Opel begins production at new Hungarian engine plant
Investment at facility totals USD640m

Preh launches iDrive navigation versions for BMW 3 Series
Supplier to also provide two switch units

Corning starts third-phase expansion of automotive substrate facility at Shanghai
Supplier to capitalise on growth opportunities in emissions control business

Johnson Electric introduces ETC motor product line
Provides high torque, vibration resistance

Micronas develops programmable linear Hall-effect sensors for automotive applications
Company to first start production of HAL 2420

Intel in talks with Indian OEMs to introduce in-vehicle infotainment system in cars
Company to launch the product on Kia K9 sedan

LSIS completes construction of EV relay manufacturing plant in Korea
Annual production expected to increase to four million units by 2015

Gentex supplies auto-dimming mirrors with camera-based driver-assist system for 2013 Ford Explorer
Mirrors are in built with automatic high-beam control, lane keeping and driver alert system

Pininfarina to join Shanghai's International Auto City
Decision driven by company’s steady sales growth in the country

Fujitsu Ten to form JV with Uno Minda for car infotainment products in India
JV’s manufacturing plant to be operational in October 2013

Cummins India net income increases marginally to USD1.4bn in Q4 FY2011-12
Undertakes expansion at Pune plant

Plastic recycler Luxus to display lightweight polymer at PDM show in London
To replace standard talc filled grades used for interior parts

Thyssenkrupp sells Waupaca foundry to private-equity firm KPS Capital Partners
Company examines strategic options for Steel Americas plants in Brazil and the US

New French President's advisors hope to retain GM ownership of Strasbourg plant
Advisors note that GM had been highly profitable recently

ZF targets USD2.6bn revenue from China during 2012
Expects strong sales to local automakers

Valeo opens interior controls plant in China
Facility to employ 160 people

ThyssenKrupp in talks with Sogefi and Max-Aicher Gruppe to sell Federn suspension business
Sogefi expected to take final decision by the end of July this year

JK Tyre net profit rises almost sevenfold to USD16.6m in Q4 FY2011-12
Full financial year earnings decline sharply amid high raw material prices, increase in other expenses

Remy International to supply HVH250 motors to Quantum Fuel Systems
Quantum to use the motors to convert Ford F-150 into a PHEV

Henkel to acquire Cytec Industries’ pressure sensitive adhesives
Deal valued at USD105m

Leoni net income jumps 76% y/y to USD86.2m in Q1 FY2012
Records strong demand in automotive business from BRIC nations

Thyssenkrupp reports net loss of USD1.4bn in first half of FY2011-12
Company carries on strategic development and portfolio optimisation

Ricardo supplying CVT system for Chery E5 vehicle
Product developed in collaboration with Chery

Michelin considering short-time working at French, Spanish plants
Looking at the option during May and June

Korea auto parts park opens in Detroit to facilitate exports
Second park to be planned in Germany

Yaskawa profits increase 28.8% y/y to USD101m in FY2011-12
Revenue increases 3.5% y/y USD3.7bn

Trelleborg, Freudenberg anti-vibration solutions JV receives EU approval
Transaction expected to close in the beginning of third quarter of 2012

NSK net profit for FY2012 increases 9.2% y/y to USD346.5m
Sales grow 3.2% as EPS and hub bearings demand rises

Umicore, Prayon form JV to develop phosphate-based cathode materials for li-ion batteries
JV to set up an industrial pilot plant in Belgium

Freudenberg expands filter production in China; new facility to be ready by 2013
New investment to amount to USD5.6m

Ford begins production of 1.0L EcoBoost engine at Romanian plant
Engines to be fitted in the new B-Max MPV manufactured at same plant

Molex adds two new versions to Premo-Flex jumper portfolio
Products to increase board space and increase flexibility

SORL net income plunges 52.1% y/y to USD2.3m in Q1 FY2012
Expects full financial year sales of USD225m

WABCO secures ABS contract for IVECO trucks in Brazil
ABS will feature in trucks produced in Brazil from 2013 onwards

Iveco unit to close Chambéry plant in France
Truck maker to close other plants in Graz (Austria), Weisweil and Gorlitz (Germany)

Opel CEO reveals elements of restructuring plan
Astra production likely to end in Germany

New study shows improving supplier relations among Detroit Three automakers
Toyota and Honda scored their lowest in 11 years

Shanghai GM recalls 47,415 Chevrolet Aveo units in China
Faulty sensor could render the alarm system useless

Brembo net profit surges 88.4% y/y to USD28.1m in Q1 2012
Sales increase 12% to USD466.7m in Q1

Toyota Boshoku begins seat and interior component production for Toyota Corolla in China
Components to be supplied to automakers Changchun facility in China

Pininfarina reports net loss of USD4.5m in Q1 2012
Expects negative EBIT in FY2012

Denso develops smaller condenser for automotive applications
Product 30% smaller than conventional condensers, helps increase fuel efficiency

China Yuchai International net income slips 27.2% y/y to USD26.5m in Q1 FY2012
Weak demand in Chinese commercial vehicle market affected company’s performance during Q1

Asahi Kasei begins construction of new dry film plant in China
Plant to start operations in September 2013

Hyundai, Kia announce recall of 218,000 vehicles in South Korea over emission issues
Tucson and Sportage found emitting more NOx than legal limit

Opel to renew engine range over 12 months; plans to launch three new engine generations
Focus to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels

Brose to invest USD60m for expansion in Michigan
To acquire former Chrysler Mopar plant in New Boston

Infineon CEO Peter Bauer to resign by end- FY2012
Company appoints Reinhard Ploss as successor

Scaleo chip introduces AMEC microcontroller for powertrain systems
Technology to be integrated in conventional as well as alternative powertrain vehicles

Continental acquires outstanding 30% shares of Malaysian tyre JV
Continental Sime Tyre Sdn. Bhd. becomes Continental’s fully owned subsidiary

IHI plans USD125m investment to expand turbocharger production in FY2013 – report
Plans expansion in China, Germany and Thailand

Bhushan Steel net profit jumps 14.9% y/y to USD63.4m in Q4 FY2011-12
High funding cost affected steelmaker’s pre-tax profit during the financial year

Accuride appoints Greg Kern as Vice-President of Imperial Business Group unit
Move to improve unit’s financial and operational performance

JLR to up expenditure with UK suppliers by USD1.6bn over next four years
Automaker faces strong demand for Range Rover Evoque

Johnson Controls liquid wet press process enables series production of carbon fibre body parts
Move to simplify light carbon components production

Michelin to boost expenditure in emerging markets
Undertaking stoppage at Dundee, UK Plant

Prayon obtains sublicense for lithium iron phosphate battery material
Sublicense is granted by LiFePO4+C Licensing AG

Borealis net profit decline by 19.5% to USD186.7m in Q1 2012
Company anticipates slow growth in coming quarters

Akebono Brake reports net loss of USD38.8m in FY2011-12
Company targets 30% OEM market share by 2015

Renesas reports net loss of USD782.3m in FY2011-12
Semiconductor sales falls 22.4% to USD9.8bn

Meritor announces management changes
Appoints Tim Burns as Vice-President and General Manager, Defense and Specialty and Industrial

Sumitomo Wiring announces management changes
To appoint Osamu Inoue as new Director

Calsonic Kansei profit’s increase 55.7% y/y to USD295.1m in FY2011-12
Sales increased 4.6% y/y to USD9.5bn

Goodyear India net profit declines 20.8% y/y to USD2.1m in Q1 2012
Decline in profit due to marginal fall in sales during the quarter

Commercial Vehicle Group announces organisational realignment
New changes expected to support company’s long-term growth

Altair Nanotechnologies net loss falls to USD4.9m Q1 FY2012
Company cuts loses despite sharp decline in revenues

Panasonic reports net loss of USD9.4bn in FY2012
Earnings impacted by earthquake in 2011, strong yen

BMW, Technische Universität München and EURECOM expand partnership on networked vehicles
Partnership focuses on two research projects

MANN+HUMMEL sales up 13.5% y/y to USD3.19bn for FY2011
Company expects moderate growth in 2012 owing to global economic condition

Suppliers to the new Hyundai_ix35
Bosch win big with the Hyundai ix35

China XD Plastics reports 73% jump in net income in Q1FY2012 to USD20.6m
Reconfirms FY2012 sales target of USD550m to USD580m

Sanden appoints Mitsuya Yamamoto as President and CEO
Date of appointment to be determined by Board of Directors on 22 June 2012

US DoT selects VTT Institute as lead university in Tier 1 University Transportation Centre
Move to advance connected vehicle systems and applications

Keihin net income down 66% to USD51.5m in FY2011-12
Sales decrease 6.6%

The first quarter in North America: Where are the big profits?
Production boosts revenue, but supplier earnings are a disappointment

SupplierBusiness publishes new Light Vehicle Production Near-term Forecasts for Q2 2012

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 14TH MAY 2012
All this week's stories in a single download

Battery supplier A123 systems announces USD125m loss in Q1 2012
Reduced its revenue forecast from USD230-300m to USD145-175m for 2012

ElringKlinger net income rises 16% y/y to USD32.2m in Q1 2012
Expects 5% to 7% sales increase in FY2012

