Dr. Angela Johnson, leader of Plante Moran’s supplier relationship analytics practice, joins Forbes to spotlight a growing tension in automotive purchasing, where some OEMs rely on transactional tactics while others invest in partnership driven collaboration. She explains how unclear expectations, uneven risk sharing, and inconsistent communication erode trust, add hidden costs, slow problem-solving, and magnify disruption across programs.
Angela also shares what helps organizations move forward in a meaningful way. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and fair, transparent commercial practices, paired with purchasing leaders who stay engaged and accessible. She notes that when teams plan collaboratively, involve key suppliers early, and work from shared expectations, they create relationships where suppliers feel like true partners. The result is stronger resilience, faster decision-making, and a more sustainable competitive advantage.
