Tire repair kits gain ground, but consumers still like spares

Automakers would dearly love to shed the weight, cost and bulk of full-sized or mini spare tires, and it's starting to look like they've found a preferred alternative: tire repair kits. According to Edmunds.com, 70 car models sold in the United States in the 2012 model year were equipped with tire repair kits, up from 23 in 2009.... Read More »

Production will flatten in first quarter -- but don't panic

North American production is expected to decline 1.4 percent from 2012 levels to 3.9 million light vehicles in the first three months of 2013, but that's not a sign the economic recovery is endangered.... Read More »

Superchargers expand -- slowly -- beyond high-performance niche

The supercharger -- traditionally consigned to a niche of high-performance cars -- is getting a second look as a fuel saver. Eaton Corp., the world's leading supplier of superchargers, says it has a production contract from an unnamed global automaker that plans to pair Eaton's TVS supercharger with a turbocharger to boost a small engine.... Read More »

Suppliers cut prices in 2012 by survey's smallest margin ever

As North America's vehicle production increases, suppliers are resisting automakers' demands for price cuts. A newly released survey of 130 suppliers by IRN Inc. found that automakers requested price cuts averaging 3.0 percent this year on existing contracts.... Read More »

Supplier personnel

Personnel changes for Nexteer Automotive, BASF and Schaeffler Group.... Read More »

Pricing power shifts to suppliers

With North American vehicle production headed toward 15 million-plus units next year, automakers are encountering a new breed of supplier: the one that says “no.” To automakers' chagrin, some suppliers -- mainly those in capital-intensive industries -- can pick and choose their customers.... Read More »

Is there enough business for three roof system suppliers?

After a round of bankruptcies and buyouts, the world of roof system suppliers has narrowed to three major players: Webasto Roof Systems, Magna Steyr and Valmet Automotive. With convertible production in Europe and North America stuck at recessionary levels, it is unclear whether all three can make much money in this segment.... Read More »

Head-up displays get a new pitch: Safety gear

Head-up displays are getting a fresh look as safety-alert devices. Suppliers such as Denso, Nippon Seiki, Continental and Delphi Automotive are developing head-up displays that project larger, brighter and more detailed images on the windshield.... Read More »

• More