GLG News by Gentex Automotive Experts

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Support for Automotive Suppliers Means More Than Just Incidental Support for GM, Chrysler, and Ford

March 23, 2009

Analysis of:Auto Suppliers TARPed, But Questions Remain | www.forbes.com

Although it may not be transparent to many Americans, automotive Tier suppliers are usually linked to multiple OEM's. The failure of some of these Tier suppliers could interrupt component supply not only to GM and Chrysler, but to Toyota, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hyundai, and others. So, it is crucial that these suppliers are supported and find appropriate financing during these very tough economic times.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

The End of Chrysler as We Have Known It

February 23, 2009

Analysis of:Chrysler Unlikely to Stand Alone | www.autonews.com

Chrysler has submitted a plan for a stand alone survival that is based upon the market yielding unrealistics sales, market share, and concessions from the supplier base. If Chrysler does have a partner moving forward, it makes more sense that it is Fiat, a Chinese manufacturer seeking a delaership and logistics network in the U.S. market. A GM merger makes the least sense, and most likely would mean further resource drain for GM.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Honda's Announcement Is No Surprise - Now the Task Is To Identify the Best Positioned

February 2, 2009

Analysis of:Honda Lowers Profit Forecast for 4th Time | www.iht.com

Honda and most other OEM's will forecast lower sales and lower profits, if any, for 2009 and most likely 2010. The indicators of future success will be those OEM's remaining steadfast in their investment in fuel efficiency technology, hybrid technology, and globally positioned world car platforms. Not all OEM's will demonstrate this. Most likely, more brands will disappear in the next two years.

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

The Downturn in the Automotive Industry Will End, and the Survivors Can Be Predicted

January 12, 2009

Analysis of:U.S. Drivers Keep Autos Longer, Shun Showrooms on Job-Loss Risk | www.bloomberg.com

This article regarding automotive sales is very accurate. Consumer confidence in their income and wealth growth prospects drive automotive sales. But we can predict the OEM's and Tier Suppliers and technologies that will emerge as survivors and as investment potentials. Also, historically similar downturns are followed by a surge in replacement demand for new vehicles.

Michael CainPresident / ConsultantMFC Consulting

Is Honda going to save money by withdrawing from Formula One Racing

December 22, 2008

Analysis of:Honda quits F1 amid economic slowdown | nbcsports.msnbc.com

Honda is quitting!  This is important news to the people that follow Formula One Racing throughout the world.  Honda is giving up and taking their cars home to Japan.  In the economic climate of today’s auto business this is probably a smart move by Honda.  The reports say that they will save some six hundred million dollars by giving up the 2009 Formula One season.  But money may not be the only reason for this pull back.  Honda has not been winning.  Winning is why a car company enters F-1 in the first place.  Competitors such as Toyota have been finishing in the points and the Honda Teams were struggling.  Honda engineers and the Honda Company take great pride in their winning racing heritage and lately that pride has been absent from Formula One Racing and that is why Honda is gone. 

Mark FendleyContinuous Improvement ManagerBMW MANUFACTURING CO., LLC

Do Any of America's Big Three Automotive Companies Have the Staying Power and Product Pipeline to Make It To Better Times?

November 10, 2008

Analysis of:Running on Fumes: GM could soon run out of cash | www.forbes.com

Detroit's Big Three have several obstacles to overcome; the question is will they have the ability to withstand this perfect storm? Consumer confidence is shaken, financing is impossible or difficult, product mix doesn't meet market demands, alternative energy development and emission compliance is tremendously expensive, and the cutbacks and draw downs affect employee morale and leads to a loss of talent. Who, if any, will survive as a stand alone company?

Michael CainPresident / ConsultantMFC Consulting

Timing is Everything

October 15, 2008

Analysis of:G.M. and Chrysler Explore Merger | www.nytimes.com

The idea of GM buying out Chrysler is an exciting idea.  GM was willing to pay up to five billion dollars for the Jeep Division just a few years ago.  Imagine a Cadillac with a Hemi engine and so on.  Both companies would benefit from this merger and it would be an exciting time in the industry.  The elimination of two corporate offices and personnel departments and technology centers and testing and under utilized plants and etc. would be great for the business and would lower the cost of building autos and trucks.  This would be a good idea in normal times, but we are not in normal times and this merger should not happen for GM to succeed in 2010.

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.

Previous Page : 123456Next21 to 30 of 55