In different ways, auto makers are asking suppliers to work more efficiently and even take responsibility for engineering and design.

It asks suppliers, in plain and simple terms, how to rip up the red tape and bring more common sense into securing government contracts.

Q M&S is asking suppliers to help pay for shop fit-outs.

In January 1987, it asked suppliers to increase their productivity by 5% a year, for five years.

The car maker is reported to be asking suppliers to accept 10pc of what they are owed up front with the balance paid in September.

Automakers seeking quick financial improvement have relied for decades on asking suppliers to cut their prices.

The Chinese authorities announced today that they were asking suppliers of commercial aircraft to delay deliveries to the nation's airlines.

Rather than specifying exactly what you want to purchase, you may want to ask suppliers for their suggestions.

Federal officials have asked any stores or suppliers who think they may have the meat to remove it from shelves.

They include asking suppliers to chemically treat drinking water to make it less corrosive.