Auto news

Brazil: Fiat car factory for second eyes Pernambuco

2010-12-12T22:51:00.000+02:00

Fiat is in talks with the Government of Brazil State Pernambuco to opening a second motor vehicle manufacturing plant in Brazil.

An anonymous source told Reuters the automaker wants to build the factory in the industrial complex of the port of Suape and a formal announcement about the deal is expected next week Tuesday, 14 december, when President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visits the site.

On the record, Fiat told Reuters: "Fiat and the Government of Pernambuco maintain negotiations on possible investments in the State," without elaborating.

The report notes that the negotiations as Brazilian of the Fiat factory functions almost at full capacity to meet growing demand and as other automakers including Toyota and Hyundai are also planning investment in plants in Brazil.

The Fiat factory in the State of Minas Gerais has a capacity of about 800,000 cars per year. Business leaders have recently said that they could sell in Brazil through unused capacity of the enterprise Cordoba, Argentina, plant.

The company recently announced plans to invest R $ 10 billion (US $ 5.8bn) by 2015 in Brazil, a plan which cars, car parts and agricultural machinery.

70% will be invested in cars, with the company expects to unveil 2011 20 new models or upgrade versions of current.

In March, Fiat opened a R $ 1 billion ($ 585 m) facility in Brazil for the production of agricultural machinery.

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What are the guys at Hi-Tech up to

2010-12-03T06:36:00.000+02:00

Lee Noble and Jimmy Price have again been busy with some good homebrew - The Fenix 2011

Now we’re all aware of the rise of that mythical creature the “Phoenix”; but what the hell is the Fenix? Bad spelling? Hardly likely from a designer gentleman from Barwell, Leicestershire!! So could Lee Noble have been watching the StarCraft series, between the sleepless nights while pondering how to shoe-horn a LS29 into his new creation? Well, probably more likely that Lee spent a fabulous holliday in Fenix North Carolina, and felt he wanted to honour the good folk from that little known town.

Whatever the reason there’s a new Supercar on the horizon – the Fenix 2011. Currently undergoing engineering trials around Port Elizabeth in South Africa, the beast is set to be let loose Early in 2011. Why would anyone be testing a Supercar in the backwoods of South Africa? It’s simple really ... that’s where this monster will see the light of day. Jimmy Price of Hi-Tech auto will continue his long relationship with the Noble sportscar, by building the Fenix at his facility outside Port Elizabeth.

Enough of the history lesson! Let’s take a look at the Fenix – At this stage that’s all we can do ... and speculate! Following on from the Noble M12, the composite shelled Fenix is likely to tip the scales at a respectable rather than remarkable 2400 lb’s. Prospective customers will have the choice of the 480 HP LS3 V8 from the trusty Corvette, or if they feel the need to get to know their local law enforcement on a more personal basis – the 620 HP from the ZR1.

Based on the M12 that turned the following figures:

0-60 3.5,

0-100 6.8,

0-150 14.0,

0-200 29.8

1/4 mile 11.0/131.1

1 km 19.9/170.2

The Fenix with a design brief of better
aerodynamics is likely to better these (Which, by the way, are in the rarefied Mclaren F1 stratosphere)

Without having the specs we can only speculate that the trusted supercar mid-engined layout would be followed, driving through a six speed ‘box. Suspension is also likely to follow the proven formula of unequal-length wishbones with coil springs over adjustable shock absorbers.

When it comes to styling.... well, as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Compared to the early Nobles, that really DID look like professional kit cars, the Felix has entered the grown-up world of sophistication – a bit like the boy from the backwoods in a tux! And exactly like this kid the Felix will be judged by its peers; its got the tux but does it have the brawn and sophistication to take on the other well-heeled guests at the party......

Watch this space!

Will the Automotive industry in South Africa create more jobs

2010-11-10T08:19:00.001+02:00

The local Automotive industry has always been proactive in the use of technology and resources to produce motor vehicles locally. The problem was (And still is) that the market potential is relatively small. Economic factors such as disposable income and cost of cars limits vehicle sales in South Africa.

The various Automotive programmes have attempted to address the issues of the times – Phases 1 to 6 addressing affordability through localisation in various guises. Who can forget the mass driven Phase 6 – every component drawing had the mass recorded and vehicles were weighed and a certain percentage had to be local. The current MIDP (As well as the basis of the APDP) that drives production volume .......... Read the full article published on ArticleRich

Germany: BMW profits rise

2010-11-08T06:24:00.000+02:00

BMW has made a huge increase in third-quarter profit to EUR78m EUR874m, from a year ago on income with 35.6% to EUR15.94bn. Nine-month net profit was 2.03bn (EUR47m) on revenue by 20.7% to EUR43.73bn.

Third quarter 366,190 BMW, mini and Rolls-Royce deliveries rose by 13% to 366,190 units and nine-month sales rose by 13.1% 1.059,216 units.

Third-Quarter EBIT rose to EUR, thirteen of EUR55m) while nine-month EBIT rose from EUR169m to EUR3.36bn.

