Alternative Fuels Face Major Adversaries Aug 10, 2007 4:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Big Oil, Big Agriculture, auto makers with a silver bullet, extreme environmental groups and OPEC all are trying to undermine progress in the development of alternative fuels for self-serving reasons.
GM Bets Big on Buzz for Chevy Volt Aug 10, 2007 3:45 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend The auto maker will unveil another variant off its E-Flex electric-vehicle architecture at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
Suppliers’ Survival Guide Abroad Aug 10, 2007 2:54 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Done for the right reasons, entering a new market can prove profitable. Done wrong, it’s like walking into a minefield.
Global Vehicle Output to Grow 3.7% Annually Aug 10, 2007 1:39 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith North America, Japan and Western Europe will remain strong producers but won’t grow as fast as other regions.
Honda Not Interested in Quick Fixes, Jutte Says Aug 10, 2007 10:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Too many wannabe Honda suppliers simply don’t understand the goal of the entire extended enterprise is to satisfy buyers of Honda vehicles, the purchasing chief says.
GM Contract Portends Big Things for A123Systems Aug 9, 2007 6:13 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Battery packs using A123System’s new proprietary chemistry, which is licensed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will last 10 years and cover 7,000 recharging cycles.
China the Answer for Supplier ArvinMeritor Aug 9, 2007 5:56 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem A new plant in North America would cost about $30 million and take 18 months to build, ArvinMeritor’s Phil Martens says, while in China it takes $6 million to $10 million and three to six months.
GM Working to Get Vehicles to Communicate With Each Other Aug 9, 2007 5:49 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Putting the technology in enough vehicles relies heavily on a $14.8 million collaboration with federal and state public agencies.
Lutz Says Diesels No CAFE Panacea Aug 9, 2007 5:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter The technology necessary to make diesels comply with strict new emissions requirements is so expensive and complicated it will scare away consumers.
Ford Looks Outside Normal Supplier Realm Aug 9, 2007 5:30 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Powertrain chief Barb Samardzich says Ford is working to become “the supply base’s OEM of choice for technology introductions.”
Suppliers Finding New Ways to Work Together Aug 9, 2007 5:14 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem In a partnership to better understand lumbar support, Faurecia is collaborating with BE Aerospace and Steelcase, seat makers in the aircraft and office furniture industries.
Omron Develops Lane Safety System Aug 9, 2007 4:37 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith The system, consisting of a sensor and front-mounted camera, is installed on an ’07 Mercedes C320 sedan. A test drive finds the system works seamlessly.
Americans Warm Up to Diesels But Balk at Price Aug 9, 2007 2:45 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay Chrysler’s Frank Klegon says diesel advocates within the auto industry “still have a job to do educating consumers” on the engine’s costs and benefits.
Battery Deal May Give GM Jump on Toyota in Next-Gen Hybrids Aug 9, 2007 2:29 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend GM executives say nanophosphate chemistry in lithium-ion battery cells from A123Systems could propel the auto maker past Toyota in hybrid leadership.
Was Magna Crazy to Want Chrysler? Aug 9, 2007 1:47 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem CEO Mark Hogan says Magna saw its bid for Chrysler simply as a way to help out a key customer.
Bad Car-Buying Experience Distorts Perception of Industry Aug 9, 2007 12:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay The fear is such negativity could influence the way in which government leaders and regulators regard the industry as a whole and act accordingly.
Detroit Has ‘Too Many Mouths to Feed,’ Analyst Warns Aug 8, 2007 7:01 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend Wall Street expert says things will get worse before they get better, but investors are encouraged by progress.
Auto Makers Seeking More Proactive Role on Key Issues Aug 8, 2007 6:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith AAM CEO Dave McCurdy is worried about the influence of state governments, where there are a whopping 5,600 bills pending that would regulate auto makers.
CAR’s Cole Honored by Auto/Steel Partnership Aug 8, 2007 6:27 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter “Dave was a catalyst in laying the foundation for the partnership,” says Ron Krupitzer, vice president-automotive applications, American Iron and Steel Institute.
GM’s Accessory Strategy Working Aug 8, 2007 6:08 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks GM’s data shows 75% of typical customers will purchase accessories at the point of sale or within 30 days of purchase.
