OEM Tracker
Welcome to OEM Tracker; real-time analysis of the world's top vehicle manufacturers. If you have any questions about this service please contact us +44 29 2070 9302
Analysis tagged 'BMW Group'
Video interview: Klaus Kompass, Vice President, Vehicle Safety, BMW
Video interview recorded by Automotive World with Klaus Kompass, Vice President, Vehicle Safety at BMW.
The GM-PSA alliance
PSA's Philippe Varin outlined the basics of the PSA-GM alliance in a media briefing at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Interview: Peter Kunze, Director, Environmental Policy, ACEA
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to ACEA about how European environmental policies affect automotive manufacturing.
The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
AutomotiveWorld.com's coverage of the key model launches at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011.
Racing in the street: motorsport's role in OEM strategy
With five FIA World Championship titles in 2012, the challenge for OEMs is to choose which to enter, and why.
Brazil's automotive gold rush: light vehicle manufacturing investments
Over the next five years, OEM investments in light vehicle manufacturing facilities in Brazil should exceed US$23bn.
BMW i, the mobility provider
Ian Robertson discusses the BMW i brand and its role in the BMW Group's future strategy.
Interview: Henrik Fisker, co-founder, chief executive and executive design director, Fisker
Automotive World speaks to Henrik Fisker about the launch of the Fisker Surf and the supply deal with BMW.
Frankfurt IAA 2011
AutomotiveWorld.com's coverage of the 2011 Frankfurt motor show (IAA)
New processes make carbon fibre increasingly attractive
The latest advances in manufacturing techniques make carbon fibre increasingly viable.
Interview: Konrad Zwirner, SVP International Sales & Business Development, Hoedlmayr International
Konrad Zwirner of Hoedlmayr discusses the challenges of providing FVL in an expanding European market.
Russia, the big opportunity on Europe's doorstep
Ian Henry examines the potential for the Russian car industry.
Port profile: the Port of Bremerhaven
The Port of Bremerhaven, Germany is the second largest port in Europe for finished vehicle throughput.
Setting the standard - German OEMs agree on key electronics issues
German OEMs unite on new electronics standards: a 48V grid, a common EV plug, and a CAN partial network
Interview: Colin Arnold, Project Manager, Axeon
Axeon, Europe's largest private, independent Li-ion battery systems supplier, processes over 70m cells annually.
Bosch invests heavily in new technologies
Jesse Crosse looks at some of the key areas of development at Robert Bosch
OEMs are racing to meet emissions and efficiency challenges
The race is on to develop technologies required to meet ever stricter emissions and efficiency rules.
From F1 to i3: the mass-market potential for carbon fibre
Once exclusive to F1, carbon fibre is set to play a significant role in mainstream vehicle manufacturing.
The Port of Baltimore - a major hub for finished vehicle logistics
The Port of Baltimore provides efficient import and export services for finished vehicle logistics.
Interview: Guillaume Faury, Executive VP Research and Development, Member of the PSA Managing Board
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Guillaume Faury, Executive VP, R&D, and PSA Managing Board member.
Interview: Jan Ake Jonsson, President and CEO, Saab Automobile
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Jan Ake Jonsson, the outgoing president and chief executive of Saab
The logistics challenge for Mercedes-Benz USA: balancing cost control and high quality standards
Mercedes-Benz USA is optimising vehicle distribution and preparing for transport capacity shortages
PSA Peugeot Citroen's new approach to purchasing
PSA Peugeot Citroen's 13 strategic suppliers form a new self-interest-based interpretation of the keiretsu concept
Interview: Saurabh Mohan Saxena, Gen Mgr Sales Marketing & Business Dev’t, ZF Hero Chassis Systems
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews Saurabh Mohan Saxena about ZF Hero
BMW Group future model plans: forecasts to 2023
AutomotiveWorld.com analyzes the future model plans of the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce passenger car brands
2011 major vehicle launches by region
Glenn Brooks examines the key major vehicle launches for 2011 by region.