Q3 profit taxes was ToEUR 36bn (EUR126m) and EUR3.17bn (EUR79m).

"We expect macro-economic conditions for the rest of 2010 remains stable recovery on wide international car markets site gives reason to believe that the sales volumes significantly higher, particularly in emerging markets," said BMW.

"Economic recovery is probably also in the United States, give the sales volumes another impetus to continue, all these factors point to a continuation of the good performance of the BMW Group in the last quarter of the year.

"We therefore expects a significant increase in the profit of the group for the full year 2010."

Analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had predicted a slightly more modest net profit profit EUR791m. She had expected that sales of EUR14.27bn.

BMW said the group still planned to sell more than 1,4 m vehicles this year, and is seeking a profit margin of between 8% and 10% of its core activities car in 2012.

View the original article here

PORTUGAL: Nissan introduces tough dealer policy for Europe Leaf launch

2010-11-07T12:16:00.000+02:00

Nissan says it will initially only the best performing dealers in Europe to distribute the new all-electric Leaf vehicles if the manufacturer gears up for major regional launches.

Production of the C-segment five-door model has already begun in Oppama, Japan, with European cars to be produced in UK-factory of Nissan in Sunderland from 2013, but the automaker is still very selective about which dealers receive the model.

"For the beginning that we're going to choosing the best dealers [from] of 3500," said Nissan sales and marketing Europe SVP Simon Thomas only-car on the launch of the media in Portugal.

"They will have to have a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service – the majority of dealers want to be part of it."

In the United Kingdom, this means about 10% of the dealers will receive the car while all chosen marketing will have a special training to explain the technology to customers and to ensure that the EV reaches the right customers.

"This is not a normal car," said Thomas."It has a high level of technology [but] technology is less complex than the internal combustion engine.

"[But] if someone in Stornoway [Scottish Hebridean Island] wants to buy a leaf that is not the best because of the dealer coverage and topography maybe.

"And if they go down to Birmingham on a daily basis, they might consider an alternative Nissan-the customer owns some of this responsibility too."

Fear around this new technology is a factor that Thomas easily recognizes will be part of a purchase decision, but to that end, Nissan will restore service for the first year.

"In the first year will offer repair of a house or a garage," said Thomas. "We will take a approach that we recognise that this is new for the customer. "

Nissan has orders for 26,000 Leafs on her books worldwide.

View the original article here

CHINA: Brilliance shelves plans to EU-reports

2010-11-06T21:49:00.000+02:00

Chinese manufacturer Brilliance has shelved plans to enter the EU market in a big way, according to reports in the Chinese media.

Reports suggest that the company products do not comply with the EU emission standards – specifically Euro V-applicable with effect from 2011 and that the company has decided that low European volume does not justify the necessary investment to reach that standard, as well as the EU safety standards.

Product standards of the EU have long been a bain to the Brilliance BS6. After crash testing in accordance with Euro-NCAP regulations in 2007 at the ADAC crash test laboratory in Germany, the car only achieved one star. Belgian buyers of the BS6 received refunds by the importer.

Sales in Europe subsequently only counted in the hundreds instead of the tens of thousands predicted.

The strength of the Chinese domestic car market this year – and the associated press capacity – may also be a factor in the Brilliance decision growing sales in Europe is low priority

Q&A with ZF Lenksysteme

2010-11-06T00:43:00.000+02:00

In this interview, Matthew Beecham spoke with Alexander Gädke, Director, advanced engineering, control innovations of ZF Lenksysteme about the company.

just-auto: we can start by asking if you could us through the ZF Lenksysteme roadmap for operating systems talk? I think fuel consumption, packaging, complexity, quality and, of course, cost considerations must all be taken into account?

In recent years, lower fuel consumption is the main driving force to introduce EPS in all passenger vehicles. While all cars are equipped with EPS in the future, there is the possibility of new functionalities in all cars.This can be both security features such as comfort functions.

In order to meet cost, quality and the packaging requirements of our customers, developed ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (ZFLS) a modular kit for EPS. This modular kit consists of the main components of a EPS, for example, ECU, engine, sensor, gear.

net-car: in the early days of EPS, clients and reviewers criticized the poor send feeling, especially fuzziness around the centre position.I believe that these issues are now cleared up?

On the basis of new control algorithms that have been developed for the EPS, it is now possible to create a first-class send feeling. EPS systems (EPSdp, EPSapa) by ZFLS are [a] benchmark regarding performance and send feeling in the market.

just-auto: as I understand it, Ford is increasingly electrical control in its models not only to improve driving comfort and improve fuel economy, but the door open for driver-friendly features such as parallel parking.Electric steering technology Can act as a catalyst for a number of other driver-enhanced features?

There will be a lot of new driver assistance functions are available for end customers in the future. It has already begun with parallel parking assistance (for example, in the VW Golf, Passat since 2005) and continues to functionalities such as lane keeping assistance.

