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front
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In
This Issue:
Detroit --
Sources close to GM are
saying that the very specific strategy aimed at retaining Opel European
operations within the fold -- and tens of thousands of positions --
was crafted by officials amongst several governments who understood it
was far better to deal with a known -- GM -- rather than the "unknowns"
represented by RHJ International (Brussels) Magna/Sberbank (Austria,Canada,Russia)
and Beijing Auto (China).
The extreme detriment to the UK economy in the aftermath of China's acquisiton of MG-Rover in 2005 is said to have weighed heavily in the decision making process. The U.S. and Germany, according to these sources, were not among the crafters...
Detroit -Tata Technologies (www.tatatechnologies.com) announced today that it will display the world’s lowest-price passenger car, the Tata Nano, for the first time in North America in Detroit on January 14. Tata Technologies, with regional headquarters in Novi, Michigan, played a key role in engineering the Nano, which is produced by Tata Motors in India. It will show the car to highlight its end-to-end vehicle engineering and design capabilities to its auto industry customers and guests at its “Better Innovation” event at the Detroit Science Center.
The Tata Nano was introduced at the Delhi Auto Show in January, 2009 and retails for about $2,500 in India. The model on display in Detroit is owned by Tata Technologies and is on loan from its Center for Advanced Engineering and Design in Pune, India.
Congratulations To Boeing on Dreamliner First Flight
"Benevolent Trading Partner" No More -- United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission 2009 Report to Congress: Industrial and Military Espionage Activities In US Reveal With Clarity China's True and Dangerous Intentions Washington, D.C. -- The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC.gov) certainly no shrinking violet in terms of carrying out its mission to monitor China's WTO compliance -- or its lack thereof -- has taken off the gloves, as it were, to reveal depleted uranium knuckles... Yes, its 2009 Report to Congress is just that scathing. Among its findings: · China’s increasingly aggressive espionage efforts to obtain U.S. secrets and technology for the benefit of China’s military and its economy. · China’s stepped-up cyber espionage and cyber warfare capabilities that constitute a growing threat to U.S. computer networks. · China’s extensive use of foreign propaganda and China’s efforts to influence public opinion and policymaking in the United States. · China’s detailed industrial policy designed to attract foreign investment and production and to create “national champions” to compete on a global scale. · China’s use of subsidies and other trade-distorting measures in violation of its international commitments. · China’s role in the creation of the economic imbalances that that helped produce the global financial crisis. · The expansion and modernization of the Chinese navy and its effects on U.S. access to the waters around China and Taiwan and the likelihood of a maritime arms race. · The use of new and more sophisticated methods by Chinese authorities to control the Chinese news media and the Internet. · China’s activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. · Mainland China’s increasing influence in Taiwan and Hong Kong. · The effect of China’s policies on the economy of the upstate New York region.
Press Release: Global HeavyLift States Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Production Must be Maintained; Will Seek FAA Exemption for BC-17 Commercial Variant Separate From Boeing Continues Pursuit of USD18.4B Capital Raise To Implement US/NATO-Controlled Heavy and Outsized Air Cargo Industry Based on Well-proven Tactical/Strategic Airlifter ; Firm Also Reveals China Theft of Aegis BMD System Representing the Core of U.S. Naval Offensive/Defensive Capabilities, and Possibly F-22 Raptor Technology Chicago -- Following previous releases in February 2006 and March 2007, Global Heavylift Holdings, LLC, a Florida incorporated and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) listed (www.ccr.gov) entity with principal offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, will continue its pursuit of an USD18.4B capital raise to implement a US/NATO-controlled Heavy and Outsized (H&O) air cargo industry utilizing new and used modestly modified variants of C-17 for commercial missions, while still meeting USAF operational standards as part of Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) organic airlift augmentation. Preserving The Past for The Future: GM Celebrates A Century of Existence
Publisher's Note:
Dr. Sheila Ronis Named as one of Crain's Detroit Business "Women To Watch"
Industry Edge: Reflections on The Wall Street Crisis (image: AP) In light of the profoundly dangerous state of affairs among Wall Street entities representing the very foundations of US financial markets, we thought we would look into our 2002 archives to determine if analyses postulated at that time could withstand the scrutiny of hindsight 6 years hence... comments, anyone? A MARKET IN CRISIS... GREENSPAN STEP DOWN?...7000 DOW? Distinct Possibilities...
EDT Wednesday, 2 July 2008, 838pm
UTC(or
GMT/Zulu) Thursday, 3 July 2008, 00:39:49
Detroit
---
Sources close to GM and GM Europe ( http://www.gm.com/europe/)
are advising the company is either close to, or examining closely,
bringing in several high-mileage European models such as a LHD version
of the all new Vauxhall Agila with a range of engines inclusive of
diesel (1.3L CDTi Twin Cam Ecotec), to bolster its U.S. dealer line-up
technologically and reputationally.
According to a source speaking on condition of anonymity, GM's primary
problem is not that it doesn't have high mileage vehicles -- it has a
range of product exceeding 30 mpg -- or styling (look no further than
Buick Enclave, Corvette, Chevy Malibu and the entire Saturn line-up) it
is perception.
"In my view," the source says, "this perception is fueled by Wall Street
analysts and too many industry pundits who should know better, stating
that GM needs to build vehicles Americans will buy, and that the U.S.
auto industry is playing catch-up technologically. These statements are
beyond inaccurate.
"The fact is, the world's auto industry, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Renault,
VW, Citroen, among others, owes a heavy debt of gratitude, even their
very existence, to the design, engineering, manufacturing and financial
visionaries behind the traditional Big Three; GM, Ford and Chrysler, and
of course, Karl Benz.
