Chrysler 2011 Annual Report Download - page 116

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Report on Operations
At the Agemont Center for Technological Innovation in Amaro, Italy, the Lighting business line inaugurated the
J-RAUM laboratory, dedicated to research and innovation in automotive lighting.
Sistemi Sospensioni S.p.A., Magneti Marelli’s Suspension Systems subsidiary, and Talbros Automotive
Components, India’s largest manufacturer of gaskets for the automotive sector, signed an agreement for the
creation of a 50/50 joint venture for production of suspension systems and modules.
Recognitions received in 2011 included the “Daimler Supplier Award” given to the Automotive Lighting business
line for achievements in innovation and the Autodata award in the System Supplier category won by Magneti
Marelli Brazil for its FreeChoiceTM automated transmission and LED lighting technology (first ever to produce this
type of lighting in Brazil).
Performance for the principal business lines was as follows:
Lighting
Revenues totaled €1,808 million in 2011, an increase of approximately 14% over the prior year. The growth was
primarily attributable to strong demand in the German market, in addition to performance in the NAFTA region,
Brazil and Russia.
Innovation projects included a new 12-volt Xenon bulb (with integrated electronics), produced in cooperation
with Philips, and the Bihalogen Projection Module.
Major new orders included headlights for Mercedes Benz and BMW, headlights and tail lights for Hyundai/Kai
and rear light units for Dodge.
Engine Controls
Revenues for 2011 totaled €957 million, substantially unchanged over the prior year, with an increase in volumes
for Gasoline Direct Injection applications for the VW Group in Europe, offset by declines in both Brazil and the
United States.
Major new orders included the 635 Dual Clutch Transmission for Chrysler, a mechatronic transmission for PSA
and a drive-by-wire throttle for VW in China.
Suspension Systems
Revenues were €588 million for 2011, in line with the previous year. The effects of significant growth in the
LCV market in Europe and positive performance in Brazil were offset by volumes declines in Italy (FGA with the
exception of Alfa Romeo) and Poland (FGA and Ford).
Research and innovation activities focused on high-resistance metal (steel and iron) and alloy solutions (carbon
steel) with particular emphasis on lowering CO2 emission levels for future models.
New orders included supply of the entire suspension system for production of the Fiat Ducato by Chrysler in
Mexico, which represents a major opportunity for the business line to expand into the NAFTA market. Other new
orders related to Fiat in Serbia, Opel and BMW in Germany, and Peugeot in Brazil.
Shock Absorbers
The business line recorded revenues of €408 million for 2011, a 3% increase over the previous year driven
primarily by performance in Brazil and the United States.