It will also be possible functions for the management of autonomous congestion and probably we drive completely autonomous in the future, at least on the highways. [] The sensors to discover the surroundings (camera, radar, etc.) be room for improvement.

just-auto: I think EPS systems are hydraulic steering-assist systems to push away.How do you see the hydraulic steering sector to evolve in the coming years?

We believe that the hydraulic steering gear is not so quickly from the market so often said will disappear. particularly in the emerging markets will hydraulic power steering is still a problem in the low price segment.

just-auto: If EHPS systems a bridging technology, the question is how long do you define that transitional period?This period Will reach in 2015 or 2020 or will it end in two years time? I think it depends on the platform you have is the introduction of this technology?

EHPS systems will disappear from the market in the coming years.These systems have drawbacks in particular as regards the cost and functionality compared with EPS.For example, it is not possible to features such as parallel parking assist system by a EHPS. fuel economy is also not as good as an EPS.The saving of an EPS in comparison with a HPS system is approximately 99%. A EHPS system saves approximately 80% compared with HPS.

net-car: what is the importance of EPHS systems for hybrid vehicles?

Most of the hybrid vehicles are today heavy vehicles like SUVs.In the past was EHPS necessary because EPS was not powerful enough to send these heavy vehicles.But today our EPS systems have improved [] that we offer EPS systems for all vehicle classes, including heavy SUVs.

just-auto: is there an appetite for expensive EPS in some emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, India and China?How do you see this application uses in emerging markets?

We also see a request for EPS systems in the emerging markets, especially for small vehicles.But these EPS systems will come with lower requirements with regard to functions and control performance compared to Europe or the United States.By reducing these requirements, the cost of these systems are reduced.

just-auto: some analysts estimate that by 2015, the European market for mounting send rates of 25-30% HP between 55-65% EPS and 5-10% could expect EHPS. How do you see the market grows in the next five years?

These values are mounting pretty well on our predictions.

just-auto: as we see it, send via the cable is still an advanced technology with limited application potential. sure, you can prove and realize all kinds of advanced features with it but in the vehicle to bring costs the OEM an immense amount of money. so I guess the question here is: will the end customer are willing to pay for it if he/she almost the same functionality with AFS and EPAS could get combined?

We believe that steer-by-wire is still [the] future. at present there is not a real advantage in such a system. on the other hand, the cost of such a system be much higher compared to an EPS.

just-auto: what's next for power steering? we have seen how the EPS system has become very popular among automakers. technically speaking, however, what is in the pipeline, that is to say next generation?

The EPS is a very young system. There will probably not be a whole new generation within the next ten years. most technical improvements will happen on the site of the component a keyword when we talk about component is lightweight construction. improvement by reducing the weight of an EPS will make it possible to store in the future even more fuel. therefore, new materials are investigated at the time.

just-auto: are there other approaches are being developed that use advanced electronic techniques? What about rear wheel steering maybe supplemented by ultra-capacitors in conjunction with improvements in sensors, power and control?

We believe that rear wheel steering a niche market in the future will be. But ZF works on this system.

View the original article here

JAPAN: Honda think again in EVs

2010-11-05T02:34:00.000+02:00

Honda, which for many years has driven the hybrid road, may have second thoughts about the question for battery powered electric cars.

In July the company announced plans to launch a plug-in hybrid and pure electric car in 2012, but stopped short of laying out a road map of how they would contribute to its activities.

But chief executive Takanobu Ito told reporters in Tokyo that the market for electric vehicles looked at takeoff.

He added: "we can't keep taking photos of their potential, and we can't say there is no business case for it.

Under former Honda CEO Takeo Fuku remained a strong supporter of hydrogen fuel cars like the best zero emission alternative to the combustion engine because they have a similar driving range of 500-600 km (310-375 miles), is considerably better than battery EVs.

Ito said: "the thing is, not everyone needs to drive 500 km per day."But he would not predict how big the EV market could be, and how quickly it would be.

He said that pure electric cars more sense than plug-in hybrids have the "handicap of having an engine, an engine and a pile of batteries. Why would it not just drive an EV?"

Ito is the result of revealing a new electric car concept at the Los Angeles Auto show on November 17. California has some of the world's most stringent environmental standards, and Honda has said that the battery EVs there would sell only to meet the State's zero emission requirements.

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USA: TRW Q3 results much improved

2010-11-04T04:57:00.000+02:00

TRW Automotive Holdings booked a third quarter net earnings of US $ 199 m, or $ 1.54 per share, from $ 56 million ($ 0.50) a year ago, on sales by 10% to $ 3. .4bn.

"The TRW performance continues to be led by strong revenue growth in combination with a low cost structure," said President and CEO John Plant. "The excellent business results achieved through the first nine months of this year, combined with our industry-leading technology portfolio, the general industry recovery and our successful growth in the emerging markets, gives us confidence as we look to the future. "

TRW said the sales soar as a result of the volume of production of the better global vehicle was partially offset by negative currency movements.

