DC's second wave of component sharing

Wave two of component sharing between the Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz is under way, says a top Chrysler Group official. The sharing includes going to the supply base to discuss long-range, high-volume plans for parts that are similar but not identical.

There are 54 component teams examining parts within the Chrysler Group, the official says. “We picked 30 of them (in the first wave that began last summer with the restructuring of the product development process). Now we've defined another 28 to pursue. We're adding them to the mix.”

“Nothing like a recession to get people to cooperate,” he says with a smile, in an interview with WAW. Cost savings for the joint platforms being developed for small and midsize cars with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are shaping up to be in the 4% to 6% range for each car maker, with a goal of 65% shared parts.