Management Briefing Seminar
Monday, August 08, 2011
CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH'S MANAGEMENT BRIEFING SEMINAR
Early this month, the Growth Council participated in the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Community Program. Our organization was invited to participate in this premier auto conference, which attracts over 1100 auto leaders every year. In addition, this program provided incredible marketing opportunity and a chance to reconnect with Joe Spielman, retired VP of General Motors. During our time together, Joe commented that his best job ever was Plant Manager of Marion. He misses his partners that helped turn the plant around (he also misses his community friends as well). At the event, there was considerable discussion about the new federal fuel efficiency standards.
Some take-aways from the week:
- There is no silver bullet for reaching fuel efficiency standards. Customers are sending mixed messages in regards to sustainability by buying larger vehicles vs. smaller ones.
- Electrical cars faced with challenges of consumer's fear over battery life.
- There are still efficiency gains to be had with the internal combustion motor.
- The most interesting presentation was by a National Environment Defense Fund's economist. He argued that regulations create jobs and do not distort capital allocation.
- Turbochargers and superchargers, which were once solely used for power and performance, are now part of the fuel efficiency push.
- Suppliers are still holding back on adding fixed cost until they are certain the market is back.