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Analysis tagged 'General Motors'
New EN-V accelerates GM's autonomous car programme
Autonomous cars become an increasingly realistic prospect with the unveiling of GM's second-generation EN-V
Interview: Denis Martin, Executive Vice President, Industrial Operations, PSA Peugeot Citroen
Automotive World talks to Denis Martin, who oversees manufacturing, logistics and social relations at PSA.
Far-side accident fatalities trigger GM's centre airbag development
Jesse Crosse looks at a new centre airbag being developed by General Motors and Takata.
Video interview: Partha Goswarmi, Technology Mgr, Connected Vehicle & Infotainment, General Motors
Automotive World and Partha Goswarmi, GM, look at what lies ahead for connected vehicle technology.
Video interview: Nick Pudar, Vice President, Planning and Business Development, OnStar
Nick Pudar of OnStar talks to Automotive World about developments in connected vehicle technology.
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.
The US feels the pure power of CGI
High-volume output of heavy-duty CGI engine castings is crucial for CGI's development in the US, says John Mortimer
Interview: Karl-Friedrich Stracke, President, General Motors Europe
AutomotiveWorld.com spoke to the CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, 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.
Port Profile: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Infrastructure improvements have enhanced logistics efficiency at one of Africa's largest vehicle-handling ports
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.
OEMs in hot pursuit of police contracts
By developing common requirements for police vehicles, police authorities can cut fleet costs.
Market focus: Poland
Poland's automotive industry is thriving, thanks to new investments and a strong commercial vehicle industry.
Visions for the future: suppliers at the 2011 IAA
AutomotiveWorld.com reviews the impressive supplier presence at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.
Automotive engineering companies have designs on Brazil
Brazil has become a breeding ground for automotive engineering operations.
Frankfurt IAA 2011
AutomotiveWorld.com's coverage of the 2011 Frankfurt motor show (IAA)
Interview: Marcos de Oliveira, president, Ford Brazil and Mercosur
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews Marcos de Oliveira, the head of Ford's operations in South America.
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.
GM EN-V re-invents the wheel
The EN-V project sees GM looking long into the future with a two-wheeled, two-seat autonomous electric car.
Manufacturing by decree: the impact of new rules on the Russian automotive industry
Russia's rewritten Decree 166 is set to shake up the Russian automotive industry.
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
Vauxhall's Luton plant: home of the Vivaro
Ian Henry talks to the plant director of Vauxhall's Luton plant about production of the next-generation Vivaro.
The changing dynamics of India's commercial vehicle industry
Global truck giants like Daimler, Volvo, MAN, Navistar and Nissan have their eyes set on India.
Diesel hybrids have finally arrived
Diesel-electric hybrids may now be about to be become established in the market.
Australia on the EVE of a home-grown electric vehicle industry
EV Engineering (EVE) aims to build seven proof-of-concept battery electric vehicles based on the Holden Commodore.
Special delivery - the increasing importance of time-critical logistics
In Europe, expedited logistics is in strong demand in order to avoid production delays.
Challenge Bibendum 2011 Leaders' Forum - the automotive industry and sustainable mobility
Leading automotive industry executives took part in a Leaders' Forum debate at Challenge Bibendum 2011.
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.
Interview: John R. Buttermore, Vice President, Manufacturing, GM International Operations
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews John Buttermore, VP, Manufacturing, GM International Operations.
The rise of heavy duty diesel engine manufacturing in Brazil
Record results and contracts - Brazil is an increasingly lucrative market for heavy duty diesel engine suppliers.
Interview: Enno Fuchs, E-Mobility Launch Director, Opel/Vauxhall
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Enno Fuchs, the head of Opel/Vauxhall's e-mobility strategy
Interview: Baris Melek Dogan, Manager, Supply Chain, Avon Automotive, Turkey
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Baris Melek Dogan, Supply Chain Manager at Avon Otomotiv's Bursa plant.
