Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher January 12, 2009
Posted by champion in : Tools , comments closedFor decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the “Kingdom of Hand Tools”. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the Hand Tools market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose Hand Tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly Hand Tools products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan’s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island’s Hand Tools products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use.
China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of Hand Tools s, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets.
In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of Hand Tools s, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include Hand Tools sets, pliers, nippers, screwdrivers, household tools, hammers, sledge hammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% Hand Tools s made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. Hand Tools import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Article from ttnet.net
Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher July 4, 2008
Posted by champion in : Tools , add a commentFor decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the “Kingdom of Hand Tools”. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the hand tool market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose hand tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly hand tool products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan’s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island’s hand tool products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use.
China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of hand tools, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets.
In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of hand tools, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include hand tool sets, pliers, nippers, screw drivers, household tools, hammers, sledge hammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% hand tools made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. hand tool import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Article from ttnet.net
Trends Watch on 2008 Auto Parts Industry April 15, 2008
Posted by wenbi in : Auto Parts , add a commentFor recent years, carmakers have been fighting for price reductions from customers and surging gasoline price, material costs, along with shadowing global inflation. The mounting cost pressure forces them to gain components from offshore manufacturers, which has been reshaping the global landscape of auto parts sourcing. US automotive downturn is mainly triggered by diminished consumer purchasing power and the burst of the “mortgage bubble”. US sales of new cars and light trucks are predicted to drop below 16 million units in 2008. Light trucks, such as SUVs, CUVs, pickups, minivan and vans, made up 53% of the sales mix in 2007, could shrink to a 10-year low of 15.8 million units. The slowdown is spreading to other markets, particularly in Western European countries. But Eastern Europe will continue to expand at a rapid pace, with 4.3% compound annual growth by 2011. Russia will become the largest automotive sales market for new cars in Europe by 2010 as the larger European markets remain stagnant. Growths in the burgeoning markets, especially China, Brazil, and India, keep on and are still likely to lead global growth. In 2007, there were 8.7915 million vehicles sold in China, grew by 1.576 million or up by 21.84% compared to 2006 and will reach to 10 million vehicles by the end of 2008.
The auto parts industry is mainly for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market and the replacement parts market, or aftermarket. The global aftermarket industry approximates $300 billion while the light truck aftermarket accounts for $190 billion values. In US, the sales of light-truck performance parts and accessories have doubled over the past decade years, hit $13 billion in 2007, supporting 232 million vehicles on the road. Vehicles are becoming more and more durable across all vehicle types as those over 10 years old continue to comprise the lion¡¦s share of dollars spent, reaching more than $80 billion.
Tuning, Do-it-yourself on the Rise
There are more vehicles on the roads, more cars look similar, and, therefore, the more and more motorists tend to individualize their own cars. Gen-Y drivers are most enthusiastic to personalize their vehicles with audio-system upgrades, aftermarket exhaust systems, tires and wheels and exterior styling accessories as the top alternatives. Apart from aesthetics, safety is certainly a major concern. Here, we’re also seeing a booming DIY market. By a survey, over 53% of motorists, male and female alike, are interested in repair works and feel they are personally capable of doing light maintenance involved in installing parts such as brake shoes, pads, headlamps, batteries, wiper blades and alternators to save repair expenses. Among them, 13% motorists feel they are capable of performing medium maintenance and repair works, which is require the higher knowledge and level of expertise such as replacing fuel injectors and head gaskets.
In-vehicle Consumer Electronics
According to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, the sales of in-vehicle consumer electronics are expected to increase at a rate of 13% in 2008 to exceed $12.8 billion. The most popular items are remote vehicle starters, in-dash navigation systems and car alarms, required for flexibility and multi-location use. Motorists also prefer to outfit their vehicles with the latest in-vehicle information and entertainment technology like satellite radio, HD radio and DVD players to make their driving on the road safer and more enjoyable.
