Automotive World

Beijing V standard will boost Chinese micro-hybrid market

Automotive World — Sun, 19 May 2013 23:01:15 +0000

BY SALIL SOMAN, POWERGENIX. Throughout this past winter, a toxic blanket of smog settled over Beijing. At one point, pollution measured 40 times the recommended safety levels, prompting public outrage. With more than 13 million cars sold in China last year, vehicles remain a major source of the dangerous pollution levels in big cities like Beijing. Although China has traditionally been resistant to passing stringent environmental regulations, January’s ’airpocalypse’ is proving to be the catalyst for change.

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Main ASEAN markets post strong sales growth in April

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:40:06 +0000

The major markets in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region reported double-digit sales growth in April 2013, compared with the same month a year earlier. The growth in the region’s automotive market has been attributed to low interest rates and increased minimum wages. Figures released by the Federation of … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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EU car sales rise but no real recovery yet

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:46:09 +0000

The passenger car market in the EU has posted its first monthly year-on-year increase since September 2011. However, this was primarily due to two additional business days in April 2013, compared with the corresponding month last year. In absolute figures though, last month’s sales were the third-lowest for the month … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Ford to free up NA capacity with Fiesta shift

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:40:58 +0000

Ford is preparing the transfer production of the Fiesta from Mexico and India to Thailand as part of efforts to free up capacity in North America for other models, reports Detroit News, citing unnamed individuals familiar with the situation. The transfer is expected to take effect in 2016. The Fiesta is … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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China announces volte-face on investment by foreign OEMs

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:31:23 +0000

Following hard on the heels of Volkswagen’s groundbreaking ceremony for its new Chinese facility at Changsha, in the south-central province of Hunan, the Chinese government appears to have reversed a previous policy of discouraging investment in new vehicle manufacturing facilities in its western region. According to a Bloomberg report, a joint … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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JLR deal drives BorgWarner expansion

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:45 +0000

A new supply deal from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is driving expansion at BorgWarner’s UK operations. The supplier has been chosen to provide turbocharging technology for JLR’s new family of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, which are scheduled to arrive on the market in 2015. The OEM is setting up … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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TECHNICITY as a responsive online magazine

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:47:37 +0000

Innovation, Technology, Mobility: These are the structural pillars of the Daimler magazine TECHNICITY. On this basis we have relaunched a completely revamped new online presentation of TECHNICITY. The conceptual, graphic and technical realisation gives the website, which has been developed to cater for absolutely every user device, a modern and dynamic character. The flexible content structure has an integrated multifilter which presents the “content stream” on a topic-specific basis. These innovative characteristics make the site equal to future requirements with respect to use-friendliness and interactivity. This future-oriented format establishes an integrated print-online communication model whose online function provides its international readership with current topics covering urban mobility solutions, technology and innovation processes and developments from Daimler research every two weeks. At a glance The intelligently conceived website includes a responsive layout – whatever device is used to access TECHNICITY.DAIMLER.COM, the page layout is automatically adjusted to the relevant screen size and therefore ideally meets both present and future requirements. Whether articles, news, videos or surveys – all formats are chronologically arranged at a glance in the content stream. Useful feature: In the topic clusters “Clean”, “Safe”, “Connected”, “Urban” and “Visionary”, the extensive contents can be filtered individually and by topic using the open and flexible navigation structure. Moreover, a multiple filtering function makes “personalised reading” possible. About TECHNICITY TECHNICITY combines important perspectives and trends from the Daimler research and development locations with topics not specific to the company. Urban mobility solutions, corporate technology and innovation processes as well as creativity and innovation trends in science, research and development are placed in a global context. An international network of acclaimed scientific journalists reports for TECHNICITY on trends and innovations from the major cities and high-growth regions of the world. TECHNICITY – the magazine for innovation, technology and mobility – supplementing TECHNICITY.DAIMLER.COM as a print version with three annual editions in English and German.

