With the recent unveiling of Fiat SpA's new Punto at their 100-year anniversary celebration, Delphi Automotive Systems E-STEER (TM) Electric Power Steering was introduced to the world of automotive journalists amid rave reviews.
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Fiat Punto

Photo: Fiat

Delphi's E-STEER(TM) eliminates the traditional system's power steering pump, hoses, hydraulic fluid, and drive belt and pulley on the engine -- offering packaging flexibility and significantly reducing the amount of energy drawn from the engine -- improving fuel economy, acceleration, and dependability. Unlike traditional hydraulic systems, it enhances driver peace of mind by providing power steering even with the engine off.

On the environmental front, a system without any fluids means no leaks -- so warranty costs can be significantly reduced. Additionally, all of the materials needed for the pump, reservoir, belts, hoses and fluid won't need to be manufactured, disposed of, or recycled, making E-STEER(TM) more environmentally friendly.

This innovative bidding process allows the organization to efficiently tap the capabilities of the very best global suppliers. It also allows Visteon to realign its purchasing operations to take advantage of the process improvements and cost savings associated with such leading-edge approaches. Pre-qualified suppliers have been invited to bid on-line to provide Visteon with the latest printed wiring circuit board technology. The hour- and-a-half long event is the first of many Visteon expects to conduct to on-line source a variety of commodities.
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Roger Saillant, VP and General Manager, Visteon Interor Systems Division

Photo: Visteon

Internet retailing has already achieved widespread acceptance with millions of on-line consumers. Visteon's investigation into the opportunities associated with Internet bidding began in January when managers began exploring how purchasing operations could more fully benefit from the information superhighway. Within a matter of months, Visteon designed and implemented an electronic procurement system that would accommodate real-time, on-line bidding from around the world.

Suppliers can access the bidding site via a standard Web browser and a password. Once they are on-line, they will be able to view the prices being bid for a particular commodity. They will not see the names of the other organizations involved in the on-line bidding. They will be able to submit new bids throughout the event in the strictest confidentiality. Unlike target pricing, where a customer typically sets a target price for a commodity, suppliers bidding in today's event will help set a real market price for the technologies and commodities being sourced. But market price is not the only determining factor in a sourcing decision, Marslender stresses.

Suppliers who are participating in the on-line bidding process were required to attend a half-day session to learn what Visteon expects of all suppliers. After the bidding is over, the suppliers who are sourced will be audited, Marslender added.On-line bidding is just one way Visteon will source commodities in the future. Other venues, such as early sourcing target agreements, open auctions, on-line requests for quotes and design contests, will also be employed as part of Visteon's overall electronic procurement strategy.

The axles will be shipped to DaimlerChrysler at a German facility. They will be shipped from the Glasgow, Scotland facility of Albion Automotive, AAM's United Kingdom-based driveline subsidiary. Axle production will begin in June 2000. Details of the sales contract were not disclosed.

American Axle & Manufacturing currently manufactures various forgings used on DaimlerChrysler vehicles in North America. David C. Dauch, vice president, Sales, Marketing & Capacity Planning, explained that the transporter van axle is the first new axle program for Albion Automotive since AAM acquired Albion in October 1998.

Within the last 10 months, AAM has diversified its customer base significantly, through acquisitions as well as conquest business and the aggressive pursuit of contracts with new customers. It has also expanded globally -- from five manufacturing facilities, a Technical Center, and an Asia Pacific Business Office just 10 months ago to 19 locations, including 16 manufacturing facilities, around the world today.