To put it diplomatically, the U.S. automakers have a less-than-sterling record of supply chain relations, at least up until recently.

But in a crowded global car market, the OEMs — and not just the ones based in Detroit — are finding that cooperation with suppliers is a critical component of their success.

For more, read "The Automotive Supply Chain: OEMs Must Cooperate to Compete" by Tom Andel.