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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win
Attorneys representing Stellantis were in a courtroom in Detroit earlier this month, arguing a case before the Michigan Court of Appeals. That hearing, involving the contract between the company's U.S. operating arm known as FCA US LLC and supplier Kamax, resulted in a decision that went in the automaker's favor. While it's not unusual for automakers to deal with lawsuits, industry watchers say it is unusual for automakers and their suppliers to engage in public fights. But it's not a new story for Stellantis, and the challenges the owner of the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands has had in dealing with its suppliers was on display again this week with the release of a supplier sentiment survey. Automaker advertising: Ford and Stellantis address tariff turmoil with bold 'made-in-America' ad campaigns Here again, Stellantis stood out, ranking last among the automakers surveyed in the 25th annual North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study from Plante Moran (OEM is an abbreviation used to refer to automakers as "original equipment manufacturers"). In order, from best to worst, Toyota, Honda and General Motors each saw their scores increase over last year, while Nissan, Ford and Stellantis saw their scores drop. Other automakers, including Tesla, don't participate. The order of rankings is unchanged from last year. Stellantis, however, has had the worst score since 2021 — the same year it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group — and going back earlier, the automaker had the worst, next-to-worst or tied-for-worst score since 2008. This year's results also represent the largest gap since 2008 between the top automaker and the bottom one, according to Dave Andrea, principal in Plante Moran's Strategy and Automotive and Mobility Consulting Practice. The results are based on responses from 665 supplier executives from 398 Tier 1 suppliers at a time when the auto industry deals with volatility from changing market conditions and is now facing the uncertainty caused by tariffs. The companies that do well on the survey tend to be known for better communication, responsiveness and treating their suppliers like partners. 'The top three are doing the things better that enable suppliers to better control their costs, achieve equitable cost-sharing and better navigate uncertainty,' according to Angela Johnson, a principal in Plante Moran's Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics. She said suppliers aren't expecting automakers to bear all the costs. Stellantis provided a statement through spokeswoman Jodi Tinson acknowledging that it has work to do: "Despite increasing our engagement activities with our suppliers since Stellantis was formed, we recognize that more work is needed to continue building trust. This remains a priority for Stellantis, and we will continue exploring strategic initiatives while working with our suppliers to focus on improving where it matters most." Regarding the Kamax suit, which stems from an Oakland County court case, the automaker said it was pleased 'a court has once again ruled that our purchase order contracts are enforceable requirements contracts. As we've stated in the past, it is never our intent to use the court system to resolve such disputes; however, certain situations unfortunately require it. Stellantis remains committed to working with our suppliers, so that we can continue to build the vehicles that our customers desire." The recent ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals deals with Kamax's effort in 2023 and 2024 to push the automaker to renegotiate the prices it pays for automotive fasteners because, Kamax said, the costs to produce the parts had skyrocketed. Kamax later said it would stop deliveries but relented following a decision in Oakland County Circuit Court, and the case eventually made its way to the Court of Appeals. It's one of numerous court cases involving Stellantis and its suppliers in recent years. Detroit-based attorney Dan Rustmann, whose firm, Butzel, represents numerous suppliers, called litigation between suppliers and automakers very unusual and typically a last resort. Rustmann, who noted that he represents 'a lot of Tier 1 suppliers,' said that 'in my experience dealing with many different carmakers … anecdotally Stellantis has been the most difficult of any of the customers that I had to deal with on behalf of my clients.' In times of rising costs, for instance, some automakers are more willing than others to provide relief, he said. 'In my experience, Stellantis has not been so willing and that's why they're facing all this litigation and disruption from their supply chain,' he said. Rustmann said his firm's experience aligns closely with the results of the Plante Moran survey. Although Rustmann said he can't make a direct connection to the impact on the end product, meaning the vehicle that a consumer purchases, he said it's common sense to treat others fairly. 'When you treat a supplier poorly and beat them down and don't give them relief when they have a cost increase … you're not going to get the best (technology) from them,' he said. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win
Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win Show Caption Hide Caption Stellantis: The automaker's history, legacy Explore the history of Stellantis, the automotive giant formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. Stellantis ranked at the bottom of an annual survey of supplier relations. Toyota, Honda and General Motors saw their scores improve. Attorneys representing Stellantis were in a courtroom in Detroit earlier this month, arguing a case before the Michigan Court of Appeals. That hearing, involving the contract between the company's U.S. operating arm known as FCA US LLC and supplier Kamax, resulted in a decision that went in the automaker's favor. While it's not unusual for automakers to deal with lawsuits, industry watchers say it is unusual for automakers and their suppliers to engage in public fights. But it's not a new story for Stellantis, and the challenges the owner of the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands has had in dealing with its suppliers was on display again this week with the release of a supplier sentiment survey. Automaker advertising: Ford and Stellantis address tariff turmoil with bold 'made-in-America' ad campaigns Here again, Stellantis stood out, ranking last among the automakers surveyed in the 25th annual North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study from Plante Moran (OEM is an abbreviation used to refer to automakers as "original equipment manufacturers"). In order, from best to worst, Toyota, Honda and General Motors each saw their scores increase over last year, while Nissan, Ford and Stellantis saw their scores drop. Other automakers, including Tesla, don't participate. The order of rankings is unchanged from last year. Stellantis, however, has had the worst score since 2021 — the same year it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group — and going back earlier, the automaker had the worst, next-to-worst or tied-for-worst score since 2008. This year's results also represent the largest gap since 2008 between the top automaker and the bottom one, according to Dave Andrea, principal in Plante Moran's Strategy and Automotive and Mobility Consulting Practice. The results are based on responses from 665 supplier executives from 398 Tier 1 suppliers at a time when the auto industry deals with volatility from changing market conditions and is now facing the uncertainty caused by tariffs. The companies that do well on the survey tend to be known for better communication, responsiveness and treating their suppliers like partners. 'The top three are doing the things better that enable suppliers to better control their costs, achieve equitable cost-sharing and better navigate uncertainty,' according to Angela Johnson, a principal in Plante Moran's Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics. She said suppliers aren't expecting automakers to bear all the costs. Stellantis provided a statement through spokeswoman Jodi Tinson acknowledging that it has work to do: "Despite increasing our engagement activities with our suppliers since Stellantis was formed, we recognize that more work is needed to continue building trust. This remains a priority for Stellantis, and we will continue exploring strategic initiatives while working with our suppliers to focus on improving where it matters most." Regarding the Kamax suit, which stems from an Oakland County court case, the automaker said it was pleased 'a court has once again ruled that our purchase order contracts are enforceable requirements contracts. As we've stated in the past, it is never our intent to use the court system to resolve such disputes; however, certain situations unfortunately require it. Stellantis remains committed to working with our suppliers, so that we can continue to build the vehicles that our customers desire." The recent ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals deals with Kamax's effort in 2023 and 2024 to push the automaker to renegotiate the prices it pays for automotive fasteners because, Kamax said, the costs to produce the parts had skyrocketed. Kamax later said it would stop deliveries but relented following a decision in Oakland County Circuit Court, and the case eventually made its way to the Court of Appeals. It's one of numerous court cases involving Stellantis and its suppliers in recent years. Detroit-based attorney Dan Rustmann, whose firm, Butzel, represents numerous suppliers, called litigation between suppliers and automakers very unusual and typically a last resort. Rustmann, who noted that he represents 'a lot of Tier 1 suppliers,' said that 'in my experience dealing with many different carmakers … anecdotally Stellantis has been the most difficult of any of the customers that I had to deal with on behalf of my clients.' In times of rising costs, for instance, some automakers are more willing than others to provide relief, he said. 'In my experience, Stellantis has not been so willing and that's why they're facing all this litigation and disruption from their supply chain,' he said. Rustmann said his firm's experience aligns closely with the results of the Plante Moran survey. Although Rustmann said he can't make a direct connection to the impact on the end product, meaning the vehicle that a consumer purchases, he said it's common sense to treat others fairly. 'When you treat a supplier poorly and beat them down and don't give them relief when they have a cost increase … you're not going to get the best (technology) from them,' he said. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win
