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Suppliers love Toyota and Honda: Why that matters to you

You might think that a survey of automotive suppliers and their relationship with OEMs is the automotive equivalent of nerd prom. In some ways that's what the North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI) is. The study, the 17th annual conducted by Planning Perspectives Inc., is based on input from 652 salespeople from 108 Tier One suppliers, or, PPI points out, 40 of the top 50 automotive suppliers in North America. Suppliers to General Motors, Ford, FCA, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. But the results have consequences in terms of tens of millions of dollars for OEMs - and in the quality, technology, and cost of the next vehicle you buy. There are a couple of ways to look at the results of the WRI. One is, "So what else is new?" And the other is, "Damn! How did that happen?" The study looks at five relationship areas — OEM Supplier Relationship; OEM Communication; OEM Help; OEM Hindrance; Supplier Profit Opportunity — within six purchasing areas — Body-in-White; Chassis; Electrical/Electronics; Exterior; Interior; Powertrain. In the overall rankings, Toyota is on top for the 15 th time in 17 years, with a score of 328. Honda, the only company to best Toyota (in 2009 and 2010), comes in second, at 319. Those two companies, explains John Henke, president of PPI, have collaborative working arrangements with colleagues and suppliers alike built into the very fabric of their cultures. This, however, is not a situation where one can readily conclude it is about "Japanese companies," because the third company with headquarters on the island of Honshu, Nissan, came in dead last. This is the "How did that happen?" portion. The Nissan score of 203 puts it 125 points behind Toyota. There hasn't been a number that low since the then-Chrysler Corp. scored 187 in 2010, when the company was clawing its way out of the recession. Clearly, the suppliers don't feel particularly engaged by the buyers at Nissan. Henke explains that whether a company does well or not on the WRI is rather simple. All people do things based on what they're measured on. "If you're measured on taking 10% out of your annual buy, you immediately know how to do it. But if you're also measured on improving relations, suddenly there is a new dynamic as to what you can do to achieve both.

Nissan teases Gripz concept inspired by 240Z rally cars

The rumor about Nissan's crossover concept for the Frankfurt Motor Show wearing the brand's famous Z badge is starting to make a lot more sense thanks to the latest teaser video. Dubbed the Gripz, this CUV takes inspiration from both 240Z rally cars and high-performance, road-going bicycles. So while this model might not be the next Z-car, it's definitely trying to evoke that style. According to Nissan, the Gripz "explores a new sporty direction for a crossover concept and was conceived to create an innovative new driving sensation." The video appears to briefly show a turbine at work, indicating the engine might be turbocharged. There's also a glimpse at a chronograph-inspired gauge cluster. Unfortunately, the company's latest clip doesn't give away much more than that, but there are some great glimpses of those old-school racers. The Gripz gets a full debut in Germany on Sept. 15. Nissan Gripz Concept makes its global debut in Frankfurt Designed to build on Nissan's pioneering Crossover leadership, Nissan's Gripz Concept will make its global premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Inspiration for the Nissan Gripz Concept came from the legendary 240Z desert racers as well as the sleek two-wheel world of road cycling. The design explores a new sporty direction for a Crossover concept and was conceived to create an innovative new driving sensation. The world premiere will take place at the Nissan stand on September 15th, 2015. Stay tuned for more innovative Crossover thinking from Nissan. Related Video:

Nissan Z, the new Genesis G90 and some exciting future EVs | Autoblog Podcast #755

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Road Test Editor Zac Palmer. Greg has been spending time in the 2023 Nissan Z in Performance trim this week alongside a pair of Volvos — the 2023 S60 Recharge and 2023 V60 Cross Country. Meanwhile, Zac has been driving the stately and lovely Genesis G90. Next, they talk about the news, starting with the latest happenings in the Formula 1 world — Zac recently returned from the USGP down in Austin, Texas. The talk transitions to a preview of the Los Angeles Auto Show coming next week before leading into the reveal of the all-electric 2024 Volvo EX90. Lastly, the pair discuss the spy shots of the electric Porsche Boxster and dig into what it means to finally have an electric convertible on the way. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #755 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2023 Nissan Z Performance 2023 Genesis G90 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country 2023 Volvo S60 T8 Recharge News Formula 1 in America — the latest LA Auto Show Preview 2024 Volvo EX90 revealed Electric Porsche Boxster spy shots — first look Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.