HERTFORD, England, April 23/PRNewswire/ -- The relentless pace of vehicle technology, a need to recruit and train technicians of the future(x) and ensuring the currency of lecturers' skills has prompted the UK motor industry to launch a unique initiative in support of the further education sector, which is responsible for training more than 50,000 young people registered on motor vehicle qualifications, including some 6,000 apprentices annually.
Following a bidding process, open to more than 300 institutions offering automotive training in the UK, ten 'pathfinder' centres have been selected to receive significant assistance from an industry consortium, which includes: the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the retail motor sector's professional association and major awarding body; bluecycle, the UK's largest on-line auto salvage auction specialist; Snap-on, a global leader in tools and vehicle diagnostic equipment; and Autodata, the foremost publisher and supplier of automotive technical information in Europe.
Recognising the challenges faced by the FE sector in funding investment in facilities, products and vehicles, the chosen centres, all of which are approved by the IMI to deliver national qualifications, will receive a complimentary package of support over the next three years. This includes the provision of vehicles(xx), Snap-on diagnostic equipment, access to technical data and comprehensive training for lecturer staff both off-site and complemented by visits from Snap-on's technical support team.
In return, the initiative will require participating centres to promote their involvement to local industry, careers offices and schools, as part of the IMI's "Proud to be professional" campaign, launched last year to step up efforts to attract high calibre students to the benefits of a vocational apprenticeship as a credible and rewarding alternative to university. The campaign also challenges outdated public perceptions of the motor sector, by stressing the progress being made by the industry to promote and recognise competence and ethical behaviour, which is championed by the IMI and endorsed by the participating stakeholders.
Research conducted by the Learning and Skills Council(xxx) reveals vacancies in the retail motor sector totalling some 11,500, the majority of which are for skilled technicians. Advanced systems, similar to that found in state-of-the-art fighter aircraft such as head-up display, fibre optics, controlled area networks (CAN), for example, are increasingly commonplace on new cars, demanding extreme proficiency of technicians in electronics and diagnostics. The new scheme will enable students and staff to gain in-depth experience of a variety of current production models.
Commenting on the launch of the new initiative, Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive, IMI, said:
"With rapid vehicle evolution, a shifting retail landscape and intense scrutiny from consumer groups, a robust and respected retail motor sector of the future will depend on equipping people with a whole new range of advanced skills who understand the importance of ethics. The further education sector has a huge part to play in this ambition and this unique initiative aims to make a difference on a number of different levels. We look forward to monitoring its progress."
Terry Smith, European Marketing Manager, Snap-on Diagnostics, commented:
"Snap-on has a sincere belief and a clear vision that by working together with other key businesses we can make a difference to how we train new and existing technicians to deal with the latest technology used on the motor vehicles of today and in the future. By supporting professional accreditation standards like ATA, we believe we can help to improve the public's perception of the UK motor industry."
Piers Wilson, Head of Market Development, bluecycle, added:
"bluecycle is always looking for innovative ways to support the motor industry so is delighted to be working with industry leaders to equip the motor technicians of the future with the skills to offer a full service to motor consumers."
Stephen Ellis, Lecturer in automotive engineering at West Cheshire College, one of the ten selected centres, said:
"Having state-of-the-art vehicles and electronic equipment in a classroom environment will equip our students with the most up-to-date training in a modern and challenging environment so that they are better prepared for the working world.
"Our involvement in this scheme will drive up the standard of technicians available to local employers and we hope it will also attract new and mature students into vocational education and the growing field of automotive electronics," continued Mr Ellis.
Tony Swiatek, Managing Director, Autodata, concluded:
"We think this is an excellent scheme and are delighted to be assisting with raising the standard of technician training in the UK. It is vital that our young technicians understand the importance of using accurate data, when undertaking any automotive repair or replacement task. With this country becoming increasingly litigious and consumer laws being continuously tightened, workshop staff need to be trained from the start to do jobs to the required standard every time."