“Going Green” Concern
Motorists are more aware of worsening global warming and other environmentally-conscious issues. The carbon dioxide concentrations have soared record-high levels in the atmosphere after increasing at an accelerated pace in the past years. In response to this, automakers are urged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and fossil fuel reliance. They are developing innovative emission and idling reduction technologies to elevate fuel economy, launching plug-in hybrids and providing a broad technology portfolio of series solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Automakers claim that such a goal will be realized through the use of alternative fuel autos (AFAs). Now, there are sixty models of AFAs available and more are in development, including hybrid-electric, clean diesel, ethanol capable and others. Advanced vehicles need advanced fuels, including ultra low sulfur diesel, E85 ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen and electricity. However, the more bio-fuels such as ethanol and bio-diesel, are used, the more corns, more soy bean and more sugarcane are consumed not as foods, which continues to fuel the price hikes of grains and meats.
Fighting for Spiraling Gas Price
Recently, global demand for oil and gas keeps increasing at an unprecedented rate. Skyrocketing gas price over a record $4 a gallon signals a possible hike over the next few months. To combat spiraling gasoline price, more and more new-vehicle shoppers are looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles and car drivers are managing to control their monthly energy bills by employing energy-efficiency measures or resort to the state-of-the-art fuel-economy technologies. Fuel efficiency becomes dominant factor on influencing their vehicle maintenance decisions, surpassing dependability and safety. Motorists are seeking fuel efficiency through vehicle maintenance. In fact, by properly maintained, vehicles are not only more fuel efficient, but also safer and more environmentally friendly. That also enables a tremendous marketing opportunity for aftermarket service and parts businesses.
Better Fuel Economy Solutions
Most attempts to enhance fuel efficiency spotlight on ancillary technologies like refinements in the fuel injection, ignition or valve timing. Some technologies such as the gasoline-electric hybrid and “clean diesel” are being applied for better fuel economy. In 2007, new hybrid vehicle sales reached over 350,000 units in 2007, even though the fuel efficiency capabilities of hybrid vehicles seem to be somewhat overestimated. For better fuel economy, there is an improvement on engine efficiency with associated reduction in heat lost from the combustion process. Since longer idling time wastes fuel, spoils engines and produces unnecessary extra emissions into the air, here comes a new technology to generate heat so quickly as to delete these unwanted situations. For less power consumption and longer longevity, LEDs now are used with xenon headlamps, even with double light output but only a third less energy than halogen bulbs. By the uses of LEDs for full-functions forward lighting on vehicles, it is feasible to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Crash Avoidance Technology
By a statistics in the US, total collision repair industry sales grow 5.8% to about $40 billion per year. By this, motorists are looking for the latest blind spot detection technology to avoid collision. Blind spot detection is a system that can identify vehicles or objects within a vehicle’s blind spots and provide an audible, visual warning or vibrate the vehicle’s steering wheel or seat as a lane change is doing. Lane departure warning system functions when a car is wandering out of its lane, without a turn signal being activated, and gives a warning to the driver.
Just Do It Yourself with Hand Tools January 31, 2008
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentIn recent months, the sluggishness in house prices, and consumer confidence, hammered by ongoing mortgage market crisis especially in the US and the UK, has taken a toll on home improvement expenditures. Although the US government manages to restore consumer confidence and revive the overall housing market by announcing a plan to freeze rates on certain adjustable-rate sub-prime mortgages, the homeowner spending for home improvement and remodeling activities will be thereby influenced with a certain ripple effect.
A Mild Upturn in Home Improvement
By a survey, in the US, homeowner remodeling spending for 2007 dragged and is projected to be 2.3% lower than 2006 while homeowners become increasingly jittered about falling house prices and a slowing economy. They spent nearly $233 billion on home remodeling in 2007, marking a modest 1.9% increase from the record $228 billion spent in 2006. The growth is bolstered by a lag time of three to six months when remodeling activity follows home building. Homeowners can¡¦t delay a major repair like a leaky roof or a broken faucet after the houses are purchased. In 1997, the home improvement marketplace was estimated to be a $135 billion industry. However, that number has increased to $185 billion in 2007. Some economists predict that remodeling activity in 2008 is expected to grow by 2.8% and may reach another record-breaking year by 2009.
