliers.

“In response to supplier feedback, and as part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and strengthen trust, we plan to work closely with suppliers so they can optimize their own planning,” Door said. “This approach has the potential to simplify processes and drive improvements in overall quality, benefiting both Ford and our supplier network. Strengthening supplier relationships remains a core focus for Ford."

Auto News posts story about Ford (and GM) pinching pennies to improve performance. Code for on demand price reductions coming your way. Now in addition to drastically reduced volumes and ultimate blame for recalls, your price is too high.

And the Ford clown show leadership continues on their way (but with good seats at the F1 race.)

Perhaps investors should look at one metric for the future growth of Croda, customer satisfaction. By the looks of the company’s news releases it has been since June 2022 that Croda has been awarded anything from a customer. In the June 2022 instance it was for sustainability efforts. It would be interesting to learn the last time they were even nominated for supplier of the year or similar by any of their customers. Customers do find alternatives, they do shut access to development programs, and don’t care if it’s the smartest science.