ITA

Engineering service outsourcing

Roland Berger market study

Munich (RS) - The pressure on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original equipment suppliers (OESs) is growing steadily. Engineering service outsourcing (ESO) offers flexibility and cost-saving potential for OEMs and OESs. Both must reduce development costs and leverage engineering outsourcing to benefit from gains in flexibility and efficiency. Emerging market players in particular provide the right assets, in terms of both a low-cost engineering workforce and superior low-budget vehicle design concepts. Due to a steep learning curve, they increasingly advance into the high-end segment, urging established market players to engage in low-cost engineering. Roland Berger Strategy Consulting has conducted a market survey among leading automotive managers to unveil major trends and successful business practices in engineering outsourcing. Based on their findings, the experts have formulated comprehensive insights and recommendations for both the OEMs/OESs as well as the engineering service providers.

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Automotive battery manufacturers are threatened by overcapacity

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World premiere of the new-generation R-Class and model offensive on the U.S. market

Mercedes-Benz at the 2010 New York International Auto Show

New York, March 31, 2010 (RS) – Following the successful start to the year with a clear rebound against the first quarter 2009, Mercedes-Benz is pushing forward with its model offensive on the U.S. market. Taking center stage at today’s Mercedes press conference on the 2010 New York International Auto Show was the world premiere of the new-generation R-Class. The original SUV tourer has been extensively updated – including a completely redesigned front end. A further highlight was the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The racing version of the SLS AMG boasts stunning design and throroughbred racing technology, and makes its debut to coincide with the market launch of the road-going version. On top of that are three attractive new E-Class models for the U.S. market – the debut of the E 350 BlueTEC marks the arrival of another incredibly clean and efficient driveline variant of the successful sedan, which holds a 35 percent share of its market segment in the U.S. and remains the undisputed number one in its class. In May, the U.S. market will also welcome the new E-Class Cabriolet and the E-Class Wagon, which comes to market as the E 350 4MATIC with permanent all-wheel drive.