Carmakers disagree on build to order.(News)

Automotive News Europe,  November, 2002  by Cullen, Thomas James

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Byline: Thomas James Cullen Automotive News Europe

European automakers are taking very different approaches as they try to cut waiting times for custom-order vehicles.

Automakers see both inbound logistics - moving parts to assembly plants - and the outbound logistics of moving cars from plants to buyers as tools to help them increase sales margins. But their tactics vary.

German carmakers emphasize build-to-order vehicles but expect customers to wait for them. Japanese brands such as Toyota and Honda focus on improving their production process. General Motors and Ford have ...

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