Infineon launches new family of 32-bit multicore microcontrollers for automotive industry
Plans qualification of first product in second half of 2013

Infiniti to use four-cylinder Daimler engines in next G-Series
To add 35 dealership stores by March 2013

Yokohama Rubber net profit zooms to USD106m in Q1 FY2012
Expects interim sales of USD3.3bn in H1 2012

Kinugawa Rubber's FY 2012 net profit up 18.5% y/y to USD64.4m
Raises FY2013 profit guidance to USD65.6m

Asahi Glass Q1 FY2012 net income plunges 53.8% to USD215.7m
Sticks to previous forecast for first-half and full financial year

Threat of Nylon-12 Shortage May Be Subsiding As Alternatives Emerge
Chemical companies to offer alternatives to Nylon-12

Henkel Q1 2012 net income grows 29.5% y/y to USD492m
Adhesive Technologies sales increase 6.2%

Apollo Tyres Q4 2012 revenues up 18% y/y to USD620m
Annual sales rise 37% to USD2.3bn

Shriram Pistons net income up 1.45% y/y to USD15.5m in FY2011-12
Income from operations grew 18.9% to USD183.5m

Recticel sales slip 2.4% y/y to USD468.3m in Q1 2012
Automotive sales decrease 6.5% to USD110m

Quantum Technologies loss widens to USD7.8m in Q1 2012
First quarter sales down by 10.4%

ArcelorMittal moves into black, records net income of USD11m for Q1 2012
Witnesses strong demand in North American automotive market

Polytec sales decrease 38.5% to USD164.7m in Q1 2012
Expects to close 2012 with sales of USD666.9m

Magna net income up 6.5% y/y to USD343m in Q1 FY2012
Company gains from higher sales level in all regions

Magna to assemble entry-level Infiniti model, production due in 2014
Vehicle may be based on Mercedes A-class models

Fuji Electric, Infineon sign agreement to extend supplier base for IGBT modules
Fuji to make available power modules with HybridPACK 2 footprint in 2013

Pirelli Q1 2012 profits up 54% y/y to USD167m
Tyremaker revises FY2012 outlook downwards

Sanden net income falls 80.2% to USD14.5m for FY2011-12
Company sees H1 FY2012-13 sales at JPY120bn

NTN develops ball bearing for transmissions to improve fuel efficiency
Reduces rotational torque by 80%

Pirelli Tyre CEO Francesco Gori to retire
Company introduces new organisational model

Tube Investments net income up 92.5% to USD14.7m in Q4 FY2011-12
PAT for the year rose 98.8% to USD31.3m

Blaupunkt enters Indian market, considers assembly operation
For now company will cater Indian market from newly established Penang plant

Hitachi reports 45% increase in net income to USD4.2bn for FY2012
Company expects emerging markets to drive growth for fiscal year 2013

Topy Industries net income rises 89% y/y to USD47.6m in FY2011-12
FY2012-13 Q1 sales expected to be USD3.1bn

Toshiba net income declines 37% y/y to USD748.6m in Q4 FY2011-12
Expects higher sales and earnings in FY2012-13

Vallourec Q1 2012 net income dips 65% to USD38.6m
Automotive segment slipped 21% on lower sales of heavy vehicles in Brazil

International Rectifier introduces 600V IGBT platform for EVs
COOLiRIGBT designed to function at the same fast switching speed as MOSFETs

Bosch India earmarks USD130.4m for capex this year
Company plans to add 50 service stations each year

Bridgestone's Q1 net profit rises 34.7% y/y to USD512.8m
Expects sales of USD39.3bn in 2012

Cooper Standard net income dips 47% y/y to USD23.8m in Q1 2012
Expects sales between USD2.85bn and USD2.95bn in 2012

Bridgestone announces senior management changes
New roles effective from 1 July 2012

Grammer net income grows 57% y/y to USD9.9m in Q1 FY2012
Europe sees highest sales growth, up 12.4% to USD251.9m

Haldex appoints Bo Annvik as New President and CEO
Replaces Ulf Ahlen

Continental names Friedrich Angerbauer as head of ADAS business unit
Will report to Ralf Cramer

Corning supplies new diesel filters to Volkswagen MQB models
New filters help vehicle and engine manufacturers improve fuel efficiency and performance

Preh full-year sales up 17.3% to USD533.5m in 2011; EBIT increases 56.2% to USD36m
Company announces new business wins

Ford recalls 27,000 Windstar minivans over rear axle issue
Part of the 2010 recall of 600,000 minivans

Ford to triple vehicle output featuring EcoBoost engine in Europe to 480,000 units by 2015
Company to double number of models offering EcoBoost engines

LANXESS profits increase 16% y/y to USD257m in Q1 2012
Sales increased 15.2% y/y to USD3.2bn

Tokai Rubber's FY 2011-12 net profit down 38.6% y/y to USD74.1m
Sales fall 7.5% y/y to USD3.1bn

ZF delivers seven-speed manual transmission for Porsche 911 models
Seventh gear enhances fuel efficiency

Linamar net earnings up 54% y/y to USD38.4min Q1 2012
Strong business growth across Industrial, Powertrain segments

GM begins strategic review for sale of Strasbourg transmission operations
Automaker to identify alternatives internally as well as externally

Benteler-SGL invests USD46.7m in new auto parts plant in Austria
To produce auto component made of light weight carbon fibre reinforced composites

Nokian Tyres Q1 2012 profits grow 40% y/y to USD116.8m
Company to make investment worth USD280.1m in 2012

BorgWarner presents test results of VEMB system, suggests 6-17% fuel economy improvement
System separates exhaust process in blow down and scavenge phase

Valeo’s BeamAtic™ and LaneVue™ to feature on Renault Scenic and Mégane vehicles
Both technologies will be in-built in camera placed between windshield and rearview mirror

China Automotive Systems slips into red in Q1 2012; reports USD0.8m net loss
Sales decline 7% y/y to USD84.5m

Nissan breaks ground on new Tennessee engine plant
Plant to make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti

NGK Spark Plugs net income rises by 7.8% to USD319.3m in FY2011-12
Company expects sales for FY2012-13 to be lower y/y

SKF introduces BeyondZero portfolio; displays e-powertrain solutions at EVS26
Move shows company’s intent towards reducing environmental impact

Audi plans to ramp up capacity by 50% in India
Plans to increase capacity at Aurangabad facility by 50% to 9,000 units

Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën breaks ground on new R&D centre in China
Company to build engine testing laboratory at centre

Toyota to boost four-cylinder engine production in Kentucky
Create nearly 80 new jobs

Renault-Nissan to roll out 250,000 units in India this year
Plans to set up supplier park near Chennai plant

Parts shortage hurts Ford’s Ranger small pickup truck production in Thailand—report
Automaker’s suppliers still struggling to recover from Thai Floods

Bosch to build new plant for automotive electronic control units in Romania
Company to create 340 new jobs, invest USD100m by end-2013

Ford to reduce summer shutdown time to boost production volumes
Effective for 13 assembly and components plants

Asahi Kasei FY2012 net income slides 7.5% y/y to USD677.7m
Sales improve marginally

Nevada licenses first autonomous Google-owned Prius car for road use and testing
Issues new plate featuring an infinity symbol on a red background

CEAT reports USD7.9m profit after tax in Q4 FY2011-12
Net sales increase to INR12.1bn

Iveco to shift some production from Germany to Spain—report
To expand fire truck division in Germany

Clarion develops Smart Access cloud telematics service for vehicles
Service to start in Japan and North America from June

Martinrea net earnings grow 64% y/y to USD23.2m in Q1 2012
Honsel acquisition adds to the company’s sales

Kongsberg Automotive wins two interiors contracts worth USD13.5m
Company supplying pneumatic lumbar support systems for US model

DEM presents coated graphite anode and NMC cathode at EVS26
Move to develop technologies to reduce battery cell cost and improve performance levels

Mobileye unveils innovative safety products at Beijing Car Show
Showcases ‘Intelligent High-Beam Control’ and ‘Speed Limit Indication’ technology.