DIY Tools Smile with Growing Female Users
As mounting new houses are built, here come in a renewed passion for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. As we¡¦ve mentioned before, it is women that drive 75% of the home improvement purchasing decisions in a household. The trend of single women purchasing homes is one of the most notable in real estate market. They regard their houses as valuable long-term investments, which require upkeep and renovations. Instead of hiring a worker to replace a faucet or put up drywall, most female homeowners prefer to do it themselves and save money. We are seeing increasing female shoppers to join the queues in front of home centers. More and more women are getting stuck into DIY than ever before. According to a survey, as purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as hand tools, compared to 39% prefer apparels or jewelry. Now more end-consumers, either male or female, are tackling the work themselves and enjoying doing their own home repairs and renovations. Meanwhile, tool suppliers are adding more features and functions to their products, brainstorming new ideas to make DIY tools more comfortable, easier to use, efficient and safer and aiming for greater productivity, higher quality work and less stress on the users. Experts expect that a real estate slump would reduce the purchase power of professional tool users, but the DIY market would remain higher growth as ever.
Go Home and Do It Yourself
“Homing” trend is still on the move. People is poised to make their home a warm and cozy place furnished with recreational equipments and ambience-oriented materials such as decorations, a flat-screen TV integrated in a piece of furniture, printed screens or elegant lighting fixtures that are inevitable to the taste and quality of modern lifestyle. In the other hand, Always, things in home will break and need repair. And quick, inexpensive and user-friendly DIY tools not only fix the problem, but also add the beauty of a home. Beside the price, DIY tool quality is increasingly promoted to value-added professional tool grades and comes with growing focus on ergonomic, intelligent and long durability designs.
Hand Tools- Practice Makes Perfect
DIY projects by hand tools are often time-consuming. But many of the tasks are traditionally done exclusively with hand tools as much more efficiently and quickly than with power tools. DIYers believe doing your own home improvement projects gives them all the control, and can ensure the project turns out exactly as you want it only for pennies on the dollar. They also have fun and enjoy a sense of achievement when their projects are finished by continuous practices and improving skills. Nowadays, there are so many reference resources available for the do-it-yourselfers, including popular print and web-based resources and classes at home improvement stores. Apart from an increasing use on home improvement projects, vehicle average lifespan is longer also promote the sales of hand tools in automobile after-sales market. Electronic products forging tools are in great demand, especially adjustable wrenches. The common problem of annoying “external rust” on tools has spurred the application of special stainless steel on tools, which is underlined by innovations such as a novel combination spanner series without galvanized surface treatment and welded fully from stainless steel screwdrivers and bits.
Power Tools- Smarter Ideas for Housing Renovation
Powered by electricity, batteries or air for use in building, construction and home improvement, power tools are can accomplish almost any task a hand tool can do and improves the speed and efficiency of the craft. The differences between DIY power tools and professional power tools are on function and design. Basically, the professional models have increased power and the ability to perform under more stress than consumer tools and can withstand heavier workloads. Power tools are big business. In the US market, the sales are predicted to surpass $11 billion by 2010 by driven by strong demands on electric saws and pneumatic nailers and cordless power tools. The technological improvement and innovation spotlight on dust collection, laser-enabled products, ergonomic enhancements, high-tech anti-theft technologies, the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries, and redesigns allowing multiple tools to share the same battery source. Advances in Lithium-Ion technology have revolutionized cordless power tools making them lighter, more powerful and more reliable.
