Supplying to Mercedes-Benz

DUBLIN, Ireland, September 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets
( http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kjhx9b/supplying_to) has announced the addition of the "Supplying to Mercedes-Benz" company profile to their offering.

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'Supplying to Mercedes-Benz' looks at what changes are happening at Mercedes in order for the OEM to accomplish the goals outlined in its "Commitment to Excellence in Procurement". The author also takes an in-depth look at how the changes have affected procurement activities and the developments that are likely over the coming years as the company expands its global production footprint. It takes in the brand's model, platform and production strategy and delves into the purchasing strategies at Mercedes with analysis of global purchasing , supplier selection, technology and quality expectations. This report is packed full of insight, data and analysis that will prove invaluable to those partnering or looking to work with one of the global automotive industries most highly regarded players

About Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Cars (MBC) is currently progressing through what is arguably the most comprehensive series of new model launches in the company's extensive history. With the introduction of the MFA modular front-wheel drive platform system, the company has given itself the flexibility to launch a virtual sub-brand of smaller vehicles, including two models already in full series production, the new A-Class hatchback and B-Class tourer, and a car which has just entered production, the CLA saloon. The modular platform will also support future production of a crossover SUV, currently referred to as GLA, with the addition of a fifth model at a later date, possibly a CLA-based Shooting Brake, a smaller version of the CLS model of the same name launched in 2012.

As MBC continues to broaden its MFA model portfolio, the company has a series of other issues it must successfully address, including the launch of the new C- and S-Class models, respectively the best-selling and highest-margin cars in the OEM's range. At the same time, the OEM is dealing with changes to the production network for the MFA models and the C-Class, while continuing to work on new in-car technologies that will maintain the brand's position as an acknowledged leader in automotive innovation in terms of fuel economy and safety.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it plans to become the best-selling premium brand in the world by 2020. While the introduction of these new models will undoubtedly push the OEM towards that goal, the company has never been under such pressure to both introduce this number of new models and maintain its world-renowned levels of quality. To successfully complete this growth phase, the OEM will rely on its internal expertise and its network of suppliers around the world.

This will be of particular relevance as Daimler looks to carry out its plan to increase the percentage of parts delivered from local suppliers, concentrating on those countries where the OEM has existing production facilities. How current and new suppliers perform will have a direct impact on the success of these new models, and also on the success of the first engine production plant outside Germany, scheduled to start delivering product to the Beijing Benz assembly line in late 2013.

How Mercedes-Benz Cars plans to deal with these on-going challenges, together with various other issues facing the company, is discussed in supplying Mercedes-Benz. From the extended passenger car and LCV production network, through to the development of new technologies, the report outlines what the company plans to do to maintain its current vehicle quality levels while achieving its long-term objectives.

Key Topics Covered:

OVERVIEW
Introduction
Overall sales
Financials

PRODUCT AND PLATFORM STRATEGY
Strategy overview
Major model programmes
Platform strategy
Major platforms
Component sharing
Volume planning

PRODUCTION STRATEGY
Production strategy overview
Manufacturing network

GERMANY

HUNGARY

FRANCE

ROMANIA

CHINA

UNITED STATES

SOUTH AFRICA

INDIA AND SOUTHERN ASIA
Internal supply network
Modularisation strategy
Supplier parks
Cluster of reference
Strategies for manufacturing efficiency

PURCHASING STRATEGY
Purchasing strategy overview
Levels of vertical integration and outsourcing
Purchasing organisation
Purchasing offices
Key offices
Key purchasing personnel
Purchasing budget

SUPPLIER SELECTION
Supply base development
Major and strategic suppliers
Supplier selection criteria
Working with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz Cars

GLOBAL SOURCING
Policy and plans

EUROPE

CHINA

NORTH AMERICA

PRICING POLICY
Cost reduction programmes and strategies
Payment terms
Raw material price management

QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Quality level
Quality management systems
Integration into product development
Management of sub-suppliers
Supplier awards

TECHNOLOGY
Technological positioning
Areas of focus
R&D spending
R&D organisation
Access to supplier technology
Approach to alternative fuels, electrification and fuel cells
Special vehicle development

INTERVIEW
Michael Hannemann, Managing Director of Valmet Automotive

OEM-SUPPLIER SURVEY RESULTS
Introduction to the SuRe Index
Methodology
Executive summary
Profit potential
Organization
Trust
Pursuit of excellence
Outlook

SWOT ANALYSIS - MERCEDES-BENZ

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

FORWARD MODEL PROGRAMMES

MAJOR SUPPLIERS - MERCEDES-BENZ

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kjhx9b/supplying_to

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager.
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Sector: Automotive