"In terms of bringing in European products to these shores within the
next 120 days, I perceive no unsolvable issues or difficulties, neither
from an emissions, safety, Union, availability or tooling ownership
standpoint; the
latter applying if production here is deemed necessary based on a strong
market response. Moreover, it addresses a range of concerns related to
GM's continued viability in areas of product, profitability and
leadership.
"If Wall Street responds negatively to this apparently wise move by GM
(Toyota and Honda routinely utilize this strategy of bringing in
additional product, Scion and Yaris being examples, as changing market
conditions reflected in consumer trends demand) then I and other
colleagues within industry and government will know that the continued
downgrading of the company's value (the drop from last October, and a
decline of 47% from the start of this year to a recent record low of
$11.43 (updated: closed 7/2/08 at 9.98; the lowest since 1954) being
inexplicable and inexcusable) and overall negative
market sustainability assessments by financial market integral firms
like Goldman-Sachs and Fitch, is deliberate and designed to set the stage
for yet another takeover attempt by parties onshore and offshore."
Media Advisory 2 July
(Francais)
Go to Press Release 9 July
Publisher's note:
ER is preparing right now an expanded assessment of GM's developing
architecture for what we perceive as an excellent -- and quite timely --
strategy that will not only allow GM to remain in the game, but to
control it.
Myron D.Stokes
The (GM) Empire Strikes Back: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Editor's note: eMOTION! REPORTS.com editors are convinced that Malibu will enable GM to create a significant sales buffer for the world's number one automaker, and thus preclude the possibility of Toyota claiming a position of ascendancy either globally or in the all important US market. And yes, we said all important US market. Industry observers should be aware that the presumed growth of the Chinese market will not meet glowing expectations for vehicle consumption... China's directive is to create an export oriented economy that will eclipse that of Japan. Press Release: November 15, 2007 U.S. -- China Commission Cites Some Progress Yet Some Troubling Trends For U.S. Economic and National Security Interests; Year-Long Study Offers 42 Recommendations In Report to Congress Full Report Available at: www.uscc.gov
 "It is not a matter of if this country fights China, but when..." -- Internal U.S. Department of Defense analysis WASHINGTON, DC (November 15, 2007) – China has adopted policies to reverse its progress toward a more market-based economy, opting instead to increase government intervention in the economy, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. “Free and fair trade depends on a market approach to international commerce, rather than a contest among governments and their closely owned and subsidized industries,” said Carolyn Bartholomew, chairman of the Commission as she officially released the group’s 2007 annual report to Congress on Thursday.
The
Commission, a bipartisan group established by Congress to analyze the
economic and national security relationship of the two nations, made 42
recommendations to Congress for further action. The book-length report
was unanimously approved by the 12 Commissioners, appointed by each
party’s leadership. The Commission held seven hearings; travelled to
The report
acknowledges that
The report is
critical of
The report raises alarms about the the erosion of the Publisher's Note: Although the first flight has been delayed, ER will continue to follow and advise new dates
EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 11, 2007 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] production line is full for the all-new 787 Dreamliner, as work continues on the first flight-test airplane and two airplanes to be used for static and fatigue testing. This photo shows Airplane #1 in the third position, where final structure and systems installations are completed. Behind it, the static-test airplane is in the second position, where it will receive landing gear, engines, and any required interior installations. The fatigue airplane entered final body join Nov. 30. New Feature: Executive Summary
A bi-weekly in-depth technical analysis of worthy automobiles; November/December summary is Cadillac STS 3.6L Direct Injected V-6 http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/gallery.jsp?model=sts&year=2008 Publisher's note: 2008 Cadillac CTS repeats 2003/2004 nomination as eMOTION! REPORTS.com Car of The Year; Audi R8 Included In Special Performance Vehicle Category http://www.emotionreports.com/SUV_Award/suv_award.html The Penalty of Leadership: A Plaque download of what is considered some of the best automotive advertising prose of all time, and appearing as a one page Cadillac ad for one day in the January 2, 1915 Saturday Evening Post in response to Packard Automobile assertions http://www.emotionreports.com/SUV_Award/penalty_of_leadership.htm
Special
Report:
Automotive
Industry Analysis:
 The
Chrysler Acquisition:
A Matter of Control
FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2007 62nd Annual
DaimlerChrysler Archives
February 2001: Der Sturm (The Perfect Storm) Chrysler: Crafting A Reprieve 2.17.07
Our own sources have not dispelled the notion that the latter statement is true. In light of this current state of affairs, we invite you to consider analyses presented in February of 2001; Der Sturm (The Perfect Storm) and Chrysler: Crafting a Reprieve. Analyses just as relevant and accurate now as they were then. The repatriation of this American icon Chrysler, should be pursued by either Ford or GM with all due speed: It is an opportunity that would bring benefits to all concerned, in addition to playing its own role – as noted in “Crafting a Reprieve” – in mitigating erosion of the US industrial base. The foregoing is true for the simple reason that ownership of Chrysler by a US entity renders it far less likely that manufacturing positions would be sent offshore, and even if they are, the money still flows back here. Dr. Zetsche is one of the few automotive executives who understands how critical it is to maintain a country’s industrial base; even one not his own. Which is why we applaud his courage in potentially turning a financial difficulty for Daimler into a opportunity to right a perceived, if not quite real, wrong: The theft of Chrysler through the machinations of Juergen Schrempp and the short sightedness of an otherwise capable Bob Eaton. Lastly, you’ll note that we mentioned Ford Motor Company as a possible White Knight in the re-acquisition of Chrysler. This is not said tongue in cheek. Rather, it simply acknowledges that despite its current difficulties, the company will emerge viable. Moreover, it would reprise its role of 12 years ago during the tenure of Sir Alex Trotman when, unbeknownst to all but a critical few, Ford, at his direction, acted as a potential suitor to prevent Kirk Kerkorian’s hostile taking of Chrysler. Alan Mulally would do well to consider the benefits of a Chrysler rescue, benefits that would be identifiable at several levels. We do indeed live in a global environment, but succeeding in this arena demands maintaining the strength and solidity of the home base. In this vein, America’s biggest orphan at the moment, Chrysler Group, needs the nurturing atmosphere of a new home and new caring parents… eMOTION! REPORTS.com 2007
Special
Edition For University of Michigan
/Center For
Automotive Research
41st Annual
Management Briefing Seminars,
Traverse City,
Michigan August 7-11, 2006
Update, August 6, 2006 (July 3, 2006, May 5, 2005, analyses)Kerkorian and Renault-Nissan Overtures to GM Have Overtones of Hostile Takeover; Success Would Represent Clear Threat to Industrio-Economic Stability and Therefore National Security; Potential Emergence of New Global Automotive Industry Architecture
GM's
emergent show of strength, both financially and from a leadership
standpoint, is causing the Ghosn/Kerkorian camp to shift attention away
from GM and back to Ford.
