China Automotive Aftermarket Industry

2012 Deep Research Report on China Automotive Aftermarket Industry was a professional and depth research report on China automotive aftermarket Industry. Firstly the report describes the background knowledge of Automotive aftermarket, including Concepts Classification service, supply chain, competition, development trend market demand supply and relationship, marketing and distributing system and operating mode, related suppliers analysis and success case analysis China United Sates Japan etc auto parts aftermarket business model and comparison, China market history today and tomorrow analysis, and also introduced new invested Opportunities in China auto parts aftermarket industry. What is more, the report use large pages introduce consumer behavior and related service situation of current China market. And also introduced some China economy background and related automotive demand development. 

In a word, It was a depth research report on China Automotive aftermarket  industry. And thanks to the support and assistance from Automotive aftermarket  industry chain related experts and enterprises during QYResearch auto parts aftermarket Research Team survey and interview.

THE NATION has an interesting article by Pattanadesh Asasappakij on the evolution of the pickup in Thailand:

Light trucks or pickup trucks were first introduced in Thailand by the US Army, which was stationed at various airports in the Kingdom.
The vehicles were purely American brands such as Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Dodge, etc.
It was only in 1970 that Datsun introduced a small pickup truck with a 1,200cc 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which looked like pickup trucks sold today. Nissan later introduced a larger body but still used a small gasoline engine, and it quickly became the most popular pickup truck in the Thai market. The pickup remained in production for many years, while there were also competitors such as Toyota Hilux, Mazda Proceed and Daihatsu, which was very strong in the Chiang Mai public transport market…

Check out the whole feature here.

Automotive telematics bulletin

Automotive telematics bulletin : The automotive OEMs see telematics-based enhancements as crucial to differentiating their new model programmes from those of their competitors. No longer are satellite navigation systems and sophisticated in-vehicle entertainment confined solely to the luxury end of the market. A flurry of advertising activity is now being aimed at raising consumer awareness of new add-ons to vehicles.

This is an area that OEMs view as being critical to their marketing plans, indeed these manufacturers are currently spending $1.6 billion a year in product development.

Stakes are high as analysts predict high growth and big revenue prizes for those companies with the ‘first mover advantage’ or ‘the killer application’. In both consumer-based and fleet-based applications the race is on to develop the best and most attractive propositions.

In a fast-moving and competitive market such as this, Automotive telematics bulletin, a monthly newsletter is your informed voice on the industry.

This concise Automntive telematics bulletin publication provides more than just news, offering informed opinion and analysis on the major players and their movements, industry and technology developments as well serious comment on the big deals and what they might mean for your business.

Every month, leading experts in the telematics industry give you news and comment that would take you days to compile and derive yourself. In one monthly newsletter, sharp analysis of the key industry events are condensed in one informative source.

In-depth coverage of major news stories on key industry players
News shorts—a brief run down of the latest developments in the industry
Interviews with senior industry decision makers
Opinion—key industry analysis and forecasts from our experts
Editorial—our own unique slant on the state of the industry

The global market for automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning

The majority of consumers now regard automotive air conditioning (HVAC) as a ‘must-have’ – and this demand is now strong across all market segments, even down to the small ‘A’ and ‘B’ class vehicle segments, where compact and relatively inexpensive systems have been developed to meet market requirements.

However, suppliers are constantly under pressure to deliver extra functionality and reduce the price of their components and systems. The consolidated nature of the sector, with six global players competing for business, means that small differences in price or technology can mean the difference between winning and losing new contracts.

Suppliers have been concentrating on the move towards semi and fully automatic systems, with increased features and functionality. Reducing the complexity of operation through advanced control systems, the introduction of multi-zone systems, as well as improved air quality and sensors are all recent innovations that help manufacturers differentiate their product offering.

In the short term, the industry faces a number of structural challenges which will impact across all segments of the automotive industry. For example, there is a clear trend towards smaller vehicles and smaller engines – which, along with the move away from manual to automatic systems, presents significant engineering and revenue challenges for suppliers. The move towards hybrid and electric vehicle technology will also present opportunities for this sector, but will place substantial development costs on suppliers.

Overarching those concerns is the ongoing drive, in all major markets, to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. The European Union has already taken action to improve this situation, and other markets have also introduced their own legislation. However, while Europe’s car manufacturers are divided on which alternative refrigerant to choose, it seems that the manufacturers in North America and Japan have taken the lead in this respect - having approved the use of their favoured alternative.

Low cost Car Market

Low-cost Car Market in India 2011-2015

TechNavio’s analysts forecast the Low-cost Car market in India to grow at a CAGR of 24.7 percent over the period 2011–2015. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing demand from rural areas and tier-2 cities. The Low-cost Car market in India has also been witnessing the trend of increasing safety and environment norms. However, the increase in fuel prices could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. 

TechNavio’s report, the Low-cost Car Market in India 2011–2015, has been prepared based on an in-depth analysis of the market with inputs from industry experts. The report is focused on India. It also covers the market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

India Tire Market

Tire Market in India 2011-2015

TechNavio’s analysts forecast the Tire market in India to grow at a CAGR of 12 percent over the period 2011–2015. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the growing demand for automobile products. The Tire market in India has also been witnessing the emergence of tubeless tires. However, the increase in raw material prices could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. 

TechNavio’s report, the Tire Market in India 2011–2015, has been prepared based on an in-depth analysis of the market with inputs from industry experts. The report focuses on India; it also covers the Tire market in India landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key vendors dominating this market space include MRF Ltd., Apollo Tyres Ltd., JK Tyre and Industries Ltd., and CEAT Ltd.

Key questions answered in this report:
What will the market size be in 2015 and at what rate will it grow?
What key trends is this market subject to?
What is driving this market?
What are the challenges to market growth?
Who are the key vendors in this market space?
What are the opportunities and threats faced by each of these key vendors?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these key vendors?

