Automotive News - February 25, 2008 - (Page 12)

12 • FEBRUARY 25, 2008 opinion Next week, the European auto community and other interested parties will descend on Geneva for the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. Other than the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Geneva is the only major international motor show held every year. And unlike the famous groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pa., the Geneva show really is the annual signal that we’ve all survived another winter and spring is at hand. What began as a quaint motor show in a small hall on the other side of town is now held near the airport at the Palexpo exhibition facility — which, with a new expansion, now goes over the freeway and onto airport property. Geneva is always an interesting show because it’s held in neutral territory. Switzerland doesn’t produce automobiles, but it is accessible to everyone. It’s a perfect place. And like Detroit, everyone who’s anyone DAILY AUTO NEWS >> You can get the news you need every day. Go to www.autonews.com/signup and sign up for our daily e-mail newsletter. Chrysler, Plastech Hail, Geneva; spring must be near now have chance Switzerland doesn’t to work together produce automobiles, When U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Phillip Shefferly ruled that Chrysler LLC could not take production tooling away from Plastech Engineering Products Inc., he created an opportunity for the automaker and supplier to work out their differences. They must take advantage of it. The recent relationship between Plastech and Chrysler has been testy. On Feb. 1, representatives from General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler and Plastech were negotiating a bailout for the troubled supplier. But Chrysler suddenly canceled its contracts with Plastech and moved to take the tooling. Plastech filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11. In the past, the Detroit 3 have cooperated to help troubled suppliers with cash, loans and improved payment terms, plus manufacturing and management expertise. Now is not the time for Chrysler to abandon that sensible approach. CEO Bob Nardelli said Chrysler canceled the contracts because Plastech wanted a price increase to cover cost increases for commodities, such as petroleum-based feedstocks used to make plastic. With the price of petroleum surging past $100 a barrel last week, more suppliers may face similar difficulties. Banging heads in Bankruptcy Court is not a good solution. It is counterproductive, adds no value for customers and benefits only the lawyers and consultants. Plastech and other troubled suppliers must reorganize and regroup to be part of a strong supply chain that is needed for the long-term success of automakers. If you need proof, look at the Toyota model. One top U.S. supplier executive reports that when his troubled company filed for Chapter 11, only Toyota of all his customers called to ask what kind of help the company needed. It behooves Chrysler and other automakers to follow that example. It’s the right thing to do — and the smart thing. in the automobile business will be there for two busy days of press conferences before the show opens to the public in the middle of next week. We’ll see lots of Asian cars, since the Japanese, Koreans and even the Chinese see a real appetite for their models in Europe. Their market share continues to climb, particularly that of the Japanese automakers. During the past few decades, the Geneva show has grown in size and stature. Springtime seems to be the right time for a European show. As usual, a lot of models will be introduced. And it’s fun to see the magic of the Italian design firms. When the importance of the Turin show faded, Geneva became the place to show off design and styling exercises. We always look forward to great examples from Pininfarina and ItalDesign. It’s worth the trip just to see their latest offerings. but it is accessible to everyone. It’s a perfect place. Because of its convenience to all the major motor capitals of Europe, just about every top executive seems to show up for press days. The weather is unpredictable, and so is the show. Sometimes there are models from out of the blue that shock and surprise everyone. Other times it’s not as exciting. But even then, it’s important and is the only annual international show in Europe. The Geneva show may have lost some of its charm from the early days, but it certainly hasn’t lost any of its importance. That’s why everyone will be there. Do it the NADA way It is encouraging that three consumer groups have discovered that title washing is a threat to consumer safety. But filing a lawsuit to force the federal government to create a national database of vehicle titles is the wrong approach. Creating such a national database likely would be costly, burdensome and intrusive. Instead, consumer groups and their lobbyists ought to join the National Automobile Dealers Association in supporting legislation that requires insurers to disclose immediately all vehicles they declare total losses, which would be quicker and more cost-effective. Such an alliance for the common good just might prevail. hybrid car. It is a concept for efficient transportation for the future. GM’s vision is for a future in which America can be freed of our dependency on imported oil. Now, I don’t know if those lithium ion batteries can be developed in the time GM is hoping for, and I don’t know if they’ll be as powerful as the scientists think they’ll be. But after all, when the scientists at NASA first began to consider landing on the moon, there was a lot they didn’t know about it. However, by aiming high and working hard, they accomplished something great. GM’s Volt may or may not hit all its goals because those goals are high. But GM is trying to accomplish a great thing, and I applaud GM for it. PATRICK FOSTER Milford, Conn. The writer is an automotive historian and writer. Volt’s potential is unlimited THE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE INDUSTRY Established in 1925, published every Monday by Crain Communications Inc. Keith E. Crain, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Peter Brown, Associate Publisher and Editorial Director David Sedgwick, Editor Edward Lapham, Executive Editor HOW TO REACH US Web site: www.autonews.com Editorial staff autonews@crain.com Phone: 313-446-0361 Fax: 313-446-0383 Circulation Advertising subs@crain.com lschlagheck@crain.com Phone: 888-446-1422 Phone: 313-446-6790 Fax: 313-446-6777 Fax: 313-446-8030 Editorial data/research To locate information that has been published in Automotive News, call 313-446-1662. Customer service To start or renew a subscription or to report an address change or a delivery problem, e-mail subs@crain.com or call 888-446-1422 (in the U.S. or Canada) or 313-446-1662 (in all other locations). AUTOMOTIVE NEWS (ISSN 0005-1551) is published weekly at 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207-2997. Periodicals postage is paid at Detroit, MI and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, Circulation Department, 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207-2912. Canadian Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement #40012850, GST#136760444. Canadian return address: 2-7496 Bath Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1L2 Printed in the U.S.A. The Volt is terrific; give GM a hand To the Editor: When I read Bradley Berman’s column, “Who might kill the Chevy Volt?” in the Feb. 11 issue, I was reminded of a quote attributed to Henry Ford. He is said to have remarked once, “An expert is someone who will tell you what can’t be done.” What I find especially annoying is that the press — and I have to include myself here — has spent the past few years complaining that General Motors wasn’t doing the things it needed to do to stay competitive. Yet now, when the General is investing a great deal of time and money, not to mention prestige, on an important, forward-thinking concept that may be vital to our country’s future, we have the spectacle of writers warning that GM may now be taking too much of a risk. For Pete’s sake, we should lighten up. GM’s Volt is a lot more than just a new autonews.com Did you know that you can use our Web site to write a letter to the editor? Here’s how. Go to www.autonews.com. Scroll down on the left side of the home page until you see “Opinion.” Click on “Letters to the Editor.” At the top of the letters screen, there will be a gray bar that says “Send us a Letter to the Editor.” Click on that and follow directions. To the Editor: Re: “Who might kill the Chevy Volt?”: The automotive marketing people may not realize the number of potential buyers for electric-powered plug-inand-drive vehicles. It is a national joke to watch the weekly, if not daily, changes at the gasoline pumps. I have vowed not to buy another new car until those types of electric cars are available. Since our government cannot put a plan together to reduce burning fossil fuels and/or importing foreign oil, it is up to individuals, through their buying methods, to force a national change. Note: There are alternatives to burning coal to generate electricity, too. A federal tax deduction equivalent to 10 percent of the vehicle cost would create a sales bonanza and enable auto companies to recoup their investments sooner. The high cost of every consumable see LETTERS, Page 14 http://www.autonews.com/signup http://www.autonews.com http://www.autonews.com http://www.autonews.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - February 25, 2008

