Automotive News | December 26, 2008 – 1:00 pm EST

GM sues bankrupt supplier Cadence over parts
 

Parts interruption would delay launch of Camaro, GM says

NEW YORK (Reuters) — General Motors has filed a lawsuit against a bankrupt auto-parts supplier, saying it is holding necessary equipment "hostage" which could potentially interrupt the launch of its new Chevrolet Camaro car.

In a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, GM asked the court to allow it access to facilities of the supplier, Cadence Innovation, so it could obtain necessary tooling and parts for its plants.

Cadence, which makes door trim, instrument panels and air bag covers, filed for bankruptcy protection in August, but this month abandoned plans to sell itself and is now liquidating, according to court papers.

GM said it needed immediate access to the tooling, because it does not have enough parts on hand, and its vehicle assembly operations could be interrupted.

"Even one day’s disruption in supply of certain component parts could cause a shutdown of GM assembly operations, disrupting not only GM’s business, but the operations of countless suppliers, dealers, customers, and other stakeholders," GM said in the complaint.

GM said that such a shut down could cost millions of dollars per plant per day and it would need to have a successor supplier in place by Jan. 12 for the launch of the new Chevrolet Camaro.

GM said it had an accommodation agreement with Cadence that requires the auto-parts supplier to continue to manufacture the parts and provide tooling and equipment.

A Cadence lawyer and spokesman were not immediately available.