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ANALYSIS: 'Flat is the new up' for Western Europe
By: Dave Leggett | 18 June 2013
As the latest monthly car sales numbers appear to confirm a bleak prognosis for Western Europe's car market, a new study suggests that flat market conditions will persist for some time to come. Dave Leggett reviews the underlying issues for Europe's auto industry in the context of global automotive market trends.
THE WEEK THAT WAS: After the automated distraction, the automated help call
By: Graeme Roberts | 14 June 2013
Watched a clip from a US TV network last night about some new research into the question vexing many regulators over there, especially as far as younger drivers are concerned, driver distraction.
COMMENT: Hyundai looking for love
By: Tony Lewis | 14 June 2013
The old adage ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ attributed to Ford’s return to racing in the US in the early 1950s* has been given a new twist by Hyundai. The company doesn’t want to be the world’s biggest car brand, but it does want to be the most loved.
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ANE Congress 2013
Despite the best efforts of striking French air traffic controllers to prevent speedy travel, just-auto's team eventually made it to Paris by various other means such as jam-packed Eurostars. Not sure about getting home... Meanwhile, the traffic controller back at base is compiling everything here to avoid any delays in getting our coverage to you.
Latest columns
Latest blog: Detroit defaults to avoid bankruptcy
By: Glenn Brooks
17 June 2013
Friday's US$39.7m missed payment on debt issued to fund pensions has made Detroit the most populous US city to default since Cleveland 35 years ago.
Product Eye
Our team bring you informed analysis of selected new vehicle models and put them in automotive industry perspective
Brooks On OEM Product Trends
Analyst Glenn Brooks looks at OEM new product developments in the context of company strategies and market trends
Slice Of Warburton
just-auto business editor Simon Warburton offers up a wide range of views in his distinctive style, informed by daily contact with the global auto industry
Our Man In ASEAN
Jakarta-based Tony Pugliese's regular updates, news and analysis from the ASEAN countries of south-east Asia
Beecham's Tech-Talk
Matthew Beecham interviews automotive component industry specialists to learn more about changing technologies and new innovations.
The Week That Was
Deputy/news editor Graeme Roberts' Friday wrap on the important automotive news from the week just ending.
Research In Focus
Information summaries and extracts from just-auto's continually updated research portfolio.
Bursa's World
Mark Bursa's in-depth look at key trends and companies across the automotive world.
Golding's Take
Financial analyst and former city slicker Rob Golding's regular sideways look at the automotive business.
Leggett At Large
just-auto editor Dave Leggett's overview of the auto industry, its companies, products and people.
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Latest news
INDIA: Renault will concentrate on core models
18 June 2013
Renault India has told the Times of India that it will work closely with alliance partner Nissan to roll out cross badged vehicles, but with differentiated design.
INDIA: Ford EcoSport taps small SUV demand
18 June 2013
Sales of utility vehicles, including Renault's popular low-cost Duster compact SUV, have been strong in an otherwise dismal year for the Indian auto industry where passenger car sales fell for the seventh straight month in May, Reuters reported.
JAPAN: Honda to reuse metal from hybrids' nickel-metal hydride batteries
18 June 2013
Honda Motor has agreed with TDK Corporation and Japan Metals & Chemicals (JMC) additional joint project to reuse "rare earth metal" extracted from nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid vehicles for the magnets of new hybrid vehicle motors.
AUSTRALIA: Kia Slovakia Sportage source switch
18 June 2013
A more favourable exchange rate and inadequate supply from South Korea has resulted in Kia Australia switching Sportage SUV sourcing to Slovakia.
BELGIUM: EU car market down 5.9% in May
18 June 2013
The latest figures from ACEA show that the EU car market declined by 5.9% in May, the lowest level recorded for the month of May since 1993.
US: Valeo paves way for potential 100% buy of North America JV with Osram
18 June 2013
Valeo has issued a short statement saying the French supplier and Osram have agreed on an option contract by which, if the reciprocal options are exercised by either in early 2014, Valeo would be committed to acquire Osram shares in the companies' joint operations in North America.
UK: BMW plant manager to head JLR global manufacturing
18 June 2013
Former BMW Dingolfing plant manager Wolfgang Stadler is joining Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover as director of manufacturing responsible for global operations.
FRANKFURT PREVIEW: Global debuts list [Fiat 500L Living added]
18 June 2013
The media days for the Frankfurt motor show are 10 & 11 September. Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.
COLOMBIA [updated extra data 16:00]: Car sales fall reflects economy
18 June 2013
Colombian car sales in May were off 10.4% year on year (from 27,339 to 24,488) but that was nonetheless the second best monthly tally for 2013 so far.
INDIA: Maruti Suzuki launches CNG Ertiga
18 June 2013
Maruti Suzuki India has launched a CNG version of the Ertiga, a seven-seater utility vehicle. The model will now be available with natural gas, petrol or diesel engines.
JAPAN: Honda to install wind generation at Ohio
18 June 2013
Honda Motor will install a wind power electricity generation system at a transmission plant in Ohio as part of efforts to promote its environmental initiatives.
JAPAN: Mitsubishi sets up recall troubleshooting unit
18 June 2013
Mitsubishi says it will tackle the problems that led to delayed product recalls through an organisation directly answerable to the president.
RUSSIA: GM-Avtovaz JV starts construction of new production facilities in Togliatti
18 June 2013
GM-Avtovaz JV has announced the start of construction of new production facilities for wholly-owned subsidiary JV Systems on the territory of the special economic zone in Togliatti, Russia.
INDONESIA: JFE Steel to build first auto continuous galvanising line
18 June 2013
JFE Steel Corporation says it will build Indonesia's first continuous galvanising line (CGL) for automobiles at MM2100 Industrial Town, an industrial estate in the city of Bekasi, just outside Jakarta.
MALAYSIA: Tata's Land Rover considers local assembly
17 June 2013
Just as former owner BMW is starting Mini assembly locally, Tata Motors' Land Rover (Malaysia) is considering building some of the brand’s models for sale both domestically and for export to neighbouring countries as demand across the region continues to grow.
