Review About Automotive Industry

Car industry alone is a big business and in fact, it is a billion dollar industry. Under its field is the automotive accessories dealing. These are optional car parts, which improve the looks and the performance of your cars. This also shares success with the entire automotive industry. This is perhaps the reason why many investors opt to invest in car accessory manufacturing and distributorships business.

The world of car accessory business is like any other car related business. It has its ups and down but remains a formidable industry that has billion dollar revenues every year. In United States alone, the industry offers a remarkable increase in revenues. Although the world economy has been disturbed by previous global recession, there are strong evidences that the future for car industry is going to have a strong positive momentum. This is what the investors in the industry are trying to anticipate.

What covers automotive accessories?

This car accessory business caters all types of cars out there. From commercial vehicles, sports utility vehicles, trucks and other type vehicles, all of them require accessories to have that tough and cool look. As a car owner, are you satisfied with your current car design and standard accessories? You probably not have realized the importance of setting up your cars not only for the look but for the convenience and better performance.

Automotive accessories can either be about electronic accessories such as installation of MP3 or DVD player, television sets, audio speakers, cell phones, back sensors and other electronic gadgets, Hybrid-kits such as neon and halogen lights, chrome mugs and wheels, spoilers, fenders and step boards, chrome tail gate handles and signal mirrors.

Shopping for automotive accessories is quite a tough job. As a car owner, you have to consider the following details:

• Know what type of car accessories that you need, which matches your car.

• Have a good background about cars, car detailing and car accessories.

• Know those accessories that you can just buy in any auto supply stores. These includes interior floor mats, steering wheel covers, seat covers and seat cushions, air fresheners, hand break covers and cup or bottle holders.

• Know which accessories are difficult to find due to scarcity of supply or which can be customized for your car. Such accessories include customized wheels, customized car stickers, carbon fiber hoods and other exterior accessories.

• You can luckily purchase some of them in some main auto accessory shops or brand distributors. You can also check on the web bargains for car accessories.

• Always look for great deals in buying auto accessories. Find shops that offer big discounts, special offers and promos.

• Join any auto clubs and become a member to receive some privileges and discounts in buying car accessories.

• Consider reading magazines about cars and accessories and search the news paper ads for cheap car accessories for sale.

• Don’t forget to compare price of car accessories.

By: Thomas Myroniak

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This may be old news to some of you but the automotive industry is not what it used to be. The days of car manufactures making new cars, slapping an expensive price tag on them and then watching happy go lucky customers drive off the lot in large numbers has passed long ago. With the economy being in the worst shape that it has been in in a very long time, people just don’t have money to waist on vehicles the way that they did once upon a time.

In recent months thing have began to stabilize a little more than the last twelve months. In what was being called the automotive crisis many people lost jobs as almost no cars were being sold. Household names Like GM, Ford, and Chrysler all looked to the government for help. A big reason that the crisis took place was because the automotive industry was weakened by a substantial increase in the prices of automotive fuels. With virtually no fuel efficient models to offer consumers the “Big three” of the American automotive industry watched their sales quickly decrease.

While car companies from other parts of the world had been focusing on making cars targeted at fuel efficiency for many years, most American automobile manufacturers were way behind and therefore suffered the largest loss in sales during the global financial downturn. Hope full the mistakes made by these companies served as a lesson in economic to these companies. Sadly, from the looks of the cars that they are still producing they haven’t.

By: Gary Becks

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There is a dark cloud that seems to hang over the automotive repair industry. It is unfortunate that there is still a large part of the general public that thinks every repair shop is out to get them and that their expertise is over rated. Even in the industry itself, the stigma is played upon. Competitors accuse others of wrong doing to make themselves look good, and in the end are simply hurting themselves. There are automotive self help web sites that bash the professional technician.

Let’s spread a little subjective light on the subject. Run a search on the internet though any search engine for home dental work. It is not very likely the results you yield will give you step by step instructions for filling a cavity or performing a root canal in your kitchen. You will not find dental tools at the local “Dental Zone”. These things don’t exist because you would only have a trained professional work on your teeth. The tools available to them are not for general public use. The same is true for automotive repair, but the general public seems to think otherwise.

