Small Suppliers Face Rough Road Ahead Aug 14, 2006 2:32 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Half the companies with GM’s credit rating of Caa1 fail in five years, as do 24% with Ford’s rating of B2.
Global Hybrid Effort Proceeds Quietly Aug 11, 2006 2:58 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The nucleus of the global hybrid co-development effort is a facility in Troy, MI, housing 500 engineers.
Light-Duty Diesels Only if Market Demands, Toyota Official Says Aug 11, 2006 2:16 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Toyota is more interested in diesels for ¾-ton or 1-ton applications, Hermance says, noting penetration rates are good in those segments.
Honda Debates E85 Vehicle for U.S. Aug 11, 2006 11:44 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg A Honda spokesman says it would not be hard for the auto maker to produce a flex-fuel vehicle, calling the technology “very easy.”
Faurecia Bribery Scandal Does Not Alarm U.S. Suppliers Aug 11, 2006 10:57 AM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Faurecia is under investigation for bribing Volkswagen, Audi and BMW purchasing agents in exchange for winning contracts.
CVT Applications Still Increasing, Supplier Says Aug 11, 2006 10:31 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic With fuel economy a top industry concern, CVT developer Jatco appears positioned to seize the advantage.
Dual-Mode Hybrid Partners Investing $310 Million Aug 11, 2006 9:00 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter In addition to the $310 million to be spent jointly on core technologies, each auto maker is likely to dole out hundreds of millions more for brand-specific activities.
Reporter’s Notebook: Supplying the Answers Aug 10, 2006 6:44 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff Ward's writers pass along the buzz at the Traverse City Management Briefing Seminars this week.
Hyundai Considering Rear-Drive, V-8 for U.S. Aug 10, 2006 5:53 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Hyundai embarks on a model expansion that promises to move it well beyond its economy-car image.
Yazaki Foresees Little Impact From Ford’s Hybrid Decision Aug 10, 2006 5:41 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Hybrids remain a niche business for Yazaki North America, so the Ford cutback is "not a major issue other than, 'Too bad,'" CEO George Perry says.
Andersson Silent on American Axle Interest in Delphi Operations Aug 10, 2006 5:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter GM's purchasing chief also questions on whether GM might shift work from Delphi to other suppliers due to cost reasons or the threat of a labor strike.
Only Suppliers With Passion Need Apply, GM’s Andersson Says Aug 10, 2006 4:54 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem While logistics can add 10% or more to piece costs, GM says that difference is easily made up for about 25% of all components it sources in low-cost countries.
Runkle Lands at Eagle Picher Aug 10, 2006 4:41 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith The executive left Delphi last year before it landed in bankruptcy and now is non-executive chairman of Eagle Picher, which just emerged from Chapter 11.
Omron Introduces New Electronic Relays Aug 10, 2006 3:46 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Auto makers can use the new technology to power motors, lamps, cooling fans and other systems within so-called "black boxes."
Tundra Sales Launch Delayed By Month Aug 10, 2006 3:35 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Toyota is pushing back the market debut of the Tundra to February because it wants all dealers to have at least one to sell, a source tells Ward's.
Freudenberg-NOK Says Back on Track After Earlier Stumbles Aug 10, 2006 3:08 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem The sealing supplier says it has solved problems leading to slow production launches at its Santa Ana, CA, plant that was costing it business.
Wagoner Confirms GM to Build Camaro Aug 10, 2006 1:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Production of GM's new Camaro will begin near the end of 2008, and the car will go on sale in first-quarter 2009.
Princeton Layoffs Only Temporary, Toyota’s Convis Says Aug 10, 2006 11:47 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Toyota expects the laid-off employees to be back to work as production for the new '07 Tundra gears up this fall.
Hyundai CUV to Be Called Veracruz Aug 10, 2006 11:41 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg The new CUV will be the first Hyundai with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Ford’s Cischke Takes Aim at E85 Misconceptions Aug 10, 2006 11:26 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The price of E85 is causing marketplace confusion, Ford says, as the limited number of refineries pushes the cost above 87-octane gasoline.
