Tier suppliers face similar pressures to OEMs. While the bill of material for new generation vehicles has become much more streamlined, tier suppliers must still maintain the legacy SKUs for the aftermarket. So, in addition to running ‘business as usual’, high levels of investment are required in terms of re-tooling and new machinery to cater for the future. This can put a strain on cash flow.
The need for speed, flexibility and reliability, as well as cost consciousness have not gone away, as both inbound and outbound logistics processes are having to adapt to this new era.
At Kuehne+Nagel automotive logistics is part of our DNA, so we intuitively understand the competing priorities facing tier suppliers. In this situation bigger is definitely better, as tier suppliers are able to take advantage of our global network and purchasing power with freight carriers to competitively run their businesses. Our broad portfolio of solutions allows tier suppliers to effectively respond to changing requirements either up or down the supply chain.
Not only are we helping tier suppliers transition to new generation vehicles to ensure a sustainable future, but we’ve made a true commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions ourselves by committing to the Science Based Targets initiative. We also offer our customers data-driven insights, design and optimisation of supply chains—alternative transport modes, routes and carrier options—and low carbon fuels.
Contact our tier supplier experts today to learn more about how Kuehne+Nagel can support your business success.