Notes:
The ten 'pathfinder' centres are:
Brooksby Melton College
Grimsby Institute
Highbury College, Portsmouth
Newcastle College
Peterborough College
S&B Training, Bristol
Stockport College
Suffolk College
Training 2000, Blackburn
West Cheshire College
(x) According to findings published in the RMIF/Sewells retail motor industry pay guide 2006, 60% of franchised dealers and 30% of independent garages intend to take on more apprentices in the next 12 months, the majority in the service workshop.
(xx) bluecycle is providing each centre with a vehicle for diagnostic training purposes, to be replaced every six months, which have been inspected by diagnostics experts from Snap-on. Loaned vehicles are less than five years old and have been written-off, having suffered rear-end damage only.
(xxx) Research carried out by the Learning and Skills Council, published in the National Employers Skills Survey 2005, found that 19% of automotive businesses admit to having skills shortages and vacancies totalling almost 11,500. This represents 2% of the total number of vacancies across all sectors of industry. The research found that nearly 5,000 of those jobs were categorised as "hard to fill" i.e. required special skills.
The UK retail motor industry:
- Has a turnover of more than GBP70 billion per year
- Employs more than 600,000 people
- Is responsible for some 2% of GDP
The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor industry and is the leading awarding body of vocational qualifications in the automotive sector. With 25,000 members and nearly 50,000 registered students, the IMI's mission is to improve professional standards through the recognition, qualification and development of individuals.
bluecycle is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwich Union, part of the Aviva group, which has changed the face of the auto salvage market in the UK, by allowing motor traders the opportunity to buy accident damaged vehicles on-line.
Snap-on Diagnostics is part of Snap-on Incorporated, a global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and repair centres.
Source: Institute of the Motor Industry
Showing posts with label Automotive Industry Trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Automotive Industry Trends. Show all posts
Monday, April 23, 2007
UK Automotive Consortium Seeks to Shift Further Education Up a Gear
Monday, April 16, 2007
Cost Returns as Top Auto Industry Challenge, Invites Collaborative Solutions, According to 2007 DuPont Automotive/SAE Survey
DETROIT, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cost reduction may again be the number one challenge facing automotive engineers and designers heading into this week's SAE World Congress in Detroit, but nearly 70 percent of attendees say there is growing recognition and business practice surrounding "total cost reduction" versus "reduced price," according to results from the 13th annual DuPont Automotive/SAE survey.
"The distinction between 'total systems and assembled cost reduction' and 'price cutting' is needed to be able to strategically manage the omnipresent cost-reduction challenge in this competitive industry," said Chris Murphy, automotive director - Americas, for DuPont Automotive Performance Materials. "'Total cost reduction' is more holistic and invites customer-supplier collaborative solutions that can provide a step-change and more sustainable results, and this year's survey bears that understanding."
As an example, Murphy pointed to the growing adoption of DuPont(TM) Crastin(R) PBT for directly metalized automotive headlamp bezels, where solutions in materials, design and processing techniques translate into a 40 percent reduction in total part cost and enables designers to achieve new looks that consumers desire. The bezel -- a critical trim piece for structure and aesthetics -- is commercial on 8 million vehicles globally.
The top three strategies needed to strengthen the industry, according to the survey results, continue to be: Globalize the customer base, increase collaboration across the value chain and emphasize more consumer-focused innovations. "The strategies are clear," said Murphy. "Executing is the challenge."
The annual DuPont Automotive/SAE survey of OEM and supplier SAE members planning to attend the 2007 SAE World Congress was conducted by W.K. Greene and Associates and also reports environmental/sustainability challenges, material and powertrain trends.
Environmental Challenges
In addition to 14 percent of attendees pointing to fuel economy and CAFE as the number one challenge facing the industry, one quarter of SAE attendees say lower emissions and clean air regulations top the list of environmental/sustainability issues in 2007.