BMW research focuses on driver assistance and increasing vehicle autonomy
BMW's latest research vehicles aim to improve safety and fuel economy using advanced technology.
S-in motion: ArcelorMittal's new way of marketing steel
AutomotiveWorld.com examines S-in motion, ArcelorMittal's new marketing strategy for automotive steel
Interview: Jean-Martin van der Hoeven, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Europe, ArcelorMittal
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to JM van der Hoeven, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Europe, ArcelorMittal
EV Charging Infrastructure conference highlights wide-reaching technical and regulatory challenges
AutomotiveWorld.com reviews the recent EV Charging Infrastructure and Grid Integration 2010 conference
The outlook is positive for dedicated electric vehicle platforms
EVs built on dedicated platforms should quickly account for a significant proportion of EV sales
EVS25 - Building the electric vehicle pyramid
A review of EVS25, the battery, hybrid and fuel cell symposium and exhibition in Shenzhen, China
Interview: Cameron Watson, Global Technology Manager - OEMs & Direct Sectors, Shell
Shell discusses the synergies it brings to its technical partnerships and its new methane plant in Qatar.
Interview: Tony Harberman, Rest of Europe sales director, HARMAN
HARMAN discusses the company’s HALOSonic Active Noise Management Solutions
Auto importers shine in the land of the rising yen
Japan's automotive import sector has shown some impressive degrees of expansion recently after years of decline
Interview: David Paja, VP, Global Marketing and Craig Balis, VP, Engineering, Honeywell Turbo
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to David Paja and Craig Balis of Honeywell Turbo Technology
Interview: Marti Eulberg, VP global sales & marketing, Vic Doolan, director/board member, Fisker
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Marti Eulberg, VP global sales & marketing, & Vic Doolan, board member, Fisker
Financing the new era of e-mobility: the OEMs
How are the world's OEMs going to finance the push into electric vehicles?
Interview: Rainer Jueckstock, Senior Vice President, Powertrain Energy, Federal-Mogul
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul's SVP for Powertrain Energy
Interview: Matt Roney, Vice-President for Product Planning, TRW
TRW's Vice-President for Product Planning, Matt Roney, discusses brand philosophy and TRW's global market activity
Auto logistics in Russia: gearing up for the rebound
Russia's automotive logistics managers are gearing up for a rebound in demand for new vehicles and aftermarket parts
A tour of BMW's Environmental Test Centre
AutomotiveWorld.com was recently invited to tour BMW's innovative new Environmental Test Centre
UK market fragmentation: recession proof?
Market recession has not blunted the tendency for increased fragmentation in the UK new passenger car market
Interview: Kobus Meiring, CEO, Optimal Energy
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Kobus Meiring, CEO of South African EV start-up Optimal Energy
US 2011 model year preview
AutomotiveWorld.com offers a preview of what each of the major brands has in store in the US
Interview: MMR Research discusses 'BrandPhonics'
MMR talks about automotive brand strategies and why OEMs should be thinking like FMCG companies
Forecasting the market for electric vehicles
Given all the variables in play, forecasting the future market for EVs is proving extremely difficult
2010 International Transport Forum: EVs dominate discussion
Not surprisingly, electric vehicles were a central theme at the recent International Transport Forum
Interview: Frank Kalff, Commercial Director, Cruden BV
Cruden believes simulators can play a bigger role in auto component development processes
Electric vehicles unplugged: the industry gets serious
Electric vehicle business models dominated discussion at a recent Frost & Sullivan conference in London
BMW pushes ahead with electronic driver systems
BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH is maintaining research into driver safety and convenience systems.
BMW pursues fuel cell hybrid technology
Once interested in fuel cells solely for auxiliary power generation, BMW is now pursuing their use in hybrids
An update on the hydrogen fuel cell car
OEMs have not lost their faith in the fuel cell vehicle, despite the current obsession with EVs
Interview: Kate Armitage, EDF Energy, and William Cutler, OLEV.
