Natalie Kavafyan

We’re very proud and excited that ZF has earned a ranking as the world’s second largest global automotive supplier in Automotive News’ annual ranking of the top 100 parts suppliers. For ZF Aftermarket, our OE heritage means our parts—whether ZF, BOGE, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW or WABCO—are the very same high quality, engineered-to-application as the factory-installed originals. It also means we have visibility into the future as we work very closely with engineers from our OE divisions to plan for the entire lifecycle of a product, ensuring that we can support maintenance, repair and data from beginning to end. This only becomes more important in the future as we continue the transformation from parts supplier to technology leader. https://bit.ly/3VGM6EJ #automotivesupplier #aftermarket #2ofTop100

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Detroit understands only very little of the Car Market   After the surprise that the Head of Ford in Germany left for Volkswagen, this was the comment on the printed newspaper of 7th of June and on the internet at https://lnkd.in/eg3NS2sZ   The scenario around the once important German participation of Ford is actually best described as a shambles. Ford wanted a European strategy which pointed towards a fast change towards battery electric cars. But for some technical reasons which are still difficult to understand, the market start of the electrical Ford Explorer built in Cologne has been delayed for almost one year. Now, two days after the start of production in grand series, the German Ford Boss Martin Sander left the company, rejoining Volkswagen Group.   Due to the delay, the new electric cars by Ford now start during a slack market, and on top of this, Ford in Europe stands now without a leader. In general, it was right to change the structure of the models offered in Europa, from a full range towards offering a selected number of cars in important segments. But for this reason, at this moment Ford is not flexible enough to react to changing demand between cars with internal combustion engine and electric models. At this point it is also little help that Ford started to reposition its brand, with American flair and an image linked to outdoor – as this effort is still in its beginnings.   The Detroit headquarters of Ford could now be tempted to cut and delete, or at some point to withdraw completely. Such instincts come from the arrogance of the past. But Detroit is not the navel of the motorcar world anymore, and the USA are by far no more the most important market. Last year, the market for passenger cars, with 3,1 million new registrations, was barely any bigger than the German one with 2,8 million new registrations – because beyond the market for passenger cars there is the segment of Pick-ups and Offroaders, since many years protected by high tariff walls.   So it does not help, if now Detroit finance managers intended to show how the car business works. The opposite applies: Car producers from Detroit are not competitive outside their local niche, and they are still less able to see through long term market stratregies.

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If you are facing challenges in hiring within the #automotive, #automotiveaftermarket, or #aftermarketparts sectors due to short candidate markets, talent shortages, and demanding hiring terms, you're not alone. The traditional methods like CV sifts and job adverts are becoming less effective in today's tech-driven job market. To stay ahead and secure the best talent for your business, it's crucial to adapt to the changing landscape of job seeking habits. With 25 years of experience in hiring and industry expertise, we are well-equipped to help you navigate these modern challenges. Let's discuss your pain points and tailor a strategy that aligns with the evolving job market. Don't settle for second best. Connect with Glen Shepherd, AIRP, to explore how we can support your recruitment needs effectively. #ai #modernrecruiting #jobsearch #changing #hiringtoday

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AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: JUNE 2024 PASSENGER CAR MARKET SEGMENT LEADERS FOR GERMANY - Volkswagen's ID.3 WAS LEADING THE BEV SEGMENT. Here is the latest report from Germany's Kraftfahrt Bundesamt. As we already know from their vehicle registrations report, BEVs suffered another major decline in June by -18.1% YOY, while in H1 BEV sales were down -16.4%. However, certain segments enjoyed growth, including compact and full-sized cars, SUVs and vans (all ICE-powered). #autosales #carsales #vehiclesales #vehicleregistrations #carmarket #newcarmarket #market #marketsegments #segments #segmentleaders #consumer #consumerbehavior #buyingbehavior #ev #evs #bev #bevs #electricvehicle #electricvehicles #electricmobility #emobility #greenmobility #sustainablemobility #urbanmobility #smartmobility #futuremobility #newmobility #mobility #automotive #automotiveengineering #automotivetechnology #automotiveindustry #innovation #technology #commercialvehicle #commercialvehicles #van #vans #stepvan #deliveryvan #lastmile #lastmiledelivery #lastmilelogistics #emissions #emissionscontrol #emissionsreduction #zeroemissions #zev #decarbonization #outlook #2024outlook #germany #bundesrepublik #deutschland

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️🎧🎙️🎧Up next on the Invest in Hungary #podcast: #automotive trends through the lens of renowned Continental expert Robert Keszte. 🔥Stay tuned for the official release here on LinkedIn with a more detailed preview. ▶️Here's a teaser till then: 🚗#Automotive is being transformed in direction #CASE (#connected, #autonomous, #shared, #electric), and the pressure has never been higher on stakeholders to adapt. The emergence of Chinese newcomers poses an extra challenge for Europe. ⚡Against this backdrop, executives have a super-tough job to steer their companies in uncharted waters. We asked dr. Róbert Keszte Head of Country Hungary and Head of Operations Business Area Architecture & Networking Continental AG whether there’s a way out of this maze.