Additionally, bio-based/alternative fuels and renewably sourced materials are among the most important environmental/sustainability challenges for engineers' and designers' development work, according to the 2007 survey findings. "Interest in renewably sourced materials and alternative fuels jumped 60 percent in the last year," said Murphy. "The challenge to develop cost-effective solutions for more sustainable vehicle technology will absolutely require greater collaboration on a global basis throughout the value chain," he added.
In the past year, DuPont announced its intent to expand business offerings addressing safety, environment, energy and climate challenges in the global marketplace. Relevant to the auto industry are commitments to develop advanced bio-fuels, a new family of thermoplastic and fiber products based on renewable resources and new SuperStructural products to advance lightweighting efforts.
"In the words of DuPont Chairman and CEO Chad Holliday: 'What's good for business must also be good for the environment and for people everywhere in the world,'" said Murphy. "It's clear that DuPont is committed to using science to deliver materials and technologies that help take us there."
Material Trends
Advanced composites, plastics, fibers and renewably sourced materials are the top four materials expected to gain most in vehicle design and engineering in the next 10 years, according to the survey findings (see chart). In selecting materials, reducing weight, cost and improving performance and durability are the top selection criteria, according to the survey findings.
"These findings support what we hear from customers and illustrates that the industry is increasingly committed to producing lighter-weight, durable vehicles that offer a reduced environmental footprint at an affordable price," said Murphy.
Powertrain Technologies
Alternative-power vehicles again will have the greatest impact on the industry over the next 5-10 years, say 42 percent of attendees. "Clear trends that indicate which technology will dominate surfaced this year," said Gianluigi Molteni, segment manager - DuPont Automotive Global Powertrain. "While optimizing the gasoline internal-combustion engine, hybrid electric powertrains and fuel-cell development remains active, the most noticeable trend is the increased focus of diesel engine optimization -- from just over 1 percent in 2004 to 24 percent in 2007. Our leadership in European diesel applications can be leveraged in North America to help speed programs and improve performance."
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM) and Crastin(R) PBT are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Survey charts and referenced product information is available at http://automotive.dupont.com/ or http://plastics.dupont.com/
Source: DuPont Automotive
"The distinction between 'total systems and assembled cost reduction' and 'price cutting' is needed to be able to strategically manage the omnipresent cost-reduction challenge in this competitive industry," said Chris Murphy, automotive director - Americas, for DuPont Automotive Performance Materials. "'Total cost reduction' is more holistic and invites customer-supplier collaborative solutions that can provide a step-change and more sustainable results, and this year's survey bears that understanding."
As an example, Murphy pointed to the growing adoption of DuPont(TM) Crastin(R) PBT for directly metalized automotive headlamp bezels, where solutions in materials, design and processing techniques translate into a 40 percent reduction in total part cost and enables designers to achieve new looks that consumers desire. The bezel -- a critical trim piece for structure and aesthetics -- is commercial on 8 million vehicles globally.
The top three strategies needed to strengthen the industry, according to the survey results, continue to be: Globalize the customer base, increase collaboration across the value chain and emphasize more consumer-focused innovations. "The strategies are clear," said Murphy. "Executing is the challenge."
The annual DuPont Automotive/SAE survey of OEM and supplier SAE members planning to attend the 2007 SAE World Congress was conducted by W.K. Greene and Associates and also reports environmental/sustainability challenges, material and powertrain trends.
Environmental Challenges
In addition to 14 percent of attendees pointing to fuel economy and CAFE as the number one challenge facing the industry, one quarter of SAE attendees say lower emissions and clean air regulations top the list of environmental/sustainability issues in 2007.
Additionally, bio-based/alternative fuels and renewably sourced materials are among the most important environmental/sustainability challenges for engineers' and designers' development work, according to the 2007 survey findings. "Interest in renewably sourced materials and alternative fuels jumped 60 percent in the last year," said Murphy. "The challenge to develop cost-effective solutions for more sustainable vehicle technology will absolutely require greater collaboration on a global basis throughout the value chain," he added.
