GLG News by Experts in the Automotive Council

James "Jim" RippyFormer Senior Vice President of OperationsCONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS, LLC.

GM-Chrysler Merger. Will it work?

October 13, 2008

Analysis of:GM, Ford SharesHit New Lows As Sentiment Fades Further | online.wsj.com

Two weak companies with same failed strategy equals a diaster unless changes at top are part of deal.

Douglas HallPrincipalRTF, LLC

Bill Heard Enterprises – “Closed”

October 2, 2008

Analysis of:Major GM Dealer Bill Heard Goes Out of Business | online.wsj.com

As single brand dealership stores fail so does the OEM brand image. You can spin it anyway you like; Independent Dealer, poor management, bad financial risk but at the end of the day perception is reality.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Renault's Move Is Right; Right Size the Company For Striking and Non-Striking Employees

September 16, 2008

Analysis of:Job Cuts at Renault Spark Strike | news.bbc.co.uk

As a result of soft sales, and soft volume projections, Renault must reach lower labor numbers through voluntary reductions. The pressures at Renault have been more intense than at other European OEM's as Carlos Ghosn applies pressure on vehicle development and launch timelines. The pressures, along with the labor reduction news, have reached a boiling point for the Renault employees.

Michael CainPresident / ConsultantMFC Consulting

Why the Big US made auto's won't sell

September 9, 2008

Analysis of:Sales Slump In Luxury Car Segment And Auto Makers Offer Deals | online.wsj.com

Current a condition is taking place in the auto industry that is not new put is puzzling to some auto observers.  Large American made cars simply are not selling in the US market place.  This is not the first time this has happened and will probably not be the last.  Here is why:   1.      American made large cars are not as fuel efficient as some import cars. 2.      The trade in value of used large cars is very low causing a larger trade difference. 3.      Dealer selection is very low because most dealers are trying to work these units out of their inventory and are not restocking. 4.      Very little has changed on a new large car from the one purchased even four years ago.  (Equipment, appearance, engines, and fuel mileage.)

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Carmakers Deserving of a Bailout? Taxpayers and Consumers Take Notice, it's Your Wallet

September 1, 2008

Analysis of:Carmakers Deserve Loan Guarantees, G.M. Official Says | www.nytimes.com

There are other mechanisms to achieve where GM, Ford, and Chrysler need to be in terms of technology and product. The loans will be little more than a taxpayer funded bailout. GM, Ford, and Chrylser have not learned from the ample lessons they have had in the past, what assurances are there that they will this time.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Autloiv's Investment in Sensors Makes Good Sense

August 18, 2008

Analysis of:Autoliv to Acquire Radar Sensors Business of Tyco Electronics | www.tradingmarkets.com

Certain parts of the automotive passive and active safety original equipment market are moving towards commodity status, with volume being the key to future profitability. Tier One safety equipment suppliers must invest in those technologies that will bring greater value and margins.

Douglas HallPrincipalRTF, LLC

RADICAL CHANGES FOR RADICAL TIMES – OR IS THERE MORE TO IT?

August 13, 2008

Analysis of:Detroit’s race against time : Will the Big Three’s cash last long enough for them to fix themselves? | www.economist.com

Chrysler LLC announced it was exiting leasing entirely in July and GMAC has discontinued leasing in their Canadian market. This in it self may be considered a risk management avoidance given the current market status, however I find it interesting that Chrysler LLC is owned by Cerberus and Cerberus owns 52% of GMAC as well. This is just another curve ball for an already troubled dealer network that now has to rely on regional banks and credit unions that have different approaches and most likely higher interest rates and more stringent qualification requirements.

James "Jim" RippyFormer Senior Vice President of OperationsCONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS, LLC.

Follow the Leader

August 11, 2008

Analysis of:Bridgestone H1 profit drops 18%, slashes forecasts | www.forbes.com

A Sea Change has occurred in the Tire Industry. Major changes in production locations, pricing strategy,capital investment are happening today.

Dennis ProfittConsultantDennis Profitt

What Is Next In The US Automotive Industry For Ford, GM and Chrysler.

August 7, 2008

Analysis of:Ford Details Overhaul Plans As Losses Continue To Grow | online.wsj.com

Ford announced it was bringing six European vehicles to the US market and GM announced it was closing four truck Plants and adding shifts and new products to other plants.  While driven by the marketplace and predominantly by the price of fuel, this represents a departure from past downturns.

Dennis ProfittConsultantDennis Profitt

US Tier One Auto Suppliers To Be Hit Harder As European Designed Vehicles Are Produced In US

August 6, 2008

Analysis of:Auto Sales Sink, With Big Three Hit Hardest | online.wsj.com

With US auto sales down 13% in July and the forecast for the balance of the year equally distressing, news for the Tier 1 suppliers is even worse.  The news of existing designed European vehicles being brought to the US quickly , may well mean European companies presently manufacturing parts in Europe may come with them.  That means 2009 and 2010 offer no solution but only more problems.

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