Sometimes vehicle manufacturers are too clever by half.  Which tends to result in their not being particularly clever at all.  Their executives often say things that, well, don’t make a heck of a lot of sense or just seem disingenuous.

Take the names of the various and sundry production systems that they roll out with.  Sometimes it is a matter of taking the name of their company and then appending “Production System” or “Manufacturing System.”  Sure, it is theirs, but in point of fact it is really, fundamentally, the Toyota Production System (TPS).  Or they may come up with an elaborate acronym that really doesn’t bring anything to the party, and simply seems odd: ACME—Achieving Comprehensive Manufacturing Excellence.  Yeah.  Sure.

During his presentation at the CAR Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse City, Chrysler’s Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President – Manufacturing, talked about the system they’re now rolling out through the organization: Smart Manufacturing.  He admitted that it wasn’t an acronym.  ...Read More...

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Driven Archives

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Achtung!
Mercedes-Benz accident researchers and engineers have developed a driver support system called "Attention Assist" that recognizes driver fatigue at an early stage, and warns the driver of the need to take a break from driving. Overtired drivers, they estimate, are responsible for 25% of all serious motorway accidents – making them more dangerous than those who are drunk.
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Everything but the...
When asked what options they wish they could get on their next car, British respondents skipped right past satellite navigation systems, air conditioning, and radios with six-disc in-dash CD players. These drivers wanted all of the comforts of home…and then some! – View More

Real Gridiron Action
Mitsubishi just ended its second season as the automotive sponsor of the Arena Football League, where its vehicles are prominently displayed throughout the game and at the venue for each game. Arena Bowl XXII saw the Philadelphia Soul beat the defending champs the San Jose Saber Cats 59-56 in what was described as a "wild game."  – View More

Those Crazy Brits...
If you happen to be anywhere near Rolls Royce's Goodwood factory between August 4 and 16, you might want to stop in to see a rather unique performance of Toad of Toad Hall by the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. – View More

False Savings
Britain’s Institute of Advanced Motorists recently sent out a press release stating that drivers can save approximately £2 of fuel per week simply by backing their vehicle into its parking spot. The IAM claims it takes an average five year-old car 90 seconds to warm up, something that can be done most efficiently by driving it. – View More

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P.O.V.
With a title like “President-The Americas,” you might imagine that Ford’s Mark Fields has a certain grandiosity about him.  After all, that’s quite a designation to have on one’s business cards.  Yet while sitting in the passenger seat of a Lincoln MKS with an EcoBoost engine under its hood—a turbocharged, direct-injected engine ...Read More...