Interview: Teri Quigley, Plant Director, General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Teri Quigley, the director of the plant building the Chevrolet Volt
Interview: Jan Ake Jonsson, President and CEO, Saab Automobile
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Jan Ake Jonsson, the outgoing president and chief executive of Saab
Interview: Laurent Bresson, VP, Global Sales & Marketing and European region, Nexteer Automotive
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Laurent Bresson, Nexteer's VP, Global Sales & Marketing and European region
Interview: Nick Reilly, President, GM Europe and CEO, Opel/Vauxhall
AutomotiveWorld.com attends a Q&A session with Nick Reilly, President, GM Europe and CEO, Opel/Vauxhall
The impact of fuel efficiency rules on the European market for LCVs
Bill Diem investigates the impact of future fuel efficiency regulations on light commercial vehicles in Europe.
Interview: Rita Forst, Member, Management Board, VP Engineering Europe, Opel/Vauxhall
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews Rita Forst, Member of the Management Board, VP Engineering Europe, Opel/Vauxhall
Norway's EV experience offers other markets something to think about
Norway has a 12-year old parc of private EVs; Oslo in particular could provide lessons for elsewhere.
The quiet advance of the hydrogen fuel cell EV
With battery EVs currently capturing headlines, Jesse Crosse considers the resurgence of the hydrogen fuel cell EV.
Interview: Saurabh Mohan Saxena, Gen Mgr Sales Marketing & Business Dev’t, ZF Hero Chassis Systems
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews Saurabh Mohan Saxena about ZF Hero
Interview: Mark Terry, Managing Director, Chevrolet United Kingdom
AutomotiveWorld.com interviews Mark Terry, Managing Director, Chevrolet United Kingdom
Interview: Stefan Land, VP and Executive Director Roof Systems Product Line, Inteva Products
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Stefan Land, VP & Executive Director Roof Systems Product Line, Inteva Products
2011 major vehicle launches by region
Glenn Brooks examines the key major vehicle launches for 2011 by region.
HVAC for EVs – why buying locally is not always an option
HVAC systems are so critical to the success of EVs that Renault is resisting French government pressure to buy locally.
Interview: Don Runkle, CEO, EcoMotors International
AutomotiveWorld.com speaks to Don Runkle, CEO, EcoMotors International
Interview: Nick Reilly, President, GM Europe and CEO, Opel
AutomotiveWorld.com reviews a recent media briefing held by Nick Reilly, president, GM Europe and CEO, Opel
Australia and carbon reduction - the struggles of a late adopter
Although a late adopter, Australia's automotive sector is catching up on the low carbon vehicle front.
EVS25 - Building the electric vehicle pyramid
A review of EVS25, the battery, hybrid and fuel cell symposium and exhibition in Shenzhen, China
Interview: Ian Mathews, Head of Product Planning & Marketing Programmes, Kia (UK)
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Ian Mathews, Head of Product Planning & Marketing Programmes, Kia (UK)
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: 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
Nissan's commercial vehicle ambitions
Nissan plans to be selling commercial vehicles in over 90% of the world's markets by 2012
GM EN-V: the ultimate concept car?
GM's EN-V models are a continuation of the classic concept car tradition - albeit taken to the limits.
SAIC future model plans: forecasts to 2024
AutomotiveWorld.com analyses the future model plans of SAIC's Hongqi, MG and Roewe brands
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
GMDAT (GM Daewoo) future model plans: forecasts to 2022
AutomotiveWorld.com analyses the future model plans of GM Daewoo
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
Goatley: a new contender in the world of transmissions?
New Zealand-based Goatley Technology is searching for an entry into the transmission market with its innovative AMT
Interview: Mary Henige, Director, Social and Digital Communications, GM
Mary Henige, Director, Social and Digital Communications, GM, discusses GM's use of social media in marketing and PR.
