Management Briefing Seminars
ArvinMeritor lands sunroof contracts
The effort by ArvinMeritor Inc. CEO Chip McClure to rebuild the company is getting a boost from one of its lesser-known businesses - sunroofs. North America's third-largest sunroof supplier expects a 35 percent boost in global sales within three years, Phil Martens told Automotive News in an interview here last week at the Management Briefing Seminars. [SUB] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 13, 2007
Magna wants to lighten its load |
GM boosts development with battery maker |
Consultant: GM best customer for Detroit 3 suppliers
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- If you're a North American supplier to the Detroit 3, General Motors is the customer to have going into the next two years, says a leading industry analyst. "We're high on GM going forward," said Kim Korth, president of Grand Rapids consulting group IRN Inc. "Of the three, they're the strongest." [REG] 10:35 am U.S. ET | Aug. 10, 2007
Panel: Suppliers must grasp global realities
Suppliers must understand not only the industry's global movement, but also the trends that underlie it if they hope to succeed to the future, experts say. Analysts offered a number of suggestions for supplier's globalization strategies as the speakers closed out the 2007 Management Briefing Seminar. [REG] 12:56 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 10, 2007
Ford open to outsiders for new technologyFord Motor Co. is testing an engine that uses an injection of ethanol to run at higher internal pressures and generate up to three times the torque of a conventional gasoline engine. Such an engine could be smaller to save fuel yet still provide the higher performance that customers demand. [REG] 5:22 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007 |
GM boosts work on lithium-ion batteries for hybridsTRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- General Motors is expanding its work with A123 Systems Inc., a maker of lithium-ion batteries, to develop battery packs for the automaker's E-Flex hybrid powertrain architecture. “I'm convinced that electrically driven vehicles is the next paradigm shift in this industry,” GM product chief Bob Lutz said today at the Management Briefing Seminars. [REG] 12:18 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007 |
Magna looking for ways to cut parts weight, Hogan says
Mark Hogan wants to slim down. And he doesn't mean shrinking his company. The president of Canadian mega-supplier Magna International Inc. told the Management Briefing Seminars today that expected hikes in fuel economy standards is one of the industry's top priorities. 12:11 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Cerberus OKs nine Chrysler projects
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. --Expect the new owners of Chrysler LLC to move fast in all aspects of the business, says Chrysler executive Frank Klegon. Speaking at the conference here today, Klegon said Cerberus Capital Management LP gave the go-ahead to nine major projects developing at Chrysler within 36 hours of agreeing to buy the automaker. [REG] 11:11 am U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Honda seeks to increase North American flexibility
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A critical part of Honda Motor Co.'s plan to expand manufacturing operations in North America will be to make flexible use of its existing capacity, says the automaker's U.S. purchasing chief. [REG] 1:00 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Study: Bid smart, or lose big bucks
Auto suppliers waste a lot of time and money bidding for contracts, and as many as three out of every four bids go nowhere, the Center of Automotive Research concluded in a study released today. "The average auto supplier is responding to about 500 (request for quotes) a year," said Bernard Swiecki, senior project manager for the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. [REG] 4:58 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Martens: Learn how to move fast in China
When supplier ArvinMeritor Inc. signed a joint-venture agreement with Chinese automaker Chery earlier this year, it worked at a pace quicker than ever before. This speed is just one of many new dimensions the Chinese business model brings to the market -- and just one of many that North American automakers must adapt to, ArvinMeritor president of light-vehicle systems Philip Martens says. [REG] 4:55 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
VW Mexico feels heat of euro-dollar friction |
Rubber prices head in opposite directionsThe good news: With demand weak nearly everywhere but Asia, experts expect the price of natural rubber to fall. The bad: Synthetic rubber prices are still headed in the other direction. Although global demand for natural rubber has increased slightly, an uptick in production has led to oversupply. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007 |
Suppliers to the 2008 Dodge Avenger |
Researcher: UAW strike, or Detroit 3 lockout, not likely
There is virtually no chance of a strike by the UAW or a lockout of workers by the automakers as the current industry contract expires in September, a top industry and labor researcher says. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Electric tools charge up assembly linesYou can't even tighten a bolt on a modern assembly line without going high-tech. Automotive fastening, once done almost exclusively by pneumatic tools, is rapidly moving toward electronics. Electric tooling now accounts for about 50 percent of this market. And the business grows in the low double-digit percentages every year. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007 |
At the half: N.A. truck production by platform
Each issue of the Traverse City Daily features sales and production highlights for the first half of 2007. Tuesday: U.S. car sales by market class; Wednesday: U.S. truck sales by market class; Thursday: N.A. car production by platform; Today: N.A. truck production by platform. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 9, 2007
Hyundai plans Elantra Touring wagon for U.S.TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Hyundai Motor Co. next year will launch in the United States a five-door variant of its i30 wagon currently sold in Europe. The new vehicle, shown for the first time today at the Management Briefing Seminars, will be rebadged as the Elantra Touring. [REG] 11:35 am U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Mulally: Higher gas taxes would conserve fuelHigher gasoline taxes would do what raising Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards can't: Force consumers to use less gasoline, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said. But he stopped short of endorsing a tax on gasoline during a speech today at the Management Briefing Seminars. [REG] 1:33 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Faurecia seeks return to North American profitability
