All riled up and overstressed, the auto industry as it sails through the intimidating high tide of economic battery, alarmed and defensive automakers attempt to salvage the best out of the bad times. This also seems to be an opportune moment for a review of the industrial events as they unfold, and to gain insights in to the hows and whys. And then, to march ahead with a perked up grit, coupled with an approach that signifies a paradigm shift, perhaps.

Authored by Graeme P. Maxton and John Wormald, both seasoned industry veterans, the book “Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automotive Industry” delves deep into the unsystematic thinking, and unsynchronized approach that ails the industry as a whole, both the auto manufacturers and the auto parts sector.

The development of the automotive industry has turned out to be the one of the most significant industrial phenomenon of the previous century, that’s impacted the society like no other. And it continues to be one, as it makes up for more than 11% of the GDP of Europe, North America, and Japan. This means that a one in nine people are employed by the industry.

The reader, throughout the journey of its reading would encounter broad, new, practical, critical, and far reaching recommendations meant to ensure the industry’s sustainability, by satisfying its myriad stakeholders.

The book takes the reader on and intriguing voyage bit by bit, here’s the rundown of the contents.

1. From automania to maturity: in the main markets at least

2. The problems that can be fixed: dealing with noxious emissions, traffic accidents and congestion

3. The global resource challenges: energy and space

4. A global industry: the changing international order

5. The supplier industry: the catalyst for the profound changes to come

6. The downstream sales and service sector: the coming revolution

7. When the numbers don’t add up: an industry that doesn’t earn its keep

8. Choosing a future for the automotive industry

9. Time for a model change 

The content is comprehensive and thoroughly researched, just as you would expect from the ace analysts. The critical analysis exposes the fallibility of the present system, but not without several eyeopening ideas as solutions. Further, since the coverage presents the automobile industry’s overview as a whole, and not its fragments, the text has universal appeal. For instance, the aftermarkets are an ever expanding segment but are still fuel by obsolete standards of retailing. The authors explain this and point out the opportunities that lie within the sector.

All in all, the book appears to be a must read for one and all associated in any way with the industry, not to mention all those who’re simply interested.

To learn more about the book and auto industry in general, kindly visit my blog: “Automoble Hotspot.”

When it comes to the security and protection of your car, sometimes there is no such thing as too much. There are various types of automotive security systems out there, each of them possessing their own good qualities and features. Finding the right one for your vehicle protection needs will take some time and research but like buying any product, it is worth it. Never buy the first security system that a salesperson throws at you. It’s a major investment that has to be perfect otherwise it’s just pointless.

The first thing that you must do is establish what type of security you need. A car that is older and has little value may not need the same kind of protection that a fancy new car will need. There is simply no sense paying for something that you don’t want or need. Look into the various types of alarm systems to see what fits for you. Price will play a big part in this too since a higher end system will have more features but will also cost more.

A basic alarm system is the audible type that sets off a loud alarm when the vehicle is tampered with. Sometimes that is all that it takes to scare off a would be thief. This type of system is great for those that just want a little extra protection without all of the additional features available. There are other systems that don’t make any noise at all. Instead they send you a quiet alert like a page or text message. Then you know something is up with your car. If you can’t get to it fast though this may not be a good choice. There are other systems that will immobilize your ignition so that the car itself cannot be stolen. This is quickly becoming a popular choice.

If you prefer, you can get a combination of the three different types of alarm but this can get expensive. That’s why you should always shop around and speak to a number of different alarm system dealers before making a final choice. Not only do you need to consider price but you should also be asking about warranty on parts as well as installation. Get all of this information in writing, including prices quoted to you for different systems.

You must keep in mind that certain things can make your car a target for thieves. If you have a heavily customized ride with fancy tires, rims and other accessories, an alarm system may not be enough. These kinds of cars simply get targeted more because thieves can sell off parts like rims very quickly. If you have a customized car, the safest bet is to keep it in a garage out of sight.

Ask around about certain security products and services before choosing one. Customer reviews are a great way to learn about items that you are unsure of. Word of mouth advertising remains the best form. Do your research and take your time. Security for your car is important and should be done right the first time.