Mr. Jeff Moser

GLG News by Mr. Jeff Moser, President

GLG News is now G+ Insights

G+ is a community for professionals, academics and entrepreneurs to connect through online discussions and in-person meetings. You will continue to see G+ Insights (formerly GLG News) here as well as on the G+ website, where you can share and discuss the G+ Insights you read.

Suppliers writing a new Chapter (11) in Detroit's history

February 21, 2008

Analysis of:Chrysler can't retrieve Plastech equipment | money.cnn.com

A bankruptcy court has denied Chrysler the right to pull tooling from  Plastech which filed for Chapter 11 protection after negotiations fell apart.  This new found bargaining chip may prove valuable to other Tier suppliers as they continue to be squeezed between rising material costs and shrinking parts prices.  Will more Tier suppliers look to the courts for relief as they seek to regroup under fire from customers, investors, and creditors?

Detroit Redux: Big 3 to re-integrate supply chain?

February 18, 2008

Analysis of:Ford to do more parts in-house | www.freep.com

As automotive Tier suppliers struggle to survive in today's brutal cost environment the OEMs are threatened with supply disruptions due to bankruptcies and volatile price negotiations.  With new contract terms that cut new UAW hires' wages  in half and reduce oppressive retiree legacy costs, Detroit is looking at insourcing more component production.  After decades of outsourcing the tide may turn and see a reintegration of the automotive manufacturing supply chain.

Chrysler and Plastech: make up and break up

February 11, 2008

Analysis of:Chrysler CEO says it will replace Plastech as part supplier | www.mlive.com

Raw material costs for metals and plastics are squeezing profits out of Tier suppliers in the auto industry.  Locked in to firm part price contracts with OEMs, suppliers cannot pass on rising commodity costs to stay profitable.  The cash drain has forced many into bankruptcy and presents strategic supply chain issues for the domestic OEMs.

Plastech files bankruptcy: 'Nuclear Option' shuts down Chrysler

February 5, 2008

Analysis of:Chrysler closes plants in dispute with supplier | www.reuters.com

US Automotive Tier suppliers have been squeezed between rising material costs and unrelenting pressure from OEMs to lower prices.  As more major Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers seek bankruptcy protection OEMs must consider drastic changes in long term supply chain management to ensure their industry's future.   The weak Dollar, Just-in-time inventory, and cheap offshore parts sourcing are all key forces driving the supply base toward an uncertain future.

Clean Diesel cars now available - but high performance comes at a cost

January 23, 2008

Analysis of:Emission Control Technologies for Diesel Powered Vehicles | www.meca.org

Automotive OEMs are scrambling to introduce new diesel models that offer the needed 35 mpg while meeting the same strict emissions standards as the gas powered competition.  Advanced emission control technologies make modern diesel cars as clean as gas while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing fuel economy.  These emission controls come at a cost and consumers must compare cost/benefit vs. hybrids and E85 options.

Demand for emissions control catalysts will keep Platinum near record highs

January 17, 2008

Analysis of:More marques anticipate greater demand for diesel cars | www.platinum.matthey.com

Production disruptions in South African mines coupled with growing demand for diesel emission control catalysts has pushed Platinum over $1500.  As supply side mine production issues are resolved demand should continue to grow due to tighter emission regulations and increased diesel penetration in Europe and, most notably, the US auto markets.  Many automotive OEMs have committed to plans for new diesel launches, all of which will require significant Platinum content in the exhaust emission control catalyst system.

Options abound for tomorrow's Green car market

January 15, 2008

Analysis of:Buyers want cleaner cars, without sacrifices | www.detnews.com

Consumers desire fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles but most are unwilling to pay the sticker price premium for advanced technologies.  Automakers have many options including hybrids, E85, diesels, and advanced Direct-Injection gasoline powertrains.  Alternative powertrians should double in share in 4 years; segmentation across the various engine technologies may follow existing geographic and demographic boundaries.

 

How big will diesels get in US car market?

January 4, 2008

Analysis of:Big 3 go after diesel market | www.detnews.com

Converging forces of high oil prices, increased CAFE mpg regulations, and looming EPA CO2 emissions standards will provide fertile ground to grow diesel market share in the US passenger vehicle market.

Can Diesel Trump Ethanol as America's Future Fuel?

November 22, 2007

Analysis of:Diesels, Hybrids Much Better Than Ethanol Fueled Cars on Social Benefits | www.dieselforum.org

High fuel prices, Greenhouse Gas emissions, and pending CAFE mpg increases are increasing focus on advanced powertrains and fuels for the US light vehicle market.   While Ethanol fuel [E85] is a step in the right direction it may not be cost-effective vs. other options including hybrids and diesel engines.  Hybrids may be the most efficient in certain conditions but lower cost and better performance may tip the scales in favor of advanced light duty diesel engines.