Valmet Automotive appoints Olli Kerajärvi as VP, quality and supply chain
Grzeskowiak appointed MD, Poland

Getrag reports a record turnover of USD3.9bn in 2011
Anticipates turnover of USD4.2bn in 2012

US road deaths continue to decline, lowest level since 1949
Road deaths fell by 1.7% y/y in 2011

Denso to ramp up Tennessee plant in US for stop/start starters production
Technology helps vehicle to improve fuel efficiency up to 3-5%

Remy International reports 52.7% decline in Q1 FY2012 net income to USD8.7m
Higher restructuring and other charges, and income tax expense hurt company’s earnings

Toyo Tire’s FY2011 net income zooms 8.4% to USD81.5m
Tire Business unit records sales at USD2.9bn

Suppliers to the new Chevrolet Malibu
Car cutaway for the new Chevrolet Malibu

Rheinmetall to launch KSPG IPO in first half of this year
Company could sell 50% stake in IPO; remain majority shareholder

Continental to recruit 5,000 employees in China by end-2012
Company’s total employees to increase to 20,000 in the country

Samsung, Qualcomm and partners form ‘Alliance for Wireless Power’
Alliance to expand commercialistion of wireless technology

Autoliv develops new seatbelt concept
New two-point belt to feature on Renault Twizy

Daido Steel to double low-on-rare-earth magnet production in China – report
Estimates sales of such magnets to generate USD125m by 2015

Toyota continues plan to localize all high volume North American vehicle production
Automaker might export US manufactured models

Apollo Tyres mulls constructing new facility in Asia – report
Plans to grow international business considerably by 2016

Hyundai ends Kefico auto electronics JV with Bosch
Automaker to gain sole ownership of the business

Suzuki to recall 109,000 Swifts subcompacts globally to repair fuel-leakage defect
About half of the total recall will be in Japan

Federal-Mogul develops 2D ultrasonic testing process to create new-generation of pistons
Helps customer achieve CO2 reduction of up to 30%

Skoda India to invest USD56m in localisation
Production capacity to be raised at Aurangabad

Magellan launches new RoadMate range of portable automobile navigation systems
Features landmark guidance, traffic camera alerts and parking database

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 7TH MAY 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Eberspächer appoints Thomas Waldhier as head of Exhaust Technology division
Waldhier replaces Heinrich Baumann

Wescast net income declines 77% to USD318,000 in Q1 2012
Witnessed low sales in Europe

Continental names Xavier Pujol as head of HEV business unit
Executive replaces José A. Avila

Denso to set up motor manufacturing plant in India
Facility expected to be operational by July 2013

Ningbo Shuanglin to invest USD48m in Liuzhou plant
Facility to cater to Liuzhou GM Wuling

Ford to source local parts worth USD800m annually for new Thai plant, Honda resumes car deliveries
Purchasing budget to help Ford achieve minimum localisation requirement set by ASEAN

BMW and Hyundai in talks over collaboration for developing new engines—report
German carmaker continues to look for new alliances to keep development costs low

Delphi to showcase wireless EV charging system at EVS26
Supplier to also demonstrate other products such as sound generators and battery controllers

Meritor announces senior management changes
Appointments effective from June 2012

US Carmakers, suppliers frame guidelines to test nylon 12
Alternatives may curb shortage of the material post fire at Evonik plant

Chrysler recalls 119,072 vehicles over antilock brake and stability control issues
Recall includes 2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers

Amerigon moves into black in Q1 2012, reports USD2.7m profits
W.E.T. contributes USD100m to Q1 revenues

BMW to recall over 24,300 vehicles in US to check fault with emissions system
Recalls include 21,600 3 Series sedans and 2,740 X5 and X6 crossover SUVs

Ford opens new USD450m plant in Thailand
Maintains country as production base to serve growing vehicle demand in ASEAN

Saint Gobain Q1 FY2012 sales up 3.7% y/y to USD13.4bn
Sales growth driven by North American market

LANXESS expands production capacity at butyl rubber plant in Belgium
Builds two new pilot plants to develop production technology

Stoneridge appoints Kevin Kramer as Vice-President
Kramer succeeds Mark Tervalon

Manual transmissions show signs of life in US market for Q1
Account for 6.5% of all new vehicles sold in US in Q1 2012

ITW net income down 22% y/y to USD486m in Q1 2012
Sales increase 6% to USD4.5bn

Bosch concludes agreement to buy stake in Chery JV
JV to establish Bosch Automotive Instrument R&D centre in Wuhu

Suppliers to the new Mini Coupe
Car cutaway for the new Mini Coupe

Lear net income declines 14% y/y to USD134m in Q1 FY2012
Full year sales expected to be between USD13.8bn and 14.3bn

Continental's Q1 net profit rises 31% y/y to USD431m
Company aims to reduce indebtedness under USD8.6bn in FY2012

KSPG Group announces new business structure
Company makes management changes

Dow Automotive to introduce new cavity sealing solution
BETAFOAM™ Renue can provide mass savings of up to 3%

Miba records 35.6% y/y rise in sales to USD779m in FY2011-12
Plans expansion in China, US and India

Fuel Systems Solutions slips into losses in Q1 2012, sales up 7% y/y
Expects increased aftermarket demand from European market

Tower International reports net loss of USD0.2m in Q1 FY2012
Raises outlook for full year expecting better growth during the remaining part of the year

SGL Group net profit drops 5% y/y to USD18.8m in Q1 FY2012
Company expects sales and EBIT to improve in 2012

Bosch to invest USD55.6m for capacity expansion at Nashik plant in India
Ramping up diesel engine component capacity to meet surging demand

Renault-Samsung Launches 360-Degree Technology for SM7 sedan
System features four small, wide-angle cameras

Valeo shareholder criticises strategy again
Company needs to add around 68% to its value, according to Pardus

Faurecia moves to become the largest interiors supplier in North America
Purchase of Ford’s Saline-based interiors business shows the importance of the U.S. to their strategy

Rogers sales fall 10% y/y to USD121m in Q1 FY2012
Appointed Helen Zhang as President of Asia region

Cooper Tire net income rises 37.5% to USD22m in Q1 2012
Company sales increased by 9.1% in Q1 2012

Meritor profit increases 17.6% y/y to USD20m in Q2 2012
Sales decrease 1.4% y/y to USD1.16bn

Microchip Technology signs agreement to acquire Standard Microsystems
Deal expected to close by third quarter of 2012

Commercial Vehicle Group net income up more than threefold to USD12m in Q1 FY2012
Company continue to benefit from recovery in commercial trucks demand in North America

US government warns higher fuel economy to cost USD57bn in lost fuel tax revenue
Highway trust that funds road repairs may be impacted

Faurecia to acquire Automotive Components Holdings’ interior components business in US
Transition expected to be completed by 1 June this year 

Visteon reports net loss of USD29m in Q1 2012
Expects full year product sales to be in the range USD6.6bn to USD7bn

Cummins to acquire Hilite International’s SCR doser technology
Acquisition expected to close in Q3 2012

Faurecia reports sales of USD5.7bn in Q1 2012
Company confirms its outlook for FY2012

Magna’s EYERIS electronic vision system features on 2012 Opel Insignia
System increases vehicle and pedestrian safety

Three more Chrysler plants have summer shutdown canceled
Move to meet increasing demand

HOERBIGER announces three automotive innovations
Company to supply hydraulic power units for Mercedes SL’s convertible roof

Hyundai to offer throttle override capability on all US vehicles from May this year
Initiative to boost Hyundai’s image in providing critical vehicle safety

Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën recalls 63,301 C5 models in China
Company to repair faulty bolt in the affected vehicles

Fallbrook develops variable speed supercharger drive with CVP technology
Supercharger provides better performance and speed

Japanese firms close to commercialising rare earth-free SR motors – report
SR motors manufacturing costs 30% less than conventional ones

BASF acquires polyamide polymer business from Mazzaferro Group
Company to take over polymer operations at the São Bernardo do Campo plant in Brazil

Honda starts second shift at Swindon, UK plant
Production forecast to double to 180,000 units in 2012

Hyundai adds third shift to Alabama plant; aims to boost capacity by 20,000 units
Automaker to add 877 workers in September

Ford adds third shift at Cleveland engine plant to meet EcoBoost V6 engines’ demand
Company tripling production to meet growing demand for fuel-efficient engines

Stoneridge revenues rise 36% y/y to USD262m in Q1 2012
Net income rises almost twofold to USD5.8m

Cummins Q1 2012 net income surges 33% to USD455m
Engine sales up 20%

TRW net earnings decline 26.6% y/y to USD206m in Q1 of FY2012
Company expects increased volumes in North America and Europe in FY2012

Flextronics net income dips 12.6% to USD521m in FY2011-12; sales improve by 3%
Fourth quarter net income up 16% to USD156.7m

Volkswagen to offer SiriusXM Traffic subscription on MY2013 vehicles in US
Models include Passat, Tiguan and Touareg SUV

Sona Koyo Q4 FY2011-12 profits up 67.4% y/y to USD225m
Company gains from increased demand from automakers

Sirius earnings up 38% y/y to USD107.7m in Q1 FY2012
Company upbeat on raising 2012 subscriber growth from 1.3million to 1.5million on rising auto sales

Ford to resume production as CMI Industrial strikes deal
Supplier to get back factory possession

Trelleborg inaugurates sealing solution facility in India
Company plans to open another facility in India in September this year

Tenneco net income falls 36% y/y in Q1 2012 to USD30m
Sales increase on higher OE light vehicle production

Harman Q3 FY2011-12 net income up more than four times to USD173m
Sales increase on increased demand in luxury automotive segment

Brief strike at Dakkota Intergrated Systems halts Chrysler minivan production for several hours
CAW contract talks to start in the third quarter

TRW launches new product in ESC systems family
Product launched across Europe, North America, South America and Asia

M&M to set up plant in Uttarakhand in India
Aims to invest USD560m in the facility; seeks 200 acres for supplier units

CTS to supply pedal modules, EGR parts to Asian automakers
Contracts to add USD17m to total revenues over five-year period

Hella, Emicol partner to manufacture electronics in Brazil
Operations will take place at Emicol’s Eletro Eletronica facility in Sao Paulo

European Parliament members call for mandatory vehicle emergency system
Proposal to be discussed in Parliament in July

