Chrysler 2011 Annual Report Download - page 117

Report on
Operations
Operating
Performance
by Sector
116
In addition to expanding the Brazilian customer base for the business line’s existing range of innovative
technologies, product innovation focused on regenerative shock absorbers and weight reduction through the
use of alternative materials.
In 2011, the business line also began production of shock absorbers in Brazil for various models of Fiat, GM
and Renault.
Electronic Systems
Revenues totaled €722 million for the year, a 16% increase over the prior year attributable, in particular, to
market growth in China (instrument clusters) and Europe (telematics and computer bodies), as well as new
activity with Fiat/Chrysler (HFM module) and PSA (ATB, eCall and new RT6 radioNav).
Innovation activities included a new infotainment system for BMW.
Major new orders included:
for Body Electronics: ECU-LEDs for BMW in Spain, a PCB control unit for Audi, the Fine X for Philips and other
OEM customers, the L7 body for Fiat in Slovakia and the Compact United States Wide for Fiat/GAC in China
for Instrument Clusters: Fiat Group and Haima in China, the Fiat 500 electric in Mexico, and production for
customers in France and Italy
for Infotainment and Telematics: Ecotax telematic unit for freeway operators in Italy and the new generation
eCall for PSA in China
Exhaust Systems
Revenues totaled €696 million for 2011, a 13% increase over the previous year, with positive contributions from
the LCV markets in Italy and Spain, as well as strong performance in South America and, in the first half, also
in Poland.
On the innovation front, the business line continued its focus on reductions in CO2 emissions (through lighter
systems and exhaust heat recovery solutions) and noise (active noise control systems), in addition to further
development of the Selective Catalytic Reduction system for reduction of NOx emissions.
Major new orders included a new LCV project for Hyundai in Brazil and development of front tubing for Euro 6
engines.
Aftermarket
Revenues totaled €333 million for 2011, up 16% over the previous year. Performance was primarily driven by
increases in the Mercosur region, while activity in Europe was essentially in line with 2010 levels. In the U.S., the
business line is completing establishment of a new sales and distribution organization initiated in April.
Volumes were higher for filters, brakes and shock absorbers, and substantially unchanged for lighting and
batteries. Sales of rotary motors were down over the prior year.
New product launches included Behr-Hella heating systems in the Mercosur region and, beginning in June,
telematic boxes and portable navigation devices in Europe.
Plastic Components and Modules
Revenues for the Plastic Components and Modules business line totaled €525 million, substantially in line with
the previous year. In both Poland and Italy, a general contraction in passenger car sales was offset by higher
volumes for the LCV segment. New order activity included bumpers and interiors for a new Fiat passenger car
to be produced in Serbia.