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Volkswagen at IZB 2024: Strengthening Supplier Dialogue 🚗 From October 22-24, 2024, Volkswagen will significantly enhance its presence at the 12th International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfsburg, showcasing four specialized VW Group Hubs focused on key themes. 🔹 Key Topics of the VW Group Hubs: - Interior & Exterior (Hall 1): Emphasis on circular economy and closed-loop supply conditions. - Electronics & Connectivity (Hall 3): Exploring the future of Software-Defined Vehicles, cloud-based Car2X functionalities, and customer benefits. - Powertrain & Battery (Hall 5): The transition from combustion engines to electric mobility and future battery systems. - Metals, Car Body & Chassis (Hall 6): Focus on decarbonization with aluminum and steel, prototype-free development, and efficient body construction. The Volkswagen Group Hubs will serve as platforms for deep discussions between Volkswagen, automotive suppliers, and other partners. Only IZB exhibitors can submit solutions for the central questions defined by experts from the hubs. Be part of this process and register now as an exhibitor: https://lnkd.in/eaDChUf7 Thomas Krause, Spokesperson for the IZB organizer Wolfsburg AG, emphasizes the importance of these networking opportunities: "Leveraging the extensive presence of the Volkswagen Group at this year’s IZB, we as organisers are creating important networking opportunities for both sides, from which new partnerships will emerge and existing ones will be strengthened. This is a decisive factor for the successful transformation of the entire industry and, in turn, also for the sustainable and competitive future of our automotive location." Discover more about Volkswagen's initiatives and engage in transformative dialogues at IZB 2024. For further information, visit 👇🏻: http://www.izb-online.com ______ #izb #izb2024 #wolfsburgdigital #wolfsburg #volkswagen #wolfsburgag

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Volkswagen Group Award 2024 👏 "Volkswagen Group’s success is only possible with strong partners." states Dirk Große-Loheide, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand responsible for "Procurement". I applaud the award-giving as much as making this statement. Among them, Salzgitter AG won in the category "Sustainability" for sustainable material flow in production. 🚢 🚆 🚛 I want to add that the production of raw materials requires sustainable #transportation and #sustainable steel processing by manufacturing companies and then again transportation to the consumers. This is followed by a third transport, as the recyclable materials are then reused as scrap in green raw material production. 🌍 This is the #CircularEconomy our society relies upon. -However, there are at least three major transport and logistics components! 📸 We must focus on this image of the circular economy and raise awareness in times of enormous #transformation. 👉 Eager to help convey the message and boost communication in business, politics, companies, and last but not least the workforce. Saarstahl AG Salzgitter AG Verband Verkehrswirtschaft und Logistik NRW - VVWL Kompetenznetz Logistik.NRW / LOG-IT Club e.V. NRW #Logistics #Transformation #MissionStatement #Strategy #Moderation of management teams in transformation