A serious strategy has emerged to overcome the power of the Ford family's Class B Shares, making the potential for outright capture all the more real. Astoundingly, Daimler-Chrysler and Deutsche Bank are inevitably part of the Ghosn strategy for the Ford acquisition. The involvement of these two entities should be expected, however, for the simple reason this "organizational fusion" begins with Ford of Europe. And Europe is their home and backyard...
Go To Full PDF
SPECIAL REPORT:
28 April, 2006
State
of
Publisher's note: The US Auto Industry is out of time, and as we recently said to industry colleagues, the window for discussion of strategies to stay or mitigate the threat to the industrial base has been closed. Only the implementation of actionable plans remains; some of which are suggested by Dr. Ronis and her associates at the USBIC and those that will soon be before Congress subsequent to several month’s long investigation of the erosion of the manufacturing base. We also acknowledge the impending visit by the principals of GM, Ford and Chrysler with the President. In order to ensure the best outcome of those proposed interactions, the right questions -- even demands -- must be presented. And frankly, we have no confidence that most of the people employed and deployed by GM and Ford -- again, Chrysler is NOT an American car company -- on Capitol Hill understand or appreciate the reality of economic war being waged; an understanding quite necessary to craft the appropriate query. Moreover, the strategies and tactics utilized are designed not to render the offshores just hyper-competitive against the core components of the country's base, but to eliminate them. Cold, sad, true... In this analysis and advisory, a very necessary position is articulated and needs very little expansion as the following excerpt demonstrates:
"The automotive industry crisis is revealing
with a vengeance the dilemma faced by companies that wish to manufacture
in America and keep the nation's industrial base strong. On the one hand,
private business and market forces still make the
"On the other hand, policy decisions made in Washington and foreign capitals--to open or to ignore certain foreign markets, to combat or to tolerate foreign subsidies or dumping, to favor some sectors of the economy but not others in trade negotiations--can make or break not only individual companies but entire industries. "Multinational companies have long recognized the policy challenge, and have employed legions of lobbyists to influence national decision-makers. Yet too often, their foreign trade and investment agendas have harmed domestic companies, by ignoring import competition that is often predatory, and by actually encouraging the "offshoring" of whole industries and their supply chains. And too few domestic business leaders have had the time or resources to play the increasingly vital Washington game." We would say to our friends and associates in industry and government that believe we are NOT in an economic war, merely a shifting of competitive positions, your stance is not sustainable, justified or verifiable. This analysis brings that point painfully home...
Aviation Milestone: Boeing 777-200LR Sets New World Distance Record; Hong Kong to London
eMOTION! REPORTS.com Names Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ 2006 Car of The Year
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Image: Boeing
Aerospace Journalist OF THE YEAR Awards TO accept entries in four languages Announcing the change, World Leadership Forum President Malcolm Turner said: “In the past we only accepted entries published in English. Submissions published in other languages needed translations, and that deterred many non-English publications from entering. From 2006 we will accept entries in four major European languages, meaning that many more publications and journalists can now enter.” The international Aerospace Journalist of the Year Awards, organized in conjunction with the Royal Aeronautical Society, are the world's most important awards for aviation writers and broadcasters. eMOTION! REPORTS.com Publisher Myron D. Stokes is pleased that the ER team has been invited to participate. "We join the World Leadership Forum in encouraging aerospace journalists from around the world to submit entries to this prestigious competition. There is a large body of work analyzing the affairs and inner workings of one of the two largest industries on the planet, and one that has been the primary driver in technological advancement. From the Montegolfier Brothers to the Return to The Moon initiative, there is a rich history and an exciting future involving the human quest to conquer air and space." Go to full advisory PDF
Media Advisory December 5, 2005
It
has been observed by our global sources that several Japanese firms are
quietly removing their high value assets in China both technological and
human. This is occurring because of Japan's
dissatisfaction with the Chinese government's unwillingness to enforce the
law and effectively manage Chinese Triad activity. This
all but clandestine operation, now in its final stages and apparently
coordinated with Japanese intelligence services, placed a priority on the
most valuable facilities, the technological and manufacturability
components of those facilities, and has been accomplished with a precision
rivaling the disabling of Norway-based German heavy water operations at
Rjukan supporting nuclear weapons development in February 1943.
The latter having been accomplished with no loss of life on either side. This
comes on the heels of a public domain report provided by the US State
Department in response to a China business climate request by
Industry Canada in 2004. The report can be read in its entirety
at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inimr-ri.nsf/en/gr124519e.html.
But the report, sourced by the Japanese government, paints a grim picture
of a steadfastly non-cooperative China state of affairs, and qualifies as
a PRA (Political Risk Assessment).
The
eMOTION!
