Motor vehicle manufacturers are renowned for creating close relationships with their suppliers, and have committed significant resources to developing their supplier programs. These supplier programs have resulted in advantages, not only for the motor vehicle manufacturer but also to the component suppliers and for the automotive industry at large.
Required:
1. Explain some of the advantages that are referred to in the above statement.
2. Now can a successful supplier program support a business competitive strategy that is focused on:
(a) Product quality?
(b) Product cost?