Japan: Unclear situation at Saab suppliers

None of the Saab suppliers sits in the worst affected areas. That's the good news. But, the suppliers have suppliers and their situation is unclear to us, said Saab purchasing manager Kjell-Ake Eriksson.

Saab buys a number of important components from Japan, such as the 6 automatic transmission from Aisin. Problems could arise if, for the first time since World War II, Japan would regulate its production and exports.

Due to lack of raw materials or energy shortage. Because not only Saab and Volvo buy automatic transmissions in Japan, also many other automobile producers in Europe.

But even a disruption in production in Japan should not automatically mean a disruption in production in Trollhättan. Saab is currently getting the components by ocean freight, which means a term of six weeks. “We could also get the components by air freight if necessary,” says Kjell-Ake Eriksson, “but that would mean higher costs”.

Source: TTELA