Operations: Page 211

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    PSA to Introduce New Flexible Production System; Increase Customization

    The auto maker is increasing the number of models it will build in Europe by entering five new segments in the next four years.

    By William Diem • Sept. 10, 2007
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    CHAMCO Puts Mexican Plant on Hold, Still Plans Detroit Appearance

    Lack of a rail line near the proposed Tijuana site pushes back assembly plant plans, says the U.S.-based company overseeing the launch of Chinese cars in North America.

    By • Sept. 7, 2007
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    Trendline

    Automotive Manufacturing

    Production strategies are changing rapidly as tariffs and shifts in consumer buying patterns affect the industry.

    By WardsAuto staff
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    Unapologetic, 600-HP Viper Builds on Roots for ’08

    Dodge has never apologized for the vehicle’s utter rawness, and every peck in the road that thumps the backside serves as a reminder of its barely legal setup.

    By James M. Amend • Sept. 6, 2007
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    He’s a Serial Entrepreneur

    Scott Painter calls himself a serial entrepreneur. It means he comes up with ideas and then comes up with the money to put those notions into action. It can be a risky business. An entrepreneur has to be willing to risk everything and lose everything every time and bet on themselves every time, he says. If I have one dollar I am going to put it on one of my ideas. He's got a lot of those, particularly

    By • Sept. 1, 2007
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    Banking on Sales

    It is only fitting that auto makers choose nickname of Germany's financial capital, to unveil their blue-chip bets for the future. The 62nd annual Inter-national Motor Show in Frankfurt will see the latest iterations of storied nameplates from niche brands such as Porsche and Mini, while mainstream marques such as Mazda and Dodge unwrap high-volume offerings. Despite the hoopla that surrounds major

    Sept. 1, 2007
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    Blog Me to Your Website

    Virginia's Checkered Flag Motor Car Co. says traffic to its website has been rising since it launched a blog several months ago. The Checkered Blog offers an online venue for sharing information on a range of automotive and non-automotive topics. Checkered Flag executives say it's quickly becoming a significant factor in attracting online visits for the dealer group, headquartered in Virginia Beach.

    Sept. 1, 2007
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    Helping Jimmy Get It Right

    Leads were going into the dealership's customer-relationship management system, but they were only occasionally looked at. Special-finance manager Jimmy told our inquiring regional manager the store didn't have time to work our lead program. They were too busy with lot traffic. Our regional rep tried to discover the underlying issues. Here is what he found: Jimmy knew special finance well. He had

    By TIM SHEA • Sept. 1, 2007
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    Here’s a Way to Let Everyone Know Who the Slackers Are

    There are employees who seem to get sick most often on Mondays and Fridays. There are usually disputes about vacation time and who gets the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas week off. And managers struggle with the long-term question of what kind of manpower will they have six months from now. One way to highlight those issues is with a 365-day attendance monitor produced by Magnatag. It's a board

    Sept. 1, 2007
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    Jaguar Reveals XF Sedan

    Based on the CX-F concept shown at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the XF represents a new design direction.

    By Ward's Staff • Aug. 28, 2007
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    Analysts Say China Still Years From Being Export Juggernaut

    China’s overseas sales mostly involve relatively low-tech trucks and buses, almost all sent to other emerging markets where buyers are easier to please.

    By Mack Chrysler • Aug. 28, 2007
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    October Showroom Debut Scheduled for ’08 Caliber SRT4

    The high-performance Dodge Caliber derivative will start at $22,995.

    By Eric Mayne • Aug. 22, 2007
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    EC Poll Finds Private Cars Preferred Over Public Transport

    Private cars are the most widespread means of travel in the European Union, with 53% of respondents indicating they drive rather than cycle, walk or use public transportation.

    By Keith Nuthall • Aug. 13, 2007
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    USCAR Funding Remains Intact

    Detroit’s Big Three see the value in working together through USCAR, the agency’s director says.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 8, 2007
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    Tenneco Advanced APU to Eliminate Big-Truck Idling

    A production version is targeted for installation on heavy-duty trucks in the 2011-2012 timeframe.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 7, 2007
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    Retiree Body Builders Bulk Up Kuka

    Hiring older workers first scared Kuka’s CEO, but now he is a believer.

    By Cliff Banks • Aug. 7, 2007
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    Globalization Nothing New for Siemens

    Russia is becoming an important part of Siemens’ global strategy.

    By Cliff Banks • Aug. 7, 2007
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    Private Equity to Ride Shotgun for Foreseeable Future

    Deep-pocketed investors begin the transition from the restructuring phase to a growth-oriented strategy.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 7, 2007
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    Flexibility, Innovation Most Important Part of Manufacturing

    In today’s global environment, the ability to leverage knowledge and learn faster than competitors are more important than the tools used to make products.

    By • Aug. 6, 2007
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    Ward’s e-Newsletter Summary

    Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.WardsAuto.com offers several targeted e-newsletters, some for the automotive OEM industry and others written for dealers. To which would yo...

    Aug. 6, 2007
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    Profitability, Consolidation Coming Soon for IAC

    International Automotive Components Group plans to consolidate after acquiring 16 North American plants from Collins & Aikman.

    By Tom Murphy • Aug. 6, 2007
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    Saab to Offer 9-7X Aero SUV

    The 9-7X Aero boasts a 6.0L small-block V-8, which produces 390 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.

    By Ward's Staff • Aug. 3, 2007
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    Just What Is Internet Success?

    Everything is measurable. Talk to Internet consultants long enough and you may be repeating that phrase in your sleep.

    By David Kain • Aug. 1, 2007
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    Seeing Green

    Energy Conversion Devices Inc. has made numerous major technological breakthroughs over its 47-year history, but it seldom has made money.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 1, 2007
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    It Will Be Nation’s Most Environmentally Friendly Dealership

    Work is underway in Miami, FL, for what its owners say will be the nation's most environmenta

    Aug. 1, 2007
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    North Carolina Dealers’ Battle Cry: Stop the Car Tax

    North Carolina auto dealers are fighting proposed legislation that would hike sales and use taxes motorists pay when they purchase a car or title it in the state.

    Aug. 1, 2007