AFG Meeting 18th of May 2012

We are pleased to invite you to another CAN'T MISS EVENT....with Peter Wolf, Managing Director of BMW Manufacturing Thailand. He will present status and vision for BMW in Thailand and introduce the Automotive Working Group at the EABC (European Asean Business Centre): Date: Friday, May 18th, 2012 Registration: 5.00 PM Presentation: 5.30 PM - 6.30 PM Location: Marriott Pattaya, Beach Road Please click on YES or NO  NOW, so we can reserve your seat at this interesting event. Part 1: BMW Manufacturing Thailand Today and Tomorrow – BMW in Thailand und ASEAN – View to AEC 2015 (Asean Economic Community) Part 2: European ASEAN Business Centre EABC Automotive Working Group – EABC Background – Members – Position Papers – Timeline – Participation for AFG & members Speaker: Peter Wolf  Peter Wolf assumed his position at BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) on 1 July 2010. Mr. Wolf (53) has been working with BMW Group for nearly 25 years. Before joining BMW Manufacturing Thailand, he served in the position of Managing Director of BMW Fahrzeugtechnik Eisenach GmbH (or 'BMW Plant Eisenach') in Germany. In addition, he had extensive experience in various areas of production, technology and logistics. In his current  position, he is responsible for managing the overall business for BMW Manufacturing Thailand, or so-called BMW Plant Rayong – assembling BMW automobiles to supply to BMW Group Thailand for domestic sales, as well as export to other BMW subsidiaries in the ASEAN region. Networking: After the presentation, AFG Members are invited to join a combined AMCHAM/AUSTCHAM/BCCT networking session sponsored by DANA and VISTEON at member rates (400 Baht instead of 800 Baht). NOTE: We will have our 5th Anniversary Celebration & as a 'stand-alone' Function in June 2012. We had to move the event from the 25th due to a schedule conflict with the annual AMCHAM golf tournament.

The Brazilian Supplier Report

In 2011, Brazil was the world’s seventh largest auto producer, turning out 3.41 million vehicles and also the fifth largest auto market, with sales of 3.63 million representing increases of 7% and 3.4% respectively on the previous year. But of greater significance is the fact that the market in Brazil had continued to grow strongly throughout the global economic downturn of the previous two years. In 2009, despite a 43% drop in exports, local vehicle production slipped only 1% as domestic sales bucked the global gloom, growing by 11.5%. 

The continued resilience of Brazil’s auto market and the increasing affluence of Brazilian consumers has certainly attracted renewed global attention and has stimulated a flurry of substantial new investments from international vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Whilst the initial success of these new projects may rest on the continuing growth of the domestic market, their longer-term sustainability will require Brazil to place greater emphasis on building international sales and trading partnerships than has previously been the case. The increased levels of vehicle assembly will also place new pressure on the local supply base and the availability of indigenous engineering skills.

This first edition report examines the Brazilian economy and reports on developments at those car and truck makers currently active in Brazil. Furthermore the report includes sections on the component sector, new automotive investments, the automotive market, alternative technologies, business challenges and the road ahead.

Proton Delisted From Malaysia's Stock Exchange

Proton has been delisted from Bursa Malaysia, almost eight years since joining the local stock exchange, after new owners DRB-Hicom succeeded in securing 98.6 percent (as at April 26) of Proton shares, above the threshold of 90 percent required to privatise Proton.

Starting with the buying of a 42.74 percent stake in Proton from Khazanah Nasional Bhd at RM 5.50 a share early this year, DRB-Hicom then launched a mandatory general offer for the remaining shares it did not own, valuing Proton at RM 3.02 billion. With 98.6 percent now in hand, DRB-Hicom can compulsorily acquire the 1.4 percent still with investors.

Without the public eye of scrutiny, DRB-Hicom will have the flexibility to embark on long-term plans to make Proton a more profitable company, and not worry about short-term results that the stock market players are more concerned about. Approvals from shareholders on any future corporate exercises will no longer be needed once Proton becomes private.

And indeed change is in the air: DRB-Hicom Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil was asked in March to assume the leading position as Proton's executive chairman and executive director, taking over from Proton's then chairman and director Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

Honda restarts Thai vehicle deliveries

Honda has commenced delivery of vehicles to customers across the country, with its Ayutthaya plant having resumed operations in late March.

However, Honda dealers are facing further pressure as the Japanese auto-maker has chopped the credit period for dealers from 1 month to just 10 days.

Honda's two assembly plants in Ayutthaya were totally submerged during last year's massive flood, resulting in more than 60,000 customers orders going unanswered.


Read the full story here.

China Automotive comes to Thailand

SAIC & CP team up to bring Chinese car manufacturing to Thailand. Volume is unclear with capacity figures between 50,000 and  300,000 vehicles including 50,000 MG and 200,000 motorbikes

Check. out the stories in Bangkok Post and The Nation.

Ford opens new plant, vows major local sourcing of parts

Ford plans to purchase up to US$800 million worth of parts annually from Thailand to supply its new $450-million passenger vehicle plant in Rayong.

The purchases do not include sourcing by Ford for AutoAlliance Thailand, its joint venture with Mazda.

The $800 million in purchases will go to achieving 40% local Asean content, a requirement for automakers wanting to export the vehicles duty-free within the region.

Read the complete Bangkok Post article here.

Ford opens new plant in Rayong

Ford opened a second plant in Thailand on Thursday giving the firm the ability to produce 445,000 vehicles a year in the country. Ford Thailand Manufacturing opened a $450 million U.S. manufacturing plant in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate, which is roughly 99 miles southeast of Bangkok.

Check out the video here.