Forecasting the market for electric vehicles
Given all the variables in play, forecasting the future market for EVs is proving extremely difficult
Interview: Frank Kalff, Commercial Director, Cruden BV
Cruden believes simulators can play a bigger role in auto component development processes
Electric vehicle charging standards: Europe's role
Europe's OEMs have reached an agreement that could be critical in the establishment of common EV recharging standards
Electric vehicles unplugged: the industry gets serious
Electric vehicle business models dominated discussion at a recent Frost & Sullivan conference in London
Interview: Neil Heslington, Managing Director; Neil Cheeseman, Eng. Prog. Manager, Zytek Automotive
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Neil Heslington and Neil Cheeseman of EV technology specialist Zytek Automotive
Interview: Victor Muller, Chairman, Saab Automobile
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Victor Muller, founder and CEO of Spyker and Chairman of Saab Automobile
In profile: South Korea's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles South Korea, the domestic market of Hyundai-Kia and GM Daewoo
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
Interview: Laurent Bresson, Executive Director Global Sales and Marketing, Nexteer Automotive
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Laurent Bresson, Executive Director Global Sales and Marketing, Nexteer Automotive
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
Interview: Dr Colin Herron, Manufacturing & Productivity Manager, One North East
EV Webinar panelist expands on development of zero carbon automotive industry
In profile: Argentina's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles Argentina's auto industry
General Motors future model plans: forecasts to 2019
AutomotiveWorld.com analyzes the model plans of GM's Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Opel-Vauxhall brands
Interview: Dick Elsy, Chief Executive and James Batchelor, Commercial Director, Torotrak
Torotrak is finally on the road to realizing its potential, thanks in part to its recent tie-up with Allison
The market for small cars in India
Capturing a share of India's booming small car market is a key target for the major global OEMs.
US new vehicle market trends into 2010
What does 2010 have in store for the US new passenger car market?
SupplierWatch: Consolidation predators and prey in 2010
2010 looks set to become a year of consolidation for the automotive supplier industry
Interview: Nick Gill, Global Automotive Sector Leader, Capgemini
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Nick Gill, Global Automotive Sector Leader, Capgemini
Chain reaction: monitoring and supporting auto suppliers
In the current economic climate, the effective monitoring and support of auto suppliers by OEMs is essential
The race for the low-cost automated manual transmission
The race is on to produce a low-cost AMT suitable for the high-volume, lower-cost vehicle segments.
Foreign OEM R&D investment in key emerging markets: China
Foreign OEM investment in automotive R&D is finally on the rise in China.
Interview: Joao Faria, President - Europe, Middle East and Africa (Automotive), Eaton
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Joao Faria of Eaton about the future of supercharging
Foreign OEM R&D investment in key emerging markets: India
Global OEMs are increasing their R&D investment in emerging markets as those markets' potential becomes clear.
Germany: racing towards a hydrogen future
German officials recently signed a deal that could see hydrogen-powered vehicles compete aggressively with EVs
Interview: Knut Simonsson, Executive Director of Global Brand and Sales Operations, Saab
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Knut Simonsson, Saab's Executive Director of Global Brand and Sales Operations
SupplierWatch: Chapter 11 progress report
AutomotiveWorld.com outlines the prospects for the major US auto supplier Chapter 11 cases
In profile: India's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles India's rapidly growing auto industry
SupplierWatch: Visteon's Chapter 11 progress
AutomotiveWorld reviews Visteon's Chapter 11 activity
Interview: Ilpo Korhonen, President, Valmet Automotive
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to Ilpo Korhonen, President of Valmet Automotive
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
How the US government is allotting its green auto loans
How the US government is allotting its green auto loans
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.
New generation auto suppliers: Ener1
In the latest in a regular series of features covering up and coming suppliers, AutomotiveWorld.com profiles Ener1
Ford's 'historic' V8 pickup diesel
Ford's 'historic' V8 pickup diesel
In profile: China's auto industry
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles China's auto industry
Supplier Watch: Solutions sought for long-term survival
Sales growth from scrappage schemes shouldn’t hide the need for other solutions to supplier survival
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.
More questions than answers – uncertainty surrounds GM’s planned divestments
The planned divestments of several major GM brands and assets remain surrounded by uncertainties.
Japanese see few gains from current weakness at GM and Chrysler
Japanese OEMs appear doubtful that the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies will confer longer-term gains.
Country profile: Russian Federation
Socio-political data
Will electric vehicle batteries ever come of age?
Are EV battery technologies beginning to combine necessary performance, range and longevity at last?
The New Chrysler – a first look
AutomotiveWorld.com takes a first look at the new Chrysler Group LLC and its relationship with the Fiat Group.
Interview: Gherardo Corsini, Director, E-REV Implementation, GM Europe
The head of GM Europe’s Extended Range Electric Vehicle Programme provides an update on developments
From CAFE to GHG: US OEMs face new regulatory challenges
Ongoing efforts to toughen US fuel economy and emissions standards could have profound implications.