TRAVERSE CITY -- Although it is losing money in North America, Faurecia North America is making progress towards becoming profitable and plans to build as many as four plants by the end of 2008, Faurecia North American President James Orchard says. [REG] 5:22 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007
Auto industry 'in the crosshairs'
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – In his former life as a Congressman from Oklahoma, Dave McCurdy had a saying about life on Capitol Hill: If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. And from vehicle fuel economy to climate change to energy security issues, he says the automotive industry is in the latter category. [REG] 4:43 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007
Casesa: U.S. auto industry needs new business model
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- The U.S. auto industry can return to profitability within a few years – but only if it radically alters its business model, one expert says. Companies must take advantage of the recent flow of capital into Detroit to invest in long-term growth before their balance sheets erode, says John Casesa, managing partner of Casesa Shapiro Group. [REG] 4:28 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007
Healthcare fix needs to be top priority, ArvinMeritor CEO saysArvinMeritor CEO Chip McClure today urged automotive and manufacturing leaders to push harder in Washington for changes in health care. "We're talking about the need for a societal change, and frankly, this industry has to drive it," McClure said. [REG] 12:33 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Toyota sales strategy: Get greener, youngerTRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Toyota Motor Corp. is eying a three-pronged North American sales offensive by focusing on young people, green technology and improved showroom service, says executive Jim Lentz. Toyota's top sales executive spoke this morning to the Management Briefing Seminars here. [REG] 9:57 am U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Resin prices up for year, but drop expectedTight supplies have pushed resin prices up this year, but experts predict they will fall by the end of the year. Polypropylene prices stood at 61 cents per pound July 20, up about 8 cents from January but similar to July 2006. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Andersson: 'I'm never going to be satisfied'Bo Andersson, General Motors' group vice president for purchasing and supply chain, has helped save the automaker billions of dollars during his tenure. He remains one of the most powerful people in the auto business, with control over a global annual purchasing buy of about $85 billion. 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007 |
Hyundai vow: No easing up on quality push |
At the half: N.A. car production by platform
Each issue of the Traverse City Daily features sales and production highlights for the first half of 2007. Tuesday: U.S. car sales by market class; Wednesday: U.S. truck sales by market class; Today: N.A. car production by platform; Friday: N.A. truck production by platform. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 8, 2007
Suppliers to the 2008 Cadillac CTS |
Asahi Tec lands $1B in contracts since dealAsahi Tec Corp., the new parent company of Metaldyne Corp., has booked $1 billion in new business since it acquired the metal parts maker early this year. "These business awards represent Japanese, Korean, Chinese, North American and European customers and cover a broad area of the product portfolio," co-CEO Tim Leuliette said in a statement. [REG] 1:09 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
Consultant: Private equity forces urgencyPrivate-equity ownership of auto suppliers and Chrysler LLC will add urgency to operating changes needed in the domestic industry, manufacturing efficiency consultant Laurie Harbour-Felax says. Private-equity buyers intent on showing their investors fast profits won't be patient with strategies that flag, Harbour-Felax said today at the Management Briefing Seminars. [REG] 9:47 am U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
New tools help Nissan speed launches
Nissan Motor Co. is getting new vehicles into production faster, and with higher quality, by using a development process that relies on computer software to solve problems before the design is frozen. The development process allowed the automaker to put two Japan-market vehicles, the Nissan Note and Wingroad, into production in 10. [REG] 1:53 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Toyota courts Tundra buyers with accessories
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. is counting on a line of dealer-installed performance and appearance accessories to boost sales of the full-sized Tundra pickup. [REG] 2:32 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Covisint shows steady growthCovisint has closely guarded its sales data in the past. So last month when it disclosed its quarterly financial performance for the first time, the message was clear: Things are looking good for the provider of automotive information technology. [REG] 1:46 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
Continental gets Siemens auto unit, but not the name
What will $15.66 billion buy these days? Apparently, not a name. Continental AG will not be able to use the Siemens name on products and technologies it is acquiring from its German rival, said Bill Kozyra, North American president of Continental Automotive Systems. 4:19 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Credit squeeze to pinch auto mega-deals, analyst says
Investor gloom and tightening credit could endanger future auto mega-deals like the Chrysler sale and Continental AG-Siemens VDO hook up announced last month, auto economist Sean McAlinden says. [REG] 3:56 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Tool makers' group: We'll do more, cost less
Five years into their collaborative life, the 15 automotive tooling suppliers that make up the United Tooling Coalition are making slow progress with automakers, but finding new ways to build their businesses through cooperation. [REG] 2:14 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Connected cars need a common language
Technology will soon let cars communicate with other cars and with the environment around them -- to warn of traffic problems and smooth out the flow on congested roads. But before cars can help each other, automakers, suppliers and government agencies must set some common standards, industry experts and government officials said at the Management Briefing Seminar on Tuesday. [REG] 4:33 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Suppliers to the 2007 Ford Expedition |