Automotive News - February 25, 2008 Chamco's 'consultant' is forced into limelight Group 1, Gulf States clash Dealer profit stuck in neutral Ghosn: Autos are in recession NHTSA investigates Toyota, Pontiac cars' windows The upside of upside down: Better belts Push buttons will alter interiors Schwarzenbauer leaves Porsche for Audi CSM: Cuts in auto output to ease in 2nd quarter Ford's Hispanic ad campaign takes it to the mat Hydrogen slips as a solution for the greening of autos Kia to spend big to upgrade dealerships GMAC: Office cuts won't affect dealers LaSorda: Chrysler's $700 million axle plant is 'going up' Toyota hybrid battery partner boosts output Buick may add a car below the LaCrosse Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup Calif. regulators shoot for 40-plus mpg by 2020 Loyalty/conquest: Power's best, worst Chrysler firm on retrieving tools from Plastech Former NUMMI exec applies Toyota ideas to aircraft industry Kozyra's resume reflects volatile supplier climate Obituaries Chrysler, Plastech now have chance to work together Do it the NADA way Hail, Geneva; spring must be near Volt's potential is unlimited The Volt is terrific; give GM a hand Beware of high tech running amok Teach reporters half full/half empty Dealer wants to view Conti exec: Inside, it's about the info Dealers Caddy chief's goals: Build on CTS, prestige, high-tech Geneva looks like another green scene Volvo XC60 system senses impact, hits the brakes Saab 9-1 concept awaits green light GM: Supply of vehicles to certify will stay steady Used-vehicle supplies up, prices down in Jan. Black Book plans daily updates Cars.com rolls out video service Manheim launches search tool Luxury sales channel is high on GM agenda GM seeks dealers' help with 5-point green plan Northwood offers dealer MBA Court rejects Chicago dealer's appeal Taxes distort Jan. sales in Europe Nissan to cut designers NHTSA studies window woes Bank: Autos easier to afford VW labor boss gets jail term Delphi sells 2 units Toyota Tundra had tough Jan. Chrysler's white knight: We're investors, not heroes Ford's 'Knight Rider' is Sync on steroids GMAC parties have lost a bit of their pizazz Global warming? It's a crock - but . . . Nardelli's NASCAR debut is a winner A frosty reception for the TSX

Automotive News - February 25, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.