In the past year, DuPont announced its intent to expand business offerings addressing safety, environment, energy and climate challenges in the global marketplace. Relevant to the auto industry are commitments to develop advanced bio-fuels, a new family of thermoplastic and fiber products based on renewable resources and new SuperStructural products to advance lightweighting efforts.
"In the words of DuPont Chairman and CEO Chad Holliday: 'What's good for business must also be good for the environment and for people everywhere in the world,'" said Murphy. "It's clear that DuPont is committed to using science to deliver materials and technologies that help take us there."
Material Trends
Advanced composites, plastics, fibers and renewably sourced materials are the top four materials expected to gain most in vehicle design and engineering in the next 10 years, according to the survey findings (see chart). In selecting materials, reducing weight, cost and improving performance and durability are the top selection criteria, according to the survey findings.
"These findings support what we hear from customers and illustrates that the industry is increasingly committed to producing lighter-weight, durable vehicles that offer a reduced environmental footprint at an affordable price," said Murphy.
Powertrain Technologies
Alternative-power vehicles again will have the greatest impact on the industry over the next 5-10 years, say 42 percent of attendees. "Clear trends that indicate which technology will dominate surfaced this year," said Gianluigi Molteni, segment manager - DuPont Automotive Global Powertrain. "While optimizing the gasoline internal-combustion engine, hybrid electric powertrains and fuel-cell development remains active, the most noticeable trend is the increased focus of diesel engine optimization -- from just over 1 percent in 2004 to 24 percent in 2007. Our leadership in European diesel applications can be leveraged in North America to help speed programs and improve performance."
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM) and Crastin(R) PBT are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Survey charts and referenced product information is available at http://automotive.dupont.com/ or http://plastics.dupont.com/
Source: DuPont Automotive
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Importance of 'Driver Control' Encourages Penetration of AMTs, DCTs in the European Marke
The growing importance of 'driver control' in Europe is resulting in the increased penetration of automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) at the expense of stepped manuals. However, stepped manuals are expected to remain the norm over the next five to six years, albeit with falling market share. MTs are both cost-effective and lightweight, as well as easy to manufacture and operate.
They allow manufacturers' overheads to be minimised, making them an economically attractive solution. Over 45 per cent of manual transmission (MT) users prefer to have six-speed transmissions in their vehicles, and these are expected to account for over 60 per cent of MTs by 2013.
"AMTs and DCTs are likely to eat into the share of stepped MTs, "notes Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com) Programme Manager Kaushik Madhavan. "However, with end consumers rating fuel consumption characteristics higher than comfort factors, the dominance of MTs is expected to continue."
Over 40 per cent of AT users are likely to consider an AMT in their next purchase. However, stepped automatic transmissions are expected to remain a favourite for upper-segment luxury vehicles, owing to the superior driving comfort they provide.
Meanwhile, with DCTs offering uninterrupted power transmission to the wheels, thanks to the presence of two clutch systems rather than the usual one, driving comfort is greatly enhanced, without compromising the driver's control over gear shifting. However, just over 15 per cent of AT owners are likely to shift to DCTs when they make their next purchase. Although not as popular as AMTs, DCTs are growing in significance.
Hybridisation of transmission technologies is likely to accelerate, with particular interest in DCTs due to their fuel saving potential of up to 20 per cent. Here, the Getrag-Bosch transmission unit is of particular significance and is expected to be introduced by 2009-2010.
"Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have always been plagued by reliability issues concerning efficient lubrication and the durability of the CVT components," states Mr Madhavan. "Although the multitronic CVT introduced by Audi has shown promise, there have been complaints from end consumers regarding the need to change transmissions due to failures occurring within considerably short spans of time." As a result, customer acceptance has been low.
Additionally, with an increasing quantity of electronics being used in transmission technologies, the number of add-on modules is set to increase, resulting in space constraints. Front-mounted transverse installations are likely to be the most affected. Moreover, with the number of gear ratios increasing from the current five-speed to six, technology suppliers will need to develop transmissions with similar exterior dimensions to those of their predecessors.