Tools October 29, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Special Issues, Tools , add a comment
Find new and competitive tool suppliers |
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| LANGUAGE OF TEXT: English PUBLICATION DATE: Before 30th of every January. —————————————————————————- For those who are in search of quality conscious suppliers to deal with, it is an indispensable guide to source profitable and price-competitive products, or alternative suppliers.HERE’S WHAT IT GIVES YOU: |
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Taiwan’s Hand Tools Keep Moving Higher October 18, 2007
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , 1 comment so farttnet.net - [2007/03/01]
For decade years, Taiwan used to be known to the world as the ¡§Kingdom of Hand Tools¡¨. Wresting with mounting material price and less favorable cost, Taiwan has been seeing its global market share steadily erode. In 2003, her gave up the throne to China. As competition in the hand tool market has become truly international, Taiwan manages to battle back with renewed vigor. Although with little hope to reverse the trend and to regain the dominance, Taiwan is gaining ground in high-end low alloy steel tool products, special-purpose hand tools for medical equipment. In the help of digital data analysis on the torque against users, the local participants successfully incorporate new technology in developing more user-friendly hand tool products such as impact wrenches and the like. In 2007, there are four high value-added products launched, including thin-wall sockets, high-torque sockets, high-strength shears & pliers. The above-mentioned products target to increase extra 3~5% added value. Generally speaking, the average added value rate created by Taiwan firms reaches over 35%, superior to 30% of general international level. Taiwan¡¦s participants make efforts not only on the R&D of new tech, new items, higher added values but also on methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions. The industrial upgrades on tech are proven as seeing the increasing unit prices of exports, on the basis of US$5.6 per kilogram, much higher than those made in China at US$ 2.3 per kilogram. The price still tends to move higher year after year. So far, the local participants consume 200,000 tons steel annually to turn out US$ 1.63 billion worth of sales, second to US$ 2.31 billion of China. Island¡¦s hand tool products are highly export-oriented while 92.4% of output for oversea markets, mainly to U.S., accounting for 36% of the total output, and for mechanic maintenance use. China plays collaborating part as well as challenging one for Taiwan. In 2005, China imported US$64.5 million worth of hand tools, or 28.7% of overall imports from Taiwan, followed by Japan, US$38.6 million or 17.1% and Germany, US$37.6 million or 16.7%. The stronger-than-expected domestic demands are contributed to booming housing sector and increasing homeowners, who now have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream, mainly located in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. By statistics, Taiwan has over 5,000 tool manufacturers have set up the factories in China. Some of them are flexible to make use of the respective edges across the strait to maximize their capability, efficiency, customer service and the ability to win more orders from overseas markets. In 2005, China exported US$2.3 billion worth of hand tools, soaring 26.1% as compared to the level of 2004. Major export items include hand tool sets, pliers, nippers, screwdrivers, household tools, hammers, sledgehammers and circular saw blades, etc. 30.6% hand tools made in China were shipped to U.S. China and Taiwan grab more than 60% of U.S. hand tool import market. The market share is still inching up year after year. As DIY market is really on fire, there will be a bright outlook ahead.
Just “In” Do-it-yourself Tool Markets
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2007/02/01]
The popularity of DIY goes worldwide as we see more and more end-users love to do their own home improvement and renovations. Consumers regard it as an enjoyable pastime and encourage DIYers to brainstorm their own ideas out for themselves as industry people offer the user-friendly, self-explanatory and labor-saving products that make home-improvement easier, even enable a sense of achievement, purely done by own hands to save home repairing expense. Now, increasing female shoppers have joined the queues. By the a survey, while purchasing holiday gifts, 48% of U.S. women choose home improvement items, such as new flooring, appliances, window coverings and even tools, compared to 39% prefer apparel or other personal items, such as jewelry.In generally, the DIY market differentiates from the professional one, particularly as the former consumers tend to be sensible to price in purchasing decision. By this, DIYers are always searching for the tools, affordable yet practical to suit their needs. DIY tools, hand tools and power tools alike, are ergonomically designed with cushioned grip with asymmetric handle design and new, lightweight and durable materials, which enables end users to work more efficiently and safely for greater productivity, higher quality work, less fatigue, less wear-and-tear on joints and muscles and lessened danger of twisting or straining their wrist, arm or elbow. For strengthened safety, the tools with high-voltage insulation on the handles are required particularly to the electricians who need extra protection as working near live circuits. Multi-task tools provide stripping, cutting and crimping all with the same tool, incorporating an adjustable wrench with jaws that open like pliers; and pliers that can clamp work in place to serve as a third hand. Open-end wrenches come in integrated ring ratchet wrenches to be used in difficult to access places while traditional ratchets seem too large and somewhat cumbersome in use.Cordless power tools are lightweight, compact and easier to handle thanks to the use of small lithium ion rechargeable batteries, primarily used in mobile phones and digital cameras. Higher power output is significant. For instance, heavy hammer drills and chisel hammers with multistage overload clutches are designed with long-lasting power, friendly to user operation on hand. Now, laser technology for projecting precise cutting lines onto workpieces that often seen on professional-grade stationary panel saws and miter-cutting saws has turn to an indispensable feature of hand-operated saws for DIY lovers.