EV Webinar panelists expand on development of zero carbon automotive industry
SupplierWatch: Autoliv leads consolidation acquisitions
The consolidation of the automotive supply base continues to gather pace, with Autoliv leading the way
Interview: George Paterson, Engineering Sales Manager, Axeon
AutomotiveWorld.com webinar panelist expands on the development of EV charging infrastructure
Volkswagen leads the gasoline fightback
The superior efficiency of diesel power is likely, in the coming decade, to face its biggest-yet gasoline challenge
Chain reaction: monitoring and supporting auto suppliers
In the current economic climate, the effective monitoring and support of auto suppliers by OEMs is essential
Germany: racing towards a hydrogen future
German officials recently signed a deal that could see hydrogen-powered vehicles compete aggressively with EVs
In profile: India's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles India's rapidly growing auto industry
Interview: José Maria Alapont, President & CEO, Federal-Mogul
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to José Maria Alapont, President & CEO, Federal-Mogul
New generation auto suppliers: A123 Systems
In the latest series of features covering up and coming suppliers, AutomotiveWorld.com profiles A123Systems
Interview: Günther Apfalter, President & Johann Ecker, VP Sales & Marketing, Magna Steyr
Automotiveworld.com talks to Günther Apfalter, President, and Johann Ecker, VP Sales & Marketing, Magna Steyr
European light vehicle production by plant and model with implied capacity utilization 2008
Europe's worsening overcapacity problem reached almost 4.74 million units in 2008.
BMW keeps faith in the Hydrogen ICE
BMW, Ford and Volvo have not given up on the hydrogen ICE, despite growing interest in hybrids and EVs
In profile: China's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles China's auto industry
New generation auto suppliers: Enova Systems, Inc
Enova Systems is well positioned to benefit from rapid growth in the alternative energy market.
NAFTA light vehicle production by plant and model with implied capacity utilization 2008
BMW tops AutomotiveWorld.com's study of NAFTA light vehicle production and capacity utilization in 2008.
BMW spells out Euro 6 deNOx options
BMW engineers are taking two routes to achieve lower NOx emissions for the OEM’s diesel engines.
Country profile: Russian Federation
Socio-political data
Interview: Stefan Reil, General Manager, Development, Audi quattro GmbH
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Stefan Reil, General Manager, Development at Audi quattro GmbH.
Return of the value for money vehicle segment: global implications
Is the 'value car' about to make a significant market comeback and if so, what are the implications for OEMs and suppliers?
Electric vehicle recharging infrastructure poised for growth
New projects to establish the extensive private- and public-access recharging infrastructure that a massive shift to electric propulsion will require are being announced with increasing frequency.
Consolidation…for a low-carbon age
Huge financial pressures, dwindling vehicle sales and the challenges presented by the low-carbon age are driving renewed interest in the potential shape of industry consolidation.
Advanced hybrid powertrain research driven by pursuit of lower costs
Hybridization – the addition of a second power source to an automobile – is gaining importance in Europe as fuel economy becomes more important than purchase price.
Europe's new CO2 regulations: what happens next?
The EU's processes have finally delivered a binding regulatory regime for CO2 emissions from cars. Light commercial vehicles and trucks are likely to follow in due course.
Front-end modules: the trend becomes global
The development of the front-end module market has been an outgrowth of the increasing trend towards use of subassemblies and modules in automotive body manufacturing.
Turning towards battery-powered vehicles
The recent Paris auto show was notable for the range of electric vehicles on display, highlighting the scale of research and development now underway.
Interview: Peter Sykes, President, Dow Automotive
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Peter Sykes, President, Dow Automotive.
EU CO2 legislation one step closer
EU CO2 legislation one step closer
NAFTA region light vehicle production by plant and model with implied capacity utilization, 2007
Study into light vehicle production and capacity utilization in the NAFTA region.
