Plastics are used in many automotive parts

 Plastics are used in many automotive parts, including air intake manifolds, crankshaft covers, and engine cooling shutters. The 2016 Alfa Romeo Guilia, for instance, features a composite engine coolant control valve. This new technology enables better fluid control and reduces the number of parts needed for each component.

Lean manufacturing strategy

Toyota is the epitome of lean manufacturing. The company has achieved this by implementing the principles of the Toyota Production System. This production system focuses on the reduction of waste and value-added work. A lean factory will be able to turn out a car more quickly and with less investment, without compromising quality. Lean is a great way to improve production quality and market share. Toyota has become a world leader in manufacturing and is the best example for the automotive industry.

While Toyota pioneered the lean concept, Japanese automakers took it a step further. Toyoda toured Ford's plants in the 1930s and discovered their innovative flow production process. Though the flow production method worked well for Ford, it did not allow enough variation. Toyota took this information and developed their Toyota Production System, which is recognized today as a revolutionary manufacturing strategy. In the years since, the American auto industry has embraced lean manufacturing principles.

Imports

U.S. auto parts exports to Mexico nearly doubled from $835 million in 2009 to $1.5 billion in 2015. In addition to Japan, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands are also major destinations for U.S. auto parts. The United States and Mexico have signed a free trade agreement (NAFTA) to eliminate duties on auto parts. As a result, automotive parts production in Mexico has increased and the U.S. is the sixth largest auto parts exporter to Mexico.

Automakers must consider the cost of manufacturing automotive parts in foreign countries. High import duties can cost as much as 2-5 percent of a car's total cost. These high import costs may result in missed opportunities for overseas business. In 2013, the U.S. paid $783 million in duties on automotive parts imported from the EU. However, this metric was not adjusted for inflation and other factors, making this metric a poor indicator of vehicle-to-parts costs.

Exports

U.S. manufacturers of automotive parts have many options for global market access. The International Trade Administration (ITA) offers market intelligence, commercial matchmaking services, and commercial advocacy to U.S. auto part suppliers. The ITA's Top Markets Report identifies promising and profitable markets for auto parts. The Top Markets Report also features a country-by-country ranking of automotive parts and other products, as well as helpful resources for U.S. exporters.

China's automotive market continues to grow, and U.S. companies specialize in vehicle emission controls are well-positioned to compete in the Chinese market. Chinese buyers have become price and brand-conscious, and are increasingly worried about counterfeit parts. Additionally, as China's automotive market continues to grow, new regulations are being introduced to protect consumers. Additionally, the Chinese government continues to direct policies to reduce the number of foreign auto component suppliers while increasing domestic quality and competitiveness.

Plant fibres

Despite its low cost and ease of processing, the use of plant fibres in composite materials has many advantages. Not only are they biodegradable and recyclable, they also pose fewer health risks than synthetic fibers. In addition, they can act as an effective reinforcement in composite materials. In fact, they have recently been used in the manufacture of seats, bumpers, and wheels. Here are some of the reasons why. They're eco-friendly, inexpensive, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the major reasons for the growing interest in plant fibers is their biodegradability. Many fossil fuels are difficult to degrade in nature. Plant fibres, on the other hand, have plentiful reserves, low cost, easy processing, and degradability. Plus, they're lightweight and relatively high in specific modulus. For all of these reasons, they're becoming a preferred material for engineering components and materials.