After losing $674 million in 2009, largely because of a worldwide recession and virtual collapse of the domestic auto industry, the board forecasts the parts sector will turn a profit of $378 million in 2011 with gradual increases over the next three years until profits hit $894 million by 2014.

The industry is expected to lose another $41 million this year before the recovery takes hold.

According to the report, U.S. vehicle demand is gradually recovering and cost-cutting measures implemented during the recession are improving the bottom line.

According to the report, the parts industry benefits from a high degree of collaboration with vehicle assemblers, as the just-in-time assembly process minimizes inventory carrying costs and assures financial stability through long-term contracts.

However, the large decline in auto sales during the recession exposed the downside of this relationship.

Employment is also expected to rebound, having fallen from an estimated 120,000 in 2006 to a current estimate of 89,000.

The board projects that employment will increase steadily over the next four years and reach 108,000 by 2014.

There are about 750 auto parts suppliers in Canada, with 33 of them employing more than 500 workers and about 240 medium-size companies with 20 to 500 employees, while the rest have fewer than 20 employees.

Managing director Sompong Phaoenchoke said the firm would spend 600 million baht between now and the end of next year to expand operations.

Some 400 million baht will go to expanding TRU’s auto parts plant in Rayong province, which is now running at 70% capacity. Another 200 million baht will go towards a new car-paint facility.

TRU posted first-half revenue of 840 million baht, up by 31% year-on-year. Quarterly revenue also rose by 31% year-on-year to 430 million baht.

Net profit swung back into the black with 61 million baht recorded for the second quarter against a loss of 30.9 million the year before. First-half profit totalled 84.2 million baht against a loss of 80 million last year.

Mr Sompong told investors at a briefing yesterday that the launch of Thailand’s eco-car programme would help boost activity across the supply chain. Nissan has already announced its March eco-car, while Honda will spend 6.7 billion baht to build its own small concept car at its Ayutthaya plant this year.

Mitsubishi hopes to produce 107,000 eco-cars in Chon Buri province from 2012, while Toyota is projecting 100,000 units in annual sales from its 4.64-billion-baht investment in Chachoengsao. Suzuki is also investing 7.5 billion baht in its own programme.

Authorities hope eco-cars, a new classification of small-engine compact passenger cars, will become a new product champion for the Thai auto industry to complement the sector’s existing strengths in the light pickup category.

Thai auto production is on track to set a new record this year, with more than 1.57 million units projected, including exports of 894,000.

Nearly half of TRU’s revenue comes from original-equipment manufacturing (OEM) deals for parts and tooling sales for firms such as General Motors (GM), Aapico Hitech, Emerson, Triumph and Kawasaki.

Revenue from contract assembly accounts for another 29% of the total, including clients such as Isuzu, GM and Tata.

Mr Sompong said the company posted net losses over the past three years due to the global crisis and high market competition.

But he believes the company looks set to pay a dividend this year and that the consolidated net profit will remain relatively strong at 1.04 billion baht.

Mr Sompong said TRU would continue to focus on the OEM market for the next several years, eventually expanding into the turnkey auto market, with one contract already in place for a Chinese client and another in negotiation for an Indian customer.

Shares of TRU on the Stock Exchange of Thailand closed yesterday at 4.92 baht, down 4 satang, in trade worth 8.73 million baht.

The toughest question for most young people is how to get finance for the purchase. Trustworthy experts advise not to buy a car if you are not able to pay it off in 2 year. Remember that during all this time your expenses on the car will be higher than just the loan payment. You will also have to pay for gas, new batteries, oil and filters changes, and many other things. And the more expensive the car the more extra expenses it will take. So, are you still sure that you can afford that cool new car you have been dreaming about? Maybe you would better think about a used car for now? If you get a used Toyota Camry or Honda Accord from a reliable dealer it would likely run long without major repairs. But do not forget to get a Vehicle History Report on the Vehicle Identification Number. Besides it would not hurt if the mechanic that you trust examines the car. Those simple actions will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises when the deal is closed.

Planning the budget, remember about insurance rates that are often higher for teens. As it is illegal to drive without car insurance, it will become a noticeable part of your payments. The insurance rates beside your age also depend on the area you live in, local traffic situation and your annual mileage. In some case even car parts may affect your insurance. You may be required to use only OEM car parts which are often way more expensive than aftermarket parts.

As soon as you know what car you can afford, you have to decide your main budget source. Be ready to find out that it is not so easy to get a car loan with lack of credit history. Lenders will want to see that young customers have a stable monthly income and capable to pay bills in time. Thus, sometimes it is useful to establish your credit scores some month before buying the car.