Mazda, Sollers agree on JV to manufacture passenger cars for Russian market
Initial production set at 50,000 units

Fujitsu Semiconductor to transfer ownership of Iwate plant to Denso
Transfer expected to be completed by 1 October this year

Hankook Tire Q1 2012 operating profit grows 21.5% y/y
Sales grew by 17.2% in the quarter

US DoT issues discussion document for connected vehicles 01 May 2012
Document holds guidelines ensuring road safety and uniformity across standards

Toyota plans to begin Prius production in US by 2015—report
Yet to finalise location; scouting for local suppliers to source hybrid drivetain components

CTS Q1 2012 profits decline 55% y/y to USD2.2m
Automotive sensor and actuator sales grow 4% y/y

Oerlikon EBIT grows 43% y/y to CHF142m in Q1 2012
Expects higher sales and earnings during FY2012

Maruti Suzuki to increase joint sourcing with vendors to cut costs
Ramp up diesel engine capacity to 400,000 units a year

Hella develops electronic system for monitoring lithium-ion batteries
Electronic system enables safe and reliable operations of batteries in Hybrid and EVs

Superior Industries’ net income falls 16% y/y to USD6.7m in Q1 FY2012
Revenues increase by 6.8% to USD202m

Autoliv revenues rise 3.3% y/y to USD2.1bn in Q1 2012
Net income fell 44.4% to USD101.4m

Troubled Australian supplier CMI Industrial under administration, stops Ford production
Plant supplies suspension parts to Ford's Broadmeadows assembly plant, Geelong engine plant

GM names former Dell exec Mary Chan to head infotainment efforts
Chan replaces Linda Marshall

American Axle net income increases 36% to USD51.2m in Q1 2012
Benefitted from increased production volumes across product programs, improved capacity utilisation

ZF Q1 2012 sales up 17% y/y
Company’s operating profit rises 25% to EUR850m in FY 2011

Alps Electric net income dips 63% to JPY4.1bn in FY2011-12; sees FY2012-13 sales at JPY565bn
Company appoints Masataka Kataoka as Chairman

Boulder Ionics completes USD4.3m Series A financing
Proceeds to be used to build pilot production plant for electrochemical-grade ionic liquids

Goodyear sales up 2% y/y to USD5.5bn in Q1 FY2012
Reports USD11m net loss for the quarter

DTS to supply BYD with automotive audio systems
BYD is the supplier’s first domestic Chinese automotive customer

Evonik offers polyamide 12 substitutes
Measure to restore resin product shortage caused by fire at the company’s plant

Mitsubishi Electric net income declines 10% y/y to JPY112bn in FY2012
Electronic devices sales rise 14% as automotive power module orders grow

Madison Dearborn Partners completes Schrader International acquisition
Transaction value is USD505m

Bosch China sees automotive sales rise 7% y/y to CNY24.9bn
Company gains from continuous investment in the region

Bosch may not reach 2012 financial targets on raw material rises
Expects sales growth of 3-5% in 2012

BASF sales rise 6% y/y to USD20bn in Q1 2012
Net income falls 28% to 1.7bn

Aisin Seiki's FY 2011/12 net profit down 20.3%
Company’s sales grow marginally

Hyundai Mobis Q1 2012 net profit up 17.2% y/y to KRW938.2bn
Bottom line benefitted from increased sales of auto parts and modules

GM plans to continue efforts to eliminate landfill waste
Presently operates 81 zero-landfill plants

Bosch India expands capacity for components for diesel vehicles
Decision in response to growing demand for diesel cars in India

BYD's Q1 net profit plunges 90% y/y; H1 earnings likely to drop by up to 95% y/y
Company faces slow growth in Chinese market

Suppliers and OEMs fast track solution to resin shortages as early as next week
Fire at a single Evonik plant has highlighted the fragility of certain links in the global component supply chain

Hankook seeks regulatory approval for corporate split
Restructuring expected to be completed by September 2012

NEC net loss deepens to JPY110bn in FY2011-12
Company’s sales dip 2.5%

SUPPLIERBUSINESS WEEKLY INSIGHT - 30TH APRIL 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Obituary: Dan Knott
The former Chrysler purchasing chief turned around the company’s relationship with suppliers

GM Thailand to add third shift at Rayong plant in Thailand to ramp up Chevrolet Colorado production
Increased output to meet strong export demand

Suzuki breaks ground on new USD13m vehicle plant in Vietnam
New plant to commence operations next year

MRF net profit soars 67% to INR1.5bn in Q2 FY2011-12
Reports 26% increase in net sales

WABCO net profit falls 22% y/y to USD89.2m in Q1 2012
Revenues decline by 3% to USD657.3m

Continental develops engine management system, new electronic module for EVs
Offers more lightweight and smaller solutions

Fiat to double Chinese capacity in 2014
To begin production of Viaggio sedan in June

Omron FY2011 profits shrink 38% to JPY16bn
Net sales increase marginally

NXP reports losses of USD24m in Q1 2012
Sales decrease 9.6% y/y to USD978m during the quarter

BorgWarner’s net profit increases 26% y/y to USD158m in Q1 2012
Net sales increased 11% to USD1.9bn

Ford, Mazda to invest USD27m in Thai pick-up truck JV to boost output
To increase production capacity of pick-up truck to 140,000 units

ZF starts steering systems production plant in Pune
Investment totals more than USD60m

Panasonic develops millimeter-wave radar system to prevent collisions at intersections
System can work at night or in rain

Maxwell net income more than doubles to USD504m in Q1 2012
Revenues rise across all product segments

Denso net income declines 37% to JPY89.3bn in FY2011-12
Announces mid-term policy with sales projection of JPY4trn by 2016

Teijin develops aramid nanofiber for lithium-ion batteries
Will be used as nonwoven sheet for separators in lithium-ion batteries

BASF acquires lithium-ion battery component maker Novolyte Technologies
Deal to strengthen company’s battery material technologies

Sensata Technologies to separate role of CEO and Chairman
Tom Wroe to continue as Chairman, Martha Sullivan to be appointed new CEO

Strattec Security Q3 FY2011-12 net zooms to USD2.7m
Recorded strong growth in sales to the Detroit Three

Indian tyremakers plan to raise truck and bus radial tyre capacity on better demand
Radialisation is expected to grow rapidly once it crosses 25%

Dana reports net profit of USD62m in Q1 2012
Reports increased sales from all segments

Nexteer develops electronic architecture for EPS
Plans to start production in 2013

Delphi develops high-pressure heavy-duty common rail systems
Expands family of OCS sealed, unsealed connectors and terminals

Ingress to supply door sash parts for new Honda models in Malaysia
Total contract value is RM26.6m

Kongsberg Automotive reports Q1 sales of EUR267m; net profit down 23%
Earnings impacted by operational issues in Driveline segment

Kasai Kogyo forms JV with Teck See Plastic to manufacture automotive interior parts
Both companies will jointly invest MYR5m in the JV

TomTom revenues fall 12% y/y to EUR233m in Q1 2012
Reports net loss of EUR1.5m; Company anticipates full-year revenue at EUR1.1bn

Delphi's new air-conditioning system to increase range in hybrid, electric vehicles
Driving range could improve by up to 10% in low to mid-range temperatures

Kirchhoff Automotive opens first plant in Romania
Plant scheduled to begin operations by mid-May this year

UQM develops PowerPhase HD 220 electric propulsion system for CVs
Product to be built in Colorado facility

Nesscap Energy 2011 losses deepen, even as revenues increase 17%
Reports decline in sales in US, other regions show improvements

Tyre demand in China to grow slow, says Bridgestone
Demand expected to decline to 7.5-8% for commercial vehicle tyres

Ricardo appoints David McShane as vice-president, business development in US
Will handle company’s North American business

Enova Systems to sell USD3.4m of common stock to Lincoln Park Capital Fund
Proceeds to be used in funding current operations, pursue company’s business goals

Bosch to acquire majority share in Chery JV
Supplier aims to cater to local car makers in China

Brembo opens production plant in China
Plant to produce six million brake discs a year at full capacity

BorgWarner to supply transmissions for FAW’s Hongqi
Model expected to be launched by late 2013

GKN opens new plant in China
Produce four million sideshafts by 2017

Google in talks with automakers, suppliers over self-driving car technology—report
May make an announcement as soon as next year as to when it may offer the technology

DRB-Hicom set to delist Proton, assures it will keep vendor network intact—report
No existing supplier to be "cut out" from the vendor program

IHS SupplierBusiness Analysis - Issue 3, 2012
The new look IHS SupplierBusiness Analysis, available now

Faurecia constructs new Chinese plant to supply CAPSA

Brazil to extend tax incentives for suppliers

Johnson Controls wins USD5.5m battery contract

Ford and Dow to develop inexpensive Carbon Fibre

Freudenberg to build new production line in Taiwan

Visteon opens new radiator plant in China

Magna Seating investing USD5.6m in Serbia

Supplier Profile: Valeo

Valeo supplies
A sample of models to which Valeo supplies parts

Interview: Derek De Bono, Group Product Marketing Director – Valeo
SupplierBusiness met up with Derek De Bono, Group Product Marketing Director of Valeo  at the Geneva show.