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Automotive industry: China is booming, Germany in reverse gear With 13.2 million vehicles in H1 2023 (+ 9.8 % vs. year-on-year), China will further expand its position as the world's largest auto market. Germany 1.4 million cars in comparison. The boom in the New Electric Vehicle (NEV) is reflected in the 3.7 million e-cars sold (+ 44.5% year-on-year) in China, 28.3 % of the total market are NEVs. By comparison. Germany 299,500 (21% of total market). BYD has the goal of selling at least 3 million NEVs including hybrids in 2023, while Tesla has the goal of selling at least 2 million BEVs . With 1.4 million registered passenger cars in the first half of 2023, Germany is -25 % behind compared to 2019. Mercedes down by - 31%, VW by -23%, and BMW by -10% and Audi by -8.4% cars sold in 1-5/2023 vs. pre-Corona 2019. The only industry of world renown, the German automotive industry, is in serious trouble. What was declared a slip earlier this year with German e-cars sold on the Chinese market is solidifying. VW is left behind, and the other German brands do not matter. The great hardship is also reflected in the fact that the VW ID3 is temporarily being hawked for €15,000 in China, while it price in Germany is at least €40,000. With a current internal combustion market share of 19% in China (3.2 million VWs in 2022) compared to the current 1.7% for e-cars, this represents a massive slump. The VW plant in Emden, which is geared to the production of BEVs, is cutting shifts and extending plant vacations. As long as Chinese manufacturers have a booming domestic e-car market, export pressure to Europe and the USA will remain moderate. However, this will change massively soon, when well-equipped, qualitatively comparable E-cars of Chinese production at attractive prices meet overpriced German E-cars. German car makers are currently losing a large part of their profitable volume sales of 33%-39% (Mercedes,BMW, VW) on the Chinese market. Without an economic policy framework with competitive energy prices, slimmed-down bureaucracy, competitive taxes, also through the dismantling of the welfare state, etc., we will become a 'total economic loss'. First shift reductions, then short-time work, bankruptcy, job losses and loss of prosperity for all of us. Fight for competitive business conditions. #ecar #mercedes #vw #bmw #NEV The full article appeared in PLUS Magazine in 8-2023

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AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: ONLINE PASSENGER CAR SALES HAVE NOT YET REALLY TAKEN OFF WITH MOST LEGACY OEMs. Tesla and other new OEMs, on the other hand, have been very successful with selling their vehicles online. German consultancy Berylls by AlixPartners has put together an interesting assessment for OEMs to better understand their situation and how to accelerate online sales. Here is also a link to Berylls by AlixPartners' excellent articles and reports: https://lnkd.in/gxj-DC7a #autosales #carsales #vehiclesales #vehicleregistrations #carmarket #newcarmarket #market #marketsegments #segments #segmentleaders #onlinesales #consumer #consumerbehavior #buyingbehavior #alternativeenergy #alternativeenergyvehicles #ev #evs #bev #bevs #electricvehicle #electricvehicles #electricmobility #emobility #greenmobility #sustainablemobility #urbanmobility #smartmobility #futuremobility #newmobility #mobility #automotive #automotiveengineering #automotivetechnology #automotiveindustry #innovation #technology #emissions #emissionscontrol #emissionsreduction #zeroemissions #zev #decarbonization #carloan #vehiclefinancing #carfinancing #carfinancing #autoloan #carleasing #interestrate #outlook #2024outlook #world #global

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The 2024 Automotive News Europe Congress last week shone a light on the pace of change in our sector. It made me reflect on the scale of innovation in the value chain. We often hear our industry is going through the greatest period of change in history – it’s been said many times during my career. But I really believe this is true today.  I’m having conversations with colleagues and partners from around the world who are creating and testing the technologies that will shape the cars of tomorrow – in vehicle structure, dynamics and propulsion, through to the latest developments in ADAS, infotainment and connectivity. ‘Software Defined Vehicles’ is already an over-used and ill-defined phrase, but it is clear that the compute power of vehicles is increasing rapidly and cloud-based features will shift how we drive, connect with our cars and connect with each other on the road.   Some themes, of course, have been constant. Listening to discussions about advances in battery technology takes me back to the breakthrough of modern EVs early last decade. While the topic might sound familiar, the technology itself has transformed, and today’s conversations range from sustainability and certification, through to battery chemistry, mass and battery swapping. Even the approaches used in cell and pack manufacturing are unrecognisable from those of just a few years ago.  This significant rethink is driving advancements at a speed never seen before, and we intend to be at the forefront of the change. At Forseven, we are exploring how the craft of carmaking combined with outstanding technologies can bring a genuinely different proposition for customers. It’s a thrill to be leading such a dynamic business in this transformative industry. 