REPORT:
THE
AMERICAN AUTOMOTIVE/AEROSPACE INDUSTRY 2005 A
comprehensive analysis written by our global team of experts (see analyses
“Renault/Ford?” 5.9.05 and “Super-Globalism” 6.9.03) in the
academic, media, corporate and government sectors, with a focus on General
Motors and Ford Motor Company “business of the business” and product
analysis. On the aerospace side, we look at, among others, Boeing’s
emergent commercial aviation success story: The 787 Dreamliner along with
Bombardier’s new C-Series that may have a profound effect on the
company’s bottom-line profitability. 300 pages in length and
presented in ADOBE ™.pdf optimized for spiral-bound printing at KINKOS
™ locations globally, The eMOTION! REPORT offers 25 pages of full-page
only advertising avails. Closing date is November 30th with
publication scheduled for second week December. A
media/marketing kit is available as a download from this site to agencies
of record and other industry marketing personnel by requesting
password via
emotionmag@emotionreports.com.
Analysis: Boeing Board Selects W. James McNerney, Jr., as Chairman/CEO; Former Acting CEO James A. Bell Remains as CFO (6.30.05)
In a recent analysis concerning the forced departure of former CEO Harry Stonecipher, we noted that "It is virtually incontestable that every Boeing misstep and charge lain against it moves AIRBUS ever closer to its goal of capturing the lucrative, and hotly contested, AF tanker deal. Moreover, It tends to create an atmosphere of mistrust and loss of confidence on the part of military and commercial customers in terms of the company’s ability to perform.
It is not known at this point to whom the nod will be given among the very short list of executives to assume the mantle of CEO. However, it is crucial that the board not bow to pressure to assign the duties of running Boeing to an industry outsider with financial experience, but no knowledge of building airplanes. General Motors learned an awful lesson that car companies must be run by car guys who know the product and its creative process; intimately. Boeing is poised to do well – very well, we believe – with the roll out of the farthest ranging (9,420 nautical miles) aircraft in the world, the 777-200LR Worldliner, along with a hangar-mate already on its way to reshaping how aircraft are produced, the 787 Dreamliner.
The right guidance at the helm, no doubt, will help ensure success."
It appears that the Boeing board has done precisely that in the selection of W. James McNerney as the company's new CEO. Acting CEO James Bell remains as CFO.
While riding a wave of success following the broad acceptance of the new 787 Dreamliner as the choice of major airlines globally -- the profoundly disappointing, and perhaps instigated, Canadian cancellation of multiple Boeing aircraft notwithstanding -- Boeing's bringing aboard a person like McNerney couldn't have been more perfect.
New vistas in aircraft manufacturing: Boeing's 787 Dreamliner Image: Boeing Politely side-stepping strong suggestions from Wall Street that Stonecipher's replacement should be an outsider not necessarily associated with the industry, but possessed of significant financial savvy, the aerospace giant (yes, that still applies) instead chose a candidate who brings holistic, systemic knowledge and experience of the aircraft business and its supplier base.
The 55 year-old McNerney's pedigree includes CEO of 3M and core positions at GE Aircraft Engines, GE Asia-Pacific and GE Capital. In other words, he not only knows how to build airplanes, but finance them too.
It appears that McNerney is as much of a "plane guy" as GM's Bob Lutz is a "car guy".
Indeed, there is room here to congratulate both companies for their recent sales successes. And although some may say that the battle for the hearts and minds and pocketbooks of consumers has not been totally won in the face of determined opposition (read, AIRBUS and Toyota) the ancient battle of Thermopylae comes to mind: Small engagement, but one that irrevocably altered the course of civilization...
Renault/Ford? Newly
appointed Renault President and CEO Carlos Ghosn With
Chairman Louis Schweitzer Image:
Renault It
has been brought to our attention that a Renault/Ford “venture”
(with DaimlerChrysler/Fiat-GM similarities sans constructive taking; the
acquisition of a firm for reasons other than those officially stated)
and a GM/Toyota conjoining could well be rapidly coming together.
In fact, we are advised that a Ford/Renault interaction is all
but “a fait accompli” in light of the US company’s circumstances.
GM/Toyota General Motors, however, is a whole different story. Negotiations are planned between Toyota top executive and GM’s C-level executives, expected to expand existing agreements in place over the past two decades. Review of analyses developed in 2000 by industry colleagues that sought to define such a relationship, painted an unflattering image. Billionaire
financier and corporate raider Kirk Kerkorian, however, has other plans
for the world’s largest automaker.
Should he prevail in his strong overtures to be the company’s
single largest shareholder, it’s a foregone conclusion he will push to
remove virtually all the executives currently in charge, anointing an epic
figurehead to buy time, select and redirect the next generation of top GM
leaders. Who?
“Kerkorian’s buddy Lee Iacocca could be an ideal white
knight… another US car company to save.
But, he is only a few years younger than Kerkorian.
Even if Kerkorian were willing to give Bob Lutz the reigns, after
bad blood from the DC merger, Lutz isn’t much younger.”
Our
sources indicate the list of potential heroes with enough skill and
public capital to take heat off GM is thin.
“Jack Welch is about the only guy with weight and leverage to
do what Iacocca did for Chrysler.”
Go
To Full Advisory (pdf)
Boeing: The Stonecipher Departure
Publisher's
note 3.9.05:
"Economic war is always
waged first" is a maxim of Sun Tzu's eons old military doctrine.