Innovative transmission technologies such as the three-shaft transmission are expected to gain in importance in smaller vehicle segments where space comes at a premium, meaning manufacturers will need to devise ways to save space.
Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission Technologies is part of the Automotive and Transportation Subscription, which also includes research in the following markets: stepped manual transmission, automated manual transmission, stepped automatic transmission, dual clutch transmission, continuously variable transmission and infinitely variable transmission. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit http://www.frost.com
Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission Technologies
List of keywords in this press release: Europe driver control,automated manual transmission, AMT, dual clutch transmission, DCT
Source: Frost & Sullivan
They allow manufacturers' overheads to be minimised, making them an economically attractive solution. Over 45 per cent of manual transmission (MT) users prefer to have six-speed transmissions in their vehicles, and these are expected to account for over 60 per cent of MTs by 2013.
"AMTs and DCTs are likely to eat into the share of stepped MTs, "notes Frost & Sullivan (http://www.automotive.frost.com) Programme Manager Kaushik Madhavan. "However, with end consumers rating fuel consumption characteristics higher than comfort factors, the dominance of MTs is expected to continue."
Over 40 per cent of AT users are likely to consider an AMT in their next purchase. However, stepped automatic transmissions are expected to remain a favourite for upper-segment luxury vehicles, owing to the superior driving comfort they provide.
Meanwhile, with DCTs offering uninterrupted power transmission to the wheels, thanks to the presence of two clutch systems rather than the usual one, driving comfort is greatly enhanced, without compromising the driver's control over gear shifting. However, just over 15 per cent of AT owners are likely to shift to DCTs when they make their next purchase. Although not as popular as AMTs, DCTs are growing in significance.
Hybridisation of transmission technologies is likely to accelerate, with particular interest in DCTs due to their fuel saving potential of up to 20 per cent. Here, the Getrag-Bosch transmission unit is of particular significance and is expected to be introduced by 2009-2010.
"Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have always been plagued by reliability issues concerning efficient lubrication and the durability of the CVT components," states Mr Madhavan. "Although the multitronic CVT introduced by Audi has shown promise, there have been complaints from end consumers regarding the need to change transmissions due to failures occurring within considerably short spans of time." As a result, customer acceptance has been low.
Additionally, with an increasing quantity of electronics being used in transmission technologies, the number of add-on modules is set to increase, resulting in space constraints. Front-mounted transverse installations are likely to be the most affected. Moreover, with the number of gear ratios increasing from the current five-speed to six, technology suppliers will need to develop transmissions with similar exterior dimensions to those of their predecessors.
Innovative transmission technologies such as the three-shaft transmission are expected to gain in importance in smaller vehicle segments where space comes at a premium, meaning manufacturers will need to devise ways to save space.
Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission Technologies is part of the Automotive and Transportation Subscription, which also includes research in the following markets: stepped manual transmission, automated manual transmission, stepped automatic transmission, dual clutch transmission, continuously variable transmission and infinitely variable transmission. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit http://www.frost.com
Strategic Analysis of the European Market for Transmission Technologies
List of keywords in this press release: Europe driver control,automated manual transmission, AMT, dual clutch transmission, DCT
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Online Discussion with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles on Thursday, April 12
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles will participate in an online discussion session on Thursday, April 12, from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT.
The discussion on the UAW Web site will focus on areas related to Vice President Settles’ main areas of responsibility. Settles leads the union’s Aerospace, Agricultural Implement, Transnational and Joint Ventures, Guide Corp. and American Axle departments, as well as servicing for the Technical, Office and Professional Department.
Have a question for Ron or Jimmy? Questions can be submitted for consideration on Wed., April 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. EDT, as well as one hour before the discussion session starts, or during the session.
To join in, just follow this link:
http://www.uaw.org/talk/discussion.cfm
Source: International Union, UAW
The discussion on the UAW Web site will focus on areas related to Vice President Settles’ main areas of responsibility. Settles leads the union’s Aerospace, Agricultural Implement, Transnational and Joint Ventures, Guide Corp. and American Axle departments, as well as servicing for the Technical, Office and Professional Department.