New generation auto suppliers: Quantum Technologies
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide represents one of the new generation of auto suppliers.
Country profile: Brazil
Brazil’s automotive sector appears to have weathered the global economic storms better than most.
The New GM – a first look
Out with the old and in with the new? AutomotiveWorld.com takes a first look at the New GM.
Supplier Watch: GM Bankruptcy adds to uncertainties
GM’s Chapter 11 filing inevitably adds to supplier concerns, but the trend is now well-established.
Supplier Watch: Chrysler acts to ease supplier anxieties
Chrysler’s favourable treatment of outstanding payments is a tiny ray of hope for stressed suppliers.
Fiat/General Motors Europe: a model future?
The product strategy of a Fiat/ GME venture would play a vital role in its success or failure.
Interview: Christopher Borroni-Bird, Director of Advanced Technology Vehicle Concepts, GM
AutomotiveWorld.com talks to GM's Director of Advanced Technology Vehicle Concepts, Christopher Borroni-Bird.
Division in Scandinavia: Sweden and Norway disagree on approach to green cars
Sweden and Norway disagree on approach to green cars
Saab, General Motors and a new business model for the automotive industry
GM appears committed to disposing of its Swedish Saab operations
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.
The long and winding bailout debate in the US
President Bush has essentially handed the future details of the bailout issue over to Barack Obama, whose already-crowded agenda will now include swift decisions on the future of the US auto industry.
The current crisis and the steel industry
The automotive industry is racing to cut production, as is the global steel industry. The survivors in both may be those that can retrench fastest.
Country profile: Ukraine
AutomotiveWorld.com profiles Ukraine
Are fuel cell vehicles ever really going to be viable? (Part 1)
Part one examines the high costs of producing and operating a FCV, along with current limitations imposed by an inadequate refuelling infrastructure. Part two will examine the potential CO2 savings that FCVs might offer.
EU CO2 legislation one step closer
EU CO2 legislation one step closer
The US ethanol boom – and bust?
The recent boom in US ethanol production and consumption may hold the seeds of an ethanol bust, since the once-sacrosanct biofuel is facing intense criticism.
Is the automotive industry ready for eco-austerity?
What is unique about the current situation and of huge concern to the automotive industry, is the potentially devastating combination of environmentalism with economic stringency.
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.
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
Downsizing challenges in the US light vehicle market: Part one – the Detroit Three
This raises questions regarding the readiness of the major OEMs to meet the current downsizing
India's rapidly expanding global auto industry ambitions
India's automotive exports are increasing rapidly
Chrysler, Ford and General Motors to build 750,000 diesels a year by 2010
Chrysler, Ford and GM are set to launch a total of six new vee diesel engine families in the next two years and as a result their combined production capacity for such engines could increase to 750,000upa by 2010
The GM strike: a critical moment or a transient problem?
The UAW's decision to enforce an all-out strike at GM factories in the US could well represent the last time that unions in that country are able to threaten the future of the company
Comment: General Motors-VM Motori deal is win-win for both sides
GM's acquisition of a 50% stake in VM Motori will give the US OEM access to European small diesel engine technology and capacity, while the Italian engine manufacturer will benefit from access to wider markets and lower unit costs.
General Motors plays catch up with VM Motori V6 diesels
General Motors will soon follow the likes of Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai and PSA Peugeot Citroen by adopting CGI for a new high performance diesel engine. John Mortimer reports
Australia's OEMs conquer the world
Australia's OEMs are attempting to achieve success through a unique interplay between their manufacturing systems and the markets they serve. Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis reports
General Motors dead? Forget it, we can see green shoots
Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis argues that diversity is the key to a successful future for General Motors
The Chevrolet Volt: planning for diversity
Dr Peter Wells argues that the Chevrolet Volt, which was displayed recently at the 2007 NAIAS, shows that GM is still capable of being innovative and even daring, despite the problems it faces
Interview: Donna Sanford, Plant Director, GM Manufacturing Luton
John Mortimer talks to the director of GM's UK van plant whose job it is to ensure that the facility has all the credentials to produce the next generation of GM-Renault-Nissan vans
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
Patriotism: the last resort?