Boeing, it seems, is feeling the full effects of such a war waged against
it as still the world's pre-eminent builder of military and commercial
aircraft. And it goes without saying that if you want to shake a
company – or a government – to its very core, attack, discredit,
neutralize and eliminate the executive leadership. As a result of
the world’s oldest executive indiscretion, Boeing has lost yet another
helmsman, Harry Stonecipher, who, as we stated in an earlier analysis
“Aerospace Giant in Fight of Its Life” was capable of leading a charge
of revitalized design, engineering and marketing talent from within
Boeing’s ranks against an EU-supported AIRBUS. A consortium, mind
you, whose mission in life is to unseat the company’s dominance in the
aerospace arena.  Go
To Full Analysis pdf
Global Powertrain Congress (GPC): A Convergence of The World's Best and Brightest in Advanced Propulsion Systems, With special emphasis on HEV's, Fuel Cells and Other Alternative Transportation Technologies Inclusive of Quasiturbine; September 28-30, Ford Conference Center, Dearborn, Michigan Publisher's note: As Dearborn, Michigan, home to industry foundation automaker Ford Motor Company, prepares to host this seventh annual vehicle powertrain specific conference, there is much talk, indeed, high expectations, of potential breakthrough technology, processes and powertrain systems strategies being presented here. Such expectations are concomitant with the angst associated with continued Middle-Eastern instability, Russian provincial upheaval and oil prices -- inextricably linked to these and bolstered by OPEC whim -- headed for $60 a barrel. For these reasons alone GPC is timely, and born of an industry landscape undergoing massive change. Dr. Nasim Uddim, one of GPC's founding directors, notes that those in attendance should not underestimate the importance of this conference as it emerges as a clear compliment to the annual events of SAE and SME: "This is a unique international annual conference which is now in its 7th year and is characterized by both its focus and its excellence. Those desirous of meeting the automotive Powertrain engineers and leaders who are determining the shape of the future, and hearing about the products and technologies that will define it, should know that GPC 2004 is the place to be." To that end, we're providing a pdf of the conference schedule and registration along with a direct link, www.gpc-icpem.org. We're also pleased to announce that elements of the white paper "Quantum Parallel: The Saint-Hilaire Quasiturbine as the Basis for a Simultaneous Paradigm Shift in Vehicle Propulsion Technology" will be presented here as well. We congratulate the GPC team on what is sure to be yet another successful program of high import and impact for industry. Elsewhere, we present a hi-res image of the Army's prototype TSV, or Theater Support Vessel, a weapons system -- it is indeed that -- at present redefining and expanding the role and capabilities of the Rapid Deployment Force, or any force, within the services. Developed and built by Bollinger/Incat of Australia, this wave-piercing catamaran design has a 40+ knot cruise speed fully loaded with 400 troops, tanks (up to 16 M1 Abrams) fast combat vehicles, helicopters, small watercraft for SEAL-type operations and provisions for sustained in-theater operations. It has already proved its worth in Iraq. More data is provided through a National Defense analysis written by our own Dr. Sheila Ronis, who had opportunity to spend time with this remarkable craft. TSV may very well prove to be exactly the type of high-technology, high flexibility and inter-service sea-borne support platform needed to take Dr. Thomas P.M. Barnett's "two militaries", as outlined in "The Pentagon's New Map", from concept to fully functioning reality. The designers of Civil War Ironclads Monitor and Merrimac would have been proud... Carpe diem, Myron D.Stokes (8.29.04) Quasiturbine GPC 2004 Presentation Global Powertrain Congress (9/30/04)
Peer Review: Military Transformation Through Analytical Process: The Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society -- An Interdisciplinary Approach
Among the more notable were "Israeli-Palestinian Non-Mediated Peacekeeping --A Challenge to Hegemonic Masculinities" by Deborah Heifetz-Yahav of Tel Aviv University, and "How Peacekeeping Prepared the Army for War" by Laura Miller of RAND. A peer review of the proceedings in PDF form has been prepared for your ready reference and consideration. Elsewhere, we look at reviews of Dr. Thomas P.M. Barnett's "The Pentagon's New Map", as well as providing a PDF file of the permanently archived work "Crisis On Asimov: A Vision of 2085", just in time for the opening of the Science Fiction Museum, which celebrates the genre past, present and future, in Seattle later this month. In the near future, we will present "Prelude To Stealth: Jack Northrop's P-61 Black Widow"; a close look at this purpose-built night fighter that shattered conventional thinking and theory as it related to airborne interception and aerodynamic control surfaces. As we prepare for this extensive analysis, we would appreciate hearing from former pilots and crew, and anyone involved in the design and building of this superlative craft. Reach us through: emotionmag@emotionreports.com To the promise of galactic adventure, Myron D. Stokes
Reviewing The Reviews:
On this 60th anniversary of "D-Day" the June 6, 1944 Operation Overlord invasion of Europe landings at Normandy, and considering the current state of affairs both economically and militarily, neither Barnett's nor Woodward's treatises will be gathering dust anytime soon... Encore: Crisis On Asimov - A Vision of 2085
The
Pentagon’s New Map is only pre-orderable for now at the following
web-site. It will be available after April 26, when it will be
published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York. Find it on the web at: http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com eMOTION! REPORTS reviewer Dr. Sheila Ronis leaves no doubt as to where she stands on this book: "This work should be translated into every major language around the world, though the wit and wisdom may be difficult to translate. It is a must read, not only for policy analysts in the beltway and every American, but for every citizen of the world who cares about the future."
Special Report: Is NASCAR Killing the Golden Goose?