Sometimes parents may come to the aid and become co-signers. Then, if you fail in the monthly payment, your parents will be responsible. But if both of you fail, your credit history will be hit as well as the credit score of your parent.

Got budget planned? Find a reliable place to make the deal. You can choose from a local dealership or a private seller, check numerous Internet stores and actions.

So now you are a happy owner of a car. But it is not time to relax. Remember that more teens die in car accidents than because of any other reasons. You do not want to contribute to this sad statistics, don’t you? As soon as you are on the driver’s seat you must understand that every your mistake can be fatal for you or somebody on the road. Nobody is protected! It may happen to everybody! The only thing you must do is to be very careful. There some simple well-known rules that may save your life. Do not think that you are the only person in the world that can resist physical law and avoid hitting the windshield in a case of a collision. Always use signals to let other drivers and pedestrians know about your plans. And never overestimate your driving skills! Even a single phone call or your tiredness may cause an accident.
Remember our simple hints. Buy car accessories to make your car stylish and enjoy safe driving.

A Sheboygan auto parts company has notified the state it will close its plant at the end of the year.

International Automotive Components says 167 employees will lose their jobs and will be laid off in phases, beginning in September.

In a required notice to the state Department of Workforce Development, the company says it will shut its doors on Dec. 17.

The overall design from the concept version will remain, including the frameless windows and B-pillar, and the Gran Coupe will be marketed as a four-door coupe, a direct competitor to the Mercedes CLS and Audi A7. BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will share some design cues with the new 6 Series family, and some front and rear-end visual details will be carried over to the new 6 Series Coupe.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be unveiled in the Summer of 2012 and will go on sale later that year. The car will join the 6 Series production line at the Dingolfling plant. Gran Coupe will be available with a choice of four engines, evenly split between diesels and gasoline powerplants. An ActiveHybrid model is also in works.

An unconfirmed report mentions the possibility of a M Gran Coupe model, but in our opinion, it is still too soon to asses if an M model will fit in the line-up

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf blue-e-motion concept car in a ceremonial presentation today for the German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel.

The all-electric Golf blue-e-motion features an electric motor with 85 kW /115 PS under the bonnet powered by lithium-ion batteries. The electric motor provides an instant torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), right from the go, while the batteries allow for a range of up to 150 km (93 mi). Top speed for the electric Golf is a respectable 140 km/h (87 mph).

VW will be manufacturing a fleet of 500 Golf blue e-motion models for testing next year. The Wolfsburg-based automaker plans on taking the car to production in 2013, after the debut of the VW Up blue-e-motion. Volkswagen is also planning on a Jetta blue-e-motion to be introduced that same year.

The German federal government has a goal of putting one million electric vehicles on the roads by 2020. VW hopes to be the main supplier of those cars.

But the automaker wants to make clear that its not only the car industry that is responsible for reducing emissions.

“Future electric cars give us enormous opportunities for reshaping mobility to be even more sustainable…[but] the federal government must ensure that eco-friendly energy sources are utilised. Only then will we experience a genuine transition to a new era,” said Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of VW, in the press release.

People charge the batteries of their mobile phones and MP3 players at home and then use the gadgets throughout the day. How well, then, would the same concept apply to cars? Sophisticated firms are working to find out.

In Korea, Hyundai Mobis is spearheading the push to develop such cars, dubbed plug-in hybrid vehicles, together with its sister corporations at Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.

“By 2012, we plan to invest a total of 100 billion won in developing components for hybrid vehicles. We are also striving to increase the number of related research staff members from the current 60 to 200,’’ Hyundai Mobis Senior Executive Vice President Kim Soon-hwa said.

“In order to meet the rising demand for hybrid vehicle parts, we’re mulling the possibility of building facilities specifically dedicated to this endeavor.’’ Indeed, the annual production of hybrid cars is expected to jump from the current 500,000 to 14 million by 2020.

Hyundai Mobis has a two-phase scheme to prepare for the full-fledged advent of the hybrid era, which is burgeoning both at home and abroad, spurred by global automakers.

The first step is to come up with components, which are provided to first-generation hybrid models such as Avante of Hyundai Motor and Forte of Kia Motors, which basically rely on fossil fuels rather than electricity.

The second phase is to upgrade all the associated components so that they can be used for plug-in electric vehicles, which will dramatically crank up their dependence on electricity to reduce carbon emissions.

They are expected to commercially debut in just a couple of years ― Hyundai Motor looks to take the wraps off its plug-in vehicles later this year.

“The two main components of presently-available hybrid vehicles are electric motors and integrated package modules, areas in which we have technological competitiveness,’’ Kim said.

“Both are also used in plug-in models, which will come to town in the not-so-distant future. By sharpening our technological edge in these areas, we plan to churn out parts suitable for plug-in vehicles by 2013.’’

