http://www.supplierbusiness.com/analysis_news.asp SupplierBusiness's monthly Analysis newsletter provides in-depth discussion of recent developments in the automotive supplier industry worldwide. It is written for senior executives interested in trends and issues for the international supplier industry. en-uk Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT Wed, 16 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/analysis_news.asp 5 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16759 French automotive supplier firm Faurecia has begun construction of a new plant in Dongguan in China's southern Guangdong province. According to a company press release, the new plant began construction on 1 March at a 20,000-square-metre site. The plant will house facilities for Faurecia's Interior Systems, Automotive Seating and Emissions Control Technologies. Production will begin by the end of this year, the company says. The new site will produce components for the new joint venture (JV) between Changan and PSA Peugeot-Citroën in China, known as Changan PSA Automobile (CAPSA), the supplier company says. Faurecia has also begun construction of a new plant in Yancheng in China's Jiangsu province which will be up and running in mid-2013. The plant covers 22,000 square metres and will produce automotive seat mechanisms. Construction began at the end of 2011 at the plant in Yancheng Economic Technical Development Zone. Faurecia China president Jean-Michel Vallin commented: "This event marks an important stage in Faurecia's strategy of increasing its share of the Chinese and export markets for seat mechanisms." Faurecia initially announced plans for this USD42-million plant in July 2011. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16759 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16760 Brazil has announced a new plan, for the automotive industry players, for the period 2013-2017, according to a news release on the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade website. Under the new plan, automakers will be eligible for industrialised products tax (IPI) rebate of up to 30%, depending upon the level of local sourcing. As the local sourcing content will increase, the IPI level will decline. Further, companies which will invest in engineering and R&D efforts in Brazil can get an additional rebate of 2%. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16760 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16761 Battery supplier Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) has reportedly won a USD5.48-million contract to continue development of lithium-ion battery technology, with a specific focus on improving energy density while reducing cost, mass, and volume. The grant comes from the US Advanced Battery Consortium, is co-funded by the US Department of Energy and JCI itself, and is meant to finish work begun by previous contracts between JCI and the consortium. Work will be conducted at JCI's Battery Technology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, or at the company's plant in Holland, Michigan. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16761 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16762 Ford and Dow Automotive have announced a joint venture (JV) to research and develop methods for mass-producing inexpensive carbon fibre vehicle components. The move is part of Ford's effort to begin a massive rethink of its vehicle engineering, in which it aims to take 250-750 pounds of weight out of its vehicle line-up by 2020. Dow itself does not produce carbon fibre, but has a JV with Turkish producer AKSA; Dow does however produce the epoxy resins that are used to impregnate the fabric and create parts. "Vehicle weight reduction for our customers through intelligent design with a materials focus has been a priority for Dow Automotive Systems," said Florian Schattenmann, director of Research and Development for Dow Automotive Systems. "This partnership with Ford on carbon fiber composites is a logical next step to progress already achieved through the use of lightweight, high-strength polymers and structural bonding technology." Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16762 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16763 Freudenberg Far Eastern Spunweb, a joint venture (JV) between Freudenberg Group, the Far Eastern New Century Group and Japan Vilene Company, has announced plans to make a double-digit-million investment to set up a new production line for PET spunlaid non-wovens in Tayuan, Taiwan, says Freudenberg's press release. The production is expected to begin within two years. Besides automotive interiors the facility will also serve customers in carpet tiles, filters and construction markets. The new production line is expected to increase total capacity in Taiwan by more than 10,000 tonnes a year, and construction is expected to be completed in 2013. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16763 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16764 Visteon has opened a new plant in Chengdu in China's south-western Sichuan province. The plant, which is owned by FAWER Visteon Climate Control Systems, a joint venture (JV) between Visteon and FAWER, a subsidiary of the FAW Group, will produce radiators for automotive heating, ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC). Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16764 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16765 Magna Seating is planning to establish a car seat cover plant in Belgrade, Serbia, reports Automotive News. The 3,200m2 facility will have a workforce of 132, which will increase to 444 by 2015, Aleksandar Miloradovic, a spokesperson for Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, said in a phone interview. The plant will be spread across an area of 6.6 acres in Odzaci, Belgrade, that has been provided by the local authorities to drive FDI in the country. The company may receive government incentives ranging from EUR4,000 to EUR10,000 per job created, Miloradovic said. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year with a total investment of EUR5.64m (USD7.4m) while the total cost estimation is around EUR2.86m. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16765 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16766 Valeo is the world's leading manufacturer of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. In terms of market, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accounted for 85% of Valeo's total sales, with aftermarket contributing the remaining 13% in 2011 while 2% were Miscellaneous sales. As a business group, Visibility Systems accounted for 23.3% of net sales in 2011. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16766 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16767 A sample of models to which Valeo supplies parts Peugeot 5008• ALTERNATORS• CLUTCH• DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL• ENGINE COOLING• FANS/FAN SHROUDS• FRONT LIGHTS• RADIATOR• RWS• SENSOR Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16767 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16768 Perhaps to start with you could tell me about the areas of innovation that Valeo are working in at the moment? We are focused on future technologies and growth in emerging countries and Asia. We are definitely developing products that will reduce CO2 emissions and we are seeing what we can do to grow our business with the OEMs, especially in the Asian market. On top of that we are also looking intelligent vehicle technology, smart driving technology - everything around driving assistance such as automated parking, full visibility and object detection systems. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16768 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16769 ABC GROUP HVAC Centre and Lateral Duct Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16769 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16770 Tell me about the innovations on the 208, how it differs from the 207 and explain more about the technology? The first one is the size of the car. That has been reduced by 7cm compared with 207. We reduced the size of the car on the front bumper by 6cm, but we kept all the cabin space [of the] 207. The capacity of the boot has been increased in comparison with 207 with 15 litres additional space on 208 compared with 207 and we also managed to improve the roominess at the second row with thinner seats. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16770 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16771 The surprisingly fast pace of sales and production growth in the U.S. auto industry this spring has suppliers striving to keep up. But they are managing to do so and are increasingly confident that they can sustain the momentum, at least through this summer. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16771 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16772 How do you expect the balance of revenues between Passenger Car, Motorbikes, Commercial Vehicles, Racing Cars, Passive Safety and Miscellaneous to change in the next two years? We will probably see an increase in the percentage of car-related business. As we saw from the market in the third quarter of 2011, the global light vehicles market showed a 3.1% increase in sales over the third quarter of 2010, with a 4.5% growth for the first nine months of the year compared to the prior year. In this period (the third quarter of 2011), Brembo's net sales of applications for this segment amounted to €208,428, up by 14.9% compared to €181,473 for the same period of the previous year. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16772 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16773 ACCURIDE Corporation has announced the appointment of Gregory A. Risch as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with immediate effect. Risch has already been serving as interim CFO since October 2011. William M. Lasky, Chairman of Corporation's Board of Directors, has decided to step down from his position. Lasky will serve as Chairman of the Board until his current term expires in April this year. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16773 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16774 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16774 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16775 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16775 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16776 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16776 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16688 Faurecia has signed a 50:50 joint-venture (JV) agreement with Howa Textile Industry, according to a Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16688 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16435 JOHNSON CONTROLS'BUSINESS is divided into the following three segments:Automotive Experience manufactures products including seating systems and components; cockpit systems including instrument panels and clusters, information displays and body controllers; overhead systems, including headliners and electronic convenience features; floor consoles; and door systems. Building Efficiency offers integrated control systems, mechanical equipment, services and solutions for non-residential and residential buildings. Power Solutions products comprise batteries including absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology that powers start-stop vehicles; lithium-ion battery technology for hybrid and electric vehicles. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16435 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16436 Mercedes-Benz E-ClassHead RestraintBatteryCentral information displayRear Seat Entertainment DisplaySun visorsHomeLink, the integrated garage door opener Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16436 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16437 3M Surface Treatment [Paint] Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16437 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16438 Hugh Blaxill is the Managing Director at MAHLE Powertrain LLC having previously held senior engineering roles at Mahle Powertrain R&D and Cosworth Technology. Here, in an exclusive conversation with SupplierBusiness, Hugh talks about the role of IC Engines in future transport applications and the engineering challenges these applications will bring. He also talks specifically about Mahle's work on downsizing engines and range extenders. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16438 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16439 As recently as two months ago North American suppliers were still complaining about an inability to obtain the financing needed to expand -- and worried that it threatened to clamp a lid on industry growth in 2012. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16439 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16440 What changes in macro-economic environment in India in the couple of years have affected starting or operating a business? Automotive in specific.Huge fluctuations in macro-economic parameters. With high amplitude and high frequency. Most parameters that affect the industry like fuel prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates and even commodities have shown wild movements. They pose major challenges to both volumes and profit margins and their predictability. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16440 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16441 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16441 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16442 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16442 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16443 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16443 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16444 3M has elected Inge G Thulin as its new President and CEO, effective 24 February 2012. Thulin will succeed George W Buckley, Chairman, President and CEO of the company, who will retire on 1 June this year. Thulin has been serving as COO of the company since May last year. With this appointment he has become a member of the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16444 http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16445 HONEYWELL HAS CONFIRMED to IHS Automotive that it aims to increase production of turbochargers in China by 76.9% as it aims to capture a greater market share. In a statement sent to IHS Automotive, the company says that it will expand turbocharger production in China with its new plant in Wuhan in Hubei province, which is expected to begin production by the end of this year. "The new plant in Wuhan is expected to produce up to 2 million turbochargers per annum at maturity", says the company. Honeywell currently produces turbochargers at a plant in Shanghai with a maximum capacity of 1.3 million turbochargers per year. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.supplierbusiness.com/news_endpoint.asp?id=16445