Suppliers to the new Peugeot 208
Car cutaway for the new new Peugeot 208

Interview: Jerome Micheron, Project Manager, new Peugeot 208
Interview with Jerome Micheron, Project Manager, new Peugeot 208

The Great North American Ramp-up of 2012
Suppliers now believe they can face up to the challenge of rapidly increasing demand

Interview: Matteo Tiraboschi, Chief Financial Officer – Brembo
Interview with Matteo Tiraboschi, Chief Financial Officer – Brembo

Latest Managerial Appointments
Latest management changes for 2012

Latest investments
Latest investments for 2012

Latest Joint Ventures
Latest joint ventures for 2012

Latest Mergers and Acquisitions
Latest mergers and acquisitions

Samvardhan Motherson Finance to launch IPO
To raise INR16.5bn

Delphi records net income of USD342m in Q1 2012
Reports 11% sales decline in South America

LANXESS opens a new formalin plant in Germany
Company invests EUR18m for the plant

Protean joins hands with auto companies for global production of electric drive motors
Strategic relationships to aid company in expediting in-wheel electric drive systems to market

Valeo revenues rise 14% to EUR3bn in Q1 2012
China records highest sales growth

Ford facing slowdown over supplier problems in Australia
Supplier CMI Industrial stops production, may go into administration

Freescale develops Qorivva microcontroller to improve powertrain performance
MCU can be used on ICUs, hybrid systems and transmission systems

Hyundai extends low-cost loan initiatives to suppliers
Company to extend aid worth USD526m to its subcontractors

Johnson Controls appoints Brian Kessler as COO of Power Solution business
Will also be responsible for Continuous Improvement, Business Process and Quality functions

Automakers close to finalising resin substitute
Likely to finalise new testing standards next week

Federal-Mogul net income dips 37% to USD32m in Q1 2012
Company expects continued demand for powertrain and vehicle technologies in 2012

Nidec to invest JPY10bn in manufacturing plant in India to produce motors
Plant to become operational in December 2013

Nidec reports 23.5% decline in Q4 FY 2011-12 net income to JPY9.1bn
Expects strong recovery in FY2012-13

Fifth supplier agrees to guilty plea in price-fixing scheme
Fujikura agrees in US District Court in Detroit to pay USD20m fine

Michelin sales increase 5% in Q1 2012
Company plans capital expenditure of EUR1.9m in 2012

Ticona working on alternative material options to deal with Nylon-12 shortage
Company’s Hostaform®/Celcon® acetal copolymer and Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide could be used to produce fuel and other automotive components

Eaton Q1 2012 net income grows 8% to USD311m
Company expects 5% growth in each operating region in 2012

India’s Greaves Cotton diversifies to supply diesel engines to passenger cars, commercial vehicles
Company approached passenger carmakers to supply engines

Samsung Electronics, Hynix to manufacture semiconductors for Hyundai vehicles in Korea
Automaker will focus on chip design

STMicroelectronics reports net loss of USD176m in Q1 2012
Company anticipates growth in all product segments in Q2

Protean to exhibit in-wheel motor drive system in BRABUS Hybrid at SAE World Congress
System can improve fuel economy by up to 30%

Sibur-Russian Tire changes name to Cordiant
Decision effective from 3 April 2012

Novelis announces three senior appointments
Move to complement company’s growth strategy

Denso develops A/C system which controls heating/cooling in three different cabin zones
System enhances fuel efficiency

Fujikura admits bid rigging charges, agrees to pay USD20m in fine – report
Promises to support ongoing investigation

With Dan Knott stepping down, Scott Kunselman holds the future of Chrysler's supplier relations
Purchasing chief rebuilt rapport with parts makers with his straightforward approach; will the upward trend continue

Suppliers to the 2010 Ford Fusion
Car Cutaway for the 2010 Ford Fusion

Resin shortage could hit Europe first, potentially three or four weeks before production is hit
Despite a more positive outlook on Nylon-12 supplies from one source, there is little doubt that the problem is still potentially a serious one for the industry

Raids conducted at NSK and other bearing makers amid price-fixing allegations
Four Japanese suppliers alleged to have colluded to inflate prices of automotive bearings

Honeywell earnings up 16% in Q1 2012
Company witnesses 6% organic growth due to new product introductions and geographic expansion

Ford to invest USD760m in new plant in China's Hangzhou
Plant to have initial production capacity of 250,000 units per annum

Azure Dynamics provides update on restructuring status
Secures DIP financing of up to USD4m

Honda to invest USD560m in Chinese expansion
Japanese automaker will invest in expanding its Guangzhou Honda Automobile plant in China

Ferrari displays HY-KERS 2012 hybrid powertrain
New powertrain improves performance by 10% and reduces emissions by 40%

Evonik held groundbreaking of hydrogen peroxide facility in China
Production to begin from end-2013

MAHLE reports 30.5% increase in net income to USD304.9m in FY 2011
Full year sales increased 14% to EUR6bn

HARMAN wins USD500m worth infotainment orders from three OEMs in India and China
Contracts support company’s plan to focus on BRIC countries

Goodyear refinances its US credit facilities
Extension to make company free of term debt repayments until 2019

Hankook Tire mulls spinning-off non-core operations
Company will file another disclosure in a month’s time

Valeo’s LED headlamps to power Citroen’s Number 9 concept car
Concept showcased at 2012 Beijing Motor Show

Alcoa records net income of USD94m in Q1 2012
Company’s productivity and business volumes improved from Q4 2011

Johnson Controls posts net income of USD364m in Q2 2012; sales up 4%
Company expects third quarter earnings to increase about 20% from Q3 2011

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 23RD APRIL 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

BMW Japan to recall nearly 50,000 vehicles spanning 17 models
Company to recall models manufactured between March 2003 and April 2010

DuPont net income increases 4% to USD1.48bn in Q1 2012
Sales in developing markets up 15%

Freescale reports USD9m net loss in Q1 2012; sales decline by 20% y/y
Company expects Q2 sales between USD975m and U1.02bn

SKF net profit falls 17% y/y to SEK1.34bn in Q1 2012
Company restructures its business into three new units

Trelleborg Q1 2012 net income grows 18% y/y to USD75m
Automotive sales up 10%

CSR opens Automotive Systems Development and Applications centre in Germany
Centre to offer in-vehicle testing and validation services

Sogefi Q1 2012 net income up 37.5% y/y to EUR9.2m
Systèmes Moteurs acquisition boost company’s topline growth despite slowdown in auto markets

DuPont expects more demand for its polymers owing to resins shortage
Company has three polymers which could be an alternative in some automotive applications

PPG revenues up 6% y/y to USD3.75bn in Q1 2012
Net income falls 94.2% to USD13m

Bayer introduces lightweight polyurethane system for vehicles
Company claims the new material can reduce component weight by up to 30%

Faurecia, Howa Textile form JV for vehicle interiors in Japan
JV to supply interior components to Nissan globally

Gentex Q1 2012 profits jump by 9% to USD46m
Automotive net sales increase 16% to USD285.7m

Plastic Omnium revenues rise 21.9% y/y to EUR1.19bn in Q1 2012
Company benefitted from strong growth in North America and Asia

Toyota to add second shift at Russian plant
Facility has capacity of 50,000 units

US automakers agree action plan for resin shortage; key Evonik plant out of action for at least three months
The US automotive industry met in Detroit to agree a co-ordinated response to the potential supply shortage of a key resin material used in automotive production

WABCO secures contract worth USD570m in past four quarters
New contracts to contribute to cumulative business from 2012 through 2016

ZF to supply eight-speed automatic transmission to 2013 Ram 150 pick-up truck
Company to supply transmissions under Chrysler’s trademark TorqueFlite 8

Amtel unveils ultra low power transponder for car key applications
Price starts at USD2 for 10,000-piece quantities

Tenneco India to start manufacturing components for CVs by 2015
Company in discussion with Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland

UGN appoints Kenta Shinohara as Vice-President, Sales
Previously worked as Director of business development and strategy

GKN reports 17% gain in profit before tax for Q1 2012
Driveline business sales up by 26%

Asahi Glass starts construction of manufacturing plant in Brazil
Plant to produce automotive glass for 500,000 vehicles annually by 2016

NSK to acquire 10% stake in China-based Gongzhuling Bearing
Supplier aims to double sales in China by 2016

Mercedes-Benz and BMW issue recalls in China
Mercedes recalls to begin from 8 May

Toshiba to retrofit small buses with lithium-ion cells and electric motors—report
Buses to be recharged in just five minutes provided the battery level is at 50%

Nissan’s Japanese auto parts suppliers expanding presence in Mexico―report
Kasai Kogyo, Tachi-S, Yorozu opening new plants next year

LANXESS to open development centre in Hong Kong
Centre will focus on development and testing of high-tech plastics Durethan and Pocan

Garmin opens new offices in China, Germany and Japan
Move to expand presence in automotive space

Bosch closes acquisition of voltwerk electronics
voltwerk to become part of Bosch Power Tec by end-2012

APM receives approval to set up subsidiary in Indonesia
Company to build a manufacturing facility in the country