The integrated package module is located in the trunk, under the floor, in a hybrid car. It accommodates rechargeable fuel cells made of lithium ion polymer batteries and an inverter and converter.

Hydrogen vehicles

Whether they are current models or plug-ins, hybrid cars have many advantages and prominent among these is that they are cleaner than conventional vehicles powered by fossil fuels.

Greenhouse gases and the resultant global warming have prompted a flurry of governments and automakers turn their attention to eco-friendly cars such as the hybrid models.

As far as eco-friendliness is concerned, there is a much better option available ― fuel cell electric vehicles that employ hydrogen as its onboard fuel without banking on petroleum or gasoline.

“Our technologies for electric motors and integrated package modules can also be used for hydrogen cars. We are ready to engage in the up-and-coming hydrogen economy,’’ said Kim, who is in charge of the firm’s module business division.

Hyundai Motor has already showcased a few hydrogen car prototypes during the past few years. The firm is ready to commercially market them when the demand for such cars sprouts up.

Hydrogen cars are equipped with a fuel cell, the electrochemical energy conversion device that produces electricity. Water is the only emission from the exhaust pipe of a hydrogen-powered car.

Competition ahead of the prospective swelling of the hydrogen economy is taking place across the board, and Hyundai Mobis is jockeying to remain ahead of the pack under its alliance with its sister firms at Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.

Organic growth

On the back of such maneuvering, Hyundai Mobis seeks to double its sales from the current 15 trillion won ($12.5 billion) to 30 trillion won over the second decade of the new millennium.

The Seoul-headquartered company is well aware that the outfit has no choice but to substantially crank up investment in research to attain the grandiose scheme during the next 10 years.

“In order to be better prepared for the exploding market of highly advanced and eco-friendly cars, we are set to generate a blueprint involving as much as 550 technologies including those for plug-in hybrids and fuel cell electric cars, to name a few,’’ Hyundai Mobis spokesman Park Se-hwan said.

“To achieve this, we aim to jack up our investment in research and development from 35 billion won to 65 billion won by 2015. We also plan to separate the centralized research center into three entities.’’

The country’s largest auto parts manufacturer predicts that the doubled sales would be enough to help the firm to join the ranks of the world’s top five players.

“Recently, U.S. magazine Automotive News ranked Hyundai Mobis 12th among global components producers in terms of 2009 turnover,’’ Park said. “In my view, this bodes well for reaching our 2020 target of becoming one of the top five global auto parts makers.’’

Another focus of Hyundai Mobis, which was set up 33 years ago as Hyundai Precision Industry, is the development of high-tech components as the proportion of advanced electronic components continues to rise.

Included in such cutting-edge technologies of the corporation are motor driven power steering, smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist systems and tire-pressure monitoring systems.

These technologies help motorists remain alert and ensure safety even when drivers make minor mistakes.

“All the-top-end systems are already featured in upscale vehicles based on foreign platforms. Since most of them are expected to become the norm for all the cars down the road, we are working on developing indigenous models,’’ Park said.

“To climb the ladder in the saturated auto parts industry, we are required to have a firm grip on the fast-changing trends and be fully prepared. Under such a mindset, we’re going all-out to nudge past our rivals in the potential-loaded eco-friendly electronic parts sector.’’

Hyundai Mobis currently supplies after-service parts for a total of 166 models of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors worldwide. It has 18 supply hubs to offer its products to over 10,000 dealerships in 201 countries.

Included on its customers’ list are such global behemoths as BMW and Daimler on top of Hyundai and Kia. Recently, it provides chassis modules, the semi-assembled main frame of cars that are cranked out at its Michigan factories, to Chrysler.

The interior of the Volvo XC 60 aims to minimize allergy-causing substances or toxic materials.

The idea that cars are just good looking pieces of steel may start to fade as the growing pan-industrial focus on health and the environment boosts efforts to create cars that are better for humans and nature.

Carmakers are developing technologies to create lighter and stronger metal frames, with some introducing cars made of 100 percent aluminum. They are also trying to develop auto parts that are recyclable and less harmful to humans and the environment.

The inside of the hood of the Renault Samsung New SM5 is made of aluminum to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

To bolster its image as an eco-friendly brand, Toyota is making efforts to reduce waste throughout the entire life of a vehicle, from development and production to customer use and disposal. The Japanese carmaker is incorporating recyclable materials into key auto parts such as the bumper, dashboard and doors. Floor mats are also part of efforts to make auto parts recyclable. The Prius uses a carbon-neutral plastic, extracted from plants, in seats and floor mats. The automaker’s plan is to make 95 percent of Prius’ auto parts recyclable in several years.