Attorneys representing Stellantis were in a courtroom in Detroit earlier this month, arguing a case before the Michigan Court of Appeals. That hearing, involving the contract between the company's U.S. operating arm known as FCA US LLC and supplier Kamax, resulted in a decision that went in the automaker's favor. While it's not unusual for automakers to deal with lawsuits, industry watchers say it is unusual for automakers and their suppliers to engage in public fights. But it's not a new story for Stellantis, and the challenges the owner of the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands has had in dealing with its suppliers was on display again this week with the release of a supplier sentiment survey. Automaker advertising: Ford and Stellantis address tariff turmoil with bold 'made-in-America' ad campaigns Here again, Stellantis stood out, ranking last among the automakers surveyed in the 25th annual North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study from Plante Moran (OEM is an abbreviation used to refer to automakers as "original equipment manufacturers"). In order, from best to worst, Toyota, Honda and General Motors each saw their scores increase over last year, while Nissan, Ford and Stellantis saw their scores drop. Other automakers, including Tesla, don't participate. The order of rankings is unchanged from last year. Stellantis, however, has had the worst score since 2021 — the same year it was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group — and going back earlier, the automaker had the worst, next-to-worst or tied-for-worst score since 2008. This year's results also represent the largest gap since 2008 between the top automaker and the bottom one, according to Dave Andrea, principal in Plante Moran's Strategy and Automotive and Mobility Consulting Practice. The results are based on responses from 665 supplier executives from 398 Tier 1 suppliers at a time when the auto industry deals with volatility from changing market conditions and is now facing the uncertainty caused by tariffs. The companies that do well on the survey tend to be known for better communication, responsiveness and treating their suppliers like partners. 'The top three are doing the things better that enable suppliers to better control their costs, achieve equitable cost-sharing and better navigate uncertainty,' according to Angela Johnson, a principal in Plante Moran's Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics. She said suppliers aren't expecting automakers to bear all the costs. Stellantis provided a statement through spokeswoman Jodi Tinson acknowledging that it has work to do: "Despite increasing our engagement activities with our suppliers since Stellantis was formed, we recognize that more work is needed to continue building trust. This remains a priority for Stellantis, and we will continue exploring strategic initiatives while working with our suppliers to focus on improving where it matters most." Regarding the Kamax suit, which stems from an Oakland County court case, the automaker said it was pleased 'a court has once again ruled that our purchase order contracts are enforceable requirements contracts. As we've stated in the past, it is never our intent to use the court system to resolve such disputes; however, certain situations unfortunately require it. Stellantis remains committed to working with our suppliers, so that we can continue to build the vehicles that our customers desire." The recent ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals deals with Kamax's effort in 2023 and 2024 to push the automaker to renegotiate the prices it pays for automotive fasteners because, Kamax said, the costs to produce the parts had skyrocketed. Kamax later said it would stop deliveries but relented following a decision in Oakland County Circuit Court, and the case eventually made its way to the Court of Appeals. It's one of numerous court cases involving Stellantis and its suppliers in recent years. Detroit-based attorney Dan Rustmann, whose firm, Butzel, represents numerous suppliers, called litigation between suppliers and automakers very unusual and typically a last resort. Rustmann, who noted that he represents 'a lot of Tier 1 suppliers,' said that 'in my experience dealing with many different carmakers … anecdotally Stellantis has been the most difficult of any of the customers that I had to deal with on behalf of my clients.' In times of rising costs, for instance, some automakers are more willing than others to provide relief, he said. 'In my experience, Stellantis has not been so willing and that's why they're facing all this litigation and disruption from their supply chain,' he said. Rustmann said his firm's experience aligns closely with the results of the Plante Moran survey. Although Rustmann said he can't make a direct connection to the impact on the end product, meaning the vehicle that a consumer purchases, he said it's common sense to treat others fairly. 'When you treat a supplier poorly and beat them down and don't give them relief when they have a cost increase … you're not going to get the best (technology) from them,' he said. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis struggles to rebuild supplier trust despite legal win
