Automotive News - March 3, 2008 - (Page 24h)

24H • MARCH 3, 2008 German automakers seek more parts sourced in North America Klaus-Dieter Floerecke and Henning Krogh autonews@crain.com Nissan to increase spending on IT Hans Greimel hgreimel@crain.com MUNICH — German automakers are asking their suppliers to boost sourcing from North America to take advantage of the weakness of the dollar compared with the euro. “Currently, we’ve had inquiries from Daimler, BMW, Audi and VW asking whether we can increase the share of parts produced in North America,” said Caspar Baumhauer, CEO of the seat-heating supplier W.E.T. Daimler sources say the dollar content of the new editions of the U.S.-built Mercedes-Benz M- and G-class SUVs will be substantially increased over current levels. Two suppliers to the two Mercedes vehicles, drive module producer ZF Lemfoerder and molded-parts maker Benteler, say they are looking for ways to increase U.S. sourcing. Audi says it, too, wants to increase purchasing in the dollar zone. The VW subsidiary has asked several suppliers whether they can contribute more North American-sourced parts for the next generation of the Q7 crossover, starting in 2011. The dollar has fallen nearly 40 percent against the euro since 2001, making dollar-based purchases a bargain for euro holders.c TOKYO — Nissan aims to cut costs through investing in new information technology. The goal is to streamline design and sales operations to offset swelling raw material prices. The centerpiece of the push will be a next-generation platform for computer-aided design. Nissan Motor Co. plans to spend ¥100 billion ($925.9 million) on new information technology over the next three years, the Nikkei newspaper reported. The upgraded computer-aided design system will allow for simpler operation and better 3-D viewing, which will lift engineers’ productivity 20 percent, the newspaper said. Nissan declined to confirm the figures but acknowledged it plans to expand the use of computer-aided design technology throughout product development worldwide. Nissan hasn’t given a timeline for rolling out the system. It also is keeping under wraps such details as who is providing the upgraded technology. Part of the spending will overhaul sales management systems in emerging markets such as China and India, Nikkei said. Systems will be introduced there starting this year. The technology will make it easier for Nissan to build cars tailored to dealer orders. It also will make Nissan more flexible in responding to requests for different options or colors.c Japan parts firm to build Miss. plant SHELBYVILLE, Ind. — PK USA Inc., a unit of Japanese parts maker Press Kogyo Co., will build a stamping and welding assembly plant in Senatobia, Miss., south of Memphis, Tenn. Starting in 2010, the $40 million plant will service Japanese automotive companies and suppliers in Mississippi. PK USA, of Shelbyville, supplies metal body and chassis components and plastic injection parts for the automotive industry worldwide. BorgWarner unit expands KIRCHHEIMBOLANDEN, Germany — BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems, a division of BorgWarner Inc., has expanded its manufacturing plant in Oroszlany, Hungary. The company added 50,052 square feet to accommodate the increasing demand for fuel-efficient engines. The Hungary location produces turbochargers for passenger vehicles. BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems, based here, also supplies engine air management systems for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Purchase keeps Tenn. plant open CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Manufacturers Industrial Group LLC has purchased Modern Industries LLC from Leggett and Platt Inc. The sellers had planned to close the factory if a buyer could not be found. Manufacturers Industrial Group, of Lexington, Tenn., will make formed wire and tubing at the plant. Hyundai picks ArvinMeritor DETROIT — ArvinMeritor Inc. has received a multiyear contract from Hyundai Motor America to supply plastic door modules and latches for the North American-built Hyundai Sonata. Production is scheduled to begin in March 2010. ArvinMeritor estimates annual volume of 700,000 units for each product. ArvinMeritor, of suburban Detroit, supplies integrated systems, modules and components. http://www.motorshow.or.kr http://www.motorshow.or.kr

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - March 3, 2008

Bob Nardeli's new big-idea guy New Kia boss reaches out to restless dealers Scion hits a wall Lithia losses raise caution flag Detroit 3 shun talk of NAFTA do-over Lincoln names new marketing manager Mercedes to launch hybrid sedan in '09 Mazda has new top marketing exec M-B will hit the road with 50-state diesels Pontiac puts big ad bucks into traditional media for G8 Reynolds, ADP diverge on growth strategies Ford plans to cut fleet sales 10% in 2008 Mazda: New models, styling will boost its loyalty rate Run-up to axle strike adds to supplier woes Webasto's fast heater will debut by 2010 Russian plant wants to be world's biggest A Lancer is hatched Chrysler throws out purchasing rulebook Honda sets lofty hybrid goal, with Civic's help Honda: Use of ethanol limited, must be biomass Honda CEO Fukui: No recession in U.S., despite soft sales in spots 550 hp? 620 hp? Is GM crazy? Doug Fraser was a great leader How ironic: Lyons learns caution Well done, Doug Don't let Calif. impose fuel rules on the nation Blame the dealer, not the brand Cutting weight doesn't cut safety When Lutz dumps on global warming ... JM exec Czubay: A taste for hogs, pierogi Doug Fraser: A good man to have known Fraser led UAW with 'combination of substance, politics and charm' Autonet finds success at NADA with wi-fi for cars GM to sell medium-truck business, keep dealer network Web classified ad firms renew marketing to dealers, buyers Chery designs venture's vehicles China venture eyes 20,000 Fiesta hatchback sales Toyota plans crossovers in China Dongfeng, YuAn plan minicars BMW shakes up global marketing, sales ranks Delphi divestiture boosts forging supplier Is Blackhawk purchase bucking a trend? Repair company grows as Detroit 3 struggle BorgWarner unit expands German automakers seek more parts sourced in North America Hyundai picks ArvinMeritor Japan parts firm to build Miss. plant Nissan to increase spending on IT Purchase keeps Tenn. plant open Automakers hit with apartheid claims Mexico sales flat in January Ford prices '09 Flex atop crossover line Hamp rejoins Visteon board RV deliveries decline 3.4% in December Subaru lowers Forester price Personnel Bright future for LED headlight suppliers? Valeo's Morin to Pardus: Learn before you leap German automakers aren't worried about U.S. recession Porsche's Wiedeking: We must retool VW Europe's loud debate over quieter tires Noise level depends on the tires, the road Auto industry robotics spending jumps 43% in 2007 Electronic brakes struggle to get traction Big Texas dealer returns to some domestic brands AutoNation chief sees tough '08, better '09 In downturn, Sonic looks beyond new cars GM promotes service, parts leads for dealerships 10 cool dealership technologies found at NADA Dealers Kia will build transmissions at Georgia plant Gibson leaves DealerTrack board Akebono closing Kentucky plant Feds issue Ford fire warning Magna net income drops VW to use Siemens' software A tale of 2 exhaust systems EU wants CO2 in ads; battle looms Maize malaise stalls ethanol Tata to siesta during Ford's Fiesta Honda moves its American bike offshore Honda will recycle cycle plant Tom LaSorda's multimillion-dollar smile

Automotive News - March 3, 2008

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