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The expert conference of the VDI about “Electrics and Electronics in the Vehicle” in November 2011 left the participants at least with one big surprise: A representative of a vehicle manufacturer introduced the basic concept of a 48 volt-electric system in a passenger car. Preceding this presentation was an appeal of five vehicle manufacturers in July last year in Ludwigsburg, when automotive suppliers were requested to actively develop components for 48 volt-vehicle electric systems. Participants being familiar with the matter have seen a parallel to the discussion about a 42 volt-vehicle electric systems at the end of the last decade, which went lost because of the high prices of the components.

Wind energy generation is rapidly emerging as a resource efficient, low carbon and cost-effective technology around the world. Global nameplate wind power capacity increased from 17 GW in the year 2000 to 159 GW in 2010. Today, existing wind power plants have the capacity to generate about 2.5% of the worldwide electricity consumption. However, not only the total capacity of wind energy plants increased in recent years, but also the size of the individual power units. In addition, the adopted technologies still advance with enormous pace, which is a real challenge to the manufacturers in the wind industry. Schlegel and Partners supports suppliers to this industry by gaining intelligence about today’s technological requirements and future technology trends.

In view of the devastating drought and famine which Somalia is facing, Schlegel and Partners decided to support the ongoing operation of Médecins sans Frontières in the country. The company donated EUR 2,000 and doubled the associates’ donation so that finally EUR 4,500 were transferred to Médecins sans Frontières.

Developing the right products using B2B market research

In times of tough competition it is vitally important to ensure that product innovations and developments are aimed specifically at customer requirements in particular and market demand in general. Qualified B2B market research supports management in achieving these goals.

BRIC has become a popular abbreviation for the four large emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In the next decades their economic growth will change the global economy substantially with important consequences not only for them but also for western advanced economies.