Electric Future – Supplier Management in China

China is increasingly becoming a pioneer of electric mobility. In light of the booming market for electric vehicles, Formel D is active in the field of supplier development for various OEMs in the People’s Republic.

New Technologies, new Standards

The People’s Republic of China is increasingly becoming the driving force behind electric mobility. The market development is attracting previously unknown manufacturers, who are equipping their vehicles with new technologies developed by start-ups. Since these companies are trying to firmly establish their assortments on the Chinese market but also want to expand internationally, the subject of quality is becoming more and more important as a factor determining competitiveness. Supplier development has an especially high status here. Formel D China’s comprehensive know-how and its expertise in process auditing according to VDA 6.3 qualify it as an ideal partner for this field of responsibility. With its team of currently 21 experts, the Group is now in charge of around 40 projects in the China region, where it supports about 400 Tier 1 suppliers.

Efficient Quality Management

To enable its customers to establish flawless supply chains and production processes, Formel D takes charge of the entire process, from performing audits and problem-solving activities to tracking the quality capability of the different suppliers from Tier 1 to Tier n. All steps are carried out in close coordination with the customer at all times and focus on ensuring an optimal start of series production.

On the basis of the results of supplier assessment and classification according to the process audit VDA 6.3, the experts define precise targets and measures for increasing the potential performance and also optimize cooperation with the suppliers. Formel D uses experienced and qualified experts to instruct and develop the contract partners’ young teams, some of which were only recently created.

Constant Optimization

The Formel D experts apply their audits to the production lines and quality management systems of their customers in addition to those of the technology suppliers. If there are any deviations from the general requirements, Formel D develops the organization and the processes on the basis of VDA 6.3 and IATF16949. As new technologies in particular are currently playing an important role in the manufacture of electric vehicles, the customers do not yet have a standardized procedure in many cases. The constant optimization of its methods enables Formel D to meet the challenges posed by further expanding its position on the Chinese market and preparing its customers for the start of production in an optimal way.