GLG News by Brake and Friction Components Experts

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

What has happened to Tesla Motor's Eberhard is indicative of the struggle of creating a viable plug-in hybrid and a warning to others to be careful before you commit.

December 11, 2007

Analysis of:Tesla ousts co-founder Eberhard: PRICEY ROADSTER'S DELIVERY DELAYS LEAD TO HIS EXIT | origin.mercurynews.com

Tesla Motors struggles to develop a viable plug-in hybrid in indicative of deeper issues that have yet to be resolved with plug-in hybrid technology, specifically battery technology. The OEM's who are committing to a plug-in hybrid should be very careful in the commitments made to this product technology.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

A Turkey in Every Pot and A Plug-in Car in Every Drive Way

December 7, 2007

Analysis of:GM sees "Showdown" with Toyota on electric car | www.reuters.com

The dependence on foreign oil and the still debatable impact of vehicles on carbon contribution to the environment are both political realities that will drive automotive companies to develop alternative modes to propel vehicles. Whether this will be fuel cell hydrogen, partial to full hybrids, or plug in hybrids is not a decision that will be made in the next 5 to 10 years, it is simply too early to determine the true path. And the pitfalls are many for the proposed technologies without siginificant leaps in technological innovation and infrastructure decisions.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Is Volkswagen Ready to Pull the Trigger on A Second Entry to Manufacturing Entry In the US?

December 3, 2007

Analysis of:Volkswagen Eyes U.S. Plant Decision in '08 | www.reuters.com

In order to grow sales in the US, and to hedge against the Euro/Dollar Volkswagen will re-enter the American manufacturing arena. The possiblity is very strong that such a facility would be a flexible site capable of producing Volkswagen, Audi, and possibly Porsche product. With a strong supplier base in the American South, it is a good bet that the plant site would be in a location to take advantage of Tier One and Two suppliers already servicing the German and Asian transplants.

Dennis ProfittConsultantDennis Profitt

Nardelli is listening to his supply base! Is Mulally at Ford?

November 9, 2007

Analysis of:Chrysler Plans to Reassign Purchasing Executive | online.wsj.com

In the short time Robert Nardelli has been at Chrysler, he has sent very powerful signals to the dealership body, the employees, and now to the supply base as well.  He may not be an auto guy but he moves quickly and listens.  The hiring of Jim Press from Toyota was a shot heard round the world for the dealership body and employees.  Now,Chrysler's Purchasing which has treated its suppliers like the enemy for years is getting shook up.  

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Rapid Growth has lead to problems for Toyota

November 8, 2007

Analysis of:Toyota Needs Skid Control | www.forbes.com

This interesting article by Jerry Flint, a respected automotive commentator, summarizes a number of recent events that taken together present a troubling problem for Toyota. As Mr. Flint points out, it not the end of the world, but it does indicate that the mighty Toyota company can stumble in its businesses just as other manufacturers. The quality image that has been so important to its rapid growth may be tarnished by these developments.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

The Global Insight prediction is accurate, outside of the required investment.

October 22, 2007

Analysis of:Congress Wants Green Trucks. Do Buyers? | www.businessweek.com

The use of diesel technolgy, combined with turbocharging to maintain horsepower and torque, will become more common place. The combination of regenerative technology and smart cylinder deactivation will be utilized to a greater extent. The use of battery technology as a supplement and not as a stnad alone power source will be the reality.

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Does Ford really have a brighter future than General Motoers?

October 16, 2007

Analysis of:CORRECT: GM cut at Bear Stearns, Ford preferred | www.marketwatch.com

The decision by Bear Sterns to recommend Ford Motor Company over General Motors seems very misguided to me. Ford is literally just beginning its turn around efforts and they may not save the company. General Moors has already taken many steps of cost reduction and new product introductions and moreover is investing in many new powertrain technologies for coming years that Ford will find difficult if not impossible to duplicate. I expect GM to benefit and Ford to suffer as a result.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Harman Has a Future Beyond Premium Audio

September 24, 2007

Analysis of:Harman Has a Future Beyond Premium Audio | www.financialweek.com

Harman International is not a one dimensional company. As automotive electronic content, especially infotainment and computing related, continues to grow, Harman has the potential to exploit software and video know-how and product.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Diesel Offers a Potential Stop Gap if the Infrastruture Supports it.

September 21, 2007

Analysis of:European Carmakers Bet That the U.S. is Ready for Diesel | www.nytimes.com

Diesel Technology can provide significant increases in fuel economy. Diesel in combination with hybrid technology is a natural part of the progression towards altentive fuels. The OEMs and Tier suppliers will continue to exploit technologies that will allow incremental improvements in fuel economy until truly viable energy alternatives are in place.

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Bad Decision at Ford?

September 14, 2007

Analysis of:Volvo ReCharge concept plugs into hybrids | www.autonews.com

Volvo has shown a concept hybrid powertrain in a modified C30 vehicle, quite similar to the design that General Motors showed earlier this year at the North American Automotive show in Detroit. This technology when fully developed will be able to substantially improve fuel economy and drastically reduce vehicle emissions. However this appears to be a Volvo effort and is not part of a wider Ford Motor Car Company program.

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