Monthly Archives: September 2014

Stefan Sommer, ZF CEO sees more acquisitions beyond TRW purchase

Stefan Sommer, ZF CEO sees more acquisitions beyond TRW purchase

ZF Friedrichshafen, which agreed to buy TRW Automotive Holdings for $11.7 billion on Sept. 15, sees a need for more acquisitions as even the largest auto suppliers seek size and technology.

ZF net debt seen at €8.5 billion after TRW deal

German auto supplier ZF Friedrichhafen’s net debt will rise to some €8.5 billion ($11 billion), or about 2.4 times core earnings (EBITDA), after it buys rival TRW, a banker familiar with the deal said.

Earlier this week, ZF agreed to buy U.S.-based TRW for $13.5 billion including debt, paying $105.60 in cash for each TRW share, or nearly $12 billion based on shares outstanding.

Americans Loving Their New Cars, Neglecting Auto Loan Payments

Americans Loving Their New Cars, Neglecting Auto Loan Payments

By Brian O’Connell

It’s all champagne and caviar for automakers, as U.S. car, SUV and truck sales are at an eight-year high. Fiat Chrysler reported sales up 20% so far in 2014, while BMW reported an 11% gain through August.

Ford reveals all-new S-MAX; Adaptive Steering Technology

Ford-S-MAX_13

Ford of Europe revealed the all-new S?MAX seven-seat sports activity vehicle. The new S-MAX will debut Ford Adaptive Steering technology in Europe for optimized response to driver input when it goes on sale in 2015.

Ford unveils new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with standard Start-Stop on new EcoBoost and diesel engines

Ford unveils new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX with standard Start-Stop on new EcoBoost and diesel engines

Ford of Europe has unveiled the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX prior to the Paris Motor Show. The models offer significantly improved CO2 figures and for the first time feature as standard Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop technology on EcoBoost gasoline and 2.0-liter TDCi diesel engines. The most improved model is expected to offer a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions.