12/29/2008 10h24
Autoparts to sell abroad to offset domestic fall
Gazeta Mercantil 12/29/2008
Eletromecânica Dyna, a Brazilian manufacturer of windshield wipers, and TMD Friction, German maker of brake pads and brake linings, plan to increase their sales abroad next year in order to offset the retraction of the Brazilian market. With a volume of orders 35% smaller for the first month of 2009, compared to January this year, Dyna already starts prospecting new deals in the European market, more specifically in Belgium and Germany. Dyna estimate is to supply four truck makers abroad until the end of 2009. The Brazilian manufacturer of windshield wipers is already a well-known trademark in the European market, where it has exported to since 1983. TMD Friction is also reviewing the strategies of the Brazilian unit for 2009. "We are observing how the world market is going to behave in order to decide the new exportation strategies", said Feres Macul Neto, CEO of the company in Brazil. In spite of the doubts concerning the future of the car sector in the world, the German company still thinks the crisis will be less intense in Brazil compared to other countries. "The TDM Friction plant, located in Indaiatuba, in the interior of São Paulo, directs 40% of its production to exportation, which includes direct sales to the car and truck makers, intercompany sales and the spare parts market. Of the 60% that remain in the Brazilian market, 25% are intended for the makers and 35% to the spare parts market. In Brazil, the main competitor of the company is Fras-le, a brake pad manufacturer of the Randon group. Like Dyna, TMD Friction has also adjusted the production of its Indaiatuba plant to the new demand of the market. For TMD, the first half of 2009 will be very difficult. "We are preparing ourselves to go through such difficulty", said Neto. His forecast is that the car sector should resume its growth in 2010.
