TRW Automotive Launches Safety Electronics Production in China
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. has launched production of airbag electronic control units (ECUs) from its wholly-owned subsidiary in Anting, China. The company has invested $11 million in the 12,000-square-foot facility to date. The plant currently employs 120 people and expects to double that number as production increases in 2005.
North American Auto R&D Center to Set Up in China
North American market leader in automotive quality inspection, the PSA Group of Companies, has signed an agreement with two local firms to set up a research center in this southern boomtown. The Canadian firm’s major business in China is currently in sourcing auto parts for its North American and Japanese clients, including General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Yazaki.
DST Asks: Parts Distributors — Do Your Customers Order Parts Online?
Help Wanted – Parts Counterman, Requirements: Must be willing to work 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Understands and has committed to memory a world-class multi-line parts catalog. Always knows correct pricing of each item. Processes parts orders in nanoseconds. Never puts customers on hold. Works for electricity – no salary or extra benefits. Any bets on how many responses you’ll get to that classified ad? Selling auto parts would be a lot easier and less costly if you could make those kinds of hires. Actually, it turns out that such resources are available today, just not human resources, the kind we would advertise for in the local paper. Instead, we might call them “cyber-employees” – a new species that forms the backbone of e-business and works in the world of browser-based technology on the Internet.
China Revamps Rules
China, the world’s third-largest vehicle market, has unveiled a new policy that prods carmakers to merge into fewer, bigger groups and protects China FAW Group Corp . and other large producers. The policy, which took effect Tuesday, requires companies to provide from their own funds at least 40 percent of the 2 billion yuan ($241 million) of investment needed before they are allowed to make cars, according to a copy of the policy placed on the Web site of China’s State Development and Reform Commission. The new rules will also grant speedier approval for expansion to automakers with at least 15-percent market share.
From the Inside: Executive Interview with Craig Anderson, President, Hercules Tire & Rubber Co.
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Craig Anderson, president of Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. While Hercules has grown quietly, preferring to remain out of the spotlight, every year brings line expansions, new products and other enhancements designed to help its members and dealer customers grow their businesses. Even after selling off its core retreading business, Hercules posted its best sales year ever in 2002, and again in 2003, and saw each of its divisions turn a profit in 2003. Craig Anderson, president, sat for an interview with Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review magazine in April. The two discussed how the changes impacted Hercules, the company’s plans in the future, and how he sees the market moving in the near-term.
Bendix to Add More Than 30 New Jobs at Ohio Headquarters
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, said it will add more than 30 engineers, information technology specialists and supply chain professionals to support its staff. The company said surging demand for its medium- and heavy-duty truck products has resulted in the need for additional staff. Bendix currently employs 1,800 in North America, including 450 at its Elyria, Ohio, headquarters.
IBM: China’s Auto Suppliers Could Face Bumpy Road
China is the world’s fastest growing automotive market, but a new study suggests the auto suppliers fueling that expansion may be growing too fast. In fact, says the report, there could be over capacity and a resulting shakeout in the supplier market within five years.
Appearance Accessories Capture More of Market
Over the past eight years, appearance/body accessory products have shown the largest growth of any product group in the industry, increasing 96.4 percent. Following closely is custom wheels, with performance chemicals in third place.
Uni-Select Inc. Net Profits Increased by 20.8 Percent in the First Quarter of 2004
Uni-Select Inc. recorded an increase in net profits of 20.8 percent this year to attain U.S. $4.14 million or $0.23 per share compared to $3.43 million or $0.19 per share for the corresponding period a last year. Sales improved to $175.8 million in the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 6.2 percent versus sales of $165.6 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Bosch Expands Corporate Affairs VP Position
Bosch Group has announced the expansion of Sylvia Vogt’s current position — vice president, corporate affairs for North America — to include corporate affairs activities for South America. In this new role, Vogt is responsible for strategic planning and regional reporting, select cross-divisional and cross-regional projects, communications and public image management for the Americas region. She also will maintain her current responsibilities for communications activities, government and community relations and charitable contributions in North America.