Welcome to our latest update on the automotive industry for November 2023. In this blog, we delve into critical developments, from the tentative resolution of the UAW strike to the persistent challenges in semiconductor supply chains and pertinent market trends.

Every industry and business has their ups and downs. Currently, the automotive industry is experiencing this but in a more unexpected way. A series of strikes has sent ripples across the vast network, dragging suppliers, many unprepared, into the depth of a downturn.

Navigating through an unplanned shutdown can feel like being lost in a complex theme park, with this looming, ominous red arrow on a demand curve map pointing right at the bottom where you stand. It reads, “You are here.” Although unsettling, it's essential to remember that this phase, though challenging, is temporary. The key is to be prepared to move forward because customer expectations and releases are not going to stop and wait.

In our October 2023 automotive report, we present essential insights regarding the ongoing strike led by the United Auto Workers ("UAW") and its ramifications for automotive suppliers. We also delve into the industry's current landscape, highlighting both the obstacles and prospects it offers, aiming to provide valuable guidance for legal and operational decision-making in response to these challenges and opportunities.

Diving into the heart of the automotive industry, this blog post looks at the core fundamental aspects of the automotive supply chain. As the lifeblood of vehicle manufacturing, any disruption can send shockwaves through the value stream. Highlighting the repercussions of an unplanned shutdown, we will review the challenges faced by stakeholders at each step and propose strategic solutions. With disruptions becoming an inherent challenge, our focus is on equipping industry players with strategies of resilience. This ensures they do not merely survive but rather thrive in this ever-changing landscape.

Welcome to our latest update on the automotive industry for September 2023. In this blog, we aim to provide valuable information to automotive suppliers to assist them in making informed legal and operational decisions amidst the evolving challenges and opportunities in the industry.

 Flint Michigan is a principal figure in the US automotive history books, and it is also my community of origin. The businesses and employees from the community have given a great deal of themselves to get the industry to where it is today. Growing up in Genesee County, I was indoctrinated into auto manufacturing at an early age. Relatives, parents of friends, spouses of my teachers, the retired neighbors; everyone was connected to the industry and influenced my curiosity for manufacturing. Coupling this interest with a Supply Chain Management from the big in-State university provided me with the opportunity to start my career with a Fortune 100 construction and farm equipment company. I spent 7 years working in various supply chain, purchasing, and manufacturing roles. I experienced multiple disciplines across multiple sectors in an industry that is heavily influenced by growing, planting, harvesting and construction seasons. Moving back ‘home’ I signed on with one of the big 3 auto manufacturers, furthering my understanding through roles in supply chain, global allocation, scheduling, inventory management, production system implementation, launch and operations management. I bring a solid foundational understanding of the entire value stream at Veryable.

Automotive manufacturing is not immune to the challenges facing the rest of the supply chain. Volatility is common in manufacturing and certain variables, such as geopolitical uncertainty, are often out of the circle of control. However, two of the most common struggles which can be affected are labor and the supply chain. If you sample a group of manufacturers, those two topics will come up over and over.