UK car market fragmentation in 2008: the end of an era?
Increasing fragmentation of the UK car market now appears to have been reversed
European light vehicle production by plant and model with implied capacity utilization, 2007
Capacity utilization study reveals an unsolved overcapacity level of 3.58 million units.
Lithium-Ion Batteries – Who’s Doing What with Who?
The battery technology increasingly favoured for hybrids and electric vehicles is that of lithium-ion (Li-Ion).
Country profile: Vietnam
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles Vietnam
Fifty Transport Ministers Focus on Environment in Leipzig
Leipzig hosts a top level conference on transport and environment from 28-30 May.
Green rating systems: should OEMs be worried?
With some experts and industry participants forecasting that oil prices could actually double to US$250 per barrel
Are green cars sexy at last?
It used to be that green cars, if you could find one, were worthy but dull
Torque Vectoring for the new BMW X6
Jesse Crosse drives the new BMW X6, which is fitted with BMW's latest chassis enhancement, Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), a torque vectoring system owing much to the expertise of suppliers GKN and ZF.
BMW: taking specialisation to the limit
The success of BMW's latest strategic plan will depend upon a range of factors including the attainment of insulation against currency movements, continued ability to enjoy premium pricing, and continued enjoyment of high volumes for core models
Quality is the watchword for the new Mini Clubman
The addition of the new Mini Clubman to the production line-up has created new challenges for BMW's Oxford Plant in the UK, which has manufactured over one million Minis in the past six years
Navistar set for 'high tech' diesel
Nissan looks set to use a version of Navistar's 4.5-litre V6 diesel engine in its US-built SUVs and pickups. John Mortimer reports exclusively for Automotive World
Facilities 'triangle' formed to boost Mini production capacity
BMW's all-new Mini is being manufactured by a factory 'triangle' that has brought together as one integrated and flexible family many operatives who formerly worked for Rover Group. John Mortimer reports
Who is right? Renault, Saab or BMW?
As more and more fuel types and drivetrains become available to the average car buyer the purchase decision looks set to become very complicated indeed. Dr Peter Wells reports
Supplier parks make sense to Faurecia
Faurecia refuses to put a figure on it, but combining three products under a single management in a BMW supplier park cut its overhead costs enough to win the business. William Diem reports
Pivotal moment: is the time right for an innovative hydrogen engine?
With mass usage of fuel cell vehicles still a long way off, the hydrogen internal combustion engine is gaining renewed attention. Dr Peter Wells reports
Is bigger always better?
Is the era of economies of scale over in the automotive industry?
Is BMW free of the three?
The launch of a new 3-Series generation is always a huge event for BMW but is the German vehicle manufacturer becoming less reliant on its cash cow?
Interview with Bob Bolam, managing director, BMW Swindon Pressings
John Mortimer talks exclusively to Bob Bolam, the man in charge of BMW's Swindon, UK, pressings plant, which is about to receive yet more investment
UK engine production: Prospering against the odds: Part 2
In the UK, recent automotive industry headlines have been dominated by closures and problems, yet the untold success story is that of engine production.
Seeing Green in a new light
Toyota did it, now PSA have done it. Paul Nieuwenhuis asks - who will be next to use environmental regulations for competitive advantage?
Facing up to rising C02 pressure
As the CO2 emissions pressure mounts, Toby Procter asks if the automotive industry should draw up clearer battle lines to meet a globalised legislative challenge.
The end of the affair
Dr Peter Wells has a look at legacy management in the automotive industry, with a review of past assumptions and a discussion of the lessons to be drawn from recent history.
BMW’s new Leipzig plant gives insight into future trends
BMW's all-new assembly plant in Leipzig, Germany, will commence series production in Q1 2005. In an exclusive interview, Norbert Reithofer, the company's board member for production, tells AWResearcher how the project is progressing.
