With a new strategic partner and a new business plan set last year after it's emergence from bankruptcy, Chrysler is starting with a clean slate. And improved supplier relations is a key component of that turnaround strategy Chrysler outlined last November. The strategies Chrysler employed to improve supplier relations provide purchasing teams a very clear and direct benchmarking opportunity. The company's purchasing organization, under newly appointed CPO Dan Knott, has not only been developing and implementing its strategy but very visible in doing it. No secret, back-room supplier pressures, they say. Tried that, didn't work. Today, with Fiat's input, Chrysler is striving for deep and transparent relationships with its suppliers.
