Global Automotive Perspectives 2008

2008 is poised to be a year marked by profound industrial shifts and strong headwinds for the automotive industry, as global players respond to a fast growing array of fi nancial and regulatory pressures. Such constraints include increasing fuel economy and/ or drastic CO2 emissions mandates, rising commodity prices, a weakened US dollar, changing consumer preferences, liquidity concerns. Nonetheless, tremendous opportunities exist for automakers and suppliers who are prepared to deliver swift and viable solutions to the industry’s current transformation.

Waking up to REACH. Global companies weigh risks and rewards of Europe’s newest law on the safe use of chemicals

Despite a November 30 deadline for taking steps to comply, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ survey shows awareness of REACH is low, especially outside Europe and the chemicals industry.

Eastern Influx: Automotive Manufacturing in Central and Eastern Europe

An increasing number of automotive manufacturers and suppliers are now flocking to Central and EasternEurope, drawn by the prospect of cost.savings and new markets alike. In our previous paper we discussedthe issues involved in choosing the right location, but many companies also have to cope with shutting an existing factory in one country while making the move to another. In this paper we shall consider the challenges associated with disposing of such a business while optimising the value of the assets and controlling the costs.