We’ve been hearing from a several key auto industry chiefs this week.
First up, Dave Leggett’s interview with General Motors president Dan Ammann, promoted from CFO last January. Ammann has a strong financial background both before and since joining GM several years ago and his wide-ranging comments are well worth a Friday afternoon read. Just pull up a coffee… Also worth a look – new Vauxhall chief (and industry veteran) Tim Tozer’s plans to ‘redefine’ the brand.
Go deeper with GlobalData
We’ve also been talking to Ford’s top designers. As Chris Wright reports, Martin Smith has had to put retirement on hold for a few months.
Staying with Ford, we also have an interesting outlook from global product planning and strategy director, John Stanger, who told a conference on future urban mobility that the automaker is looking to other industries to learn how fast technological change impacts companies and to ensure that it is well-positioned for “potentially disruptive change in the automotive sector”. Heads up.
And still with Ford, Europe chief Stephen Odell updated Mr Wright on how that transformation plan is coming along, as the company simultaneously revealed details and specifications of European and US Edge models (the difference is in the diesels).
There’s been quite a bit of production related news this week, too. GM’s Vauxhall appears to be heading for a second shift as production of its redesigned joint venture van with Renault gets under way, Ford’s come up with a new way to ship giant ‘European’ Transit vans from Kansas City as the summer launch activity for the eventual E-series replacement ramps up, Subaru is looking at upping engine output, Chrysler started expanding Warren Stamping and Infiniti-Daimler’s new joint venture engine plant in Tennessee built Job One.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataAnother quiet week in the autobiz, then. Have a nice weekend.
Graeme Roberts, Deputy Editor, just-auto.com