TRW receives EPB contracts from two North American automakers
System to be integrated in 2013 vehicle model

DoE extends term of UQM’s ARRA grant by two years
Move to help UQM expand capacity, work on new technologies

Dana to close Rochester Hills plant in US by fourth quarter of 2013
Plans to move equipment to St. Clair and Paris facilities in US

Japanese trade regulatory body to file criminal complaint against bearing cartel
Complaint will be filed against NSK, NTN and Nachi-Fujikoshi

Carlyle plans to sell Metaldyne for about USD1bn―report
Appoints Bank of America Merrill Lynch as advisor

Explosion at Evonik factory may have serious knock-on effect for global car production
Disruption to production of a vital chemical shows the fragility of some of the links in the global automotive component supply chain

Solvay, Rhodia to combine their R&D centres in China
Merged R&D expected to create synergies and help its customers in the region

NSG appoints Keiji Yoshikawa as CEO
Replaces outgoing CEO Craig Naylor

Magna E-Car Systems inaugurates plant in Michigan to manufacture EV, hybrid vehicle parts
Company utilized USD28m of the USD40m grant received from US DoE to set up the plant

Great Wall consolidates holdings in three component JVs
Company agrees to purchase additional equity in the JVs

Hankook to equip BMW 3 Series with Ventus S1 tyres
Tyres offer enhanced grip level and low-rolling resistance

Ford 350 class 3 truck to feature HPEV’s parallel hybrid conversion system
HPEV starts delivery of sub-assemblies and components of system

Honda, Japan Metals to extract rare earth metals from used NiMH batteries
Batteries to be collected from global Honda dealers

Toyota proposes new Indian diesel engine plant—report
Investment approved for new casting and machining plant in Karnataka

Lithium-ion battery packs for EVs record 14% price drop in 2011 – report
Prices expected to fall to USD150 per kilowatt-hour by 2030

Hyundai to disclose plans for Indian diesel engine plant in two weeks—report
Increases diesel engine sourcing from South Korea to meet high demand in India

BorgWarner supplies TOD transfer case for Ford Australia's new Territory SUV
Supported by electronic unit and software, TOD is expected to improve safety, comfort and traction

Johnson Controls begins seating systems production at new facility in Hungary
Plant supplies to Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Freudenberg to set up new production line in Taiwan
Construction is expected to be completed in 2013

Fiat supplier PMC Automotive gets loan from World Bank for Serbia plant
Supplier’s metal-stamping factory to supply parts to Fiat

SGL acquires 86% stake in Portuguese company Fisipe
Final purchase price expected to be in the range of EUR25m

Asahi Tec, Guangzhou Dongling to form JV for large-size ductile components
Plans investment of CNY100m

Resin shortage likely to affect production of brake, fuel components, says TI Automotive
Shortage due to a blast in Evonik Industries’ plant

GM plans to recall 50,000 crossovers to fix flaw in windshield wiper
Recalls confined to selected regions subjected to heavy snowfall

Suppliers optimistic, with the U.S/Canada seen as the growth highlight of the next twelve months
The SupplierBusiness Automotive Barometer suggests suppliers are in a positive mood

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 16TH April 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Suppliers to the new Opel Zafira
Car cutaway for the new Opel Zafira

Eaton to expand engine valves capacity in Germany
Investment to double annual output of valves

Fujitsu appoints Satoru Yamaguchi as President and CEO
Appointment effective from 2 April 2012

Bayer to acquire Arkema’s polycarbonate sheet business in US
Acquisition expected to be finalised in May this year

Toyota to recall 70,000 cars over potential engine failure risk
Vehicles being recalled were produced between December 1996 and December 2001

Promens sells four business units to AAIC
All units located in France; make technical components for passenger car industry

Ford announces partnership with Dow to develop inexpensive carbon fibre
Aims to reduce 250-750lbs vehicle weight by 2020

Nemak signs agreement to acquire JL French Automotive Casting
Deal is subject to regulatory approvals

DoE extends A123’s federal grant by two years
Company has now until 2 December 2014 to use the grant

Gestamp to invest USD100m for stamping operations in West Virginia
Plans to create 700 jobs

Accuride to expand aluminium wheel production in South Carolina
Plans to invest nearly USD9m to add new machine lines

Dow Automotive develops new glass coating for automotive applications
Offers good adhesion to glass and polyurethane adhesives

Nexen to supply tyres to Fiat vehicles
Fiat’s Multipla to be fitted with Nexen's high performance CP671 tyre

BASF to build INR10bn chemical plant in India
Operations scheduled to start in 2014

Lear to acquire automotive fabrics supplier Guilford Mills
Deal expected to close by second quarter of 2012

Borealis to provide interior and exterior aesthetic material for Fiat Panda
Products to be manufacture by Magneti Marelli

Toyota Boshoku begins construction of Tajimi Technical Centre in Japan
Construction to be completed by March 2014

Novelis to set up automotive sheet manufacturing facility in China
Plant to become operational in late 2014

DoE issues USD30m funding opportunity for advanced energy storage system development
Move to iron out issues related with battery safety and life

Gentex to supply SmartBeam lighting assist system for 2013 Ford Taurus
System to feature on Limited and SHO models

Johnson Controls wins USD5.5m battery contract
Project to focus on improving energy density while reducing cost, mass and volume

Chrysler to offer wireless personal electronics chargers in New 2013 Dart
Technology being explored for wirelessly charging EVs also

NHTSA asks Cooper Tire, PT Multistrada to recall tyres
Two brands of PT Multistrada and one of Cooper affected

India’s automakers association works on vehicle recall policy
Policy is expected to be finalise in next few months

Bosch names Mike Mansuetti as President, North America
Mansuetti will replace Werner Struth

Oerlikon Graziano restructures operations in Italy
Plans to close operations at Garessio plant by end-2012

Suppliers to the new Nissan Versa
Car cutaway for the new Nissan Versa

Wescast reports net loss of CAD4.6m in FY2011-12
Secures contract worth CAD125m

Iteris starts production of first vehicle detection sensor
Detects traffic functions by combining video, radar technologies

Chery to build industrial park to house suppliers in Brazil
Automaker aims 65% national content for cars in Brazil to escape IPI tax

Mazda to transform CV engine plant to produce parts for fuel-efficient engines
To invest JPY30bn to expand engine assembly lines

Denso to expand technical centre in China
Company to invest JPY7.2bn by March 2014

Ford recalls 140,310 Focus cars in US
NHTSA says no recall for Ford E-series switches

MOBIS develops adaptive front lighting system
System features in Kia Motors’ K9 model; also develops high beam assistance technology

Enova delivers electric drive systems to Optare
Buses to be deployed in Europe and North America

Imported Buick Enclaves recalled
Models produced between January 2010 and March 2012 affected

Visteon opens new radiator plant in China
Plant will have annual production capacity of 500,000 units by 2013

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 10 APRIL 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Magneti Marelli’s move into China part of a number measures by Fiat
Moves into the growing market will help offset very weak European sales

ADVICS to set up two production companies in India
Facilities to start operations in 2013

Toyota opens office in California for research on in-vehicle entertainment systems
Add 150 new jobs in 2012

Caparo Group to double profits from Indian operations to INR5bn by 2013
Group to focus on production ramp up, cost cutting

Chrysler recalls 1,700 vehicles over faulty gas tank valves
Recall includes Compass Jeeps and Patriot SUVs

Brazil to extend tax incentives for companies sourcing more auto parts from country
Automakers required to invest in R&D efforts

Toyota India plans INR5bn investment in engine plant
Production capacity to increase to 100,000 units annually

Sabic breaks ground on USD100m technology centre in Shanghai
Centre to house automotive innovation hub; to be operational by 2013

Fiat India in talks with automakers to supply diesel engines
Company curently talking with Premier

Nissan to use Intel microprocessors for in-car entertainment
2013 models to feature Intel chips

India extends anti-dumping duty on non-radial tyre imports from Thailand and China for another six months
Also extends anti-dumping duty on import of flat base steel wheels from China till 27 March 2013

Ford and PSA to end collaboration on large diesel powertrains
Both firms will now independently develop large diesel engines

Toyota to begin SUV assembly operations in Egypt
Vehicle will be assembled at a plant owned by Arab American Vehicle

PKC Group announces management changes
Matti Hyytiäinen is new President & CEO

Honda develops new CVT for midsize vehicles
Step WGN and Step WGN Spada to first feature the product

Axion Power reports USD8.3m loss in FY2011
Revenue increased to USD7.6m during the year

Leoni confirms production plants in China, Vietnam
To invest USD20m-USD28.9m in plants

Harman to supply Aha infotainment systems for Acura RLX
System will feature on Acura RLX 2013 models

Pirelli to supply tyres to Chrysler’s 2013 SRT Viper and Viper GTS
Tyres come with improved overall performance

NXP Semiconductors to acquire Dutch electronic design company Catena Group
Catena to operate as separate company post acquisition

Magneti Marelli forms powertrain component JV with Changchun Fudi
Companies to invest EUR14m to establish the JV

Cooper-Standard acquires EDC Automotive
Acquisition adds to thermal management capabilities

Dunlop India plans to reopen West Bengal plant
Seeks stay on order appointing provisional liquidator

