Skoda teaches the world to make cars

Article Abstract:

Skoda, the Czech car manufacturer which was acquired by German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) in 1991 has used an innovative production line set-up to produce its Octavia model, which the company hopes will do away with its poor image in the international car market when it launches in the UK in the week commencing 22 June 1998. The so called "fractal" assembly concept employed at Skoda's plant in Mlada Boleslav, north-east of Prague, is being viewed with interest by the automotive sector world-wide as it uses some of the most advanced techniques in car production to keep stocks at a bare minimum, pushing even further the concept of "just in time" manufacturing. Unlike a traditional car assembly line, it is a third of the length as car parts such as the dashboard and the seats are pre-assembled and installed as one unit, so that almost 50% of the workforce are employed by component suppliers rather than Skoda itself. Employees at the plant earn an equivalent GB 300 per month, a third more than the national average, but still less than other European car manufacturers, a situation which VW believes will continue to give the company an edge over rivals for some time yet.

Comment:

Uses innovative production line set-up, called fractal assembly concept, to produce Octavia car model

Production management, Czech Republic, Skoda Automobilovy Koncern Ltd., Article

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US: FUTURE CAR TECHNOLOGY FROM GENERAL MOTORS

Article Abstract:

According to US carmaker General Motors' technologists, future cars will allow drivers to sleep while at the wheel. This vision will be achieved through sensors in the car and computer chips placed in roads that will allow the driver to set a course using the navigation system and activating the autopilot. General Motors have already tested a scheme like this in California. Other developments include a joystick instead of the traditional steering wheel, radar that can detect and avoid accidents and seats that will move passengers away from any impact.

United States, Product development, Automobile industry, General Motors Corp.

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My other car is a boat

Article Abstract:

Tim Dutton, inventor of 'The Commander,' a 19,000 pounds sterling amphibious vehicle, believes that this vehicle will appeal to people who are quite wealthy and enjoy spending time on rivers. The vehicle, which reaches up to 90 mph on the road and six knots on the water, is based on a Mark 4 Fiesta. Dutton has already sold 40 amphibious vehicles based on an older Ford Fiesta, and has found that amphibious vehicles are particularly popular among Arabs.

United Kingdom, Product information, Ship Building and Repairing, Amphibious Vessels NEC, Autos by Body Type NEC, Interview, Design and construction, Inventors, Amphibious military vehicles, Motor vehicles, Amphibious, Amphibious vehicles, Dutton, Tim

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