"Implementing the Unigraphics software is an important step in our journey toward reducing VDP times," said Kirk Gutmann, Information Officer of Develop Product for GM. "It clearly extends GM's industry lead in solid-based design and solid-based modeling techniques. This roll out was completed in only one third the time of previous CAD/CAM upgrades. We continue to accelerate both our VDP and deployment of next generation math tools."

Version 15 provides significant design styling capabilities and improves parametric capabilities compared to previously used CAD/CAM systems. Version 5 of the IMAN software was designed to capture and manage all related data created during product development, including information produced by multiple MCAD (Mechanical Computer Aided Design) and ECAD (Electrical Computer Aided Design) applications. The software has, among other features, a Mail Gateway, which links IMAN's internal mail system with external mail systems like Lotus Notes.

The new technology will provide both GM and its global suppliers the ability to implement a total systems engineering approach to vehicle design, significantly reducing the time needed to design a vehicle. A key feature of the Unigraphics software allows data and files to be shared and updated simultaneously by design teams worldwide. Reusable math-model libraries are employed in this process to help teams work concurrently within a common product framework.

Ford Reaches Investment Agreement In Russia
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Ford Motor Company will create a Closed Joint Stock Company in Russia, in which the partners will be Ford Motor Company and the Bankers House - St. Petersburg. The new company will be called Ford Vsevolozhsk, and will convert an existing facility, formerly operated by Russki Diesel, into a world-class automotive manufacturing plant. The facility will be in Vsevolozhsk, which is located close to St. Petersburg in the Leningrad Oblast.

The first phase of the proposed business plan calls for an investment of $150 million with initial output of 25,000 vehicles and potential capacity to produce 100,000 units annually in line with market demand. The plant will include body construction, paint facility and final assembly; it is expected to become fully operational during the first half of 2001.

The joint-venture company, Wuxi Da-Hao Power Company, is now building a completely new assembly plant with the capacity for assembling 5,000 engines a year and a five-year target of 4,000 units per year. The plant, which has a total area of 15,000 square meters, is preliminarily scheduled to be ready for production in January, year 2000. The plant will accommodate the assembly and distribution of Volvo Penta’s diesel engines for generator sets.

Technology and systems transfer

Two years ago, Volvo Penta entered into a joint-venture agreement with Wuxi Sida Industrial Enterprise Company prior to the establishment of an assembly plant. In addition to engine assembly operations, the agreement includes the transfer of technology and systems from Volvo Penta. This transfer of know-how extends to logistics and quality control, purchasing routines and engineering design and production technology. The training of technicians and other personnel from Wuxi has been in progress at Volvo Penta in Sweden for more than 12 months.

Initially, the engines and components will to a large extent be delivered to Wuxi from Sweden. Within five years, it is planned that a number of domestically produced components will be used in the engines. China is the world’s largest market for engine-powered generator sets. The engines and the generator sets assembled in Wuxi will also be exported to other markets in Asia.

COMPANY FACTS

Wuxi Diesel Engine Works is Volvo Penta’s partner in the joint-venture company, are part of the First Automobile Works. The most important products for Wuxi Diesel Engine Works, which has been in operation for more than 50 years, are diesel engines for trucks and industrial installations. The company currently has approximately 4,500 employees.