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The Impact of Increased Tariffs on China-EU Auto Trade: A Shifting Landscape The potential increase in import tariffs for Chinese automobiles entering the European Union (EU) has sparked debate within the automotive industry. Here's a breakdown of the potential effects: Impact on Consumers: Higher Prices: Increased tariffs translate to higher import costs, potentially leading to price hikes for European consumers. This could affect affordability, especially for budget-friendly Chinese electric vehicle (EV) models. Limited Choices: Reduced imports could limit consumer options, particularly in the fast-growing EV segment. European consumers might have fewer models to choose from. Impact on the EU Auto Industry: Protection for Domestic Manufacturers: Increased tariffs could shield European automakers from direct competition with lower-priced Chinese vehicles, potentially giving them breathing room to further develop their own EV offerings. Slower Innovation: Reduced competition could stifle the pressure to innovate and improve efficiency that comes with competition. This could potentially slow down the overall advancement of the European auto industry. Impact on China: Reduced Exports: Increased tariffs would likely lead to a decrease in Chinese auto exports to the EU, impacting Chinese manufacturers' revenue and potentially leading to job losses in the Chinese auto sector. Strained Trade Relations: This move could escalate trade tensions between the EU and China, impacting broader economic cooperation. Looking Ahead: A decision to raise tariffs is a complex one with potential benefits and drawbacks for both sides. Here are some key questions to consider: Will it foster a more competitive European EV industry? How will European consumers react to potentially higher prices? Could this lead to a larger trade war between the EU and China? The future of EU-China auto trade hinges on a nuanced approach that balances the need for a competitive market with fair trade practices. #EU #China #AutoIndustry #Trade #ElectricVehicles #Tariffs Let's discuss! Share your thoughts on the potential impact of increased tariffs in the comments below.

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Innovations pave the way to a new era of mobility and are therefore essential for ZF. But where does the company find these groundbreaking advancements and how do you recognize the right ones amidst a sea of ideas? As we celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day today (April 21), Dr. Joscha Maerkle-Huss, Head of Innovation Factory, provides a brief overview about innovations at ZF in the following video. Join us in exploring the forefront of innovation at ZF by visiting https://spr.ly/6040brpFj #innovation #FutureStarter #WorldCreativityandInnovationDay

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If you are a woman in the #automotive industry or related fields, my friend and colleague Berveleen Mashonga M.Eng has started a new LinkedIn group called Women in Automotive Empowerment. Here is the link to join: 💡 https://lnkd.in/eY2jmeY9 🚗 Berveleen started the group as way to let women know they are not alone in their personal and professional journeys. The group also exists to breakdown false ways of thinking such as "I don't deserve a mentor" or "I need to achieve 'A,B,C' before I can join any type of women's professional group." “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong," Berveleen said. "The automotive industry needs your talent, creativity, and passion. The future of #mobility is bright, and women are at the forefront of shaping it.” I encourage all of my women friends and colleagues to connect with Berveleen and join her new group, Women in Automotive Empowerment. Screenshot: My interview with Berveleen during AutoSens Brussels 2023 for AutoVision News.

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The mobility transformation involves a twofold ambition: on the one hand, to reduce emissions as much as possible by using electric drives that can be powered by renewable energy sources. On the other hand, to also focus on sustainability in production. I²SM from ZF is a concept that combines both in an outstanding way: a powerful electric motor that works completely without magnets and the necessary rare earths. All the better that these values have now been recognized by the jury of the "Best in Class" award. I²SM has been nominated for the award, which is organized by the trade magazine electricar Magazin, in the category "Pioneer of the mobility transition". The award ceremony is not until the end of October, but we are already keeping our fingers crossed. #emobility #electricar #electricvehicle #greentech

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How does leadership influence operational excellence and innovation in a globally competitive environment such as the automotive industry? In my role at KIRCHHOFF Automotive, effective leadership is critical to driving our Polish operations towards international standards of excellence and innovation. This requires a deep understanding of local and global market requirements and leading a team capable of meeting these challenges. My leadership style focuses on fostering an environment of continuous improvement and open communication, where every team member feels valued and motivated to exceed their potential. We prioritize resilience and adaptability, preparing our teams to pivot and innovate in response to industry changes or challenges. This approach has not only improved our operational efficiency, but also cultivated a workplace where innovative ideas are born and realized, furthering our commitment to safety and quality in automotive manufacturing. What strategies do you find most effective in maintaining high standards of operational excellence in your area? Share your insights and let's explore new possibilities together. #KIRCHHOFFAutomotive #MakingMobilitySafe #Leadership

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#StandardProfil: "We re-examine our model estimating the timing and success of any new deal." Tomas Mannion - Sarria - Credit Opportunities Want to hear more about what we do? DM Malika Varsani. Not a client? Request a trial here: info@sarria.co.uk Sign up for our newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3mgFWgB #highyieldbonds #distressedassets #distressedcredit #assetmanager #fundamentalanalysis #highyield #excelmodel #specialsituations #distresseddebt #sarria

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So the #carpoolaftermarket question to Ross Toomey of SMP Europe is.... "Who has been the most influential person in your life?" #automotive #supportaftermarket #influence Watch the full video here ➡ https://lnkd.in/e-f8Q98V

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