Survey outlines auto industry challenges

Detroit, Michigan -- Fuel economy and meeting Clean Air Act emissions regulations top the list of challenges the auto industry faces, according to the results of the 14th annual DuPont Automotive/Society of Automotive Engineers survey.

Nearly one-third of the respondents also ranked cost reduction as a top challenge for the industry, according to Chris Murphy, automotive director-Americas for DuPont Automotive Performance Materials.

Also, more than half said that increasing collaboration along the manufacturing chain will strengthen the industry.

Murphy said the main change this year is the emphasis on the environment, with a push for automotive designers and engineers to work together to design and develop cost-effective, fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.

As in every year, the survey respondents were all automotive designers and engineers who plan to attend the SAE World Congress in Detroit. That event is scheduled this year for April 14-17.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

press release from DuPont