Have a question for Ron or Jimmy? Questions can be submitted for consideration on Wed., April 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. EDT, as well as one hour before the discussion session starts, or during the session.
To join in, just follow this link:
http://www.uaw.org/talk/discussion.cfm
Source: International Union, UAW
Most Successful Cars.com Dealers Use Variety of Tactics to Drive Internet Sales
Top-Performing e-Dealers to Share 'Secrets of Their Success' in Cars.com Webinar Moderated by Ward's Dealer Business
Marking the release of the seventh annual Ward's e-Dealer 100, Cars.com announces a free webinar for dealers, "The Secrets of Their Success: Tips from the Ward's e-Dealer 100." Attendees will learn about the internet sales strategies and processes of top-ranked dealers in this year's special report, which recognizes top online sales generators. Cliff Banks, Ward's editorial director, will moderate the online panel discussion at noon EDT on April 13. Several Cars.com dealers ranked in this year's e-Dealer 100 will discuss strategies behind their online success, steps they take to close online sales and tactics for tracking and measuring internet-generated sales.
Each year, Ward's Dealer Business publishes its special e-Dealer 100 report to recognize top-performing dealerships and review successful online sales and marketing techniques. Combined annual sales from the dealers' internet initiatives have more than tripled to more than 178,000 vehicles since the magazine launched the e-Dealer 100 in 2001.
Of the 100 dealers recognized in this year's report, 89 advertise with Cars.com; three-fourths of those use multiple offerings from Cars.com to drive performance. According to Cars.com president Mitch Golub, dealers are looking for new ways to stand out online and are turning to sites like Cars.com for services that can help them gain a competitive advantage online and drive more ready-to-buy shoppers to their stores.
"Internet listings and lead generation are now a mainstay of any successful online sales program," Golub said. "We are seeing a trend of dealers wanting to do more online, and looking to services such as ours for the next thing to help them engage online shoppers. Last year alone, Cars.com launched five new advertising products to meet this need, including used car specials, an offering that allows dealers to promote their specials and feature specific cars from their inventory."
At Acton Toyota-Scion, Matt Lamoureux credits the Boston-area store's No. 40 position on the e-Dealer ranking to its multi-prong internet strategy. He said that in addition to advertising his inventory on Cars.com, he purchases new-car leads, includes multiple pictures with each listing and promotes used-car specials.
"You have to try new and innovative ways to differentiate yourself from the competition," Lamoureux said. "Fully merchandising each vehicle tells the car shopper we're professionals, we know what we're doing. It's about building trust with the customers before they get here."
"With the ranking of this year's top e-Dealers, it is an excellent time to review trends in today's market and the practices that are driving success online," said Cliff Banks of Ward's Dealer Business. "We are excited to work with Cars.com to bring dealers tips from some of the most successful dealers online."
"The Secrets of Their Success: Tips from the Ward's e-Dealer 100" is part of Cars.com's free monthly webinar series, DealerADvantage LIVE, which aims to bring dealers information they can use to improve their business operations and online practices. Dealers interested in attending the "The Secrets of Their Success" webinar can register by visiting the Cars.com DealerCenter at http://dealers.cars.com/live . They also can access archived recordings of previous DealerADvantage LIVE sessions and enroll for upcoming events.
About Ward's Dealer Business
Ward's Dealer Business (http://www.wardsauto.com/) offers useful, hands-on information to help new-car dealership executives operate their businesses at peak efficiency and profitability. Ward's Dealer Business provides "best practice" solutions in the form of successful dealer profiles, suggestions and tips from leading industry consultants, and exposure to new products and services for dealership operations.
About Cars.com
Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.
Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (http://classifiedventures.com/), which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC) , Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) .