SCR needs may tilt balance of 2010 US truck market

November 7, 2007

Analysis of:International Truck and Engine to comply with 2010 emissions standards without SCR | www.thetrucker.com

In 2010 EPA regulations significantly reduce allowable NOx emissions from diesel truck engines.   To date Selective Catalytic Reduction [SCR] is the only proven solution for compliance with the tighter NOx emission regulations.  Cummins and International have announced plans to go without costly SCR systems in 2010 but have not disclosed the use of credits which allows this interim maneuver. 

Give Cummins 'Credit' for 2010 engine strategy

October 5, 2007

Analysis of:Cummins announces engine technology for 2010 | www.dieselnet.com

Cummins Engine has announced that their 2010 Heavy Duty diesel truck engines will not use Selective Catalytic Reduction [SCR] to control NOx emissions.   This is a significant competitive advantage if the competition [CAT, Daimler, etc.] cannot meet 2010 EPA NOx emissions regulations without SCR.  SCR adds significant cost, weight, and complexity to heavy trucks; fleet customers would certainly pay a premium for non-SCR engines.  Analysis of Cummins' approach however shows that their strategy depends on the use of 'banked' paper emissions credits and not breakthrough engine technology.

Biodiesel boom driven by perfect storm of converging free market and regulatory forces

September 26, 2007

Analysis of:Biodiesel boom heads to Wall Street | money.cnn.com

Investment in new biodiesel capacity continues to increase with the market this year expected to exceed $1 Billion.  With investment in conventional petroleum refining capacity lagging biodiesel appears to be poised to capitalize on tight supply.  As more diesel vehicle options are offered to American consumers the demand for diesel fuel should continue to drive investment in increased investment.

Coal-to-Liquid Catch 22: Government price guarantees or free market investment?

September 20, 2007

Analysis of:Big Coal Tries to Recruit Military to Kindle a Market | online.wsj.com

Capital investment in large scale CTL plants is unlikely without firm commercial commitments for fuels produced from coal.  To resolve this impasse Government price guarantees and/or subsidies could be bundled into military supply contracts.  Justification for this could be argued on national security grounds; i.e. ensuring domestic supplies of fuel for military needs.

HCCI - is this promising advanced engine technology ready for prime time?

September 4, 2007

Analysis of:GM HCCI Technology | www.technologynewsdaily.com

The regulatory drivers of increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions are channeling major R&D investment in HCCI engine technology worldwide.   Coupled with consumer demand for higher mpg vehicles due to $3 - $4 U.S. gasoline prices OEMs are scrambling to maximize the efficiency of all new engines.  If perfected HCCI could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of advanced emission control systems. GM recently demonstrated a prototype HCCI gasoline engine with advertised 15% fuel efficiency gains but admitted it is several years away from production.

Is Coal-to-Liquid a feasible alternative to crude refining for low sulfur diesel fuel?

August 23, 2007

Analysis of:As US diesel demand grows, coal offers alternative to limited crude refining capacity | www.oemoffhighway.com

High fuel prices, limits on CO2 emissions,  and >30 mpg truck/SUV CAFE standards will likely drive more of the US vehicle market to diesel engines.  With stringent emission controls on diesel engines already requiring Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ULSD] US refining capacity is already constrained.   A major shift from gas to ULSD fuel demand could outstrip available refining capacity and limit the growth of automotive diesels.   Seasonal demand for home heating oil also may crimp supply of ULSD for motor vehicle use. Coal-to-Liquid [CTL] technology offers the prospect for sulfur-free diesel fuel without disrupting the current US crude refining infrastructure.

Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel is proven effective and safe

July 9, 2007

Analysis of:Low sulphur | www.railwaygazette.com

The use of Low and Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel fuel has been proven safe and effective in real world field use in passenger vehicles and heavy duty trucks.  There are some known issues with fuel system lubricity, especially in older engines, but proper maintenance protocol will minimize any impact on fleet operations.  Transit fleet locomotives are centrally maintained making compliance with scheduled service specs much easier.

Emissions regulations will drive Platinum and Palladium demand

June 26, 2007

Analysis of:Mitsubishi Materials, Furuya Metal to co-develop recycling technology for platinum group metals | metalsplace.com

Emissions from diesel engines will be progressively restricted over the next 10 years worldwide leading to continued demand growth for Platinum.  Recent advances in diesel catalyst technology have enabled the substitution of Pd in place of ~20% - 25% of the Pt.  On gasoline engines it is easier to interchange Pt and Pd in combination with Rhodium [Rh.]

Energy Bill: CAFE standards will drive growth of diesel engines in the US automotive market

June 22, 2007

Analysis of:Energy Bill Faces Battle | online.wsj.com

The combined effects of CAFE standards >30 mpg, high fuel prices >$3 - $4 per gallon, and pending EPA restrictions on CO2 greenhouse gas emissions will create strong drivers for significantly more fuel efficient engines in the US automotive market.  Diesel engines are up to 30% more fuel efficient than gasoline, emit comparably less CO2, and offer the performance and durability desired by the American consumer market.  The US passenger vehicle market could see significant growth in diesel engine penetration by 2012 - 2020; European markets are already >50% diesel today.

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