Young drivers: design matters

A raft of recent vehicle launches, in particular from Japanese manufacturers, has demonstrated the automotive industry's obsession with the so-called Generation-Y market. But designing specific lifestyle oriented vehicles is a gamble that may not pay off.

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Windscreen wiper blade aftermarket: European manufacturers set to see increased sales

The aftermarket for windscreen wiper blades in Europe is showing an increasing preference to purchase from European manufacturers rather than Asian manufacturers. The less expensive wiper blades produced by Asian manufacturers initially offered consumers in Europe perceived value for money, but cost increases across the industry have led to a change in attitude.

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Volvo/Mitsubishi: the largest truck alliance is born

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Volkswagen: China crisis?

Volkswagen is set to replace the leadership of its Chinese operations with the vice-president of its Skoda unit in the Czech Republic, Winfrid Vahland. It is hoped that the change will help to overcome Volkswagen's recent woes in the country. However, in the face of fierce competition and government macroeconomic strategy, Mr Vahland faces a long and difficult road ahead.

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Vehicle recall could prove damaging to Japanese automakers

Up to 3.4 million Japanese-made cars will be recalled worldwide by Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan over faulty airbags. Toyota is the hardest hit, being poised to recall 1.73 million cars. The firms have declined to reveal the financial cost of the move, but reputational damage - including loss of consumer confidence and sales declines - may be more significant than any monetary loss.

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Used cars: the next big thing in India

As more major players enter the market, the used car business in India is showing signs of organization through the emergence of dedicated brand stores. However, the market requires a tremendous boost from all fronts. Not only does the government need to safeguard the industry from cheap imports from developed countries, but companies need significant funding to improve their brand presence.

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US autos: Japan has the power

As Japanese carmakers continue to increase their share of the US car market, the latest strategy is simply to increase the power of their vehicles - and it seems to be working.

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TPG: firm footing in China

ANJI-TNT Automotive Logistics Company, part of TPG's [TP] TNT Logistics division, has agreed a five-year, E100 million contract with Shanghai Volkswagen. The deal affirms the joint venture's leading position as a logistics provider to China's booming automotive sector.

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Toyota: still the car in front

With strong performance in the US, the weak Yen and its show stealing performance in customer satisfaction surveys, Toyota is on a roll. However, the bulk of the profits come from its Lexus division, which is going from strength to strength. Japanese carmakers had a much better 2002 than most of their compatriots; Toyota's success looks set to continue.

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Toyota: sporty marketing increases sales

Japanese carmaker Toyota [TM] continues to perform, once again topping JD Power's US customer satisfaction survey, and increasing sales by 6% in Europe. Clever marketing has helped to project a more sporty image of what used to be seen as staid cars, and could propel it to the global number one spot.

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