Professional automotive technicians spend a lot of money on tools that are not found at the local auto store. A tech may spend $2500 every year in tools for his or her entire career. That is a personal expense so that they can perform repairs effectively and efficiently. They make that investment out of pocket so that they can be the best at what they do. The tools that they use to repair vehicles is constantly being updated and adapted to the technology that goes into vehicles. These technicians spend their money on tools to fix cars, and the companies that employ them spend money to train them on the new technologies. I am pretty sure that dentists are spending a good amount of money on new equipment and have seminars to stay current on advances in dentistry. And this is not the only similarity.

The work that your technician does also has some pretty serious impact. Just as a dentist that does a procedure incorrectly and causes injury, a technician not performing his repairs correctly can cause injury. It is important for both of these professionals to know what they are doing. If they do not, people get hurt, or on a lesser note, miss work, lose money, and are overall inconvenienced. There are many similarities to the importance, training, and equipment that go into these two professions, but what about the differences?

There are many differences. Let’s start out with the fact that the technician has to work in environments that are hot, cold, dirty, and sometimes pretty close to unbearable. I ask how many of us would like to stand under a vehicle with a hot engine, arms straight up in the air for 30 minutes at a time in a shop that’s 90 degrees? Or how would you like to go and repair an ignition problem when its 10 degrees, and have to do it outside because the vehicle cannot be towed in to the shop? The rest of the day you can spend bent over burning and cutting your hands while you use that new $300 tool you paid for.

When you go to the dentist for a routine check up, you don’t argue after being checked that “he just looked at my teeth” and since he didn’t do anything you should not pay. But everyday in automotive repair shops, customers argue that exact point. The dentist charges for his time as a professional. He charges for the chair you sat in and the tools he used to look at your teeth. He charges for the schooling and experience that make him qualified in his profession. The automotive repair shop does the same, only customers feel that they can argue the point.

It seems that there a are a whole lot of people who know everything there is to know about car repair and the business. Yet with all of their automotive knowledge, they choose a different profession. Maybe it’s the long hours, the hard working conditions, the constant learning, or serious personal investment that it take to be an professional automotive technician, but I think it might also be that they don’t know what they’re talking about.

There are many repairs that the mechanically inclined “back yard mechanic” can perform. The simple repairs are fine to do yourself with the right reference material and general tools. When it comes to diagnosing vehicles with problems and repairing complicated systems that require special tools, the money you pay for that repair is justified, well justified. So give your technicians the respect that they deserve for performing a professional service that most of the public is not even capable of doing, even if they invest $10,000 in tools to get the job done.

By: Tim Scully

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With the various upcoming transport accessories in the market, Motorcycle Wheel Chock is the finest accessory. Used for holding motorbike in upright position, this chock is very beneficial. Latest models of wheel chock have captured the market, which includes LA Trailer Chock, Sport Chock, SBX Fold up Trailer, Trike Trailer, etc.

These are designed to meet the needs of every two wheelers or three wheelers in probable way. Of immense facilities, these chocks are helpful in mounting bikes for service or storage with safe measure. Integrated with great features and functions, it is vital for maintenance of bike.

Among varieties of wheel chocks, it is important to opt for the one that suits your bike need. Best in quality and perfectly structured, these chocks give flexibility and durability in use. Ready for use, these chocks are user friendly and ensure safety to the bikes. Among different chocks and lifts, Motorcycle Lift has become one of the most popular items.

Used for servicing and cleaning purpose, this lift is of great help to motorcycles. Built in retractable casters with hydraulic lifting cylinder or airlift, Motorcycle Lift is either manually or automatically operated. Known for durability and portability, Motorcycle Wheel Chock claims appreciation.

Motorcycle Jacks are the best means for maintenance of bikes at your end. In order to save money and maintain bikes in terms of repairing a flat tire, changing fuels, installing shock, maintenance of chains or painting, these are profitable. With a unique cradle design and 1000 of lb of capacity, jacks fix bikes to be serviced. These jacks work with compressed air, hydraulic foot pedals, or a combination of both which makes them unique in features. Quality Motorcycle Stands are the choice of every biker. Ensuring stability and safety to bikes these designed stands maintain bike in all aspects with lifetime guarantee.

Well built Motorcycle Stands, Motorcycle Lift and Motorcycle Jacks help your bike to work effectively in long run. Light in weight and easy to operate these jacks and stands come in various upgraded version that meets the immediate demand of the market. Accompanied by strong strap, wheel chock entirely furnish all the needs of bike in terms of support. Simple to use and secure these chocks rank as the first choice among the enthusiasts biker. Fully adjustable wheel locking facility and low to floor design Motorcycle Wheel Chock win recognition.