Could patriotism be the key to reviving the light truck sales of the Big Three? Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis reports
California and the true cost of motoring
The recent decision by the State of California to file a lawsuit against six leading vehicle manufacturers for the environmental costs incurred by vehicle emissions could well set a significant precedent. Dr Peter Wells reports
Hyundai's home market collapse
With its market share down 44%, its best selling Sonata pipped from the number one spot by a Samsung, a resurgent Daewoo and a crippling strike - has it all gone suddenly wrong for Hyundai? Glenn Brooks reports
London's green motor show
A number of vehicle manufacturers used the recent British International Motorshow to highlight their green credentials. Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis reports
Renault-Nissan and GM: an alliance too far?
Talk of a three-way alliance between Renault, Nissan and GM is sending shockwaves through the industry. Andrew Mollet 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
GM and Suzuki: let's just be friends
Despite the recent dissolution of the equity relationship between GM and Suzuki there should be no major impact on on-going projects between the two companies. Andrew Mollet reports
Life after GM ownership: the highs and lows for spun-off suppliers (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part feature Colin Whitbread examines the progress of three more former GM supplier subsidiaries: Remy International, Guide Corporation and Delphi
Life after GM ownership: the highs and lows for spun-off suppliers (Part 1)
For many of GM's former supplier subsidiaries life as 'independent' companies has been both daunting and challenging. In part one of this two-part feature Colin Whitbread examines the situation at Detroit Diesel, EDS and American Axle
Does HCCI have a future?
Homogenous charge compression ignition technology offers many benefits for the automotive industry but these might not be enough to ensure its successful commercialisation. Dr Peter Wells reports
Japan's Big Three eye bigger slice of US market
Japan's Big Three plan to heap yet more pressure on their US rivals in 2006 with the launch of around 20 new or redesigned models. Andrew Mollet reports
The day that Toyota will conquer the world
It now seems inevitable that Toyota will overtake GM to become the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world in terms of production and sales. But when will that day come? Dr Peter Wells reports
Commercial truck business: supplier sales and profits
Michael Hinks-Edwards takes his regular look at the performance of the global truck OEMs and their main suppliers
What has gone wrong with the American business model?
The current problems faced by GM, Ford, Visteon and Delphi have thrown a shadow over the once dominant US automotive business model. Dr Peter Wells reports
Fuji Heavy: GM's loss is Toyota's gain
Fuji Heavy's partnership with GM looks set to end by the end of 2005 but an all-new co-operation deal with Toyota is about to begin. Andrew Mollet reports
GM taps into UK foundry technology
The tide is turning in favour of diesels in North America. Which of the Big Three will be first to meet the challenge? John Mortimer reports
Japan and the US: a trade war waiting to happen?
Japanese vehicle manufacturers are enjoying fruitful times in North America at the moment, while the domestic Big Three continue to suffer. Friction between the two camps is inevitable, but is it manageable? Andrew Mollet reports
What a difference a month makes
It's not all doom and gloom at GM. Dr Peter Wells reports
Is bigger always better?
Is the era of economies of scale over in the automotive industry?
“What’s good for GM...
Peter O’Brien revisits the parallel roles of Detroit and Washington in the light of GM’s difficulties
Gloom or doom in Detroit?
With near-junk credit ratings and a rash of pending litigation, how close to the edge is Detroit? Toby Procter reports
GM EV1 ELV RIP CSR PR OK?
Dr Peter Wells pulls no punches in his assessment of the disappointing end of the innovative General Motors EV1 project
Big names cautious over growth in 2005
Executives of the top US vehicle and component manufacturers exuded somewhat cautious optimism over their future growth at the 2005 NAIAS. AWKnowledge traveled to Detroit to obtain the details
The Fiat ‘put’ option explained
The current Fiat-GM spat over the now infamous ‘put’ option has initiated a debate regarding the cost to GM of acquiring Fiat’s ailing car business. Abhrajit Gangopadhyay provides the details
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?
Cylinder deactivation is back on the block
After a false start in 1981, cylinder deactivation technology got serious in 1999 – Michael Murphy reviews its progress and prospects.
Cylinder deactivation is back on the block
After a false start in 1981, cylinder deactivation technology was successfully re-introduced in 1999 – and looks as though it is here to stay.
