Pulling the plug on Powerway; GM tells suppliers they can ditch costly, Web-based data system used to deliver quality information.(News)

Byline: Ralph Kisiel

General Motors has told its Tier 1 suppliers they no longer have to report quality data through Powerway.com, a pricey Web-based system that parts makers have complained about.

Suppliers have objected to the hefty fees charged by Powerway, which is partly owned by DaimlerChrysler.

The service provides a common system for Tier 1s to transmit what is known as Advanced Product Quality Planning. About 845 supplier production sites use Powerway to send GM information such as parts dimensions, test results and process control plans. About 70 percent of those sites are in North America.

GM's suppliers have been required to use …