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Volkswagen Group makes stable start to second quarter: Deliveries top three million vehicles* in period to April

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:41:51 +0000

3.05 million vehicles handed over in first four months / +5.6 percent* 784,600 units delivered in April / +7.2 percent* Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler: “Satisfactory start to second quarter. However, market environment in some world regions still proving difficult.” The Volkswagen Group delivered 3.05 (January-April 2012: 2.89; +5.6 percent)* million vehicles from January to April, topping the three million mark for the first time for the first four months of a year. The company handed over 784,600 (April 2012: 731,900; +7.2 percent)* vehicles to customers in the month of April. “The Volkswagen Group and its brands made a satisfactory start to the second quarter”, Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler said in Wolfsburg on Friday. Klingler went on to say: “Nevertheless, the market environment remains difficult, and is very challenging in some world regions. The economic crisis in Europe in particular is having an increasing impact on the automobile industry. However, growth continues on the markets in North America and, above all, Asia, so we are optimistic we will be able to maintain the momentum of the first three months in the second quarter.” The situation on the overall European market remains tense. Group brands delivered 1.21 (1.25; -3.9 percent) million vehicles on this market in the first four months of the year, of which 635,900 (661,400; -3.9 percent) units were handed over in Western Europe (excluding Germany). On the home market of Germany, 370,200 (387,500; -4.4 percent) customers opted for a new vehicle from the Volkswagen Group, while the company delivered 199,100 (205,100; -2.9 percent) units in the Central and Eastern Europe region. Deliveries in Russia, where 94,900 (94,500; +0.4 percent) vehicles were handed over to customers, remained stable. There was a more positive trend in North America. From January to April deliveries in this region grew 12.9 percent to 279,900 (247,900) vehicles, of which 193,900 (173,700; +11.6 percent) were handed over to customers in the USA. The Volkswagen Group delivered 292,000 (296,900; -1.6 percent) units in the South America region during the same period, of which 213,500 (214,300; -0.4 percent) were handed over in Brazil. Group figures for the Asia-Pacific region remained encouraging. 1.14 (0.98; +16.5 percent) vehicles were handed over to customers there in the period to April, of which 1.02 (0.86; +18.4 percent) million units were delivered in China, the region’s largest single market. In contrast, deliveries in India dropped to 33,400 (43,500; -23.1 percent) vehicles. Outline of developments at Group brands The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 1.91 (1.81; +5.3 percent) million vehicles worldwide from January to April. The brand continued to develop well in the Asia-Pacific region, where deliveries ran at 855,100 (725,100; +17.9 percent) units. In the North America region, Volkswagen Passenger Cars handed over 196,200 (187,900; +4.4 percent) vehicles to customers, while deliveries on the overall European market, which remained difficult, ran at 545,300 (589,800; -7.5 percent) units. Audi delivered 503,000 (471,300; +6.7 percent) vehicles to customers worldwide in the period to April. Deliveries by the premium brand from Ingolstadt developed well in the Asia-Pacific region, where 169,500 (147,300; +15.1 percent) models were handed over to customers. Audi delivered 57,400 (50,100) vehicles in the North America region during the same period, an increase of 14.5 percent. The sports car manufacturer Porsche, which became a Volkswagen Group brand on August 1, 2012, delivered a total of 52,200 vehicles from January to April. At 15,700 units, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest share, with a further 15,000 units handed over to customers in the North America region. ŠKODA delivered a total of 298,000 (324,100; -8.0 percent) vehicles in the first four months of the year. The Czech automaker handed over 75,200 (84,700; -11.2 percent) units in Central and Eastern Europe, and 88,300 (96,500; -8.5 percent) vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region. SEAT delivered 117,100 (105,000; +11.5 percent) vehicles worldwide in the period to April, continuing the upward trend. There was marked growth in Germany in particular, where deliveries increased to 23,700 (18,200; +30.6 percent) units. SEAT also grew deliveries in the UK, where the company handed over 14,800 (13,600; +9.0 percent) units, and in Mexico, where 7,400 (6,800; +8.5 percent) vehicles were delivered. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles handed over 170,700 (174,200; -2.0 percent) vehicles to customers in the first four months of the year, of which 97,800 (107,300; -8.9 percent) were delivered on the overall European market. In contrast, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles grew deliveries in the Asia-Pacific region, where the company handed over 6,200 (5,500; +13.6 percent) vehicles to customers. The brand also recorded double-digit growth in the South America region, delivering 48,600 (43,400; +12.0 percent) vehicles there. *) including deliveries by the Porsche brand from August 1, 2012; excluding MAN and Scania

