Suppliers hunt for local sourcing; Turning a typewriter maker into an auto parts producer is a challenge in C. Europe.

Automotive News Europe,  May, 2007  by Frink, Lyle

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Byline: Lyle Frink

Having followed automakers to central and eastern Europe, Japanese suppliers are preparing for the next big challenge: raising the local content of the parts they produce.

The suppliers are seeking local sources for many parts that have become too uneconomical to import from Japan or western Europe.

They also need to localize parts sourcing to help offset rising labor costs in the region and because of the strengthening yen,

"Much of the push is coming from Toyota and its various trading companies," said Koshiro Miyake, director of the Vienna ...

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