Major UAW Concessions Needed, Economist Says Aug 8, 2007 5:50 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Steve Finlay CAR’s Sean McAlinden predicts jobs will move offshore if auto companies fail to get major contract concessions from the UAW.
McClure: Industry Needs to Force Societal Changes Aug 8, 2007 5:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter ArvinMeritor’s CEO says it needs to be easier for employees to take more ownership in driving down health-care costs and improving the quality of their care.
Suppliers That Need a Fix Aug 8, 2007 4:46 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem The biggest general problem facing suppliers today is overcapacity, says consultant BBK.
Hyundai America Suffers Growing Pains While Seeking Solutions Aug 8, 2007 3:41 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Most of Hyundai’s product pipeline is stuffed with big cars, rather than small, executive John Krafcik says. But reinforcement is on the way.
USCAR Funding Remains Intact Aug 8, 2007 3:03 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Detroit’s Big Three see the value in working together through USCAR, the agency’s director says.
Mixture of Materials on ‘Lite’ Menu Aug 7, 2007 7:17 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter and William Diem Carbon fiber has viable automotive applications because it is 75% lighter than steel and has a race-proven ability to enhance crashworthiness.
Can You Feel the Love? Aug 7, 2007 6:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks The relationship between SEMA and auto makers continues to intensify.
Tenneco Advanced APU to Eliminate Big-Truck Idling Aug 7, 2007 6:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith A production version is targeted for installation on heavy-duty trucks in the 2011-2012 timeframe.
Ford, Partners to Test V2V Communication Aug 7, 2007 5:42 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope If signals are to be sent to vehicles that could somehow impede their normal operation, it’s important those signals be legitimate, a Ford executive says.
Toyota Eager to Exploit V2V Safety Tech Aug 7, 2007 5:16 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Toyota is working with four other OEMs on a system to warn drivers of an approaching red light and an emergency brake light that could help prevent rear-end collisions.
Return of the Conversion Van? Aug 7, 2007 4:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Dealer and accessory designer Beau Boeckmann longs for the day when conversion vans are popular again.
SKF Eyeing Aftermarket Aug 7, 2007 4:21 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope SKF currently is working with the SEMA to determine whether there’s demand for its X-Tracker wheel-hub bearing unit.
Think Globally; Act Locally Aug 7, 2007 4:10 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Sourcing in China to get a lower piece price not only could harm the local economy, it runs the risk of being more expensive.
Study: Detroit Earns $3,800 Less Per Vehicle Than Top Japanese Aug 7, 2007 4:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Lack of commonization of vehicle architectures and parts is a key reason Detroit auto makers have a huge profit gap with top Japanese competitors, according to a new study.
Logistics May Provide Next Great Leap for Auto Industry Aug 7, 2007 3:33 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Auto makers that do the best job of managing global parts development, supply and manufacturing logistics may be best positioned to survive, experts say.
Toyota Hits Road to Build Better Tundra Aug 7, 2007 3:06 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Toyota sent a team on the road for two trips covering several weeks and spanning thousands of miles to study pickup buyers.
Retiree Body Builders Bulk Up Kuka Aug 7, 2007 2:37 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Hiring older workers first scared Kuka’s CEO, but now he is a believer.
Digital Design Leads to Lean Product Development Aug 7, 2007 2:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Using Nissan’s V-3P program, the ’07 Nissan Skyline/Infiniti G35 had 70% fewer design changes than its ’03 predecessor and 65% fewer customer complaints.
Globalization Nothing New for Siemens Aug 7, 2007 2:11 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Russia is becoming an important part of Siemens’ global strategy.
Casual Culture Dying at MBS Aug 7, 2007 2:02 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Show up early in the morning at the sessions wearing a coat and tie, and you instantly felt out of place.
Reporter Notebook: Calling All Engineers Aug 6, 2007 7:22 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Ward’s Staff Ward’s writers pass along the buzz at the 2007 Traverse City Management Briefing Seminars this week.
3M Uses Combined Technologies to Foster Innovation Aug 6, 2007 7:11 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope The company encourages employees to borrow technologies from other units and combine them to find a solution to a customers needs.