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Veterans Round-up connects heroes with vital services and benefits
PARSONS, Kan. — Veterans helping veterans, making sure those who served know what they're eligible for. That was the purpose of the Veterans Roundup held today at Parsons' VFW Brown-Bishop Post 704. It brings veterans together with service officers, helping veterans process claims and learn about benefits. Organizers expected roughly 60 to attend this session, with some coming from as far away as Leavenworth, Kansas. 'We have somebody, just as an example, that called and said that they're at risk for being homeless. This will get them in and get them hooked up with the people that they need to to prevent that,' said Angela Johnson, Post 704 senior vice commander. 'There's a lot of veterans that don't know about benefits, or they've gone about where they think that they don't have them, but since the PACT Act came in, it's changed a lot,' said Henry Gatewood, Post 704. The PACT Act, also known as the 'Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022', expanded benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances, like Agent Orange. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Restaurant Owner Chases Down Black Customer Over a Tip, Deion Sanders' Other Son Fired Him After Shedeur Drama, Former MAGA Terrence Howard Turns His Back on Trump, a Peek at the Obamas' Martha's Vineyard Retreat and Other Culture News From the Week
A Chicago-area restaurant owner has gone viral for all the wrong reasons as a video of a heated exchange he had with a Black customer in the street outside of his business has ignited a debate over race and the culture of tipping in the United States. In the now-viral video, Kenny Chou, the owner of the Table to Stix Ramen restaurant in Evanston, Illinois can be seen following a Black customer down the street after he paid for his meal but did not leave a tip. - Angela Johnson Read More 'It be your own people.' Things are shaking up in the Sanders household following Shedeur Sanders' unexpected fifth round draft pick. Now, it seems another son of patriarch and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is leaving the nest for one good reason. - Phenix S Halley Read More Terrance Howard was MAGA? The actor's latest revelation that he's a former supporter of President Donald Trump was not on our 2025 Bingo card. The 'Empire' star shared that he was 'in Trump's corner' until a significant shift in the administration led to a change of heart. - Towolawi Read More It's not easy being the first Black leader of the free world (even when you don't have the job anymore). That's why former President Barack Obama does his best to escape all of the Washington, D.C. drama and unplug with his family whenever he can. Martha's Vineyard, an island located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, is one of their favorite places to unwind. - Angela Johnson Read More One boy is breaking down the stigma around Autism one paint brush stroke at a time. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is only a teenager, but already, his art is helping change the world. - Phenix S Halley Read More No matter how much time passes, there are certain deaths where you remember exactly where you were when you heard the shocking news. Over the years, the Black community has been forced to grieve our icons, many of which died way before it was truly their time. In this month alone, the anniversaries of the tragic deaths of icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marvin Gaye and Prince have passed, making the losses our community has faced that much more prominent. - Phenix S Halley Read More We can all agree that giving children guidance, teaching them right from wrong and allowing them to face consequences when they stray from that guidance is part of a parent's job description. But a conversation about what those consequences should be is where people are often divided – even when they're talking to themselves. - Angela Johnson Read More It was a long 2025 NFL draft for the son of Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders. Shedeur Sanders was projected to be a first-round pick by multiple experts and mock drafts. So, the quarterback had been waiting for more than a day to find out which team had chose him. - Mahalia Otshudy Read More kinjavideo-197549 Even though it's been 160 years since the Civil War ended, Black Americans are still feeling the effects of the war that almost tore the nation apart. It's prom season, which means your timelines are about to be flooded with pictures of teenagers all over the country getting glammed up for a night of dancing with their friends and classmates before the school year ends. Although a lot of planning goes into getting ready for the big night, it's what happens after the dance that can cause some confusion between kids and their parents. Now, an online debate about whether or not it's a good idea for moms and dads to get hotel rooms for their children after the big night is going viral, with people making strong cases for both sides. - Angela Johnson Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