Third quarter operating income was $ 268 million compared to $ 141 million in the period 2009.

For the nine months up to 1 October, TRW posted sales by 30% up to $ 10 billion, operating income of $ 891 million ($ 60 m) and net profit of $ 630 million compared to a net loss of $ 86 million last year.

TRW expects full year production of 11.8 million units in North America and 18.0 m units in Europe and the sales of about $ 14 1.1.

"Although vehicle production schedules have cared for in the second half of 2010 in comparison with the first half of the year and earlier expectations, the General recovery in the automotive industry will help support a strong year for TRW," plant added.

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2010-10-21T03:13:00.000+02:00

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2010-10-20T06:07:00.000+02:00

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ForelPublishing.com - Downloadable Ford Manuals in PDF

2010-10-19T07:58:00.000+02:00

ForelPublishing.com specializes in digital downloads of vintage Ford manuals. Our products are licensed and approved by the Ford Motor Company and are in the easy to use Adobe PDF format.

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Battery swap for EV's

2010-10-19T06:04:00.002+02:00

The auto industry may be skeptical, but Better Place's battery-swapping strategy has attracted government support and $350 million from investors.

There's a strange disconnect surrounding Better Place, the company best known
for its plan to extend the range of electric vehicles by relying on speedy battery swaps.

Automotive executives are nearly unanimous in dismissing the idea. With the conspicuous exception of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, rarely does an executive express interest.

Yet Better Place is getting increasingly credible support from governments, banks and major corporations. So far this year, it has signed an extensive deal with General Electric and picked up $350 million in financing.

In an interview at the Paris auto show, Shai Agassi, the Palo Alto, Calif., company's founder and CEO, attributed his cool reception in automotive circles to "a lack of belief that something that big can happen in the industry."

Chinese automakers are more receptive than traditional industry powers, he added.

"Incumbents in an industry that is slow to change tend to believe that the speed of change will remain constant," Agassi said.

Two big deals
Better Place founder Shai Agassi thinks the auto industry lacks faith "that something big can happen in the industry."
Agassi, a trim, intense 42-year-old native of Israel who made a fortune in the software industry, is out to increase the speed of change dramatically. Two major deals this year validate his vision, he said:
-- Last month's alliance with General Electric calls for cooperation in four areas: technology development, battery financing, fleet programs and consumer awareness. Agassi said making GE chargers compatible with Better Place equipment will expand the reach of both companies.
-- In January, Better Place raised about $350 million from investors led by HSBC. The London-based financial services giant put in $125 million of its own money and took a 10 percent stake and a board seat.

"What you're starting to see is a trend," Agassi said. "It's not just the crazies anymore. It's the leaders."

The new funding is being poured into Better Place demonstration projects in Israel and Denmark. Both government-backed efforts will set up nationwide networks for rapid recharging and battery switching.

Ghosn's support has been crucial for each. The Renault Fleunce sedan, a purpose-built EV, will be the first vehicle using the network. Interestingly, though, Renault partner Nissan chose to use an enclosed thermal management system for the battery pack in the Leaf EV in the United States, meaning the car's battery cannot be swapped.

In both Israel and Denmark, Agassi expects to have a thorough evaluation of the Better Place system by the fall of 2011. He wants answers to three questions:

1. Does the system work?
2. Do consumers like it?
3. Can it be duplicated?

"If the answer is yes to all three, then we replicate it around the world," Agassi said.

Swap time: 59 seconds
Better Place has another project beginning in Australia and, at the behest of the Japanese government, is testing battery swaps with Tokyo taxis. So far, the company says, the average swap time is 59 seconds.

The tough nut to crack is the United States, Agassi admitted. The core issue there is the relatively low cost of gasoline.

Better Place's basic model is to replace the gas station, he said. Investors look at $3-a-gallon gasoline in the United States and figure their return on investment will be better in Europe, for example, where fuel costs twice that.

Nevertheless, Agassi said he expects Better Place to penetrate the United States eventually. He added that he has no interest in the path taken by EV makers that focus on small, limited-range "city cars."

"An American buyer doesn't want to drive a small city car," Agassi said. "You've designed a car for a guy who doesn't have the ability to buy the car. Most of these guys in Birkenstocks, they don't have the $35,000 to buy a third car for the family."

Instead, he wants to persuade an automaker to make an electric, battery-switchable SUV for American buyers. With such a vehicle, Agassi said, there would be "no gasoline, no stigma."

"You've got the Diet Coke of cars," said Agassi, clearly eager. "You've got all the taste and none of the guilt."

Read more:

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2010-10-18T10:21:00.000+02:00

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2010-10-17T20:13:00.000+02:00

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2010-10-16T22:28:00.000+02:00

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JAPAN: Toyota turn to bio-PET for linings

2010-10-16T05:27:00.000+02:00

Toyota is introducing a new vehicle material that 30% from sugar cane to reduce fuel consumption is lining.