The flex-fuel revolution in Brazil
Rogerio Louro looks at the flex-fuel revolution in Brazil where, last month, flex-fuel cars grabbed a 23.6 percent share of total car sales in Brazil.
Volvo Scania – the endgame in trucks
Michael Hinks-Edwards traces events in a saga which, directly and indirectly, involved and affected almost every major commercial truck OEM and their leading suppliers, and kept commentators guessing all the way.
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.
The changing route map for telematics
Six years from the launch of GM’s OnStar, things have gone very quiet on the telematics front - Toby Procter delves behind the lack of recent headlines to see who, if anyone, will profit.
Lean product creation – an Atkins diet for the obese vehicle manufacturer
Alan Martin comments on the debates about 'lean product creation' at the 2004 SAE conventions and the progress it has made over the past decade
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.
Hydrogen – GM’s big bet
GM's Larry Burns views the future viability of hydrogen powertrains.
The Covisint story (Part 2)
In the second part of John Luscombe's in-depth look at Covisint, the dot.com dream turns into a nightmare, as online B2B proves to be a very different ball game from B2C.
The Covisint story (Part 1)
John Luscombe’s two-part article on Covisint was written after the December 2003 announcement that its auction service assets were to be sold to FreeMarkets, news which surprised many in the automotive sector. The sale of Covisint to Compuware is covered
Transport systems with digital drive and control concepts in the automobile industry
GSA produces manufacturing transport systems for the automotive industry. Opel-Powertrain in Kaiserslautern uses a number of such transport systems with drive and control technology from GE Fanuc Automation.
China to overtake the US as world’s largest market?
That is the controversial prediction made by outgoing GM chairman Jack Smith, whose company intends to grab as big a slice of the action as it possibly can
February US light vehicle sales down at the tubes
US light vehicle sales dropped seven percent in February under the combined weight of bad weather, economic jitters brought on the tensions over war in the Middle East, and rising oil prices
GM and Toyota start stockpiling components in Europe
GM and Toyota have warned their component suppliers in Asia and Japan to stockpile components in Europe in case an invasion of Iraq leads to disruption of shipping through the Suez Canal
A bit of light in Dearborn perks up a gray fiscal picture in Detroit in January
Aggressive incentives in January bolstered sales of new cars, vans and trucks in the US to an annualised rate of 16.2m vehicles
Manufacturers halt Brazilian exports to Venezuela, as crisis deepens
Brazilian vehicle exports to its crisis-hit neighbour Venezuela have been halted until the true state of the Venezuelan economy, which has been in deep recession since before last summer, becomes clear. Rebecca Wright reports
Hy-Wire steps out
GM recently wheeled out its drive-by-wire fuel cell prototype, the Hywire, for testing. Jesse Crosse was the first British journalist to drive it.
GM - big future plans for powertrain
GM is planning to launch new modular V6 engines, a re-designed OHV V6 range and a new V12 in the next three years. New technologies, such as variable intake manifold and cylinder cut-out are on their way too
Transmissions: the vehicle manufacturers strike back
GM and Ford recently announced their intention to share the development of a new six-speed automatic transmission. Patrick Thompson, GM Powertrain's chief engineer for front-wheel drive transmissions speaks to AWKnowledge about the vehicle manufacturer's
Transmissions: the vehicle manufacturers strike back
Independent transmission manufacturers have been in the news recently with their state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmissions. Now, following an unprecedented memorandum of understanding on a joint venture to develop their own six-speed design, GM a
Fiat announces a brace of new Multijet diesel engines at Paris
Fiat was first to use common rail fuelling (Unijet) for passenger car diesel engines in 1997. It has just announced the successor to that technology: Multijet.
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
Ellesmere Port: GME’s only flex plant
Vauxhall’s plant at Ellesmere Port was GM Europe’s first flex plant. Martin Kahl of AutoAnalysis reports
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
General Motors overtakes Ford in US productivity study
General Motors has finished above Ford in the assembly and overall hours per vehicle measures for the first time in the fourteen-year history of the Harbour report, but still has some way to go before catching the top three Japanese manufacturers
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
Design redundancy and environmental perfomance
Redundancy in systems engineering is usually considered in relation to safety. But there are environmentally related issues too.
Mercury: A near-death experience and a full product revival, all within three years
