GLG News by Brake and Friction Components Experts

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Can the Genral Motors Volt meet the expectations?

April 17, 2008

Analysis of:Volt plug-in hybrid is 'No. 1 priority,' GM says | www.msnbc.msn.com

General Motors has been exploring and developing alternative drivetrains for many years. These designs have not yet reached the stage of commercial viability for a variety of reasons. However recent events such as increased fuel prices, tougher fuel economy regulations, increased public concerns for the environment, concerns with dependence on foreign oil dependence have raised the level of these efforts. The introduction of the Volt concept car with its projected battery powered range, and backup gasoline engine "range extender" has fired up public enthusiasm. This could be a break through vehicle for GM if they can pull it off. It really depends on the viability of the lithium-ion battery pack.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Department of Justice is Accurate in the Ruling of Sirius/XM Merger - No Problem

April 8, 2008

Analysis of:DOJ Approves XM, Sirius Merger | www.pcmag.com

The merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio providers will not be a competitive threat to terrestrial radio or HD radio. Other competitive alternatives for the listeners ear will mean more entertainment choices in the future for those seeking audio entertainment. Sirius and XM need to fully market and develop satellite video as an alternative in mobile broadband development of video receiving capabilities.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

SiRF Results are Aligned with Predictions of the Future of the PND Product and Market

March 31, 2008

Analysis of:SiRF Lowers Q1 Rev Outlook; to Cut 7pct Jobs | www.reuters.com

SiRF sites significantly lower sales of chips for PND devices manufactured by TomTom and Garmin. This Tier One supplier to the PND OEM's is a accurate sign of the future market for these devices. The PND product will be hit by a double whammy in the next few years. Those market factors are a reduction in consumer spending on PND's and a higher value content in automotive OEM navigation and infotainment equipment.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

With Porsche's Takeover of Volkswagen, What Will Be the Expected Changes That We Should See In Our Next Porsche or Volkswagen?

March 4, 2008

Analysis of:Porsche to Get Majority of Volkswagen | www.autonews.com

Porsche's takeover of Volkswagen should result in improvements for both companies. Porsche will have access to a much larger base of research and development capital for future Porsche models, will have access to Volkswagen distribution network and supplier base, and will certainly see financial benefits as a result. Volkswagen should benefit from Porsche's Marketing and Sales strengths for the Audi and Volkswagen brands, Porsche's manufacturing model and quality model, and will be able to spread research and development costs over a broader range of product.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

FLIR's Infrared Technology is More Than Just a Bright Ligh in the Dark

February 25, 2008

Analysis of:FLIR Q4 Profit Up, sees FY08 Results Above Market View | www.reuters.com

Infrared technology, as developed by FLIR, is a technology that is suited for demands of future military, commercial, and thermography needs. So the expectations of future growth are indeed realistic. The technology supports security, safety, and efficiency, all of which are growing demands for the military, for vehicle applications, and for facility maintenance worldwide. And key partnerships are paving the way for FLIR to meet the volume of product this demand stream will require.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

The Momentum of Development in the Navigation Device Market is Towards Convergence of Capability in a Common Device

February 13, 2008

Analysis of:World News: Convergence or Confusion in the Navigation Device Market | www.telematicsupdate.com

What is actually happening in the telematics, computing, and telecommunication seems to points towards a convergence of applications in single devices. The future relationship of the portable device industry whether PND, cellular phone, and PDA will also be impacted by and will impact what is happening in infotainment in the automotive OEM's. There is currently a large magnitude of collaboration among electronic device suppliers, semiconductor manufacturers, software providers, and automotive OEM's as the vehicle continues to move towards being another node on the computing and telecommunications network.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Is it too late for GM and Ford to commit to becoming truly global companies?

January 21, 2008

Analysis of:GM See 75% of Sales Oversea, Maybe | www.247wallst.com

GM may be in a better position to become a truly global automotive OEM, where as Ford may be too late. Much of the global potential for both of these companies will be determined by the segment that they target for sales and for volume growth. Finally, key alliances with other automotive OEM's will be necessary. No matter, GM and Ford will both have a very difficult time being profitable global players.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Will Tata-Ford Recognize Where It Should be Hands-On Versus Where it Should be Hands-Off?

January 8, 2008

Analysis of:Tata-Ford, will they kill Jaguar and Rover Brands? | www.247wallst.com

Jaguar and Rover have a very distinct brand identity that could be easily corrupted or destroyed by the wrong direction and decisions regarding manufacturing, technology, and marketing. Also, in order to maintain pace with other premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus, Tata will have to invest in R&D, technology,and supplier partnerships that have not been part of the operations of Tata.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Certain Technology, Content, and Market Growth are Gurantees for 2008

December 19, 2007

Analysis of:What Lies Ahead For Auto Industry In The New Year? | online.wsj.com

Predicting which model or brand will be hot is difficult for anyone to do on the micro scale. Predicting which technologies, trends, and markets will see growth and penetration on the macro scale is less difficult to do. Astute investors will look for the strongest players in certain segments.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

The future for Suppliers of Semiconductors, ECU, MCU, Sensors, and Software is Better than a Gold Rush as Virtual, Computing, and Electronic Content in Automobiles is a Sure Bet

December 17, 2007

Analysis of:On Semiconductor to Buy Amis for 915 mln in stock | www.reuters.com

    Semiconductor suppliers are on the forefront of an innovation and content wave that will continue to flood the automotive market.      The total content per car will continue to grow, along with the total number of automobiles per capita will grow, especially in emerging markets sure as India and China.     Infotainment, personalization, fuel economy demands, and passive / active safety content will be the drivers of this technological flood.     The On Semiconductor move is a smart play, as access to the markets, access to innovation, and as support of capital investment in research and design become even more important.

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