
Refinitiv Powers Performance Insights for Dodge Connecting Rods – A Deeper Dive into Manufacturing & Market Trends
New York, NY – October 26, 2023 – Refinitiv, a leading provider of financial markets data and infrastructure, is helping manufacturers and suppliers of automotive components, like Dodge connecting rods, navigate a complex global landscape. While seemingly a niche component, understanding the market dynamics surrounding these critical engine parts requires a comprehensive view of raw material costs, supply chain risks, and emerging trends – and that’s where Refinitiv shines. For those unfamiliar, connecting rods are fundamental to internal combustion engines. They translate the linear motion of the pistons into the rotational motion that drives your vehicle. For Dodge vehicles, these rods need to be robust, reliable, and consistently manufactured to a high standard. Any disruption in the supply chain or fluctuations in material costs can have a ripple effect, impacting production schedules and ultimately, the availability of new vehicles and replacement parts. The Challenges Facing Dodge Connecting Rod Manufacturers Several key factors are impacting the production and supply of Dodge connecting rods right now. We're seeing: Raw Material Price Volatility: Steel, the primary material used in connecting rods, has experienced significant price swings in recent months. Geopolitical events, trade tariffs, and increased demand from other industries are all contributing to this instability. Refinitiv's real-time commodity pricing data allows manufacturers to track these fluctuations, enabling informed purchasing decisions and proactive hedging strategies. Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain remains fragile. Port congestion, shipping delays, and component shortages are still common occurrences. Refinitiv's Supply Chain Intelligence solutions provide manufacturers with visibility into their suppliers’ operations, identifying potential bottlenecks and allowing them to diversify sourcing if needed. Specifically, for Dodge connecting rod manufacturers, this means understanding where their steel, forging, machining, and heat-treating suppliers are located and assessing their vulnerability to disruption. Demand Shifts & Electric Vehicle Transition: The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation with the rise of electric vehicles. While demand for internal combustion engines will persist for years, manufacturers need to anticipate the eventual decline and adjust their production strategies accordingly. Refinitiv’s automotive sales forecasts and market research reports provide valuable insights into these evolving trends. Knowing when and how quickly the demand for specific Dodge models equipped with internal combustion engines will change is crucial for optimizing production of connecting rods. Quality Control & Traceability: Maintaining high quality standards is paramount for connecting rods, as failures can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Refinitiv’s data solutions support robust quality control processes and provide traceability throughout the supply chain, ensuring that every component meets the required specifications. How Refinitiv Helps Refinitiv isn’t just about financial data; it’s about providing actionable intelligence across all industries. Here’s how we’re specifically assisting Dodge connecting rod manufacturers: Real-Time Commodity Pricing: We provide access to live pricing data for steel, iron ore, and other key raw materials, allowing manufacturers to monitor costs and make informed purchasing decisions. This isn't just historical data; it’s current market pricing, empowering them to react swiftly to changing conditions. Supply Chain Risk Assessment: Our Supply Chain Intelligence solutions map out complex supply chains, identifying potential vulnerabilities and providing early warnings of disruptions. For connecting rod manufacturers, this includes tracking the location of suppliers, monitoring their financial health, and assessing their exposure to geopolitical risks. Forecasting & Predictive Analytics: Refinitiv's economic forecasts and market research reports provide valuable insights into future demand for Dodge vehicles and replacement parts. This enables manufacturers to adjust production schedules and inventory levels accordingly. Production Data Monitoring: Refinitiv can assist in gathering and analyzing production data – from forging rates to machining tolerances – helping manufacturers optimize their processes and identify areas for improvement. This granular level of detail is key to reducing waste and maximizing efficiency. Due Diligence & Compliance: We offer tools to conduct thorough due diligence on suppliers, ensuring they meet ethical and regulatory standards. This is particularly important for manufacturers selling into global markets. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Data: Increasingly, automakers like Dodge are prioritizing sustainability. Refinitiv provides ESG data on suppliers, helping manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing. Diving Deeper into the Connecting Rod Production Process & Data Opportunities Let’s break down the typical steps in connecting rod manufacturing and how Refinitiv data can be applied: 1. Raw Material Sourcing (Steel): Refinitiv’s commodity data is vital here. Monitoring iron ore prices, steel production levels in key regions (China, India, US), and transportation costs allows for optimized material procurement. 2. Forging: Energy costs are significant in forging. Refinitiv’s energy price data and forecasting can help manufacturers manage these expenses. Data on forging equipment suppliers and their financial health is also crucial. 3. Machining: High-precision machining requires specialized tooling. Refinitiv can track tooling costs, supplier performance, and potential disruptions in the supply of cutting tools. 4. Heat Treatment: Proper heat treatment is essential for achieving the desired strength and durability. Refinitiv can provide data on energy costs, furnace efficiency, and potential disruptions in the supply of heat treatment chemicals. 5. Quality Control: Refinitiv’s data analytics capabilities can be used to analyze quality control data, identify potential defects, and optimize production processes. This includes tracking scrap rates, rework costs, and customer complaints. Looking Ahead The automotive industry is constantly evolving. Manufacturers of Dodge connecting rods need to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging data-driven insights. Refinitiv is committed to providing the tools and intelligence they need to navigate this complex landscape, optimize their operations, and deliver high-quality products to market. We're not just providing data; we're providing a partnership for success. Contact: Refinitiv US LLC 28 Liberty St Fl 58 New York, NY 10005-1457 770-964-6545