The Russian light-vehicle market suffered a highly accelerated decline in sales in January 2015 due to the ongoing macroeconomic stress the market is facing, recording a 24.4 percent year-on-year decline to 115,390 units, according to the latest data released by the Association of European Businesses.
Before we ask where 3D printing is taking us, let's look at what has been already achieved or is near achievement across markets beyond printing prototypes, toys and models.
Efficient supply chains can be identified by a handful of components: proximity, flexibility and minimal waste. Now, the automotive industry is hoping to capture some of these same benefits through the use of 3D printing.
With 2015 off to a good start, IHS Automotive forecasts global automotive sales for 2015 to reach 88.6 million, an increase of 2.4 percent over 2014, continuing an unbroken five-year run of sales recovery and growth from the low point set in the depth of the Great Recession in 2009. However, a slowdown is being signaled with just two of the high-potential BRIC markets likely to see increased sales this year.
Passenger car demand in the European Union rose for the first time in six years during 2014, according to the latest data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). Registrations during the year grew by 5.7 percent year on year (y/y) to 12.55 million units. December was also the 16th month in succession of gains, with registrations having grown during the month by 4.7 percent y/y to 951,329 units.
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.
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