Industry Analysis: Lessons From Toyota: A Global Grand Strategy For Boeing
eMOTION! REPORTS.com Truck of The Decade: Ford F-150; Performance Car of 2005: Ford GT
Special Report: How Ferrari and Bridgestone Stole The 2003 Formula One World Championships
We should point out however, that although the estimated 600 billion dollar hydrogen infrastructural costs outlined in the Argonne studies at right may seem stratospheric, they are in line with traditional and accepted costs -- adjusted for inflation. In fact, over a 30 year period, along with implementing certain cost containment strategies outlined in these documents, the costs may become quite manageable... En français pour nos lecteurs du Canada et d'Europe Un parallèle
Quantique: La "Quasiturbine" des Saint-Hilaire
The
Boeing Archives
Aerospace
Giant in Fight for its Life (5.20.02) Rudman
Report on Boeing Ethics
(Released 12.18.03) Boeing was accused of improperly obtaining and using satellite contract bid information from rival Lockheed-Martin to gain the upper hand. As expected, the report praises the company for strenuous efforts to, in the words of CEO Harry Stonecipher, "Win the confidence of the customer back" -- in this case the U.S. Air Force. Make no mistake, however, this report is no whitewash. And besides, Boeing has bigger problems than suspect 767 tanker lease deals (a smart move regardless of how its structuring was handled) lost contracts and sanctioning by the DoD; there's the small problem of an animated, aggressive, EU-supported and relentless AIRBUS Industrie, and an agitated, relentless and outraged State Department. The latter having not forgotten the inadvertent provision of ICBM booster technology to the Chinese, who promptly used that knowledge to accelerate their manned space program by a couple of decades. But that's another story. No matter the outcome of any of the above difficulties, Boeing must, and will, survive. In the meantime, we're providing the full text of the Rudman internal ethics analysis as a pdf download. Aerospace Analysis In Queue; January 2004 7E7 Dreamliner: Boeing Chooses Mediocrity Over Greatness
Newly
appointed Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher and
Commercial Airplanes President Alan Mulally announce
“available to order” status of 7E7 Dreamliner. Boeing image
Archives:
Boeing Going? (3/01)
In
early 2001, we took a long look at where Boeing was indeed going in
light of announcements at that time of the company's intent to
relocate its corporate HQ (Chicago was ultimately chosen). We
examined Chairman Phil Condit's possible motivations behind this all
but shocking move. We think these observations have particular
relevance nearly three years hence.
Condit
Addresses Detroit Economic Club
(11/01)
NOTABLE HAPPENINGS -- DOWNLOADS  Few
industries have felt the impact of the September suicide attacks on the
United States as acutely as the aerospace sector. With the public far
from convinced of the safety of airline travel and the major carriers
devastated by plunging revenues, aerospace giant Boeing is feeling very
much in the center of the action. Analysis: Commercial C-17 Could Help Military Mobility (10.05.03)
Dr. Ronis also discusses the viability of the CAMAA (Commercial Application of Military Airlift Aircraft) program. Can Boeing Build The Sonic Cruiser?
The
question is not if, but when. There are rumblings that Boeing will
kill the program, and if true, it means that they have given in to the
naysayers -- uninformed bunch they are. And to yet again prove the
point, we are making available for download an extraordinary PDF from
the archives of the world's largest manufacturer of commercial and
military aircraft.
This
100 page document traces the technical history of Boeing's SST program
from 1962-'71. Basically, we're providing all our learned
colleagues need to build their own Mach 2.7 airliner...
Boeing
Provides (Super) Sonic Cruiser Technology Process Update
The
plane that many critics insisted couldn't be built, the Sonic Cruiser,
is evidently progressing quite well. Why there is any doubt about
Boeing's ability to accomplish this evokes, at the least, curiosity on
our parts. At most, it's stupefying.
When
all is said and done, we fully expect a Mach 1.2 airplane from a company
with a solid nine years of SST development in its intellectual coffers.
Moreover, any aerodynamicist of substance will tell you that SC's design
approach is an airframe demonstrably configured for supersonic flight.
eMOTION!
REPORTS.com eagerly awaits first flight...
(3/01)
China
continues to move aggressively to carve out what it feels is its
rightful place in the world economically, politically and militarily.
And no one doubts they will succeed in this endeavor.
As
part of our continuing observation of this emerging economic and
industrial powerhouse --seemingly at the center of every major western
corporation's global strategy -- eMOTION! REPORTS presents an
archived multi-topical analysis of doing business in the "Land of
Dragons". Contributing to this effort was former President of
Ford China Vaughn Kosharian; Just-Auto.com Publisher David Leggett;
Delphi China's Marcus Chao; GM Chief Economist G. Mustafa Mohatarem;
geopolitical analysis site STRATFOR.com; the late UAW President Stephen
P. Yokich, and former President of Boeing China Ray Bracy.
With
the on-going debates and posturing by all concerned parties relative to
China's WTO and PNTR status, we felt these analyses are just as relevant
now as when first presented in March 2001.
We'd
also like to give special thanks to eMOTION! REPORTS webmaster Matthew
Siporin for his tireless and professional efforts that allow us to
continue the presentation of data dense and accurate analyses in
targeted sectors of academia, media, corporate and government.
eMOTION! REPORTS.com AUTOMOTIVE AND AEROSPACE AWARDS (9.20.03) At long last, we are announcing our choices for eMOTION! REPORTS.com second annual vehicle awards program. We are gratified that the special award presented last year to Land Rover for their extraordinary Range Rover and 40 years of vehicle design and manufacturing excellence was justified in the aftermath of this product smashing all previous sales records. For 2003, 2004 and 2005, Cadillac, Lincoln, Ford Division, Toyota, Boeing and Bombardier are honored for superlative product. Go to Full Publisher's Note
Detroit will soon welcome yet another architectural confirmation that it is indeed experiencing a true renaissance, a revivification, a revitalization of its downtown area. What is arising from its core is a $60 million masterpiece designated as the Max M. Fisher Music Center, the newly renovated and expanded home to one of the world's best musical treasures, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Ably led by Maestro Neeme Jarvi, the DSO will welcome Michigan native Jonathan Holland, who will be performing a new work, "Motor City Dance Mix", which celebrates the rich musical history of Detroit and its reinvention as a world class city. It is followed by Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and performed by soloist Itzhak Perlman. Clearly, an extraordinary affair to celebrate an extraordinary new home for the arts... DaimlerChrysler Archives Chrysler: Crafting A Reprieve; Der Sturm (A Perfect Storm); Deutsche Bank and Kuwaiti Investment Fund May Be Pressuring Juergen Schrempp to Sell-off Chrysler Group
Publisher's Note
8.25.03:
The continuing financial difficulties of DaimlerChrysler AG's problem
child, the Chrysler Group, has subjected it to renewed scrutiny from
several sectors. along with continuing litigation launched by the
powerful and influential financier/acquisitions specialist Kirk
Kerkorian.
