GLG News by Brake and Friction Components Experts

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Who wants Chrysler?

February 26, 2007

Analysis of:Private equity groups eye Chrysler | www.ft.com

There are many possible automakers that may be interested in acquiring all or parts of Chrysler's operations. Perhaps even a couple of these may make sense and could succeed. However the more likely outcome is that the attractive parts of Chrysler will be sold off and the rest just discarded. A sad ending for a proud company.

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Ford Motor Company is Facing Reality, a Hopeful Sign!

February 5, 2007

Analysis of:Ford Chief Sees Small as Virtue and Necessity | www.nytimes.com

Mr. Alan Mulally, the new CEO at Ford Motor Company, is beginning to make his presence felt in his organization. He is making progress in ending the fiefdom culture that has defined Ford internal politics for decades. That combined with an aggressive restructuring of the product line up may be a real way forward for Ford Motor Company.

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Can the Big3 (or the auto industry as a whole) stop Global Warming?

January 31, 2007

Analysis of:Global warming bound to burn Big 3 | www.detnews.com

The earth is going through a warming cycle that may or may be due to automotive emissions. Despite of the uncertainty, the Big 3 car companies (and the automotive industry as a whole) are under the gun to respond to the problem. This response is already well underway, however there is a difference between technical advancements at an automotive manufacturer and that automaker receiving the public recognition as a result (sales of improved vehicles). New regulations if poorly conceived may inhibit this progress.

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

How can Ford and GM turn around the perceptions of their products?

January 25, 2007

Analysis of:American Perception Problems of the American Auto Industry | www.howtobuyamerican.com

So far the turn around at General Motors and the anticipated (perhaps hoped for is a better description) turn around at Ford Motor company has focused on cost reductions. This has reduced losses at General Motors and may have the same effect at Ford and perhaps at Daimler Chrysler as well. However increased sales is necessary for a return to profitability. And expanding sales and increased market share is necessary for a return to sustained profitability. The obvious approach is to focus on attractive vehicles that have high quality and good reliability. The truth is that these companies have been building vehicles every bit as good as the off shore competition but the public perception is lagging this significant improvement. A satisfactory turn around requires overcoming this hurdle as well. Can Detroit find a way?

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Will the Honda Future Power train plan succeed?

January 19, 2007

Analysis of:Honda's Diesel-Powered Dreams | www.businessweek.com

Honda has announced a plans to introduce Diesel powered vehicles into its smaller vehicles starting in 2010. They are of the opinion that hybrids are better suited to larger vehicles and have consequently chosen to pursue diesel technology. This is about 180 degrees from the plans and actions of other automotive manufacturers. Given Hondas well-deserved reputation for power train engineering and manufacturing, it is to be expected that they will create a product with outstanding technical performance. The question to be answered is will they be able to market it to a consumer that has shown great reluctance to purchase diesel powered automobiles.

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Do more Alliances represent the future of the Automotive industry?

January 8, 2007

Analysis of:Further consolidation expected in auto industry | www.ft.com

It seems to be a popular opinion that forming alliances will solve the problems of troubled automotive companies. Even the industry executives who were asked in a soon to be released survey expect more alliances to develop in the next five years. Many automotive alliances have been tried over the years and most failed to live up to the expectations that were used to initially justify them. I think that alliances between particularly large automotive manufacturers make little sense and I don't expect many to occur in the next five years.

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

General Motors is creating a Flexible Power Train Architecture for Future Hybrid Vehicles

January 8, 2007

Analysis of:All the Technology Needed for 100 M.P.G. (Batteries Not Included) | www.nytimes.com

The new Chevrolet Volt to be shown at the North American International Auto Show illustrates an important strategic move on the part of General Motors Corporation. It signals their intention to embrace new environmentally friendly technologies with important consumer benefits. The power train architecture, demonstrated in the Chevy Volt show vehicle, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption (and airborne pollution) and is flexible enough to accommodate whatever direction future development of power train technology takes. A very smart move on GM’s part!

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Partnership, Partnership, Partnership

January 3, 2007

Analysis of:Ford shares rise on hope Toyota could help on costs | news.yahoo.com

The Automotive industry alliance rumors continue. In this article a meeting between executives of Ford and Toyota, for reasons not made public, is raising the prospect of some form of joint activities between the two manufacturers. While in its current troubled state, Ford could receive major benefits from an alliance with Toyota, the reverse is not true. Without mutual benefits an alliance is very unlikely.

 

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

New Technology is always welcome, If it is better!

December 27, 2006

Analysis of:New Type of Battery Pushed for Hybrid Cars | www.freep.com

New technology that offers performance, size, weight, reliability or cost benefits are the engine that drives product improvements in the automotive industry. If the new battery described in this article truly lives up to its claims, it will be a welcome development for application on hybrid and electric vehicles. It may, perhaps have an important advantage for application on conventional vehicles as well.

Michael KowalskiConsultantMichael Kowalski

Has Detroit lost another market segment?

December 26, 2006

Analysis of:Adjusting The Lines | www.forbes.com

The competition in the automotive market is brutal and has hit the domestic manufacturers hard. Their initial response has been to reduce costs by reductions in employee and retiree benefits, headcount reductions and plant closings. Now the focus is on the product offerings. Decisions are being made on retreating from market segments that are not doing well and to focus on the "core" market segment needed for survival. This may be a necessary strategy given the huge financial losses of these companies, but it is also an approach which has its own risks.

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