Reporter’s Notebook: Choosing Good Partners Aug 9, 2006 7:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff Ward's writers pass along the buzz at the Traverse City Management Briefing Seminars this week.
Ridenour Likes Chrysler’s Prospects Aug 9, 2006 6:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Customer preferences are rapidly changing, but Chrysler believes it's well protected to absorb the shift.
Dauch: GM Should Go It Alone Aug 9, 2006 6:32 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Most feasibility studies are "a waste of time and paper," Dauch says. "But you've got to keep an open mind."
Mendel Says No Celebrating After Overtaking Chrysler Aug 9, 2006 6:31 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg American Honda's most senior executive urges other auto makers to commit strongly to environmental preservation, even proposing a summit.
Covisint Wins Shanghai GM Contract Aug 9, 2006 6:03 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Its bubble burst along with the Internet's, but Covisint has reinvented itself and is growing again.
Platinum, Gold, Aluminum? Aug 9, 2006 5:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Aluminum still faces an uphill battle, even in an era of $3-per-gallon gas.
USCAR Alive and Well Aug 9, 2006 5:19 PM, WardsAuto.com
USCAR is working with the Department of Energy to "get ready for the hydrogen economy," its director says.
Border Hurdles Onerous, Linamar Says Aug 9, 2006 3:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Trucks bringing Linamar parts from Canada to the U.S. waste an average four hours crossing the border. Trucks coming from Mexico can be held up four days.
Upfront Thinking Helps Metaldyne Avoid Financial Woes Aug 9, 2006 3:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Suppliers that waited too long to see the writing on the wall or that had burdensome labor contracts are the ones that fell into bankruptcy, an executive says.
Ford Confirms Lincoln MKS, Ford Shelby GT Aug 9, 2006 3:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The announcement comes at a time when critics are accusing the auto maker of having a dearth of new products.
Granholm Embraces Michigan ‘Doomslayers’ Aug 9, 2006 3:16 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Michigan's governor vows to fight for manufacturing jobs and says her recent trips to Asia have yielded investments of more than $200 million from 20 Japanese companies.
Steel Springing Back Into Former Applications Aug 9, 2006 3:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Steel is again in favor for several automotive components previously lost to competing materials.
Soldiers of Solidarity Picketing Delphi Aug 9, 2006 2:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy A UAW splinter group, fearful of lost pensions for hourly workers at Delphi, is angry executives remain eligible for significant bonuses.
Nissan Says 80% of Nashville Jobs Filled Aug 9, 2006 10:58 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Christie Schweinsberg Nissan's Jim Morton, a close friend of Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, was seen by many as the architect of the move to Tennessee, but he says the idea arose before his arrival.
Reporter’s Notebook: Let’s Join as One Aug 8, 2006 6:28 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff Ward's writers pass along the buzz at the Traverse City Management Briefing Seminars this week.
GM Looks to Global Manufacturing to Stay Competitive Aug 8, 2006 5:34 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Every GM plant in the world will have a "Common Bill of Processes" to assure all vehicles with the same architecture will follow the same manufacturing sequence.
ASC Expects Roof Market to Open Up Aug 8, 2006 5:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith An open-roof SUV is in the cards for '07, and there has been interest in a similar concept for minivans, an ASC executive says.
Harbour-Felax Group Preparing New Competitive Study Aug 8, 2006 4:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic The new report will examine how various business, product-development and manufacturing factors influence profits per vehicle.
Magna Vehicle Assembly Plant in U.S. Delayed Aug 8, 2006 4:32 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem In Asia, Magna Steyr is considering a flexible plant like the American "virtual" model that also could be used as a complete-knocked-down facility.
Beer and Automobiles Do Mix Aug 8, 2006 4:16 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Auto makers had better get used to making more models at lower volumes.
Trade Agency Aims to Help U.S. Manufacturers Aug 8, 2006 3:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The Manufacturing and Services International Trade Admin. advocates, coordinates and implements policies to help U.S. manufacturers compete.
In-Vehicle Wireless Communication Technology Can Save Lives Aug 8, 2006 3:07 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope "GM is clearly ahead of the rest of the industry in terms of our thinking and technology as it relates to the connected vehicle," an executive says.