It is a foregone conclusion that the machinations leading to the acquisition of American industrial icon Chrysler, was nothing close to the "marriage of equals" claimed by its crafters. The on-going discussions and activities centering on Chrysler Group served as an impetus to not only provide two analyses from our 2001 archives, "Der Sturm" and "Chrysler: Crafting a Reprieve" but to present an intriguing work produced in the same timeframe by German researcher Holm Detlev-Kohler "The TNC as a Transnational Political Complex: Research Questions Stemming From the DaimlerChrysler and BMW-Land Rover Deals." A member of the research group on the globalisation of the German car industry at the Institute of Sociology of The University of Erhlangen-Nuremberg, Kohler also belongs to the European Research Network on the Europeanisation of Industrial Relations.
Kohler's
analyses and conclusions are keen, insightful, well-researched and
sometimes flirt with the controversial. His work, along with the
other two analyses, also seem to support information alluding to
requests -- perhaps demands -- by principal stakeholders Deustche Bank
and The Kuwait Investment Authority that Daimler spins off Chrysler
Group; quickly. The impact and implications of such a move on the
market, the economy and the industrial base are likely to fall somewhere
between bull and bear, boon and bane and sustainment/deterioration.
As such, it demands ever-present observation.
Go to:
(5.23.03)
We have observed with interest several
stories and analyses that seem to convey the idea that the Japanese auto
industry may be losing ground in the all-important US market.
Nothing, and we mean nothing, is further from the truth. Far from
being cooperative players within the American business idea of a
"level playing field", the Japanese car companies, led by
Toyota and Honda, continue to make phenomenal gains.
The problem is, US dominance in the automotive and aerospace arenas is essential to the maintaining of its industrial base. Indeed, no world power will remain a world power long if its manufacturing core is off-shore. We invite you to consider this data dense and potentially provocative analysis, and welcome your response.
As Oakland County International Airport celebrates its rightful place in aviation history and the accomplishments of pioneers in the air -- Charles A. Lindbergh among them -- there’s another event across town on the Detroit River celebrating exploits on the water: The Detroit Gold Cup Hydroplane Races.
"The
eMOTION! REPORT" : Comprehensive Vehicle and Aircraft Analyses;
Cadillac XLR and Cessna Citation X, World's Fastest Business Jet,
featured.
On September 16, we will present as a
bi-weekly fee-based download what may qualify as the most comprehensive
vehicle and aircraft analyses heretofore available. An outgrowth
of the selection and analytical processes developed by our Vehicle Award
Committee that resulted in Car of The Year, SUV of 2002, Car of The
Decade and SUV of 2003 honors being presented to Ford
Thunderbird, Buick Rendezvous, Oldsmobile Aurora and Range Rover,
respectively, "The eMOTION! REPORT" will reward acquirers with
new levels of product knowledge and appreciation.
The process has been expanded to include
business aircraft. We consider this appropriate since a long
history of technology cross-fertilization exists between the automotive
and aerospace industries as an archived presentation by
Boeing's Dr. Philip Condit clearly indicates.
We have selected Cadillac's beautifully crafted XLR luxury sports car (http://www.cadillac.com) and Cessna's near supersonic business jet, Citation X, (http://www.cessna.com) as the first objects of study by our group of technologically proficient, industry knowledgeable analysts.
The staff of ER therefore encourages you
to reserve your modestly priced (US4.95) copy of The eMOTION! REPORT,
and in so doing, you are instantly registered as a potential recipient
of a transport included four day, three night stay at the Lookout Lodge
Resort (www.lookoutlodge.com)
in the beautiful Florida Key of Islamorada. You'll know on January
6, 2004 if you should pack the lap top in a waterproof casing. There's an even grander
prize later in the year; an all expenses paid trip to the endurance race
of races: The
24 Hours of LeMans.
Of course, if this were 2085, we'd be sending you to the Disney-Sagan resort in earth orbit as depicted in the analysis "Crisis On Asimov."
Quasi-sabbaticals
are a good thing...
SPECIAL REPORT (9.11.02)
The anniversary of one of the most
horrendous acts of peace time barbarity is upon us, and like the Kennedy
assassination and the Challenger disaster, we tend to remember where we
were. Unfortunately, humanity has not the luxury of simply looking
back and reflecting on that day, and grieving for the lost once again --
although inevitable. Instead, the development of processes that
promote sustainability in critical areas of the economic and emergency
response infrastructure and the utilization of defensive/offensive
capabilities technologies to minimize future attacks becomes linked to
such reflection.
eMOTION! REPORTS.com presents three
documents outlining strategies that may prove essential to meeting these
goals. We also felt it appropriate to present a stunning concept
for a new World Trade Center from the fertile mind of Bahamas based index
trader Derek G. Turner. As far as we're concerned, this is WTC2...
Hyperintelligence:
Toyota, CIA, NSA, KGB, Mossad and... Sun Tzu Crisis on Asimov: A Vision of 2085
 At
the Pentagon, strategists have developed a model that allows them to
develop scenarios to plan for future conflicts -- for wars that have yet
to be fought on battlefields yet to be determined -- by asking a simple
question: What if the unthinkable happened?