Source: Cars.com
Marking the release of the seventh annual Ward's e-Dealer 100, Cars.com announces a free webinar for dealers, "The Secrets of Their Success: Tips from the Ward's e-Dealer 100." Attendees will learn about the internet sales strategies and processes of top-ranked dealers in this year's special report, which recognizes top online sales generators. Cliff Banks, Ward's editorial director, will moderate the online panel discussion at noon EDT on April 13. Several Cars.com dealers ranked in this year's e-Dealer 100 will discuss strategies behind their online success, steps they take to close online sales and tactics for tracking and measuring internet-generated sales.
Each year, Ward's Dealer Business publishes its special e-Dealer 100 report to recognize top-performing dealerships and review successful online sales and marketing techniques. Combined annual sales from the dealers' internet initiatives have more than tripled to more than 178,000 vehicles since the magazine launched the e-Dealer 100 in 2001.
Of the 100 dealers recognized in this year's report, 89 advertise with Cars.com; three-fourths of those use multiple offerings from Cars.com to drive performance. According to Cars.com president Mitch Golub, dealers are looking for new ways to stand out online and are turning to sites like Cars.com for services that can help them gain a competitive advantage online and drive more ready-to-buy shoppers to their stores.
"Internet listings and lead generation are now a mainstay of any successful online sales program," Golub said. "We are seeing a trend of dealers wanting to do more online, and looking to services such as ours for the next thing to help them engage online shoppers. Last year alone, Cars.com launched five new advertising products to meet this need, including used car specials, an offering that allows dealers to promote their specials and feature specific cars from their inventory."
At Acton Toyota-Scion, Matt Lamoureux credits the Boston-area store's No. 40 position on the e-Dealer ranking to its multi-prong internet strategy. He said that in addition to advertising his inventory on Cars.com, he purchases new-car leads, includes multiple pictures with each listing and promotes used-car specials.
"You have to try new and innovative ways to differentiate yourself from the competition," Lamoureux said. "Fully merchandising each vehicle tells the car shopper we're professionals, we know what we're doing. It's about building trust with the customers before they get here."
"With the ranking of this year's top e-Dealers, it is an excellent time to review trends in today's market and the practices that are driving success online," said Cliff Banks of Ward's Dealer Business. "We are excited to work with Cars.com to bring dealers tips from some of the most successful dealers online."
"The Secrets of Their Success: Tips from the Ward's e-Dealer 100" is part of Cars.com's free monthly webinar series, DealerADvantage LIVE, which aims to bring dealers information they can use to improve their business operations and online practices. Dealers interested in attending the "The Secrets of Their Success" webinar can register by visiting the Cars.com DealerCenter at http://dealers.cars.com/live . They also can access archived recordings of previous DealerADvantage LIVE sessions and enroll for upcoming events.
About Ward's Dealer Business
Ward's Dealer Business (http://www.wardsauto.com/) offers useful, hands-on information to help new-car dealership executives operate their businesses at peak efficiency and profitability. Ward's Dealer Business provides "best practice" solutions in the form of successful dealer profiles, suggestions and tips from leading industry consultants, and exposure to new products and services for dealership operations.
About Cars.com
Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.
Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, (http://classifiedventures.com/), which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC) , Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) .
Source: Cars.com
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Zeroshift Honoured with the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year Award in the European Powertrain Market
Frost & Sullivan confers the 2007 Company of the Year Award in the European powertrain market upon Zeroshift. In presenting this Award, Frost & Sullivan commends the company's technological leadership in automated manual transmissions (AMTs) and its efforts to gain improved visibility in the OEM market.
By 2013, AMTs are expected to account for about ten per cent of the European powertrain market. As a result, the majority of transmission technology manufacturers are aligning their product portfolios accordingly.
"Apart from the passenger vehicle industry, Zeroshift is looking at commercial vehicles, marine applications and construction vehicles, which offer high potential for the application of AMTs," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Mr. Kaushik Madhavan. "Being one of the first entrants into these markets, the company is likely to have the leading-edge in terms of partnering with local OEMs for customised AMT applications."
The company's AMT functions on a dog box system, similar in construction to the racing transmissions used in the European market. The synchromesh unit used in conventional transmission is replaced by bullets and this has led to significant cost savings in line with the downsizing and cost-saving trends of OEMs.
