Reinforcing its reputation for independence, Volkswagen AG said today it will forego participation in the online trade exchange formed by the Big Three US auto makers earlier this year and instead create its own marketplace.
VW's exchange will compete directly with the joint venture set up by General Motors, Ford Motor and DaimlerChrysler AG.
VW said it will partner with IBM, Ariba Technologies and i2 Technologies to create an exchange that will be open to all other auto makers.
"With this, Volkswagen sees its chance to create a broad European standard. Our e-market is open to everybody," said Jens Neumann, a member of VW's board of management in Wolfsburg, Germany.
VW will rely on i2's experience in setting up trade exchanges in areas such as metals, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, energy and chemicals. Ariba's software will allow VW and its trading partners to track their purchases online.
Time is of the essence
The new exchange will go after those manufacturers and suppliers that haven't already joined the Big Three's marketplace, although VW will have to move quickly if it hopes to secure the allegiance of its European and Asian rivals.
BMW AG announced on Monday that it will use Ariba's B2B Commerce Platform software to streamline its purchasing and procurement efforts.
While not technically a trade exchange, BMW's plan will give it many of the same advantages of the online marketplaces.
VW is at www.volkswagen.com. Ariba, in Mountain View, Calif., is at www.ariba.com. I2, in Dallas, can be reached at www.i2.com.