It is safe to say that few people are
legitimately categorized as pivotal in one's life. For eMOTION!
REPORTS.com Publisher Myron D. Stokes, his Father, Dr. Rufus Stokes, a
scientist and inventor, occupies that position effortlessly. His
first real forays into the world of automotive journalism and analysis,
however, were owing to the kindness, patience and professionalism of
Wayne State University Assistant Professor of Journalism Richard A.
Wright.
At the risk of descending into pun, he
says "I thought I could write until I met Wright."
STOKES:
INDUSTRY EDGE
This week:
A
MARKET IN CRISIS... GREENSPAN STEP DOWN?...7000 DOW? Distinct
Possibilities... Executive escape
First Annual eMOTION! Awards Presented to Ford and Land Rover at Chicago Auto Show
eMOTION!
REPORTS.com Publisher Myron D.
Stokes presented Ford Division President Jim O'Connor with the site's first
annual Car of The Year Award for Thunderbird. Land Rover
North America Vice-President and General Manager Steve McKnight
accepted the first award on the planet for Range Rover as SUV of
2003. Britain's TOP GEAR Magazine followed with an award of
their own, also naming Range Rover SUV of The Year.
Go to Press Release Second Phase of First Annual eMOTION! REPORTS.com Vehicle Awards Program Sees Presentation of SUV of 2002 and Car of The Decade to GM Divisions
Oldsmobile
Aurora Brand Manager John Gatt accepted Car of The Decade
honors from eMOTION! REPORTS.com Publisher Myron D. Stokes,
while Buick Rendezvous Brand Manager Chris Mazglad received SUV of
2002 accolades at a special dinner in Detroit on March 7; thus
successfully implementing the site's first awards program.
Go to Press
Release
Stokes:
Industry Edge Hyperdrive
for a New Millennium
The
Third Browser Vision 2050:
An Integrated National Three
Questions with Ford Division
Towards
Greener Diesels The
research is critical to improved combustion efficiency and pollutant
reduction through fuel injector nozzle geometry redesign. Visioning
Processes: Revolutionary
Concepts that Enable A
Surprise: New Sony Player goes MP3 UCLA
Center For Communications Policy The
Cold Light of Day Remember
Whose Name Is on the Door The
Morphing Project
http://www.emotionreports.com |
Featured
Research
DOE Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Infrastructure Development Progress Report 2002
From
Argonne National Labs: Mintz; et al Hydrogen: On The Horizon or Just a Mirage? (abstract) NAIAS 2008 Dates
The Critic
2006
Award 2004/05 Awards eMOTION! REPORTS Truck of The Decade To be announced at Chicago Auto Show 2003
Awards
Automotive/Aerospace Featured Articles A Process For National Security Dr. Sheila Ronis Engines: Power for the Future Thom Cannell Hyperdrive for a New Millennium Joe Cabadas
2002 Ford Explorer Special
Report
Site Map: Go
NAASCAR Monthly Industry Reports From McDonald Investments HI-RES Images:
| ||||||||
Concept Corvette Stingray Image: GM
As
a prelude to the forthcoming book "Crisis On Asimov: "Strategic
Visioning Processes for Government, Industry and Education"
(University Press of America; Jan. 2005, Sheila R. Ronis, Ph.D.) which
expands on visioning architecture, we are providing access to this
excellent work in PDF form. And, in light of return to the Moon and
Mars exploration initiatives now in progress, along with the impending
launch on June 18th, 2004 of the spectacular Science Fiction Museum and
Hall of Fame in Seattle (
Incredible
changes in the industrial and geo-political landscape have made it
necessary to delay our 7E7 Dreamliner analysis "Boeing Chooses
Mediocrity Over Greatness", and present a paper by national security
strategist Dr. Sheila Ronis. "Lessons" looks well beyond
product issues and instead concentrates on required modification of
corporate policy and culture to face the challenge of globalization.
"It is critical," notes Ronis, "that Boeing recognizes
immediately the implications of the death of the 'Buy American' amendment
in the Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2004, and reshapes itself
as a truly global company." And whom might they benchmark in
this quest, AIRBUS? "No,Toyota".
Truck of The Decade? In selecting the world's top selling truck and vehicle for
this honor, our awards committee had some explaining to do -- and explain
they did, right along with their reasons for designating the GT supercar
as Performance Car of 2005. More importantly, Wall Street may be
compelled to re-think its market valuation of this industry foundation
automaker...
Is
it possible that Ferrari and Bridgestone resorted to the type of backroom
political machinations of which the DeBorgias, the Machiavellis and
Cardinal Richelieu would have been proud, to win the 2003 Formula One
World Championships? eMOTION! REPORTS.com's Associate Publisher and
Motorsports Editor John Chuhran presents an analysis of the apparent
corporate and sanctioning body powerplays and intrigues that allowed
expansive interpretation of FIA (Federacion Internationale d' Le
Automobile) regulations -- and not prowess on the race track -- to take the
season's checkered flag. 
A
government study authorized in the late eighties to assess
telecommunications traffic in its various modes and methods revealed an
astonishing fact: The largest and most efficient gatherer of profound and
applicable industrial, economic and political intelligence in the world was
not a country. It was Toyota... Pentagon Consultant Dr.
Sheila Ronis examines the implications of this study revealed, and the
impact it is sure to have on at least some competitors who always seemed
to be one step or more behind this global monolith. "Toyota
works so well," she says, "because they represent a culture of
learners."
This
week: On ENRON... Rebates ... Greenspan
retirement?... The Japanese Economy... Ford
Force Reduction and more.
US
automakers have an opportunity to fast forward past their foreign rivals
in the race to develop a consumer-friendly powertrain.
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