Autobook Review: “Time for a Model Change:.."

All riled up and overstressed, the auto industry as it sails through the intimidating high tide of economic battery, alarmed and defensive automakers attempt to salvage the best out of the bad times. This also seems to be an opportune moment for a review of the industrial events as they unfold, and to gain insights in to the hows and whys. And then, to march ahead with a perked up grit, coupled with an approach that signifies a paradigm shift, perhaps.

Authored by Graeme P. Maxton and John Wormald, both seasoned industry veterans, the book “Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automotive Industry" delves deep into the unsystematic thinking, and unsynchronized approach that ails the industry as a whole, both the auto manufacturers and the auto parts sector.

The development of the automotive industry has turned out to be the one of the most significant industrial phenomenon of the previous century, that's impacted the society like no other. And it continues to be one, as it makes up for more than 11% of the GDP of Europe, North America, and Japan. This means that a one in nine people are employed by the industry.

The reader, throughout the journey of its reading would encounter broad, new, practical, critical, and far reaching recommendations meant to ensure the industry's sustainability, by satisfying its myriad stakeholders.

The book takes the reader on and intriguing voyage bit by bit, here's the rundown of the contents.

1. From automania to maturity: in the main markets at least


2. The problems that can be fixed: dealing with noxious emissions, traffic accidents and congestion


3. The global resource challenges: energy and space


4. A global industry: the changing international order


5. The supplier industry: the catalyst for the profound changes to come


6. The downstream sales and service sector: the coming revolution


7. When the numbers don’t add up: an industry that doesn’t earn its keep


8. Choosing a future for the automotive industry


9. Time for a model change

The content is comprehensive and thoroughly researched, just as you would expect from the ace analysts. The critical analysis exposes the fallibility of the present system, but not without several eyeopening ideas as solutions. Further, since the coverage presents the automobile industry's overview as a whole, and not its fragments, the text has universal appeal. For instance, the aftermarkets are an ever expanding segment but are still fuel by obsolete standards of retailing. The authors explain this and point out the opportunities that lie within the sector.

All in all, the book appears to be a must read for one and all associated in any way with the industry, not to mention all those who're simply interested.

The book's details follow:

Title: Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automotive Industry

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 6, 2004)

ISBN-10: 0521837154

ISBN-13: 978-0521837156

You can purchase it either from Cambridge.org or Amazon.com.

Happy Reading! :-)

You might want to read the previous review as well, the following link will take you there: Autobook Review: “Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry”

Autobook Review: “Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry”

Based on the lives of six great icons of the auto industry, this book takes you through their inspiration, egos, collaborative and competitive spirit, and their passion to succeed. Enchantingly written by Richard Johnson, it compels the reader to ride the surf of the auto industry with the six icons.

Each of the six personalities discussed in the book had an aura of zeal about them and have left everlasting imprints on the automotive industry.

Henry Ford II (September 4, 1917 — September 29, 1987): The grandson of the founder of Ford Motor Company was a strategic thought leader and autocratic/aggressive managerial style. His hiring and firing of Lee Iacocca, and propelling the company to become the fourth largest industrial corporation in the world by 1980 when he retired are some of the popular events of his career.

Lee Iacocca (October 15, 1924 - ): He's known as the brains behind the success of the Ford Mustang and a savior of Chrysler. His recognition for his "56 for 56" campaign, then moving up to become the President of the Ford Division, and his differences with Henry Ford II that led to him being fired are some popular parts of his career.

Soichiro Honda (November 17, 1906 – August 5, 1991): He was the father of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., who took the company as well as Japanese car manufacturing industry to new heights. Even at age 77, he held a private pilot's license, loved to ski, hang-glide and enjoyed ballooning.

Eberhard von Kuenheim (October 2, 1928 - ) He's considered as the father of modern BMW, who's credited with transforming a small Bavarian manufacturer into a worldwide name. One of his famous quotes is "At great altitude, the eagle prefers to fly alone."

Robert A. "Bob" Lutz (February 12, 1932 - ) He was instrumental in changing the fates of a Chrysler, GM, and BMW at different points of time. Not just earlier but even recently he was in news when he was criticized by the environmental community for calling global warming "a crock of shit."

Ferdinand Piëch (April 17, 1937 - ) As the Chairman and CEO of the Volkswagen Group, he aggressively led the company to expand to newer market and to make the brands Volkswagen and Audi highly successful.

Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry is a unique book that tells the tales of these high profile men in their own words. It showcases their novel approaches to engineering, manufacturing,
sales and marketing and design, which made their companies highly
successful and made these men into icons.

The book is also distinct as it brings to light several instances that weren't in the public domain before. Coupled with an impeccable research analysis, judgment and eloquence of Richard Johnson, the book provides a uniquely integrated insight into the minds and careers of these geniuses, in addition to the functioning of the post war global auto industry.

During the course of reading one may find repetition at some points in the text, the whole text however is an enjoyable, informative and a memorable read.

Book Details

Title: Six Men Who Built the Modern Auto Industry
Author: Richard A. Johnson
Publisher: Motorbooks (May 28, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0760319588
ISBN-13: 978-0760319581

Purchase It From: Motobooks or Amazon