After last year's leap, aluminum prices stabilizeAluminum prices skyrocketed last year, fueled by an increase in global demand. But analysts say prices will remain relatively stable through 2007 and perhaps even fall by year end. The average price of aluminum jumped 36.6 percent last year, as demand from overseas outpaced supply. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
Toyota is 'bullish' on North American partsAs Toyota sinks its roots deeper into North America, the U.S. industry increasingly is turning to parts and materials made in low-cost countries. Purchasing executives at major U.S. assemblers have vowed to step up imports from low-cost countries. But Toyota resists. 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
Bosch CEO grapples with the weak dollarPeter Marks, CEO of Robert Bosch LLC, has headed the North American arm of German industrial giant Robert Bosch GmbH for more than a year. Like other European suppliers, Marks is dealing with the impact of the strong euro. He also presides over the supplier's quality efforts. 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
At the half: U.S. truck sales by market class
Each issue of the Traverse City Daily features sales and production highlights for the first half of 2007. Tuesday: U.S. car sales by market class; Today: U.S. truck sales by market class; Thursday: N.A. car production by platform; Friday: N.A. truck production by platform. [REG] 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007
Plenty of surprisesFunny how the world keeps intruding on what we're trying to do up here in Traverse City, Mich. News reports out of Europe on Tuesday that Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska may have bought nearly 5 percent of General Motors were a shocker. That's potentially bigger news than Monday's surprise appointment of Robert Nardelli as CEO of the new Chrysler. [REG] 4:04 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 7, 2007 |
Gilles: Chrysler beefing up interiors
Saying that "interiors is the next battleground," Chrysler LLC design whiz Ralph Gilles said Monday that the carmaker intends to begin interior design work up to a year earlier than usual so fresh ideas can be introduced. 4:57 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Ford exec touts quality gains
Ford Motor Co.'s quality gains in the past year are contributing to major savings on warranty costs, the company's North American manufacturing chief, Joe Hinrichs, said today. 11:57 am U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Consumption at heart of U.S. job losses
Blame China if you like, but the United States is its own worst enemy when it comes to protecting manufacturing jobs, say industry experts. "It's not what everyone else in the world should do to help the U.S. It's what should the U.S. do to help itself," said John Byrd III, president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology. [REG] 5:26 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Ford will train dealers to get them in Sync
Steel makers: Measure vehicles with a new yardstick
As debate over higher fuel-economy standards rages in Washington, the steel industry says it is content to sit on the sidelines -- for now. It will join the game, it says, but only if the contest is moved to a different field. [REG] 3:55 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Suppliers deserve credit for quality boomAutomakers are happily trumpeting improved quality scores, but they aren't spreading the credit around enough. So I'll do it for them. Suppliers deserve a lot of kudos as well Philip Nussel is industry editor of Automotive News [SUB] 12:00 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007 |
Supplier expects new Chrysler to cut more costs
At least one big Chrysler LLC supplier is expecting life to get tougher now that Cerberus Capital Management LP owns the automaker. "We're preparing for (Ceberus) being tighter on our purse," said Larry Drake, president and CEO of Kuka Flexible Production Systems Corp. [REG] 10:39 am U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Vehicle communication testing center will open in October
Suppliers are developing systems that enable cars to communicate with each other on blind spots, traffic conditions and other concerns. And soon, the industry will have a central location to test and evaluate those technologies. In October, the Center for Automotive Research and the Connected Vehicle Trade Association plan to open the Connected Vehicle Proving Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. [REG] 4:11 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Supplier builds a hybrid for seminars
The diesel engine reigns in Europe, but gasoline-electric or diesel-electric hybrids are expected to snag a larger share of the market. And Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. wants in on the action. The German supplier has built a gasoline-electric hybrid that is making its North American debut this week at the Management Briefing Seminars. [REG] 4:12 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Suppliers to the 2007 BMW X5 |
Some 2nd-tier suppliers follow customers overseas
The auto parts industry's move to China and other low-cost countries is sweeping up other manufacturers -- companies that do not have labor-cost issues of their own that would take them overseas but must move to keep up with customers that do. [REG] 4:28 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Soft market pushes down steel prices - at lastWith domestic demand slipping, spot prices for steel are nearly $75 per ton lower than they were a year ago. Still, steel buyers can expect volatile market prices on a plateau significantly higher than five years ago, analysts say. [REG] 12:00 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007 |
Chinese rivals worry Mexican suppliers
Is China making Mexico nervous? The executive president of Mexico's auto suppliers association acknowledges being concerned about the strong presence of Chinese companies at this summer's PAACE Automechanika Mexico trade show. [REG] 4:27 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Nissan N.A. casts a wider net for parts |
At the half: U.S. car sales by market class
Each issue of the Traverse City Daily features sales and production highlights for the first half of 2007. Today: U.S. car sales by market class; Wednesday: U.S. truck sales by market class; Thursday: N.A. car production by platform; Friday: N.A. truck production by platform. [REG] 12:00 pm U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007
Edward Lapham on this year's Management Briefing SeminarsAutomotive News Executive Editor Edward Lapham on road, street, highway and driving metaphors in Traverse City. 12:01 am U.S. ET | Aug. 6, 2007 |