The new bio-materials, bio-polyethylene terephthalate or PET, currently used in pet bottles, will be working as an interior fabric of the car for the first time in the world, the company said.

Use of the new green substance will begin with the luggage compartment of the Lexus Hybrid CT200h by be launched early next year.

Toyota also plans to roll out a new vehicle model, in which 80% of the Interior with eco-friendly plant plastic including bio-PET next year will be created.

In addition to helping to oil consumption and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, is bio-PET more resistant to wear and heat, according to Toyota.

To date, the company uses material that is derived from corn for floor mats in some of the vehicles.

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Australia: New Ford/Mazda truck twins are built in three plants worldwide

2010-10-15T08:23:00.002+02:00

The renewed Thailand-built Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 pickup twins, today unveiled at the Australian international motor show in Sydney, exterior and interior styling than the outgoing models have moved further apart and eventually will be also built in Argentina and South Africa-two markets also big light truck.
New engines for Ford version include a 2.2-liter diesel from Ford Europe's Dagenham diesel Center here in the United Kingdom. so far, Ford nor Mazda has confirmed the Ranger/BT-50 are replaced
by the current U.S.-built Ranger and his no-longer-available-new Mazda B-series clone but American car media has long been speculated that the new range would be the place of the North American line – not redesigned over the years-framework Ford CEO Alan Mulally of OneFord who has seen the Mexican built, European Fiesta launched recently with the image-built in the USA-to follow next year.
European sales are rescheduled. Stephen Odell, President and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: "the scope of his ability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the initiative a Ford is in helping us to develop worldwide of a whole series of entirely new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am sure it will surpass their expectations.
New available technology includes rearview camera system, voice control, trailer sway control and adaptive tax audit. Ford version will be available in three different cab body styles, with 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series of choices.
European versions will have two common rail diesels 'Duratorq TDCi ' and new, more economical six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
The top seller is likely to be of the 2.2-litre I4 Dagenham-built with peak torque of 375Nm and power output of 110kW (150ps).A new 3.2-liter diesel engine, I5 470Nm of torque and power measured of 147kW (200PS) will also be offered.
Front suspension with coil-over-strut layout is refreshed, ensures better alignment of the upper and lower fork leg design. The rear leaf spring suspension is also refreshed.
An electronic stability control (ESP) system where four-wheel traction control, yaw control and tel mitigation will be standard in Europe.
"Trailer sway mitigation" and "daptive tax control" will be optional in some markets. If a trailer is starting to swing, selective brakes to slow down the vehicle and trailer combination. to ensure that the Ranger maintains a stable ride at full loads of loading, Adaptive load control determines the load and the necessary measures to ensure that a straight and flat ride applies.
New passive safety technology includes the availability of side curtain air bags on all cab styles for the first time.
The box of the load of a new model of the double cab is more than 100 mm wider than before-1,549 mm long by 511 mm high and with a maximum load width of 1560 mm. Volume is 1.21 cubic metres.
Width between wheel housings is 1139 mm on all models and special provisions are provided in the box of the cargo propping up wood in bags that are above the wheel arch. This allows plywood or sheet rock to be stacked area. Width at the opening of the rear tailgate, at the top of the box is 1330 mm.
Ranger/BT-50 production begins in the summer of 2011, in the first place in Rayong, Thailand, but Ford said that it was also preparing plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity.
"The new production-strategy for the internal global compact pickup platform will drive new levels of product commonality of the Ford Ranger all over the world," said the automaker.
Mazda released pictures but little details aside from a statement explaining the styling of its new model-billed as an "active lifestyle vehicle".
Can Ranger knockoff F-series are perch?
Comment: the little Mazda truck that can

View the original article here

GM Export manager

2010-10-14T05:19:00.000+02:00

GM South Africa has appointed Rita Kavashe Nariangai as its new export manager. She moves over from heading the sales and marketing department at GM East Africa and will now be responsible for growing GMSA’s exports into the wider African continent. The company has recently announced that it has reached an agreement with Isuzu Motors to look at expanding the movement of its light commercial vehicles into Sub-Saharan Africa
and beyond its current markets in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mauritius.
According to Edgar Lourencon, president and managing director of GM Africa, Naiangai is best suited for the position given her instrumental role in achieving several awards for sales growth in the East African region. Sales in the region grew more than 30% under her leadership.

“As we at GMSA are looking at expanding our footprint into Africa, Rita’s expertise and understanding of the African market is crucial in targeting the right regions,” said Lourencon.

In 2009, the carmaker sold over 151,000 vehicles in Africa.

South Africa strike damage will last

2010-09-23T04:38:00.001+02:00

The latest South African industrial action to hit the country’s automotive industry has finally come to an end after 15 days of talks, with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) accepting a deal that will see the wages of component workers in the manufacturing sector increase by 9% in the first year. The effects on carmakers and suppliers in the country, however, are likely to be felt for
some time to come, with exports badly affected and the region’s reputation for global competition severely dented.

