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Automotive News runs a feature from time to time showing which suppliers are involved in a particular new car. Over the last few years the first, second and third tier suppliers have been collapsing and consolidating. The supplier side of the industry is something most folks don't even think about. But more and more - the suppliers are doing the manufacturing and the carmakers are doing what is known as 'final assembly'. Most new plants are built with 'supplier parks' incorporated on-site to facilitate this. Headliners come in completely assembled (all switchgear, wiring, etc), seats all done - ready to plug and bolt in. Most all of the suspension components come pre-assembled and are merely bolted into the chassis. So knowing that Cadillac and MB are getting components from say Collins & Aikman for example is not surprising at all.
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