By: Scott Andrew Mathews

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The consolidation of the auto industry has forced automotive advertising agencies to take on new areas of responsibility that include integrating sales processes on the virtual showrooms being built on the Internet Super Highway with real world brick and mortar facilities. The internet has sparked new vendor applications and technologies that have forever changed the role of automotive advertising agencies who are challenged to match the message on the street with the message on both the real and virtual showroom floor. Technology has always determined the media used to deliver a targeted marketing message with human nature shaping the messages and methods to deliver it. The Internet and the impact that online social media is having on the shopping and buying habits of consumers is being reflected in the emerging technologies and applications focused on providing efficiencies and short term R.O.I. analytics for advertisers.

It is no longer enough for automotive advertising agencies to simply drive customers to their auto dealer client’s websites and/or showrooms. Until and unless their efforts can be sourced to specific vehicle sales and/or repair orders they have not earned their agency fees. Fortunately, new vendor applications have been developed to handle the warp speeds that customers are travelling on the Internet Super Highway. These integrated solutions are being consolidated into comprehensive platforms built on best in class applications that follow customers all the way to the showroom floor and/or the service drive — and beyond with after sales follow up to improve customer satisfaction and retention.

Technology vendors that provide specialized applications for the auto industry have been consolidating their products and services to improve selling processes by linking new and pre-owned vehicle sales with fixed operations. Efficiencies in processing customer contacts through integrated ILM and CRM systems tied to in store desking applications and DMS platforms allow automotive advertising agencies to manage and monitor customer contacts with a verifiable R.O.I.. This kind of R.O.I. analysis was not possible when sales and service functions were handled by individual vendor solutions that did not communicate efficiently with each other.

The consolidation in the automotive advertising technology sector has been evidenced by the increased market penetration by extensive product suites such as those offered by the ever expanding group of individual vendors that comprise Dominion. The recent acquisitions of Kelley Blue Book and vAuto by Auto Trader represent a recent consolidation of best in class vendor solutions to expand their iconic marketing platform. These complimentary products and services further differentiate Auto Trader from the competition and provide a more comprehensive product suite for the auto dealers that they serve. Similarly, individual vendors have extended their product suites to include applications that compliment their initial offerings such as the expanded marketing services being offered by Higher Gear to extend their CRM application and state of the art mobile applications recently added to eCarlist to compliment their inventory management/marketing platform.

These examples of best in class products and services offered by auto industry focused vendors integrated into platform solutions link vehicles sales and fixed operations to improve efficiencies and provide more comprehensive R.O.I. analytics. Auto dealers and automotive advertising agencies that have survived the consolidation in the retail auto industry have turned to these technology providers to leverage their limited resources.

The future for auto dealers and automotive advertising agencies clinging to old school business practices without embracing the internet, social media and technologies to maximize the efficiencies that they represent is bleak. Similarly, vendors serving the auto industry must expand their products and services beyond their initial core products to provide complimentary and integrated solutions or they will swept aside by platform solutions that address their auto dealer clients needs in a more comprehensive manner.

By: Philip Zelinger

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The influence of the Big Three is not only shrinking in the domestic market, but also declining as a force in the global economic landscape. The decline in sales and productivity may seem like a result of the US automotive industry lagging behind as businesses, but the problem has many complex factors. The industry itself is of course partly to blame, but there are many influences that have led to the current status of American car companies in comparison with foreign car companies.

First, the difference in car designs demonstrates the intricacy of the problems facing American car companies. In years past when the economy was thriving, design matched the needs of the consumer in the present, and sometimes the past. National trends in preferences were equally near-sighted, and car companies had no need to promote any other kind of car besides one Americans would spend more to buy. Foreign markets, however, created a more progressive demand, and the most noticeable force was, and still is, the consumption of gasoline. In European and Asian markets where gas is more expensive due to higher taxes, saving money began not at the car dealership but at the gas station. So, when deconstructed, the simple problem of design differences becomes a multi-faceted issue where car companies, consumers, and government are all responsible. The balance and influence of all three on one another in this country is especially important when the car companies were once large, dominant players in the domestic and global economies. So, the other factors that have led to the collapse of the Big Three are actually all part of the same problem. But, the progress of the Asian auto industry highlight the major problems slowing the progress of the American auto industry.

From a business standpoint, the difference in production between Asian and American companies demonstrates one area where the US industry lags behind. First, labor costs are one major issue that Japanese car companies have been able to control through union relations. American auto workers’ unions have held influence over company executives, and as a result, union demands reduce profit margins starting right on the factory floor.