The strike action, which saw 70,000 workers stop work, hit supplies in a number of areas, including components, tyres and garages, leading to assembly stoppages at plants across the country. Despite an agreement being reached last Thursday, in which the 9% increase will be followed by 8% increases in each of the following two years, there are outstanding issues still affecting the return to full production.

“We are currently producing cars and will run both shifts today,” said BMW SA spokesman Gary Kilfoil on Monday. “We also managed to produce both shifts on Friday but only with a great deal of special effort on the part of our suppliers and special task teams to get the parts in that we needed. We were hoping a return to complete normalcy by today but there have still been some issues that our suppliers have worked very hard to overcome.”

BMW is having to have parts delivered on a more regular basis than normal in smaller batches in order to meet its production needs, according to Kilfoil.

While the Retail Motor Industry Organisation hopes the resolution to the strike will restore levels of confidence across the industry, the long-term damage to the region’s automotive reputation may not be easy to mend. South Africa is the largest car producer on the African continent and manufactures around 400,000 units per year, across 60 brands and more than 1,100 models.

GM South Africa spokesperson Denise van Huyssten said: “Industrial action like this affects the viability of the industry and sends a negative message regarding labour cost and flexibility in South Africa, and in so doing we risk becoming a less attractive destination for future investment.”

Those concerns were echoed by BMW’s Kilfoil: “Unfortunately, the strikes certainly will make it much more difficult to get the necessary support from our parent company in the future when it comes to production allocation and volume,” he told Automotive Logistics News. “The length of the two strikes combined, thanks to the staggering of the two strikes, was not a good reflection of the labour relations maturity required for South Africa to compete globally.”

As a consequence of the strike BMW lost 4,000 units of production, mostly for export markets, and while it said it could recover a small percentage of the lost volume over the remainder of the year (providing there are no further stoppages) Kilfoil said there was “absolutely no way” it could now make up the entire loss.

“In other words, the strikes have ultimately resulted in an overall loss of export volume from South Africa and the strike interruptions now make it impossible for us to meet our annual commitment.”

Similarly, Toyota South Africa, said it had lost 10,000 units in production because of the strike and said it would not be able to clear its backlog of orders for new vehicles and components until the first quarter next year.

Strike action by NUMSA hit South Africa’s automotive region last month over demands for a 15% wage increase (read more here) and the dispute flared up again at the beginning of September when talks aimed at a resolution once again broke down.

The action also follows a strike taken by the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) in May, which also hit the car industry (read more here).

Bosch Automotive expects 20% rise in revenue

2010-09-22T11:55:00.002+02:00

Chairman of the Automotive component supplier Bosch Automotive, Bernard Bohr, predicted that the company will be profitable this year. For the first time in 60 years Robert Bosch GmbH, the parent company, lost money.

Speaking at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show, Bohr said “It is clear we have returned to the path of growth, and that growth also means a clearly positive result.”

It is expected that total revenue for the parent company will increase by 20 percent, to about 46 billion euros (about $60.15 billion at the current exchange rate).

“In general, our business figures are approaching their levels from 2007,
the previous peak year, more quickly than expected,” Bohr said.

Bosch Automotive will generate 5,000 new jobs this year, for a total of 165,000, he said.

In Asia, where Bosch is experiencing strong growth, 1,000 new r&d employees would have been recruited by year end, Bohr said.

Bosch ranks No. 2 on the Automotive News list of the top 100 global original-equipment parts suppliers, second to Toyota affiliate Denso Corp. Bosch generated estimated sales to automakers of $25.62 billion in 2009.

New global Focus for Ford

2010-09-19T10:29:00.001+02:00

The exciting new next-generation Focus range is the star attraction in Ford's display at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on 30 September.

For the first time, the complete global Focus line-up of production-ready bodystyles will be displayed together, providing a full insight into this significant new model before it goes on sale early in 2011.

Ford is also delivering on its promise to introduce a global performance version of the new Focus with a world premiere for the exciting flagship of the range, the muscular 250PS Focus ST. The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on 30 September at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO, and Stephen Odell, chairperson and CEO, Ford of Europe.

