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Posted by JULIE CRIDLER on 12/9/2011 10:17 AM
The IRN Pricing Survey results are in! One of the dynamics we study in our survey is the balance of power between suppliers and their OEM and Tier One customers. Again this year, suppliers are reporting good vibes regarding their own power relative to their customers. Most of the respondents in our survey reported either no change or that their power over their customer had increased since last year. This is likely a lingering result of the restructuring and cost structure rationalizing that was rampant in the supply base during the downturn. Going through that rigorous process gave suppliers a closer, more intimate knowledge of their own cost structures, and along with that came a clearer view of the line in the sand where it does not make sense to cave in to a customer’s demands. Along with being stronger operationally, suppliers have more of a context with which to “take charge” of their customer relationships and this ultimately will lead to more stability within the supply base.
Posted by JULIE CRIDLER on 10/7/2011 2:25 PM
It is official - the IRN pricing survey is now underway. In the last couple years, the results of our survey have illustrated the point that suppliers have continued to steadily gain both the willingness and the power to say no to a customer’s request for a price reduction. The consequences for refusal have continued to become less dire. But, as everyone who lives in the auto industry knows, things can change dramatically from one year to the next. As the overall economy teeters on the brink of a mild recession, what will we see in the results this year?
Posted by MELISSA ANDERSON on 9/27/2011 11:28 AM
Headlines in Automotive News this summer paint Mexico as the Mecca of the day for the automotive industry: “Mexico stages comeback as hub for light vehicle output,” “Mexico braces for influx of Japanese suppliers,” “Honda plans $800 million Mexico plant to build subcompacts for North America,” and “Toyota Eyes Engine Factory in Mexico,” are a few examples. This message is being reinforced by Marca Pais – Imagen de Mexico, a public-private initiative “to help promote a positive image of Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination abroad,” with press releases such as, “Mexican Automotive Manufacturing Market Attracting Global Investments.” But how will the country square this with other trends that are getting less airtime but indicate some headwinds?
HOT TOPICS: AUTOFUTURES FORECAST
Posted by TRACY SCHNEITER on 8/19/2011 3:35:42 PM
IRN's most recent NA light-duty vehicle production forecast calls for 20% growth in the number of light-duty vehicles produced between 2010 and 2016 by GM, Ford and Chrysler combined.  GM is expected to garner the most growth (up nearly 26% by 2016) given their strong product offerings and fuel-efficient powertrain solutions.  Despite all the negative press surrounding Chrysler in the recent past, IRN is anticipating continued demand by consumers for Chrysler/Fiat products with production nearing 2 million vehicles in 2016.  Meanwhile, Ford Motor has already experienced strong growth and should see a relatively modest growth in the number of vehicles produced by 12%. See below for free data.


AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE: SNAPSHOTS
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AUTOFUTURES® SUBSCRIBER ALERTS:
Posted by THE AIP TEAM on 5/15/2012
IRN's OEM Assembly Operations Tracking Report (latest release May 15)
IRN publishes a tracking report that lists all North American OEM assembly plants and any scheduled or anticipated plans for downtime or closing. We are always looking for feedback or any plant shutdown updates that you can forward on to us. Please feel free to send either to auto-intelligence@think-irn.com.

Autofutures® Monthly Update (latest release May 2)
This report is our regular commentary on the status of North American sales, the US economy, and our current expectations for vehicle production. You will also find a summary information page on each automaker, displaying the production outlook and other key points.

IRN's Model Tracking Analysis (latest release May 2)
Our user-friendly display of new and major model changes as well as minor model refreshes has been a popular element of our Automotive Intelligence Products.

Autofutures® North American Industry Results (latest release Apr 25)
How is the industry doing? This data-oriented report covers the prior month's results in sales, inventories, and production overall and on an OEM-by-OEM basis.

Autofutures® NA Production Forecast (latest release Apr 18)
As we update the forecast each month, you will find the latest data on the web-based Autofutures Live. If you are using Autofutures Desktop, you will be prompted to run the update to get the most current forecast data installed into your program. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at (616) 785-5175. 

Sincerely,
IRN's Automotive Intelligence Products Team
IRN, Inc. | 2680 Walker Avenue NW - Suite A | Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | (616) 785-5175 / phone | (616) 785-5163 / fax
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