MOBIS introduces new navigation system for cars
Embedded navigation systems unit sales higher than mount-type

Styrolution supplies ASA/PA blend for Renault’s Zoe interior parts
Material possesses superior UV stability

G.S. Electech to plead guilty for wire harness price-fixing
Supplier to pay USD2.75m as criminal fine

ITT shows EV charging connector at eCarTec show in France
Connector provides full-charging solution in four hours or less

Honda, Changan Ford Mazda issue recalls
Marks third recall for Honda this year

Garmin equips 2013 Suzuki models with infotainment systems
System will be featured in selected Suzuki models

Continental develops second-generation long-distance tyres for trucks
Provides better handling, wet grip, steering performance

Audi uses new material from Styron Automotive in Q3 for interior components
New product helps design lightweight, robust and durable components

KSPG’s subsidiary Pierburg and Mikuni set up Chinese JV
Company to manufacture pumps in Shanghai

Phostech Lithium starts carbon coated lithium iron phosphate plant
Canadian facility to create 50 new jobs

Hyundai Heavy Industries, Magna E-Car Systems form JV for lithium-ion batteries
Focus on engineering, development and testing activities of battery pack technologies for EVs

ThyssenKrupp close to selling two automotive units—report
Move to reduce debt burden

US DoT grants USD13.1m for fuel cell bus program
Move to accelerate process of getting fuel cell buses into commercial space

Actuator Solutions acquires Alfemier's SMA actuators business
Deal worth EUR3.7m

Infineon launches 650V CoolMOS CFDA
New solution offers easy control of switching behaviour

Bridgestone to invest USD20m in new manufacturing facility in Guangdong
Production to start in second- half of 2013

TRW develops touchpad technology for automotive industry
Technology to be production ready this year

Suppliers to the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Car cutaway for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

Gentex to construct USD100m manufacturing complex in Michigan
Investment expected to create 960 new jobs

NHTSA opens engine fire investigations into Chevrolet Cruze, Jeep Wrangler
Investigation covers 177,000 Cruze, 100,000 Jeep Wrangler models

Continental develops EVPowerAPP to allow EVs to be remotely charged via smartphones
Provides solutions to boost range of EVs

Bosch appoints Volkmar Denner as new CEO
Outgoing CEO Franz Fehrenbach to head the company’s supervisory board

Honda recalls 554,000 SUVs in US over faulty wiring in headlights
Company to notify owners this month

Ener 1 emerges from bankruptcy
Infused USD86m of new equity

Vietnam considers special incentives for upcoming auto engine plant
Proposed incentives include tax exemption for first four years

Denso executive’s prison sentence a reminder of the penalties of price fixing
Nohiro Imai’s one year and one day sentence and $20,000 fine

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 2nd April 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Continental upgrades sensors in blind spot detection system
Detects cars, motorcycles and bicycles within 35 meters range

Court rules against Fiat for anti-union practices at Magnetti Marelli plant
Union had challenged automaker's new labour contract at the suppliers plants that asked for longer shifts and shorter breakes

Akron city to buy Bridgestone’s old technical centre for USD5m
Tyremaker to open new technical centre in the US city on 11 April

Faurecia, NHK Spring JV to expand in China, US
Expects to reach sales of EUE1bn by 2015

Ford increases engine production in Canada; adds new shift
Increased capacity to support higher demand of Ford’s F Series pickup trucks in Canada, US

Meidensha, Sumitomo Electric co-develop compact automobile capacitor—report
Product delivers better power storage and output capacity

Continental invests EUR134m to expand tyre plant in China
Annual production to increase to eight million tyres

Amerigon announces three new Vice-presidents
New positions to help company’s global growth

GM Korea announces recall of Alpheon sedans
Headlights positioned too high, affect visibility of other drivers

IAC appoints James K. Kamsickas as CEO
Appointment effective 15 April 2012

Chrysler CEO criticises DoE ATVM program, says denied loans mean fewer jobs
Company fails to secure USD3.5bn from the department

Thai auto parts plants expected to resume full capacity in Q2 this year
Nearly 200 previously flooded plants already resumed production, operating at 60% of capacity

Amerigon names Stephen C. Davis as Chief Technology Officer
Appointment effective immediately

Yokohama Rubber to set up car tyre plant in India
Plans investment of JPY4.4bn

Rhodia to use Evolite™ with Faurecia to develop seat components
Company showcases the product at JEC Composites Show

Grede acquires assets of Virginia Casting Industries
Acquisition strengthens company’s presence in foundry for automotive industry

CODA Automotive abandons plans to build battery plant in Ohio – report
Lack of government funds affects business

Voestalpine restructures business divisions
Changes effective from 1 April 2012

Continental starts tyre facility construction in South Carolina
Production to begin from early 2014

New Audi A3 features Preh climate control system
Meet OEMs’ requirement for maximum comfort and ease of operation

Korea-Turkey FTA to increase South Korean presence in Turkey's auto industry
Agreement to eliminate tariffs on automobiles and auto parts; to be finalised by June

Intertek invests EUR3m to expand EV components testing capabilities in Germany
Expanded facility expected to begin operations in July 2012

Ford steps up research on green vehicle technologies at Michigan engineering centre
Plans to triple production of hybrid, plug-in and electric cars this year, from 2011

Maruti to reduce Gurgaon plant output to 500,000 cars per year by 2015
Company intends to use the facility for manufacturing engines and components

NGK Spark Plug raises FY2011-12 group net profit forecast
Company to boost production capacity of ceramic parts by 15%

Johnson Controls forms JV with Pricol to manufacture auto parts
To supply instrument clusters for Renault-Nissan’s Duster

Hyundai, Samsung to start mass production of new LED headlamp
Headlamp to be supplied to Kia for its new K9 sedan

SABIC, CK Technologies, Volvo Trucks develop injection-molded roof fairing for trucks
Product will feature on 2013 Volvo heavy-duty trucks

BorgWarner appoints new CFO, COO
Promotes current CFO Robin Adams as new Vice-chairman

GM to launch new safety technologies on 2013 model Cadillacs
System includes Haptic Safety Alert Seat

Azure Dynamics files for bankruptcy protection in Canada
Company lays off 120 employees

US DoE grants more than USD5m to lower fuel cell systems’ cost
Move to accelerate commercialisation with continuous research and development

Zoltek partners Magna to develop low-cost carbon fibre sheeting moulding compounds
Lightweight Carbon fibre SMC will be sold under EpicBlendSMC EB CFS-Z brand name

BMW and Toyota extend alliance with battery research program
Companies have already begun research

Toyota plans to increase production capacity for RAV4 in Canada
Capacity expansion to create 400 new jobs at the Japanese automaker’s Woodstock plant

BMW to recall 1.3 million cars over battery connection issue
Recall applies to BMW’s 5 and 6 series vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2010

Texas Instruments launches 16-bit delta-sigma ADC for automotive applications
Converter useful for battery monitoring in hybrid and EVs

Volkswagen uses Trexel’s MuCell process for Golf 7’s instrument panel
Automaker working on other MuCell applications

Amerigon supplies Climate Control Seat® to 2012 KIA K9 Cadenza in South Korea
System offered in both front and rear seats

SAIC, Opel jointly develop engines
To be produced in China, Hungary

High court passes order for liquidation of Dunlop India’s assets
Indian tyremaker to appeal against the order

A123 launches USD55m program to replace battery packs containing defective cells
Fisker Karma responds with customer care program entailing battery replacement

Denso executive agrees to guilty plea in ongoing price-fixing case
Agrees to pay USD20,000 in fine and serve just over one year in prison

Brose reports sales of EUR4bn in FY2011
Anticipates 10% increase in FY2012 sales

Cooper Tire inaugurates tyre facility in Serbia
Facility to employ 400 people

GM, Porsche issue recalls for steering and fuel leak issues
GM recalls 6,159 heavy duty vehicles; Porsche recalls 1,232 vehicles

Hankook to supply tyres for Daimler trucks
Company will supply for Daimler’s Freightliner, Cascadia and Coronado models

GM announces USD7.5m investment in Flint engine plant
Expansion expected to be completed in September 2013

Tenneco names Timothy Jackson as Executive Vice-President for technology, strategy & business development
Jackson served as CTO to the company previously

Kongsberg Automotive gets EUR36.5m contract from global OEM
To supply gear shift cables; program to begin from April 2013

Martinrea reports 19% increase in net income for Q4 2011
Acquisition of Honsel contributes significantly to revenues

BASF, partners develop thermoplastic parts with steel cord reinforcement
Ensures structural integrity of injection molded part in crash

AvtoVAZ to begin Renault-Nissan engine production in 2014
French-Japanese alliance considering acquiring majority stake in the Russian automaker

Lear plans to invest USD19.6m for seating facility in Alabama
Employ 150 people by 2014

Opel/Vauxhall's new small gasoline engine to debut in Junior minicar at Paris auto show
GM and SAIC developing the engines together

Autoneum swings back to profits in 2011 despite flat sales
The erstwhile business unit of Reiter refrains from giving any financial outlook

Ford India starts construction for upcoming plant in Gujarat
Plant expected to produce 270,000 engines annually