First global product

The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris is highly significant for Ford, as it signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the Company’s ONE Ford strategy.
The Focus is Ford's most significant car range globally. Developed at the company's global centre for small and medium cars in Germany and set for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important yet and is created from Ford's new global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts commonality around the world. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles globally and account for two million units of annual production by 2012.
With the complete range of bodystyles on display in Paris – a sporty five-door and a stylish wagon – show goers will have an exclusive opportunity to see and experience the car’s individual design and class leading technology first hand.
The new Focus promises to outsmart its competitors by offering more affordable technologies and features than customers have ever experienced in this critical vehicle segment. Next-generation Focus also offers customers the highest standards of quality and detailed craftsmanship, plus outstanding fuel economy, and will take the legendary Focus driving dynamics to a new level.
Previewing the exciting new Focus ST
At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Ford Motor Company's group vice president for Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, promised that an exciting new performance version of the next generation Ford Focus was in development.
At Paris, Ford is delivering on that promise by revealing an early preview model of the exciting next-generation Ford Focus ST. Targeted for launch in all global markets from early 2012, the all-new Ford Focus ST will be Ford's first high-performance model developed under its global Performance Vehicles strategy.
The new range-topping Focus – which features a unique 186kW version of the new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine – will be completely true to Ford's ST heritage, offering driving enthusiasts an intoxicating cocktail of exhilarating performance and handling accompanied by an addictive sound.
Visitors to the Paris display also cannot fail to notice the show car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in 'Tangerine Scream', a dramatic new body colour that reflects the new ST’s exciting and energetic character.
New C-MAX and Mondeo on display
The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will be represented by high series Titanium models fitted with a Ford EcoBoost 1.6-litre 134kW petrol engine and the updated 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel. Bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) market, the all-new Ford C-MAX is the first production model using Ford's exciting new global C-segment platform. The Grand C-MAX also goes on sale in North America in late 2011.

Taking their place alongside the next-generation Focus family will be five-door and wagon versions of the new Mondeo range, which was previewed at the recent Moscow International Automobile Salon. The Paris show sees the debut of the ultra-low CO2 Mondeo ECOnetic version. The Ford stand also showcases the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models which were launched earlier in 2010.

Lower CO2 emissions across the range
Ford is accelerating its efforts to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across its product range, and two important new entries to the Ford of Europe product portfolio are being displayed at Paris – a new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic model and a new Ford Ka derivative with standard Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.
These new models follow the significant new developments which have already been introduced during 2010, including the launch of the new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost turbocharged direct injection petrol engine family and completely updated versions of the powerful yet highly fuel-efficient Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.
Ford is also moving forward with its European electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the core technology destined to drive its C-MAX PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain and is due to go on sale in Europe from 2013.
Along with the wider introduction of low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies such as Eco Mode and Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford of Europe is on track to surpass its goal of a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from its new vehicles by 2020, relative to a 2006 model year baseline.

"The launch of the complete new Focus range, plus the global debut of the high-performance ST model, makes this Paris Show not only very exciting for Ford, but also highly significant," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
"With the all-new C-MAX also on the Paris stand, along with the latest Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, it’s clear that the pace of change within Ford remains as aggressive as ever."

Toyota Software glitch can give faulty speed reading

2010-09-14T15:33:00.001+02:00

DETROIT -- A top Toyota executive says the crash data boxes in its vehicles are reliable but a bug in the software that reads the information can provide inaccurate vehicle speeds.

The disclosure comes as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration continues its investigation into unintended acceleration of Toyota models.

“Toyota has acknowledged previously that the event data recorders are not accurate,” said Takeshi Uchiyamada, executive vice president in charge of research and development. “We have been able to determine that there is no defect in the event data recorders.”

But, “we have found that there was a software bug in the event data recorder readers that download data. The bug had to do with data
that indicated speed,” he said. The issue was discovered this past spring and has since been corrected.

The event data recorder, known as an EDR, also records such information as throttle position and braking pressure.

Last month Toyota Motor Corp. said it had reviewed 3,000 complaints of unintended acceleration since March and said the results backed its long-held stance: There have been no electronic glitches that cause vehicles to surge out of control.

Toyota has said other possible explanations for the complaints include driver error and foreign objects trapping the accelerator. Additionally, some drivers still are using the wrong floor mats, months after the automaker warned customers to take them out.

Last month, NHTSA said brakes were not applied by drivers of Toyota vehicles in at least 35 of 58 crashes blamed on unintended acceleration. The government agency also said there was no evidence of electronics-related causes for the accidents in reviewing the electronic data recorders.

During an interview session Monday with reporters in Detroit, Uchiyamada referred to a 2007 crash involving a Tundra pickup that hit a tree. The data indicated the truck was traveling more than 170 miles per hour.

He said critics were saying the speed was not feasible so they concluded the “EDR cannot be trusted.”

“We wanted to clarify today that is not the case. The event data recorder was always accurate, and the only reading that was inaccurate was speed,” he said.

Uchiyamada said many of the vehicles investigated early for sudden acceleration were reinvestigated, and that “in the rechecks there has been no evidence of sudden surges.”

Since November, Toyota has recalled more than 13 million vehicles worldwide, including more than 10 million in the United States, most of them to address unintended acceleration.

Toyota SA to tackle the Antarctic

2010-09-12T08:52:00.002+02:00

Toyota SA’s Hilux to make the trek from balmy Durban to freezing Antarctic

By: Irma Venter

Durban-based vehicle manufacturer, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), and Arctic Trucks, the specialist Icelandic Hilux converter, have signed an agreement to dress up six South African-built Hilux pick-ups for use in the freezing Antarctic, with the price tags on each of these vehicles ranging from roughly R915 000 to R1,4-million.

Of the six vehicles, two will undergo what Arctic Trucks call full AT44 conversions,
while another two will also be converted to AT44 specification, but with full 6x6 configuration.

