Poland Tychy Flexible Manufacturing

Fiat's Poland automotive manufacturing site is powered by flexible cells and agile workers. ...

... "At Tychy (pronounced TICK-ee), one secret is flexibility: The latest robotic technology is balanced by workers who can quickly shift models to match demand. " ...

Via New York Times: Poland on Small Car Manufacturing

Fiat Lean Production System

Chrysler will implement Fiat's version of lean manufacturing, the Fiat Production System. ...

... "Fiat, based in Turin, uses a system that emphasizes measuring every aspect of work and stopping inefficiencies, Hill said. It is similar to Toyota Motor Corp.’s highly regarded lean-manufacturing system ... " ...

Via Bloomberg: Chrysler

Chrysler Quality: Job None

Chrysler is not likely to survive this economic downturn and suffers from a quality management foundation. ...

... "Chrysler nevertheless failed to make good on Mr. Zetsche's vow, despite a considerable amount of effort to improve operations on the factory floor. " ...

Via Wall Street Journal: Chrysler Poor Quality

Via The Scoop at Chrysler Group: CEO Bob Nardelli on Future: "As we rebuild confidence in the New Chrysler, we must also recognize that many outsiders and critics of our company are not yet aware of the steady strides we have made and the reasons we are optimistic about our future. "

Six Sigma Innovation Stigma

Bob Nardelli's choice as leader at Chrysler is questioned, as his Six Sigma approach could stifle innovation needed to revive the ailing automaker. ...

... "But as a command-and-control executive, weaned on Six Sigma, Nardelli isn't the obvious leader for a company whose future depends on innovation. " ...

Via Business Week: Chrysler

Dean of Lean Integrated with Six Sigma Champion

Chrysler integrates Lean Six Sigma in its leadership ranks. ...

... "Both men are known for their achievements in the manufacturing realm. LaSorda is known as the Dean of Lean for his efforts to bring lean manufacturing techniques to Chrysler. Nardelli made his name at General Electric Co. " ...

Via Crain's Detroit Business: Chrysler

Reinvent Automotive Production Through Lean Manufacturing

Does the Chrysler sale offer opportunity to challenge Toyota for lean leadership? Will private capital have the patience for long-term methodologies, like kaizen and lean? We shall see. ...

... "And it is the chance of a lifetime for a car company to reinvent itself, to out-Toyota Toyota in lean manufacturing and vehicle quality. " ...

Via USATODAY: Chrysler Sale

Lean Automotive Is Relevant Today As 17 Years Ago

Lean manufacturing principles are as relevant today, as when introduced years ago. Ford, GM, Chrysler need a refresher course. ...

... " ... it seems fitting that The Machine That Changed the World, the seminal 1990 book on lean manufacturing as practiced by Toyota Motor Corp., is now being reissued. " ...

Via Detroit Free Press: Automotive Challenge

Lean Manufacturing Strategy: Chrysler New Products

Chrysler Group plans to produce the new 2008 Dodge Challenger at its Brampton Assembly Plant near Toronto. The plant leverages lean manufacturing to reduce waste and accelerate efficiency. ...

... "Lean manufacturing and product development strategies also allow the Chrysler Group to bring new models, like the Dodge Challenger, to market more quickly. First revealed as a concept vehicle at the North American International (Detroit) Auto Show in 2006, it was announced this past summer that the 2008 Dodge Challenger would be going into production in 2008. " ...

Via DaimlerChrysler: Ontario to Become Home of the All-new 2008 Dodge Challenger