Aftershocks In The Auto Industry: Now, It's Opel And Renault
Opel and Renault are next in what probably will be an increasing number of casualties after Japan’s earthquake last week led to shutdowns of car parts factories.
According to Automotive News [sub], Opel will stop the lines at its plant Zaragoza, Spain, for 24 hours this coming Monday. The reason: an electronic item has not arrived from Japan. More stoppages are possible.
Closer to Japan, Renault will cut output at its factory in Busan, South Korea, by 15 to 20 percent. Problems with parts supplies from Japan have an impact on the SM7. A Renault spokesman hopes “a solution will be found rapidly.”
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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All of these impending plant closures remind me of my days in supply chain management. And the dangers of single-sourcing critical components.
Big deal its not like anyone will die if they cant buy cars or that we even need any more at all.....ever.