Noble’s Global Playbook Aug 6, 2007 6:57 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Cliff Banks Noble went from being a small North American supplier in 2005 to a global player with strategic partners.
Honda R&D Driven by Innovation Aug 6, 2007 6:48 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Takeo Fujisawa established Honda R&D as a separate company because the auto maker didn’t just need the innovation of Soichiro Honda, but of many Soichiro Hondas.
‘Structured Innovation’ Key to Success Aug 6, 2007 6:36 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Clarke and his team have passed along their philosophies to a variety of businesses, including aerospace firms, chemical companies and the automotive industry.
Innovation Takes Failure, Consultant Says Aug 6, 2007 6:18 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem Twisthink’s Ralph Niemiec says quality-control tools such as Six Sigma can constrain the spirit of innovation.
Mild Hybrid S-Class in Mercedes’ Plans Aug 6, 2007 6:14 PM, WardsAuto.com, By William Diem The heavy, expensive and profitable S-Class flagship sedan needs a hybrid powertrain to lower its fuel consumption to meet future European goals.
New Vehicle Connectivity Center on Tap Aug 6, 2007 6:09 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter Connected Vehicle Proving Center will provide an environment in which to develop, test and showcase emerging wireless, safety and mobility technologies.
QMC, AEV Rally at Camp Jeep Aug 6, 2007 5:44 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Tom Murphy Quality Metalcraft finds business to be lucrative in low-volume specialty parts, even those made in metro Detroit.
IPO or Buyout Next for Chrysler? Aug 6, 2007 5:19 PM, WardsAuto.com, By David C. Smith Analyst Dave Cole doesn’t offer a timetable but says Cerberus already may be looking at alliance partners or purchasers.
Flexibility, Innovation Most Important Part of Manufacturing Aug 6, 2007 4:56 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Drew Winter In today’s global environment, the ability to leverage knowledge and learn faster than competitors are more important than the tools used to make products.
Ford Manufacturing Boss: Have No Fear Aug 6, 2007 3:20 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Joseph Hinrichs says Ford faced down its fears in rolling out the new Edge CUV, delaying the vehicle’s launch even though the auto maker knew it would “take hits from the media.”
Plant Closings Call for Shift in North American Output Aug 6, 2007 2:24 PM, WardsAuto.com, By Diane Elnick U.S. expected to account for 70.2% of North American output this year, but that will shrink to 68.0% by 2012.
Study Says Path to Fuel Efficiency Long, Winding Road Aug 6, 2007 12:28 PM, WardsAuto.com, By James M. Amend New government policies, such as a stricter CAFE, only would impact new vehicles, which account for just 8% of cars and trucks on road today.
Hirotec Bringing Magnetic Pulse Welding to Masses Aug 6, 2007 10:30 AM, WardsAuto.com, By Byron Pope Magnetic pulse welding enables the joining of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and steel, opening up a variety of new possibilities for engineers.
Innovation Takes Many Forms for Suppliers, GM’s Andersson Says 
Honda Not Interested in Quick Fixes, Jutte Says 
GM Working to Get Vehicles to Communicate With Each Other 
OEMs, Suppliers Should Take Holistic Approach to Hybrids 
Battery Deal May Give GM Jump on Toyota in Next-Gen Hybrids 
Auto Makers Seeking More Proactive Role on Key Issues 
McClure: Industry Needs to Force Societal Changes 
Higher Fuel Tax Could Drive Market in Right Direction, Mulally Says 
Hyundai America Suffers Growing Pains While Seeking Solutions 
Toyota Predicts Sales Rebound in ’08; Warns of Potential Pitfalls 
Sun May Not Set on Solara; Next Matrix to Take Better Aim 
Mixture of Materials on ‘Lite’ Menu 
Logistics May Provide Next Great Leap for Auto Industry 
3M Uses Combined Technologies to Foster Innovation 
Flexibility, Innovation Most Important Part of Manufacturing 
Study Says Path to Fuel Efficiency Long, Winding Road 
Hirotec Bringing Magnetic Pulse Welding to Masses 
U-Haul to Field Test Ford’s Revolutionary 3-Wet Paint Process 