Car companies are also plagued by their corporate structure. Ford initially solved a problem of miscommunication and uncoordinated suppliers, but they created more problems down the road. Toyota avoided problems of inefficiency and bureaucracy by creating small, efficient entities for supply and manufacturing. The inflexibility of American car companies started from the suppliers upward, and higher costs were felt at every step in the manufacturing process. The philosophy of centralized control not only drove up costs but drove down innovation, leading to designs and ideas that were too slow to react to market changes.

Finally, government policies have slowed American innovation. Asian governments have used taxes and incentives to encourage their citizens, and the lack of these kinds of programs has led to a stagnant auto industry. In China, taxes on small, fuel-efficient cars have been cut in half, creating increased demand for small cars. As a result, manufacturers have been able to charge more for their product at a time when American car companies are slashing prices to encourage sales.

The American auto industry is lagging in the world market, and it is a product of its complicated past. However, since the blame is not only with the companies themselves, returning the US automotive industry to its global prominence will require an understanding of all of its influences, and a concerted effort by the industry, consumers, and the government alike.

By: Ronnie W Tanner

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Carnage of the automotive industry continues, with each passing week throwing in a host of surprising knock out news. Be it the auto major Toyota overtaking GM in auto sales, or the deepest nosedive of Daimler’s stock since 1998, or the Ford’s job cuts of 200 salaried jobs to achieve a 15% workforce reduction by August 2008. Each is indicative of the prevailing turmoil, and has repercussions.

As consumers choose smaller cars auto part manufacturers brace up for supplying more of small car parts. And auto makers have begun contemplating mergers as a more creative way to sail safely through the storm.

June 2008 has seen the worst performance for the US auto industry since 1993 based on Y-on-Y month comparisons.

An analysis by JD Power uncovered the fact.

Harrowing Forecasts

Earlier, the projections for the sale of light-vehicle for 2008 was about 14.95 million units, but today the forecast stands corrected at 14.2 million units for the year.

Compared to 2007, a 12 percent decrease is expected for light vehicle sales in 2008. Further, the decrease would spread over differently across segments.

Trends

Almost double the decrease is expected in fleet sales when compared to retail sales. The trend is indicative of the notion that manufacturers would reduce fleet sales, while continuing to salvage earnings from retail sales during the low phase. Incentives too are supposed to be moderate.

For instance, while the retail sales are projected to decline by 10 percent to 11.6 million units, the fleet sales would experience a 21 percent decrease to 2.6 million units. An overview of the automobile industry reveals that it is large and has performed over the past couple of years, but only this year its performance has nosedived.

Another obvious trend is that consumers’ are switching to smaller vehicles ever since concerns about fuel economy increased, and skyrocketing gas prices fueled the worries more than ever. While the sales of SUV’s have decreased for sure, but the simultaneous increase in sales of smaller autos hasn’t been sufficient to offset the losses due to the fledgling sales in SUV segment.

Consider this, compared to the first half of 2007, the 2008 sales figures for SUVs did plummet by 26 percent during the corresponding period, the concurrent compact car segment sales were up only 28 percent. Not enough to make up for the decrease in SUV segment.

A lack of a sharp enough rise in sales in the compact auto segment can in part be attributed to inefficient supplies. For instance, the number of days these cars rested with the dealers (the “days to turn” measure) was an average of 57 days from January till June 2008. But it did show an improvement from May through June by averaging 47 days.

The Reasons

Although the hike in gas prices is often cited as the prime reason affecting the auto industry, other factors such as a weakening economic circumstances (viz. rising inflation, higher unemployment), and the long term side effects of the credit crises are in no way less important.

The Worst Is Yet To Come

Every time things worsen I wish that this is the nadir of it all, but an overwhelming majority of experts opine, that this is to last till at least a year. And now even the earlier forecasts for lower sales have been downgraded further.

Realistic expectations are that the worst is indeed yet to arrive, and that June’s dismal performance isn’t anything out of the ordinary. In fact it’s just a page in the book of industrial downturn. A year’s time is the least that’s needed before things begin to look up. But even a year later it wouldn’t be like abruptly waking up from a nightmare. As in 2009 too, a sudden recovery isn’t expected. Only a small upping to 14.3 million units in sales is forecast, with most of it attributed to retail sales.

By: Freddic Clay

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Wiring harness is that versatile tool that is capable of meeting diverse requirements in all industry sectors. However, it finds special use in the automotive sector for exceptional automobile set-ups. The wiring harness used in the automobile industry is a durable solution that has the capacity to resist high temperature and is ductile in nature. These automotive wiring harness varieties are dimensionally accurate and hence are in wide demand across various automobile manufacturing set up.

Most of the manufacturers that deal with this cable harness variety ensure that they conform with the industry standards and you as a customer should only go for these ones to ensure safety. The best part about automotive wire harness is that they can be customized as per the requirements and specifications of the user like different color coding and the specifications etc.

All high-grade automotive cable harness varieties, find application for multiple purposes. They are used for ignition system, battery cables, AC, etc. in automobiles. Most of the manufacturers today fabricate these harnesses by using finest grade of materials. They are also stringently tested on each stage of fabrication to guarantee defect free harnesses. These types of harnesses are used for all types of vehicles like passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two wheelers and three wheelers, multi utility vehicles, farm, material handling equipment and off-the-road vehicles.

All harnesses for the automotive industry are designed to perform under extreme conditions with uninterrupted services and can hence sustain heavy loads. Apart from the standard ones there are special varieties like bus harness, truck harness along with wiring harnesses for four/two wheelers.

Among the various application areas where harness for automobile wiring is required includes power windows, horn relay and connector, dimmer switch connector, power door locks, circuit breaker for headlights, backup lights, ignition switch connectors horn, cigarette lighter, engine fan, radio battery, wipers, brake lights and many more. These harnesses are easy to install and are cost effective solutions to all kinds of electrical needs in automobiles. As per their requirements, these types of harnesses come in three different varieties viz; industrial automotive high, grade and standard wire harness.

Most of the manufacturers that produce or supply wiring harness also keep stock of other electrical tools like extension cord, and power supply cord, etc. that go well with any electrical or electronic appliances. Use these with locking plug for ultimate safety, as you would not want to risk the lives of your dear ones.

By: Suzie Williams

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The rise in foreign investment has led to the rapid growth of automobile production, its export and developing of a more strong automobile industry. Overseas companies are making huge investments and are installing extensive production capacities in many developing countries. Today, the increase in the purchasing power and standards of living of people has resulted in the increased demand of automobiles especially four-wheelers in the developing nations. The fast pace of life and changes in lifestyles necessitates safer mobility for commuting to and from the work place and for traveling long distances. Research & development has resulted in increased productivity, better quality of automobiles and automotive accessories all across the globe. Low cost vehicles that are scooters and motorcycles have led to the massive growth of some of the fastest developing economies. The future of automotive industry in the developing countries seems bright and promising because of its further growth potential. Major automotive giants are shifting their production facilities to almost all emerging markets with the main purpose of gaining better access and reduction in their production costs.

According to the figures, South America and Asia have witnessed a boom in the past years. The various factors such as cheap financing and price discounts, rising income levels and infrastructure development have helped increasing the growth and development of automotive sector in the majority of developing countries around the world. The global automobile industry along with components and parts is expected to reach US$ 1.9 trillion by 2015, growth and it is thus evident that the economical potential of the auto industry is very high.

Reasons for the boost witnessed in the certain regions for the automobile industry are due to the availability of infrastructure facilities such like power supply, machinery, capital and availability of raw materials with efficient and relatively cheaper labor.

Auto motive industry is providing employment to a population of about 25 million people in the world. This industry not only provides millions of jobs to the people, but also produces billions of dollars in terms of worldwide revenues to many countries that are linked directly or indirectly with automobile industry. This industry is developing new markets worldwide but major shares still remain in the prominent automotive manufacturing regions. North American regions like New England, New York and the Mid-Atlantic, Central New York, Pittsburgh/Cleveland, Western Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Valley, Ohio and Eastern Indiana, Kanawha and middle Ohio Valley, St. Louis, the Southeastern region, Gulf Coast, Central Florida, and the West Coast are the major contributors towards the automotive industry in the USA. The European Union has the largest automotive production regions in the World. The key automobile manufacturing regions are United Kingdom, Rhine-Ruhr River Valley, Upper Rhine – Alsace – Lorraine region, and the Po Valley in Italy.

The global automotive component industry is highly diverse and comprises of various product segments like engine parts, drive transmission and steering parts, suspension & braking parts, electrical parts and other auto components parts.

By: Brenda Williams

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