These four Hilux vehicles will operate as back-up vehicles in the gruelling Antarctic Ski Challenge to the South Pole, to be held at the end of the year as part of the Extreme World Races series.

The fifth Hilux, also to AT44 specification, will be built for the Indian National Centre of Antarctic and Ocean Research, while Hilux number six will be built to AT38 specification.
What then, does AT44 and AT38 mean, and what makes it so special?

To start with, a converted AT Hilux pick-up is fitted with running boards and brackets, a fire extinguisher, torque wrench and a first aid kit. (AT conversions can be done on all Hilux versions, including the double, single and extended cab versions, with the latter to be launched in South Africa soon.)

In the case of an AT38 conversion, the Hilux is fitted with Toyota’s 3.0 D-4D diesel engine with a power rating of 126 kW and 360 Nm. The vehicle can be ordered with either an automatic or manual gearbox, and can be fitted with a heavy-duty suspension. Heavy-duty differential locks on both axles can be ordered, while the fuel tank can be expanded by 55 l (for a combined 110 l), or to 160 l (two 80 l fuel tanks).

Other added extras include a compressed air tank with waterproof compressor, an extra heavy-duty dual air filtration system, a 24 V generator and more power outlets, if requested.

Ground clearance is 420 mm under the vehicle’s belly.

Designed for even harsher conditions, the AT44 has a 1,5 t carrying capacity. The vehicle can be ordered with manual or automatic gearbox.

The AT44 can be fitted with two 80 l fuel tanks, or with a combination of 135 l and 55 l tanks for a total capacity of 190 l.

An Arctic Truck trailer can be fitted that will allow for as much as 1 350 l of fuel to be carried with the vehicle.

Ground clearance is 480 mm.

The AT44 is fitted with 100% differential locks on both axles and a heavy-duty suspension. As with the AT38, the AT44 offers a compressed air tank with a waterproof compressor, an extra-heavy duty dual air filtration system, as well as a 24 V generator.

The 6x6 specialist machine offers the same features as any of the AT-models, but with a much longer load bay, especially when ordered as a single cab. Off-road carrying capacity is three tons, and the fuel capacity can be stretched to 400 l.

An AT Hilux was the first to drive over the entire ice shelf in Greenland, while many vehicles do service as backup and support vehicles for major scientific, climbing, skiing, hiking and rescue missions.

The AT Hilux’s large tyres offer the same abilities as traditional track-driven ice vehicles, but with a much smaller carbon footprint than more traditional modes of ice transport, as it uses less fuel.

The six South African conversions to be done will be executed under Arctic Trucks supervision at TSAM’s Johannesburg based workshops, in partnership with 4x4 Mega World.

The process, which is already under way, will provide Arctic Trucks with a cost-effective way of converting the Hilux bakkies prior to shipment through Cape Town to Antarctica.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Arctic Trucks,” says TSAM sales and marketing vice-president Andrew Kirby. “We believe the Hilux is a most appropriate vehicle for use on the Antarctic continent. Besides its proven ability to work hard and last long, it offers the scientists and adventurers a way of traversing the ice landscape with the smallest possible carbon dioxide -footprint.”

“The vehicles we are preparing with TSAM and 4x4 Mega World in South Africa will soon perform tasks that few people knew to be possible,” adds Arctic Trucks head Emil Grímsson.

“These include travelling unsupported in the most extreme conditions, while being more comfortable and using a fraction of the fuel that conventional track-driven Arctic support vehicles use. Besides being able to rely on the South African built Hilux-vehicles, I believe we have a lot to learn from the 4x4 expertise in South Africa, while I hope we can benefit this market as well.”

Arctic Trucks started operations in 1990 as a division of the Toyota distributor to Iceland.

The company has since expanded its operations and now offer conversions and servicing from a dedicated operation in Norway. It also has a presence in the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, as well as Finland, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Within the next two years Arctic Trucks says it will add yet more markets to its portfolio.

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

New vehicle from Opel!

2010-09-09T08:07:00.002+02:00

Opel releases details of Astra coupe

Opel/Vauxhall has released pictures of a concept for an Astra coupe that will be unveiled at the Paris auto show later this month.

Opel hints that a production version of the concept, called the GTC Paris, will not stray far from the show car's rakish lines.

Mark Adams, the brand's design chief, describes the concept as "bold,
pure and iconic" in its appearance.

Adams said the GTC concept shows the emotional side of Opel's new design language -- ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision.'

At 4460mm, the GTC Paris offers ample space for five people, Opel says.

The GTC powertrain is a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection, mated to a six-speed manual transmission and a stop-start system.

The three-door Astra likely will keep the GTC name when it goes on sale in late 2011.

The coupe will follow the Astra hatchback, which went on sale last year, and an Astra station wagon that debuts in Paris.

The Astra is Opel's second best-selling model after the Corsa subcompact, and so is key to the GM unit's aim to return to profitability in 2012.