TÜV Rheinland, Booz Allen Hamilton to support US DoT project for connected vehicles
Companies to support development of International standards on connected vehicle technologies

US DoE to award up to USD14.2m for lightweight materials development
Applications for solicitation due 7 May 2012

Maruti to invest INR26bn in India for new diesel plant and stepping up R&D
INR17bn to be invested in diesel plant

Tenneco announces new senior credit facility worth USD1.1bn
New credit facility improves the company’s financial flexibility

Volvo, Honda to recall vehicles in China
Recalls to begin from 31 March

Aisin Seiki to build new plant in Tianjin
Facility to start operations in 2014

Indian Budget provides sops to micro, small and medium auto component sector; promotes R&D
No additional tax on diesels expected to push up the sale of these vehicles

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 26TH MARCH 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download

Continental to supply second-generation head-up display for BMW 3 Series
Reduces size, weight of unit

Sumitomo Electric to establish JV for cutting tools in Indonesia
Company to start operations from April 2013

WABCO to supply twin-cylinder air compressor technology to US-based truck manufacturer
Truck-manufacturer to become third major customer in US

MOBIS expanding presence in emerging economies
Opens branch in India to tap local car manufacturers

WABCO highlights advanced transmissions automation technology at MATS, US
Company showcases products including single-piston air disc braking technology

Sumitomo Electric to build new plant for automotive wiring harness in Indonesia
Plant will be established at existing facility in Java

BorgWarner supplies two-speed transfer cases for Ford F-150
Technology will feature on 2012 Ford F-150 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models

Thai Board of Investment to lure Japanese battery-makers to set Up plants in Thailand
To discuss policy, investment conditions for EV batteries

LANXESS Q4 FY2011 net profit down 80% to EUR5m
Full year net profit rises 34% to EUR506m

ALTe installs range-extended electric powertrain in Ford E350
Company aims to launch in spring 2013 in US

Dana to introduce Spicer SelecTTrac housing option on Pro-40 tandem axle
Technology will be showcased in Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville

WABCO to present new functions for trailer remote diagnostics at SITL in Paris
Technology to help trailer fleet management; additional functions to reduce maintenance costs

HOERBIGER to continue operations at Penzberg plant
Company fails to find an investor to provide ‘corresponding guarantees’

NDRC approves CFMA engine plant expansion
Plant to see total investment of USD546.5m

Daimler Trucks North America introduces Detroit™ Transmission
Company now offers complete powertrain package, including axles and engines

WABCO announces availability of new IVTM™ technology in North America
Showcases ECAS technology at Mid-America Trucking show 

Meritor unveils ‘FUELite’ tandem axle at Mid-America Trucking Show
Company reaffirms FY2012 outlook; expects sales of USD4.8bn

Denso to acquire 3D business unit of I-Net
Acquisition to be completed by 1 April 2012

U-blox net income rises 27.8% y/y to about USD18m in FY2011
Expects net sales of around USD170m in FY2012

Forecast will not change as auto sales slow in China, says Continental
Company sees auto sales growth at 5% in China this year

WABCO subsidiary to remanufacture air conditioning compressors for US automaker
Company gets ISO certifications for developing environmental management systems

Tokyo Steel to increase domestic output of hot-rolled steel sheets
Resumes exports to steel processors in China, Middle East

Draexlmaier starts recruitment for new auto parts plant in Macedonia
Company expected to recruit over 4,000 people for the plant

Teijin to inaugurate technical centre for automotive applications in Michigan
Centre to develop applications for carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic

Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki close to finalising new diesel engine plants in India
Car makers to take a final call in a month or two

Aura develops 10kW hybrid auxiliary power unit
Product expected to be available in second quarter of 2012

Faurecia begins construction of new plant in China
Facility to start production this year

JSW Steel sees increased auto steel production with new plant in India
Plant to become operation in 15 to 18 months

IHS SupplierBusiness Analysis - Issue 2, 2012
The new look IHS SupplierBusiness Analysis, available now

Schaeffler net income dips 16% to EUR149m in Q4 2011; full year profit up
Expects more than 5% sales growth in FY2012

Delphi expands family of connection systems
New connectors offer 28% mass reduction compared with traditional designs

Freescale develops single-chip microcontroller for instrument clusters
Samples available for company’s customers

Amtek India raises INR6.5bn through FCCBs
Proceeds to fund company’s acquisitions and capital expenditure

Proton planning to export newly developed Campro CFE engine
Company to market engine in China, India, Middle East

LANXESS showcases new products for hybrids and EVs at VDI, Germany
Products feature company’s nylon composite sheet hybrid technology

Hankook Tire expects to increase price by 5% in 2012 to offset high costs of rubber- report
Increased price to help tyremaker post better results

Supplier Profile: Johnson Controls
Investment in China and increasing dominance in EV batteries will help JCI through a tough year

Johnson Controls Supplies
A sample of models to which JCI supplies parts

Suppliers to the new Buick Verano
Car cutaway for the new Buick Verano

Questions and Answers:Hugh Blaxill, Managing Director at MAHLE Powertrain LLC
Interview with Hugh Blaxill, Managing Director at MAHLE Powertrain LLC

At long last, lenders are looking favorably on suppliers again
With top-line revenue increasing, banks see parts makers as more creditworthy. Now the question is how to staff up for a big year.

Questions and Answers with Mr. Rahul Bharti - Head (Corporate Planning & Investor Relations) – Maruti Suzuki
Interview with Mr. Rahul Bharti - Head (Corporate Planning & Investor Relations) – Maruti Suzuki

Latest supplier investments
Latest supplier investments for 2012

Latest Joint Ventures
Latest Joint Ventures for 2012

Latest mergers and acquisitions
Latest mergers and acquisitions for 2012

Latest Management Changes
Latest Management Changes for 2012

Honeywell confirms increase to turbocharger production in China to over 3 million

Aisin Seiki plans to increase overseas sales share to 50% by 2020

TRW develops second generation Airbag ECUs

Conti invests 6% of 2012 sales

Schaeffler places loans as part of refinancing effort

 

Bosch Diesel invests CNY1.6 Bil in China

Faurecia’s CEO voices doubts over French automakers’ moves upmarket

Valeo anticipating continued growth in 2012

Trelleborg uses TPE materials to manufacture automotive seals
Improves sealing reliability, reduces weight

Kia suspends US production for two days after supplier fire
Plant to resume production on 21 March

WABCO names Nikhil Varty as Vice-President of Americas, M&A
Michael Thompson assumes Nikhil’s previous assignment

US-South Korea FTA to affect auto exports from Japan
Trade agreement to make vehicle exports from South Korea to the US market more competitive

Ricardo signs MoU with China’s Weifang Shengrui for future product development projects
The companies previously collaborated for development of eight-speed automatic transmission

LANXESS to exhibit range of flame retardants and additives at UTECH Europe in Netherlands
Strengthens company’s commitment to automotive sector

Bosch may dissolve battery JV with Samsung
Companies disagree over future strategy

South Carolina offers USD7.6m incentive to Michelin for expansion
Incentives granted for infrastructure development

Freescale and FAW form technological partnership
Companies to establish research and development lab in China

US sets punitive duties on Chinese steel wheels
Final decisions are expected to be made by the US on Tuesday

Go-Ahead, Williams Hybrid Power partner to develop flywheel energy storage system for buses
Companies to produce six prototype buses retrofitted with hybrid flywheel system

Subaru recalls 320,000 Foresters over faulty rear seat belts
Recall affects model year 2009 to 2012 vehicles

Hyundai awards USD100,000 contract to Washington University lab for EV battery research
Lab to incorporate electrochemical code in battery management system

NHTSA asks Hyundai to recall 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid on seat belt flaw
Automaker files petition against recall

India exempts lithium-ion batteries from custom duties
Excise duty on batteries and certain parts reduced from 10% to 6%

Hyundai-Kia sells 10% stake in auto parts manufacturer Hyundai Wia
Shares bought mainly by foreign investors

Honda to expand use of new 1.6L diesel engines in European vehicle line-up—report
Expects lighter and Euro 6-compliant engine to strengthen its sales in Europe

Bridgestone launches research to develop sustainable source of natural rubber
Rubber production to begin in 2015

Suzuki to recall 45,754 Swift subcompact in Japan over fuel leak risk
Also recalling about 47,000 exported vehicles

Bridgestone wins IPR case against Chinese tyre maker
Beijing court issues damage payment order to Guangming Tyre Group

Higher excise duty will hit struggling auto component industry in India, says ACMA
Special funding for MSME and extension of weighted deduction of 200% of expenditure on R&D to help the local component industry

Bosch Diesel to invest CNY1.6bn in new China plant
Facility to be built in two phases; to produce diesel fuel injectors

China’s CITIC to build USD190m tyre plant in Uzbekistan
Plant to have annual production capacity of 1.5 million standard tyres

Conviction of counterfeit turbocharger manufacturer in China illustrates the challenge suppliers have protecting their intellectual property and profits
Even with increasing scrutiny from the Chinese government, suppliers and automakers must play cat and mouse with counterfeiters

SUPPLIERBUSINESS INSIGHT WEEKLY - 19TH MARCH 2012
All the week's news stories in a single download