The second reason is the increasingly important role that parts suppliers play in automotive assembly.

"If a small parts supplier has no money, they might not be able to pay for duomi," he said.

Old parts suppliers were sought out and their stock explored.

Nearby parts suppliers deliver pieces only hours before they go into the car.

Other carmakers and some large parts suppliers also use the device.

B+T is also a parts supplier for many other major manufacturers.

The company also plans to ask its parts suppliers to cut prices by 30 percent in the next three years.

Ford is also expected to ask parts suppliers to cut their prices.

In the auto industry, the groups are manufacturers and parts suppliers.

To survive, some companies are looking for products they can sell themselves, rather than continue solely as parts suppliers.