Market Snapshots
In TAIWAN, 90% of DIY hand tools are exported to overseas markets. According to the official statistics, the shipment of the general hand tools reaches to US$ 1.62 billion. The U.S. is the largest buyer, accounting for 36% of the total output. Taiwan¡¦s industrial players make effort on the R&D of new items and methods for RoHS Enforcement Guidance Document, hoping to conform to the ecological standards and regulations in Europe and other regions.
In CHINA, with the improving living standards, consumers have more pastimes to do house decoration and remolding. Currently, the Industry has fundamentally full-built as a complete production system from upstream to downstream. 78 % of the tool factories locate in Zhejiang, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Tianjin. China’s cost advantage makes itself the world factory in tool sector, attracting myriad of world tool companies to set up manufacturing bases, especially from Taiwan. By statistics, Taiwan has more than 5,000 tool manufacturers and now one tenth of them have set up the factories in China.
In the U.S., the power tool market is expected to hit $10.5 billion in 2006, rising 23% since 2001 as the number of DIYers continues to grow. Although we saw a slowdown in housing sales, the rising demand for renovations contract the negative factor and DIY products celebrate the added sales correspondingly. Most of American regard garden as an oasis of peace and quiet and relaxation or a very personal place of withdrawal or refuge, more topical than ever before. The garden tools attract the eyes of house-owners who love getting close to soil and flowers. In America, the key consumers are mostly aged 45 to 65. The beginners contribute to the biggest market gains over the coming years.
Unlike US with rising female DIYers, DIY in the UK are basically a masculine activity. The participants include many more couples, single home occupiers and multi-generational households, either younger and older consumers. The DIY provides an economical way to do necessary repairs or of improving the value of the home. UK DIY & home improvement market is highly influenced by the overall health of domestic economy while the market is classified as discretionary spending with a small percentage of essential repair sales.
In FRANCE, in spite of the lack of physical strength and size and finding the work too tiring, 8 out of 10 women undertake DIY projects in the home. Women of less than 40 years’ of age are the most likely to undertake DIY, and not out of necessity, but for pleasure. For 82% of women, DIY is synonymous with the pleasure of dialogue within a relationship and not simply motivated by finances or a lack of workmen.
The U.S. Auto Parts Industry Landscape
Posted by wenbi in : Auto Parts , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/12/05]
In the past year, U.S. carmakers have been sandwiched between demands for price reductions from customers and rising material and energy costs. The mounting cost pressure forces them to gain components from offshore manufacturers, which has been reshaping the global landscape of auto parts sourcing. Aftermarket parts participants, along with OE (Original Equipment) parts ones are reeling from more pressure to minimize price than to maximize quality.
Aftermarket Segment
In 2004, U.S. motor vehicle aftermarket sales rose by 5.4 % to $257 billion. The growth was braced by the medium and heavy-duty segment, which inched up 7.1% to $66.5 billion as the automotive light vehicle segment gained a modest increase of 4.8% to $190.5 billion. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), 39.5% U.S. households bought no less than one aftermarket accessory for their vehicles in 2004 to optimize the performance, luxury appearance or styling of a vehicle’s design. The most-frequently purchased accessories by U.S. end-users are floor mats (24.5%), license plate frames (12%), seat covers (6.7%) and vehicle alarms/security systems (5.1%). These accessories are mostly bought in auto parts stores and discount stores, accounting for 39% respectively.
U.S. aftermarket manufacturers continue to fight for the competition from low-cost country suppliers (LCC) countries while local distribution outlets tend to purchase more parts from China and other low-cost countries on account that the price renders more of an opportunity to create profit margin. According to a survey on industrial players, one out of three producers reported a profit margin decrease in 2005, while 25% reported a gain by an average of 8%. Over half reported an inventory rise of nearly 13% for 2005 and expect to raise in 2006. Besides the price-slashing and inventory issues, the aftermarket is also confronting the problem of a loss of maintenance, together with a shortage of DIYers.
