Elm Analytics - Supply Chain Risk Digest #6 - March 18 - 24, 2017

LABOR DISPUTE

Lack of training and safety violations plague Alabama auto workers. Alabama has a 65% higher risk of amputation than Michigan.

Spanish dockworkers have called off planned strikes after the Spanish parliament failed to a pass a port reform that the International Dockworkers Council had opposed. The council will now return to the negotiating table with the Spanish government to continue the port reform dispute.

LITIGATION

A French prosecutor has opened an investigation into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles over allegations that the automaker cheated in diesel emissions tests.

German prosecutors have opened an investigation against employees at Daimler over diesel-manipulation allegations.

Geico claims in a federal lawsuit that Aisin, ASMO, and others tried to fix prices for car parts including bearings, steering assemblies, fan motors, and more.

MERGERS, VENTURES, AQUISITIONS

Panasonic has increased their stake in Spanish auto supplier Ficosa from 49% to 69% making it the majority shareholder. Panasonic is shifting focus to corporate clients to escape price competition in lower-margin consumer electronics.

Lear will work with Wyoming in a pilot for connected vehicles, with a focus on trucking and highway driving in adverse weather conditions.

Proton will announce a strategic partner in May which will allow the Malaysian car manufacturer to compete locally and internationally with better quality cars.

PLANT DISASTER

A fire broke out at the Aisin Automotive Casting Company in London, Kentucky on Sunday.

PLANT OPENING

Sogefi is opening a new plant in Morocco. Opening in 2018, the plant will produce diesel and oil filters for various automakers.

Thermoset plastics firm Mar-Bal is relocating its Ohio production from Chagrin Falls to Painesville by the end of the year. The move will double Mar-Bal's manufacturing area and production. 

PRODUCTION INCREASE

The world's 2nd largest automotive semiconductor supplier, Infineon, is raising it's outlook for Q2 2017. The chip supplier expects to invest in property, plants and equipment due to strong demand for its products.

REGULATION

President Trump's proposed budget cuts would cut the EPA budget by 31%, reduce the Transportation Department budget by 13% and end other clean energy programs.

European auto suppliers are pushing the EU for a free-trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Mercosur). Trump's potential impact on EU-US trade has made these negotiations a high priority.