Supply Chain Research

Daimler has had to close its Mercedes Benz factory in Alabama due to a parts shortage, potentially from Mexican suppliers. While it had reopened the factory on April 27, its Mexican suppliers could remain closed until June 1 due to COVID-19 related restrictions on non-essential manufacturing. Daimler’s exports from Mexico fell by 12.1% year over year in March including both Daimler Trucks and Mercedes Benz. Shipments of parts to Mercedes Benz in the U.S. however surged 23.3% higher in March. Many of the largest suppliers to Mercedes Benz from Mexico are offshoots of its German partners. ...