Peugeot, from France, is also using environment-friendly materials such as wood and cotton in its cars. The Peugeot 207 has side mirrors and door panels made of such materials. One Peugeot vehicle has an average of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of eco-friendly materials. The Ademe, or Environment and Energy Management Agency of France, ranked some Peugeot vehicles as emitting the lowest carbon dioxide levels in the world.

Aluminum ASF is applied to the frame of the Audi A8. The frame is 120 to 140 kilograms (265 to 309 pounds) lighter than that of other vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles are made of 27 different types of environmentally-friendly materials. They have seats made of a renewable material called natural latex and a door made of coconut fiber.

Carmakers are also trying to make their cars lighter. A lighter car has higher fuel efficiency, which reduces carbon emissions.

The frames of some Audi vehicles are made of an aluminum material called ASF, developed by the German carmaker. The Audi TT, equipped with an ASF frame, can save at least 16 percent of fuel compared with the models not equipped with an ASF frame.

Jaguar’s all-new XJ is also covered with an aluminum material developed by the British carmaker. It has reduced the weight of the car by 150 kilograms, compared to cars of the same class made by other carmakers.

Mitsubishi made the roof of its new vehicle, the New Outlander, out of aluminum. And BMW is using aluminum frames and suspension in all of its cars.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has seats made of natural latex and doors made of coconut fiber. Provided by the companies

The new materials used by some carmakers are designed for safety. Volkswagen created a multilayered bumper made of special materials such as foam rubber to minimize the impact on pedestrians in a collision.

Other materials are designed for comfort. Nissan is using materials to complement the senses. Nissan’s 370Z sports car has silky smooth fabrics that are placed on the center panels and arm rest.

Volvo said it is minimizing allergy-causing substances or toxic materials in the interior of its vehicles. Associations for people suffering from asthma and allergies have since recommended Volvo’s S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 to its members.

Local carmakers are trying to catch up. Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Center, opened in 2005, is tasked with developing eco-friendly and recyclable car materials. Its i-flow concept car, revealed early this year, features a polyamide material that consists of up to 60 percent renewable raw materials.

Renault Samsung was the first among local carmakers to put an aluminum hood on a midsized car. The hood is designed to make the vehicle lighter, improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.,  a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories, and maintenance items, today announced the launch of a suite of new online service features as part of the fully enhanced “Your Garage” area on AdvanceAutoParts.com. Advance offers the broadest set of features integrated to the site experience in the industry.

“Your Garage” now includes the following features:

– Service alerts — Based on your vehicle’s mileage, you can receive e-mail notifications when your car needs a tune-up, brakes, tire rotations and tire replacements.

– Diagnose problems — Get on-line help to figure out what’s wrong with any vehicle in your garage.

– Get an estimate of the approximate cost of the service needed.

– Find a mechanic if you would rather have a professional perform the maintenance for you in your locale. The recommendations will include local Advance Commercial customers and feature Commercial partners.

– Recall notifications — Receive e-mail notifications to make sure you don’t miss a recall on your vehicle.

– Service history — Keep track of all service work on your car in one online location.

– Vehicle prices and values — Time for a new car? Find out what your current vehicle is worth.

– Cost of ownership — Find out how much you can expect to pay to maintain your vehicle.

“Advance is working hard to create customers for life by providing them the best experience in our industry, whether they are shopping in our stores, calling us on the phone or visiting our website,” said Scott Bauhofer, SVP and General Manager, E-Commerce. “These free enhancements are giving our customers even more reasons to only shop online with Advance Auto Parts and to visit us more often.”

Registered users who currently have an Online Garage on the Advance website will be upgraded automatically to the new functionality. Registered users can save multiple cars in their garage and can use this functionality with any car they have saved in the system. Visit www.AdvanceAutoParts.com and click on “Your Account” to get started.

About Advance Auto Parts

Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. As of April 24, 2010, the Company operated 3,462 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services and online shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s website at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

SOURCE: Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

Since then, Chevrolet , BMW and so has introduced the corresponding software.

As early as 2007, the Land Rover LRX concept car designed specifically to connect iPhone to the slot, when its connection with the car, there is a dedicated automotive electronics software used to start the car. 

Now more compatible software in this appears to open the program interface is displayed after the first set a good variety of vehicles, if a family has more than two cars and a separate memory, start the software can be used. And the iPhone and the car connection, the software is also compatible with central locking, alarm, remote trunk and so on. Of course, need to pay to use the software.

 American called Dave and a more old mobile phone linked to the vehicle vibration chips, invented a similar function. Perhaps the near future, the mobile phone will replace the car keys, vehicle accessories and more remote, so driving more convenient.