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European passenger car registrations: -7.1% over four months; +1.7% in April

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:34:29 +0000

In April, the EU* market of new passenger cars grew for the first time (+1.7%) since September 2011. The region counted on average two more working days compared to the same month last year, which would account for the increase. In absolute figures, it is the third lowest level of new registrations for a month of April, with the historic low for April reached in 2012 (1,021,358 units). A total of 1,038,343 units** was recorded in the EU* in April this year, or 1.7% more compared to the low level of April last year. Four months into the year, new car registrations amounted to 4,026,946 units, or 7.1% less than in the same period a year ago. In April, results were varied across markets. Looking at the major ones, Germany (+3.8%), Spain (+10.8%) and the UK (+14.8%) expanded, while France (-5.3%) and Italy (-10.8%) faced a downturn. From January to April, the UK remained the only major market to post growth (+8.9%). Spain (-6.7%), Germany (-8.5%), France (-12.3%) and Italy (-12.3%) all saw their demand decline, leading to an overall 7.1% decrease in the EU*. * EU27, data for Malta unavailable ** since the beginning of the series in 1990

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Rising EV charge stations calm range anxiety, spur sales

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:03:08 +0000

Global EV charging station numbers are expected to soar from 135,000 in 2011 to 10.7 million by 2020, according to a new report by IMS Research. The company was recently acquired by IHS. The massive increase in charging availability is expected to support a transition away from traditional gasoline and diesel … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Honda revs up for return to F1 in 2015

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:48:14 +0000

Honda’s confirmation that it intends to return to the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season as a supplier of 1.6-litre engines to UK-based McLaren marks a major strategic shift for the OEM, reflecting improved profitability and desire to be at the forefront of powertrain technology development. Honda … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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General Motors future model plans and production outlook

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:41:23 +0000

Date: Wednesday 17th July, 2013

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VW may go with FAW for low-cost car project in China

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:34:22 +0000

Volkswagen AG is reportedly considering introducing a budget brand in China with its local joint venture partner FAW Car. Two sources familiar with the matter say the OEM is looking at a timeframe of three years to introduce this low-cost brand. This information is consistent with what the company itself has … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Consumers want high-tech cars – and buying processes

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:04:39 +0000

Consumers are increasingly using more advanced communication technologies not only within their cars, but when it comes to buying them as well. A new global study by Cisco probed the customer experiences of more than 1,500 consumers across 10 countries, looking at the level of technology desired in cars around … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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AEB: probably the most important safety development of recent years

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:09 +0000

From 2014, the Euro NCAP safety test will include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. Megatrends talked to leading industry figures about the importance of this technology Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems prepare and ultimately apply … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:59:34 +0000

BY MARTIN KAHL. As ever with penalty increases, news that UK drivers caught texting could soon be paying increased fines of £90 (US$137) has received mixed responses. In a survey a year ago by the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists, 51% disagreed with the proposal, 28% strongly, while 35% agreed with the proposal.

