Chrysler 2013 Annual Report Download - page 79

78 Report on Operations
Exhaust Systems
Revenues totaled €559 million, a 2% decrease at constant exchange rates attributable to the overall contraction in demand in the business
line’s principal markets, which was only partially offset by increased volumes to customers in Serbia and China.
On the innovation front, the business line launched projects for the development of second generation Selective Catalytic Reduction systems.
In addition, research continued on systems that recover exhaust-generated heat and design solutions to reduce the weight of exhaust systems
and, consequently, contribute to achieving lower CO2 emissions through reductions in the total weight of the vehicle.
Major new orders included exhaust systems for Chrysler’s TigerShark engine in the U.S. and Volkswagen’s LCV range in Germany.
After Market
Revenues totaled €356 million for 2013, up 5% over the previous year (+13% at constant exchange rates). Growth in Europe and Mercosur
was partially offset by decreases in NAFTA. March saw the launch of the business line’s sales activities in China, where lighting products led
the way. All product areas experienced volume increases with particularly strong growth for telematics products.
Plastic Components and Modules
Revenues were down 2% over the prior year to €410 million. The decrease was attributable to an overall contraction in demand in the business
line’s core markets, only partially compensated for by revenue growth associated with new products for FGA models, particularly the 500L.
Orders received during the year included interiors, exteriors, fuel systems and pedals for the new B-SUV Jeep to be produced at the Melfi plant
starting in 2014.
Teksid (Metallurgical Products)
During 2013, the global Light Vehicle market registered a 3.1% increase globally. By region, production for Teksid’s customer segment was
down 0.5% in Western Europe (Italy -0.5%, France -11.5%, Spain +8.5%), but higher in both Mercosur (+4.1%) and North America (+4.8%).
For Medium and Heavy Vehicles combined, the global market was up 4.3% over the prior year. By region, production for Teksid’s customer
segment was down 2.8% in Western Europe (Italy +4.4%, Germany -9.3%, France -3.3%), up 43.5% in Mercosur (Brazil +47.5%, compared
with 2012 when volumes were down 50% over pre-crisis levels) and down 3.0% in NAFTA. Increases were not sufficient to bring Teksid’s
volumes in the Medium and Heavy Vehicle segment to pre-crisis levels.
The Cast Iron business unit recorded a 7% decrease in volumes, primarily due to lower demand in the heavy vehicle segment, and the
continuing shift to the use of aluminum in the production of car engine basements. Revenues were down 16% for the year.
The Aluminum business unit closed the year with volumes up 13% and revenues up 10%.
Commercial Performance
by Operating Segment