Plante Moran: Who’s happy, who’s not
What it is: A key annual survey gauging the health of the working relationships between suppliers and major automakers in North America — from the perspective of suppliers. The study, released each spring, rates those relationships on a 500-point scale, with a higher score indicating more supplier satisfaction in areas such as communication and the effective resolution of issues that arise.
Where it comes from: Consulting firm Plante Moran surveys hundreds of Tier 1 automotive supplier executives. The 2022 iteration surveyed 673 executives from 436 suppliers, revealing findings on six major automakers: General Motors, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Stellantis and Toyota.
How it’s used: The study provides the industry with a quantitative measure of something that’s inherently qualitative. Automaker-supplier relationships have been particularly relevant in recent years as both sides manage unprecedented supply chain challenges and supplier financial pressures. The survey highlights specific areas where underperforming companies struggle while identifying high-scoring automakers for benchmarking.
How it might be misused: The numbers reflect the feelings of supplier executives during one slice of the year, meaning the results don’t incorporate any evolving feelings toward a customer as the year progresses. The study also highlights supplier relations with only six automakers in North America, so little can be gleaned about how other automakers are faring.