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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of lean manufacturing in Indian automotive sector, component manufacturing industries in terms of lean adoption, benefits, motivation, and challenges of implementing lean manufacturing practices.

The research objectives were achieved by conducting a qualitative multicase study approach. Fourteen Indian automotive component manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were chosen based on their different product offerings as well as differing approaches to the introduction and implementation of lean initiatives. Data were collected through in-depth, semistructured interviews supported by shop-floor observations.

The findings from the present study suggest that some of the participating automotive component manufacturing SMEs have a relatively good understanding of lean concepts and philosophy. However, there is room for further improvement for most SMEs. Major top five lean practices being implemented were found to be cellular manufacturing, total productive maintenance, 5S, work standardization, and quality management practices. Also, leadership and organizational culture were found to be crucial factors for the success of lean manufacturing.

The fact that the data collected for the research study is based on subjective business evidence obtained from company representatives comprises the main limitation of the present study. So, the results should be considered with caution, as far as the lean adoption in Indian automotive component manufacturing sector is concerned.

Based on the present study, suggestions can be made regarding the successful adoption of lean principles, not only for the participating SMEs but also for the whole of the automotive component manufacturing sector. More specifically, by determining the strength and weakness of automotive component manufacturing SME's effort to adopt lean, suitable managerial initiatives can be undertaken by these companies as well as the whole sector to fully adopt lean and derive the respective benefits.

This paper explores the status of lean adoption in Indian automotive component manufacturing SMEs. Considering the unique characteristics of the automotive component manufacturing industry, the present research would be helpful for making strategies to implement lean in automotive component manufacturing industry setups.

The purpose of this paper is to show how the National Socialist regime participated in popular commercial events such as trade fairs to posture their propaganda. I demonstrate how the inter-trade organization and one particular company – Daimler-Benz AG – tailored their advertising to the communication strategies used by the Nazi regime.

This case study is based on the archival records of Daimler AG. The way in which the 50th anniversary of the automobile was staged at the Berlin Motor Shows of 1935 and 1936 is understood as part of the communication strategies of the German automotive industry, as well as of the Nazi regime.

This paper shows how intimately connected the 50th anniversary of the automobile was to the themes of racing and motorization. The automobile as a German invention had the potential to reconcile the motorization of the German people – a sign of modernity – with the blood and soil ideology of the Nazis. The Berlin Auto Show became an important platform for this project. The paper also shows how Daimler-Benz’s approach should be read differently.

The article sheds new light on the interaction between and inter-dependence of one particular company’s – Daimler-Benz AG’s – communication strategies and those of the Nazi regime. Furthermore, the 50th anniversary of the automobile, celebrated at the auto show in Berlin, provides a good opportunity to add exhibitions to of advertising history of the 1930 Germany.

Outlines research work based on the application of coding theory and information theory to barcode systems design, with the aim of developing a replacement for traditional linear barcodes. The coding device needs to be cheap to print and easy to read but also have the ability to store and retrieve a complete transaction file. The result of this work was PDF417, a symbol which can contain over a kilobyte of binary data or almost 2,000 alphanumeric characters. Describes the key features of PDF417 and gives examples of applications in the automotive industry, supply chain communications and military ID card systems. Concludes that PDF417 Portable Data File technology opens the door to a wide range of important new application opportunities, sometimes complimenting and other times replacing the traditional linear barcodes.

SYNOPSIS. A new type of cutting fluid is essential to achieving utilisation of the full potential of Automated Machining (AM). Coolant capabilities frequently determine the scope of multi‐tool machining applications. Identifying operational needs and overcoming AM system constraints has provided a unique opportunity to develop a new synthetic cutting fluid technology. A vision for the future is where the expansion of synthetic lubricant technology will continue to contribute significant benefits to an ever‐widening area of manufacturing industry's lubricant requirements.

Ten events made up the new total engineering and manufacturing (TEAM) exhibition, one of which, factory automation (FA) is the focus of this article. A main sponsor of FA was Bosch Rexroth, and a report is given on the state of the company since the acquisition of Rexroth by Bosch. Descriptions are given of a new range of Rexroth Bosch articulated arm robots and an application of the company's Turboscara robots assembling lambda exhaust control probes. Other exhibitors featured are ABB with a new heavy duty robot, Orwin Automation who demonstrated an automatic bagger, part of its flexible intelligent packaging systems (FIPS) range and DT Assembly and Test who promoted its project and value engineering expertise. Finally, reference is made to GE Panametrics hand held ultrasonic weld testing system.

Readers of this publication will be more aware than most of the fundamental changes that have occurred in the process of manufacturing. A combination of economic pressures and the advent of enabling technology, primarily driven by the development of IC microchips, have driven a conceptual re‐evaluation and restructuring of manufacturing and distribution.