Bishop Urges Supplier R&D Focus Aug 8, 2006 1:25 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Automotive supplier fortunes are diverging, says a Bishop executive, based on how they leverage intellectual property and the efficiency of their R&D efforts.
Reporter’s Notebook: A Rose By Any Other Name Aug 8, 2006 12:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward's Staff Ward's writers pass along the buzz at the Traverse City Management Briefing Seminars this week.
Chrysler Financial Streamlines Buyer Contract Process Aug 7, 2006 6:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith More than 100 Chrysler Group dealers have begun using eContract, launched in 2005. The company expects that number to increase tenfold by year's end.
Martens Sees More Supplier Consolidation Aug 7, 2006 6:12 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Ford's former product-development boss sees a future of heavy restructuring for the North American auto industry.
Tooling Industry Has Future in North America, Panel Says Aug 7, 2006 5:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope While the lowest-price strategy is widespread, it has its downfalls. The least expensive supplier is not necessarily the best choice, notes one analyst.
Honda Says NA Tool Industry Viable Aug 7, 2006 4:49 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Honda of America launched an initiative in 2002 designed to help the North American tooling industry thrive by collaborating with suppliers and tooling companies.
Lean Manufacturing Help, Funding Available, Researcher Says Aug 7, 2006 4:35 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Trade Adjustment Assistant Center funds remain available for companies losing employment and sales to imports, a University of Michigan researcher says.
Coventry: ‘Manufacture a World-Class Workforce’ Aug 7, 2006 4:11 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter GEMA President Bruce Coventry says Michigan manufacturers can be globally competitive, but they have to focus more on improving their workforces.
Global Outsourcing On Rise Aug 7, 2006 3:52 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem China's booming auto industry has meant big business for Western engineering companies such as Ricardo and Italian design houses such as Bertone and Pininfarina.
Toyota Vows to Unburden North American Suppliers Aug 7, 2006 3:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Bill Visnic Toyota's "Voice of the Supplier" allows the auto maker's suppliers to anonymously submit a complaint or issue.
E85 Outlook Tenuous, Study Says Aug 7, 2006 3:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy A.T. Kearney study finds E85 must be priced 28% below that of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline to be economically viable.
Ford Learned Cost-Cutting Tool and Die Tricks From Mazda Aug 7, 2006 3:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope By implementing Mazda, Volvo and Ford of Europe processes, Ford's North American operations were able to cut 45% off die-development lead time.
Light-Duty Diesels Only if Market Demands, Toyota Official Says 
Dual-Mode Hybrid Partners Investing $310 Million 
Yazaki Foresees Little Impact From Ford’s Hybrid Decision 
Only Suppliers With Passion Need Apply, GM’s Andersson Says 
Freudenberg-NOK Says Back on Track After Earlier Stumbles 
Princeton Layoffs Only Temporary, Toyota’s Convis Says 
In a Flatter World, Government Has Increasing Influence 
Mendel Says No Celebrating After Overtaking Chrysler 
Upfront Thinking Helps Metaldyne Avoid Financial Woes 
Fields Surprised by Public Negativity Toward Auto Industry 
Granholm Embraces Michigan ‘Doomslayers’ 
Ford Mulls $1 Billion Investment in Michigan Operations 
Nissan Says 80% of Nashville Jobs Filled 
Future Chinese Technology Solutions to Lead Auto Industry 
CSM Says Top Platform Development Eludes North America 
Hyundai Engineering Starts with ‘Layman’s’ Approach 
GM Looks to Global Manufacturing to Stay Competitive 
Harbour-Felax Group Preparing New Competitive Study 
In-Vehicle Wireless Communication Technology Can Save Lives 
NCMS Shares Other Industries’ Best Practices With Auto Sector 
Chrysler Financial Streamlines Buyer Contract Process 
Tooling Industry Has Future in North America, Panel Says 
Lean Manufacturing Help, Funding Available, Researcher Says 
Ford Learned Cost-Cutting Tool and Die Tricks From Mazda 