Assessing the impact of automotive M&A activity (Part 1)
DaimlerChrysler’s misadventures with its allies prompt Toby Procter to review the costs and penalties of mergers, acquisitions and alliances in the pursuit of advantage in global automotive consolidation.
Eco-concepts: what is the purpose of ecological concept cars?
Are ecological concept cars like the token vegetarian option in a German restaurant? Or something more profound? Peter Wells investigates.
Innovation drives opportunities for automotive suppliers
Despite bleak earnings reports, not all news is bad when it comes to automotive suppliers, especially in the field of technical innovation.
‘Clean Production’ – the BMW vision becomes reality
To the BMW Group, Clean Production means "using all technologically, economically, and ecologically suitable means to achieve effective manufacturing processes which are as environment-friendly as possible."
Will BMW invest in Hams Hall?
A decision is expected soon on new investment plans for BMW’s UK engine plant at Hams Hall, in the west Midlands. John Mortimer investigates.
BMW’s material world
BMW is pioneering the use of both lightweight hybrid structures for bodyshells and pressure die-cast magnesium for its engines. Jesse Crosse reports.
BMW pioneers stochastic crash simulation
Automotive manufacturers are challenged with an increasing need to cut design cycle times, while satisfying the tightening regulations on safety and fuel efficiency. Simulation technology such as computer-aided engineering is helping manufacturers in the
BMW Z4 sticks to six while Ballard Sprints to the finish
Jesse Crosse reports on two completely opposite powerplants that have been shown in the last month– a pair of straight-six engines and yet another fuel cell configuration from DaimlerChrysler
Aisin and ZF: six-speed transmission news from Paris
ZF, the established European leader in automatic transmissions, is being challenged on its home turf by Aisin. Both announced important new contracts at the Paris show - and now ZF is advancing in manual transmissions too
More engines for BMW's Hams Hall?
BMW has still not yet announced a production location for its new four-cylinder NG4 range of engines to power its up-coming 1 Series models. One possiblity is Hams Hall in the UK.
The rise of the electro-mechanical handbrake
Advances in technology have seen the introduction of the electro-mechanical handbrake. Does it have a future and to what degree will it be used?
Turbocharging solutions for Ford's Lion V6 diesel - and the latest on the diesel V8
Ford will use either single or twin turbochargers for its upcoming 2.7 litre Lion diesel V6 engine, depending on installation
The shake-up in the Japanese component supplier industry
Global sourcing and component cost cutting are having a profound effect on the way that Japanese suppliers are working; the Keiretsu gentleman's agreement is no longer the advantage that it used to be
Hella – not just a producer of world-class lighting
Hella took a group of British journalists to its headquarters in Lippstadt, Northern Germany, in March to talk about its new technologies and company strategy. Mark Wilkinson reports
ZF NA expands production capacity for 2004 M-class and wins new Ford axle business
ZF began by supplying fully-assembled chassis modules in North America to BMW and DaimlerChrysler transplants: it is now adding Ford US to its list of customers
2002 Los Angeles Auto Show and North American International Auto Show
The decision to hold the 2002 Los Angeles Auto Show a few days before the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was a curious one. Understandably, almost all of the major vehicle manufacturers chose to wait until the Detroit show before unveil
Is there a future for contract R&D?
In another exclusive article for WAM, Dr Peter Wells of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff Business School takes an in-depth look at the often-overlooked contract R&D sector
When is 500hp not enough? How about now?
Vehicle manufacturers are constantly trying to outdo each other with the fastest, most powerful, most exclusive vehicle on the road. The horsepower race is beginning to broach the 500hp watershed, resulting in some extremely powerful machines.
BMW to integrate Rayong into its global manufacturing network
BMW’s US$25m plant at Rayong in Thailand was opened in the second quarter of 2002 and has assembled 3-Series sedans from CKD kits at a very low volume ever since. However, BMW now plans to expand operations at the plant in order to establish a strong base