Original Equipment Segment
In recent years, the market share of the Big Three vehicle producers has downsized steadily from 73% in 1996 to under 52.2% in October of 2005 as foreigners make inroads. Since 2001, the exports of U.S. made auto parts have fallen as the imports have lasted to pick up. U.S. local are challenged with calls by automakers for the cost-saving reason in parts production. In 2004, the U.S. imported $77 billion of motor vehicle parts, particularly from Canada ($22 billion), Japan ($19 billion), and Mexico ($14 billion) in country origin basis, which occupied for 72% of total imports. Engine-related components were the biggest imports, accounting for about $23 billion of the overall, generally from Canada, about 500,000 engines solely and Mexico, Japan & Germany for each of 250,000 engines), compared to $37 billion in 1995. In 2004, the chassis parts, mostly brakes and tires for about $4 billion respectively; steering, suspension, and wheels each valued about $2 billion, accounted for $15 billion as the second largest imported parts in terms of value and largest %age gains since 1990.
The labor-intensive parts such as electrical wiring were 80% imported from Mexico. In June 2005, China had surpassed Germany as the fourth largest source of auto parts imports for the U.S. China exports aftermarket parts, such as wheels and tires (both for 29% of all imports during the first half of 2005), rather than OE parts to the U.S.
The shrinking share of the domestic automotive market (from 73% down to 52.2% within 10 years) of the Big Three worsens the situation of many of the industry’s biggest names, such as Delphi Corp, the used-to-be world’s largest parts supplier and GM’s affiliated company, and Visteon Corp., the second-biggest parts supplier, plus a former Ford Motor subsidiary. The former filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2005 while the latter was forced to close its domestic plants. In addition, other major auto parts players are also loosing ground in facing the cut-throat competition from low-cost countries while they have been skittish about the persistent pressure for cost reduction from domestic carmakers. Some of them have announced plans to accelerate their restructuring by closing plants and transferring production to lower-cost regions. For example, Visteon Corp. plans to shut 12 plants and sell another six over the next three years. The company makes a push to narrow its focus to spotlight on vehicle interiors, and electronic and climate control systems. Meanwhile, Dura Automotive, a maker of driving and seat controls, schedule to wind up between five and 10 factories and relocating half of its production.
“Tool” Build Paradise at Home
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/24]
An increasing trend toward “homing” indicates a transition of leisure activities into home, where householders have fun by doing fitting, remodeling, home improving and making more attractive themselves. This is specially motivated mostly by low interest rate, the uncertainties in tourism owing to more-frequently terrorist activities, continuation of virtualization and mechanization of work sectors and the renaissance of esoteric and shared values leading to a further revaluation of the focal points in life. Householders instinctively trust bricks and mortar as a sound investment, and understand how best to maximize that asset by building their houses themselves as the social and communicative central point, targeting at creating a warmer atmosphere for the comfort of living.
More DIY More Fun
The popular DIY power tools include drills, cordless drills, sanders, electric screwdrivers, chainsaws, and steam wallpaper removers. This market relies heavily on product innovation and new products to constantly broaden its sales base. Traditionally the market depends largely on Christmas gift buying. As an increasing number of renovations took place, the demand for DIY products added correspondingly. In addition, the increasing participation of female DIYers is another stimulus. In Europe and America, women of less than 40 years’ of age are the most likely to undertake DIY, and not out of necessity, but for pleasure. For 82% of women, DIY is synonymous with the pleasure of dialogue within a relationship and not simply spurred by finances or a lack of workmen.
What’s Up with New Designs
Tools are tailored precisely to the needs of DIYers and professionals. The improved comfort of operation and quality is incorporated into the decisive innovation factors in the tools sector, which turns to the focus of current development trends. More innovation is required to optimize homing, making good use of electronic intelligence, and striving towards aesthetic appeal design, a high level of quality, a hybrid of safety and functionality and ease of operation. Ergonomic designs make it easier and more efficient to work with a new generation of handsaws. Specialist drywall screw guns jointed with detachable attachments accelerate the assembly process.
The use of laser technology is becoming popular in professional sector. The innovative laser markers for panel saws ensure the optimal level of cutting precision, without lengthy trial and error. Here, self-leveling cross-line lasers enabling horizontal and vertical lines as well as exact right angles with clearly visible light markings onto any type of surface, provides user-friendly benefit as users aren’t necessary to make any marks previously.