The earlier generation of AMTs had a distinctive jerk during gear shifts and hence, had restricted application. However, Zeroshift succeeded in solving this issue with clever engineering. This brings AMT closer to conventional stepped automatics, where comfort is of prime importance. Costing less than the latter, AMT is now poised to challenge the domination of stepped automatics in the premium and luxury vehicle segment in the European market.
"The Zeroshift AMT can be applied to passenger vehicles irrespective of the type of engine used," states Mr. Madhavan. "The technology is also applicable to hybrid vehicles, which are likely to gain significance, as the majority of European OEMs are turning toward micro hybrids in order to ensure compliance with the ACEA and EURO emissions norms."
The company has featured in leading global automotive journals and magazines. It has also actively participated in international conferences, trade shows and symposiums, which have enabled it to gain increased visibility. Moreover, it invites research and consulting organizations to visit its manufacturing and engineering facilities in Milton Keynes (UK) in order to give prospective clients a first-hand experience of the transmission facility and technology.
"Zeroshift has presented its technology in the form of papers at various conferences worldwide," says Mr. Madhavan. "This has provided it with an opportunity to showcase its technology in the European market, as well as in global emerging markets such as India and China."
The company is involved in close talks with European and global OEMs for the supply of AMTs in passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle applications. It is confident of gaining an OEM customer for a serial production application by 2009-2010, although customers in the niche segments are around the corner.
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence within its industry. The Award is based on numerous factors including the company's business development, competitive strategy, and leadership within a particular Frost & Sullivan Industry Research Group (IRG).
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit www.frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan
By 2013, AMTs are expected to account for about ten per cent of the European powertrain market. As a result, the majority of transmission technology manufacturers are aligning their product portfolios accordingly.
"Apart from the passenger vehicle industry, Zeroshift is looking at commercial vehicles, marine applications and construction vehicles, which offer high potential for the application of AMTs," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Mr. Kaushik Madhavan. "Being one of the first entrants into these markets, the company is likely to have the leading-edge in terms of partnering with local OEMs for customised AMT applications."
The company's AMT functions on a dog box system, similar in construction to the racing transmissions used in the European market. The synchromesh unit used in conventional transmission is replaced by bullets and this has led to significant cost savings in line with the downsizing and cost-saving trends of OEMs.
The earlier generation of AMTs had a distinctive jerk during gear shifts and hence, had restricted application. However, Zeroshift succeeded in solving this issue with clever engineering. This brings AMT closer to conventional stepped automatics, where comfort is of prime importance. Costing less than the latter, AMT is now poised to challenge the domination of stepped automatics in the premium and luxury vehicle segment in the European market.
"The Zeroshift AMT can be applied to passenger vehicles irrespective of the type of engine used," states Mr. Madhavan. "The technology is also applicable to hybrid vehicles, which are likely to gain significance, as the majority of European OEMs are turning toward micro hybrids in order to ensure compliance with the ACEA and EURO emissions norms."
The company has featured in leading global automotive journals and magazines. It has also actively participated in international conferences, trade shows and symposiums, which have enabled it to gain increased visibility. Moreover, it invites research and consulting organizations to visit its manufacturing and engineering facilities in Milton Keynes (UK) in order to give prospective clients a first-hand experience of the transmission facility and technology.
"Zeroshift has presented its technology in the form of papers at various conferences worldwide," says Mr. Madhavan. "This has provided it with an opportunity to showcase its technology in the European market, as well as in global emerging markets such as India and China."
The company is involved in close talks with European and global OEMs for the supply of AMTs in passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle applications. It is confident of gaining an OEM customer for a serial production application by 2009-2010, although customers in the niche segments are around the corner.
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence within its industry. The Award is based on numerous factors including the company's business development, competitive strategy, and leadership within a particular Frost & Sullivan Industry Research Group (IRG).
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
For more information, visit www.frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan
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