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Hyundai produces one millionth car at Czech factory

Automotive World — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:33:31 +0000

New Generation i30 is the one millionth car produced by award-winning plant More than 10,000 manufacturing-related jobs created by facility Hyundai orders €1.3 billion-worth of parts from European suppliers annually On 16 May 2013, a New Generation i30 became the one millionth car to be produced at Hyundai’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic. Production started at the plant on 3 November 2008, with an original i30 model being the first car to emerge from the line. Hyundai has invested €1.2 billion in its Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) factory and 15,500 vehicles were made by the end of the following month. A second shift was added in September 2009 to meet rising demand for Hyundai’s ‘made for Europe’ models and, by 2010, annual production had reached 200,000 units. As consumer demand continued to increase, a third shift was introduced in 2011, and the facility made 300,000 cars during 2012. HMMC has annual turnover of €3.2 billion and pays combined annual salaries of almost €47 million. Almost 3.500 people are directly employed at the plant, with a further 7,000 employed at supplier companies. The plant contributes significantly to the €1.3 billion of parts ordered from within Europe by Hyundai each year. Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Since 2008, we have developed our business to become a truly ‘European’ brand. Our Czech plant is at the heart of our European success, producing the two best-selling Hyundai models in the region and making one car every minute. It’s cars such as New ix35 and New Generation i30 that have helped us achieve a record-high European market share of 3.5% in 2012.” As output has grown at HMMC, it has played an ever-greater role in securing the Czech Republic’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of cars per capita. It is the only car factory to have been awarded the country’s prestigious ‘National Award for Quality’, reflecting how closely the plant works with its suppliers to ensure the highest standards of quality. Three principal suppliers are located directly on the factory ground, reducing road traffic by 200 trucks each day, while another 15 principal suppliers are located in the Czech Republic, where 62% of the parts by value are produced for the New Generation i30. The Nošovice plant produces the Hyundai ix20 MPV, New ix35 compact SUV and New Generation i30. As well as being manufactured in Europe, each model has also been designed and developed for the European market at Hyundai’s European Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Australia recently became the 60th export destination for the Czech-built New Generation i30, joining countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania. The Nošovice plant and the company’s plant in Turkey together produce 70% of the Hyundai vehicles sold in Europe.

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Plant profile: Opel Gliwice, Poland

Automotive World — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:23:54 +0000

The Opel Gliwice factory in Poland was built between 1996 and 1998, during a period of significant expansion into the former communist countries by international vehicle manufacturers. The first model made in Gliwice was a generation one Astra, rolling off the end of the assembly line in August 1998. The … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Maruti Suzuki likely to roll out LCVs from Gujarat plant

Automotive World — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:36:14 +0000

Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki India reportedly plans to start manufacturing light commercial vehicles (LCVs) at its upcoming facility in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The company is currently developing an LCV, codenamed ‘Y9T’. The board of Maruti Suzuki has cleared this proposal to produce LCVs in Gujarat, a report … This article is available only to members of Automotive World. If you are already a member, please login to your account. Membership starts at just $2.18 per day for access to all Articles, eMagazines, and Webinars. Next steps Join Contact us

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Megatrends Magazine – Q1 2013

Automotive World — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:57 +0000

Welcome to Megatrends magazine, Q1 2013 For 2013, we decided to roll our Automotive Megatrends and Commercial Vehicle Megatrends magazines into one single publication to address the megatrends facing the whole automotive industry. Those megatrends include emobility, safety, powertrain, connectivity and developments in what we used to call emerging markets. All of these are covered in the magazine. Highlights in this issue include: Emobility: How viable is wireless charging? Safety: AEB, EVs and trucks, including an interview with Delphi’s Mike Thoeny Powertrain: interviews with Dr Andreas Schamel, Ford and Robert Plank, Schaeffler Technologies Connectivity: Vodafone’s automotive M2M strategy Manufacturing: Interviews with Yves van der Straaten, OICA on global production numbers, and 3M on the prospects for adhesive bonding Emerging markets: a day at the Delphi-TVS factory in Chennai Industry insight: from Accenture, Global Policy Group, Frost & Sullivan and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants We hope you enjoy this issue of Megatrends magazine, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions. Email us at megatrends@automotiveworld.com Martin Kahl Editor, Automotive World

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