Extensible light metal spirit levels make sure trustworthy and accurate measurements as adjusting the height and length of wood and steel constructions. Innovative circular saw benches are embedded with sophisticated column guides to make sure specialized cutting precision, even practicable to hardwood. Easy-to-assemble fence systems, the rods and transverse sections of which can be safely combined by means of a simple screw system, are specifically targeted at DIY enthusiasts. Multi-functional folding beams make it more convenient to use rims, tabletops and worktops at various angles. For safer disposal of harmful dusts, painters and woodworkers can now joint their compressed air tools directly to proper wet/dry vacuum cleaners. Firm and durable tape measures designed to withstand extreme construction site and weather conditions can be extended to up to three meters horizontally without bending.
Gardening Brings Paradise Home
Consumer attitudes towards gardening have changed significantly in recent years as the garden is increasingly becoming an extension of the living room. Living rooms and space are not only independently defined in terms of their four walls. Younger homeowners see the garden as an area of relaxation, and, spurred by gardening programs, are looking for products that enable them to acquire an “instant effect” for minimal effort. In this case, power tools, bedding plants, multipurpose lawncare products, and decking, have added in popularity. Generally speaking, gardens represent the unique taste of houseowners. Here, decorative elements contribute to transform a home environment into what it should be: a “paradise of well-being!¡Lexquisitely devised by human hands. The second, the concept of “all-in-one” continues to dominate the market. In response to the “summer of the century”, gardeners are aware of the importance of garden watering, in help of the use of corresponding rain water-collecting systems at the right time not only to make sure an optimal water supply for plants, but also function a smart money-saver solution. By this, more user-friendly systems with a high utility value are launched to meet the demand.
The gardening designs focus on being purist-straight-lined, a delicate, dainty Bistro look, rustic colonial style or classic elegant. Consumers customer makes the decision to purchase based on the criteria of: seeing, sitting, feeling. And yet: an eccentric, exceptional design is an eye-catching feature, and already next year it might purely and simply be the best-seller. In this connection, trend-setting models enjoy equal status alongside traditional forms and styles and classic elegant design.
Garden sheds aren’t just for tools anymore. Now some custom-designed sheds are practically cozy enough to live in as more homeowners are looking for ways not only to beautify their landscaping, but increase property value, they are building garden sheds and other outbuildings to reflect their home designs.
2006 Tool Trends Watch
Posted by wenbi in : Tools , add a commentttnet.net - [2006/01/23]
In “Practical World“, a world-famous tool fair held in Germany, we catch a glimpse of upcoming tool trends. Hand tools cannot emphasize on ergonomics and practical designs too much, especially on griping comfort of asymmetric handle design and new materials applied to ensure nice sense of touch. For instance, the major feature has a pronounced bulge on the right side that fills out the hollow beneath the ball of the hand to perfectly fit user’s hand. New screwdrivers have special “stopper zones” design to keep from rolling off a table. They are not only differentiated in their sizes, contours and centers of gravity but also adopting smaller and rounder handles, which enable more user-friendliness, time-efficiency and precision in operating. Adjustable torque has a growing concern. The newest electronic torque wrench, apart from enhanced precision, feature a large LCD display and data storage function, allowing recorded settings to be sent to a PC through an interface for further processing, which standbys for computer users. Open-end wrenches come in integrated ring ratchet wrenches to be used in difficult to access places while traditional ratchets seem too large and somewhat cumbersome in use.
Coping saw is designed in converting with a few simple hand movements into sickle saw or pad saw, which enables users to easily and safely fasten workpieces and further innovates to self-contained clamping system, with separate components jointed with many different arrangements to provide sophisticated multifunctional flexibility and single-hand operation clamp with a single turn of a knob, switching the tool from a clamp into an expander.
In power tool sector, rechargeable power tools in help of lithium ion technology make life easier. These cordless rechargeable gears are lightweight, compact and easier to handle due to the use of small lithium ion rechargeable batteries, primarily used in mobile phones and digital cameras. Higher power output is significant. For example, heavy hammer drills and chisel hammers with multistage overload clutches are designed with long-lasting power, friendly to user operation on hand. Now, laser technology for projecting precise cutting lines onto workpieces that often seen on professional-grade stationary panel saws and miter-cutting saws has turn to a must-have feature of hand-operated saws for DIY lovers.
