No one can predict the future. Even if we can plan and prepare for possible outcomes — like a war in Europe or a historic heat wave in China — there will always be unexpected challenges. 
The automotive industry is the same way. The pandemic was unpredictable, and subsequent supply chain issues led to lower-than-usual quality ratings. Even bigger changes are coming soon as the industry shifts its focus to electric vehicles. Suppliers need to be ready, says Gary Vasilash, an editor with Gardner Business Media who has been writing about the automotive industry for 30 years.
In this first episode of a special two-part series of Auto Supply Chain Prophets, we talk with Gary about what the industry looks like today as it gets ready to make the big leap toward EVs and new technology.
Themes discussed in this episode: 
What the aftermath of the pandemic can tell us about contingency planning within the automotive industry.
The hidden reason behind unusually low JD Power quality ratings.
What automotive suppliers should do now to prepare for the shift to EVs.
Why Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are beginning to “insource” more parts.
Why improving visibility into your company will help you survive the future of the automotive industry.

Featured on this Episode  Name: Gary Vasilash
Title: Transportation Editor, https://www.gardnerweb.com/ (Gardner Business Media)
About: Gary Vasilash has been working for Gardner Business media for 30 years, where he writes about design, engineering, manufacturing, and management within the automotive industry. He also co-hosts http://www.autoline.tv/journal/?cat=1513 (Autoline After Hours), a weekly podcast for car lovers and auto industry enthusiasts.
Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-vasilash-2872397/ (LinkedIn) 
https://auto-supply-chain.captivate.fm/24-processes-free-downlaod (At the heart of The Prophets’ vision are “The 24 Essential Supply Chain Processes.” What are they? Find out, and see the future yourself. Click here )


Episode HighlightsTimestamped inflection points from the show


[1:37] Unpredictable: Today’s guest, Gary Vasilash of Gardner Business Media, weighs in on current auto supply chain disruptions and what they say about risk assessment and contingency planning within the industry.
[5:11] An alarming trend: One of the consequences of the pandemic on the auto supply chain industry has been a dramatic increase in recalls alongside poor JD Power initial quality ratings. Gary explains why this happened and what to expect in the future as we move toward electric vehicles.
[7:01] The hidden factor: Gary explains a hidden, non-pandemic reason behind the lower-than-usual JD Power ratings this year: new and unfamiliar technology.
[10:00] Changes are coming: Even before the pandemic, suppliers had a hard time tracking down parts needed to repair conventional ICE vehicles. Will the shift to EVs exacerbate this trend, and what should suppliers do to be ready?
[12:26] The big shift: A major transition to EVs is coming, and suppliers for ICE engine parts should start thinking about transition or exit strategies, Gary says. In this segment, he offers suppliers some advice on how they can be best prepared. 
[14:55] Blast from the past: The shift to EVs has come with an unexpected side effect for OEMs: a rise in insourcing for additional parts like seats. Could this mark a shift back toward vertical integration? Gary and host Cathy Fisher weigh in.  
[16:36] The one thing: Gary offers his most important piece of advice for auto supply chain leaders who want to regain stability in the supply chain: allow visibility into your company. 


Top quotes

[3:14] Gary: “How can you plan for this? I would submit that you just simply can't. It would be nice to say, yes, if we had perfect visibility everywhere, we wouldn't have these problems, but you know what? Things happen.” 
[4:09] Gary: “The problem...