Automotive

Prices of New Autos Drop as Inventory Shortage Caused by Japanese Earthquake No Longer a Problem

July 2, 2012

New car prices have fallen from a year ago, primarily because the inventory shortage created by the Japanese earthquake has been entirely erased.

Benefits of Predictive Analytics Being Discovered by More Businesses

June 29, 2012

Computerworld

The use of predictive analytics is common in industries such as telecommunications, financial services and retail, says Gareth Herschel, an analyst at Gartner Inc. "But overall it's still a relatively small percentage of organizations that use it - maybe 5 percent." That's changing.

Optimism Returns to American Automotive Industry

June 28, 2012

Strategy + Business

Automobiles are selling again, and executives are confident. The U.S. auto industry is positioned for a global economic recovery - if car manufacturers can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Positive Growth Predicted for Commercial Trucks Powered by Natural Gas

June 26, 2012

Vehicle Service Pros

Over the next five years, the natural gas heavy-duty commercial vehicle market is set to experience rapid growth in North America.

Are Old-School Banks in Danger of Becoming Extinct?

June 25, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

One could imagine European bankers emitting a collective sigh of relief over the latest election results in Greece, whose citizens last week gave a narrow edge to the conservative New Democracy party. In the process, they ratified the controversial $220bn bailout plan that is intended to keep Greece in the eurozone and avert economic disaster throughout the European Union.

The Big-Data Challenge Is How to Develop a Winning Strategy

June 20, 2012

CIO

So-called Big Data can be defined as datasets so large and diverse, they break traditional IT infrastructures. What Big Data is, however, isn't as important as what you can do if you harness its potential and uncover new business opportunities through Big Data analytics.

Is Your Company Ready for CRM? Maybe Not.

June 20, 2012

CRM Buyer

Your sales people need to do the things that work, and they need to repeat them. If something is demonstrably effective in closing a sale, then it should be discovered and shared - and, even if there's just one sales person, it should be identified and utilized. If your selling process has become complex enough that these processes are no longer easily identified, it's time to look at CRM.

How Ford's Supply Chain Put the Company Back in the Driver's Seat

June 18, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

You've seen it in movies, and possibly in real life as well. A desperate gambler, down to his last chance, stakes everything he has on one play. And while the scene makes for great drama, it rarely goes well. The lesson: never bet the store.

Volkswagen Slovakia Gains Efficiency in Its Finishing Process

June 18, 2012

RFID Journal

Automobile manufacturer Volkswagen Slovakia is tracking its assembled vehicles as they undergo final servicing and inspection processes at its plant in Bratislava, using a real-time location system (RTLS).

Are You Ready for the Next Supply-Chain Disaster?

June 11, 2012

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Each disruption in global supply chains seems to bring a new surprise. On March 31 of this year, it was an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Marl, Germany. The incident at the factory of Evonik Industries resulted in the deaths of two workers and caused damage that will take all summer to repair.

Automotive

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the automotive industry — which consists of companies that produce automobiles, utility vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and heavy trucks. Learn how automotive companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.