Richard J. Kramer
Analyst · Deutsche Bank
Yes, Rod, I think if we look at it, we have -- actually have to look at it. I think you make a good point. Sort of region by region, I think that the dynamics are different. So if we look at it sort of in the current quarter, what we see as we think about our share and our volumes, we look at it, we kind of think about 3 different things. One is, relative to us, or relative to everyone, we saw a lower industry because of the general economic weakness. So that certainly impacted our volumes. Second to that, we're impacted by geographic mix, which I think you appreciated, we have higher penetration, by and large, of the mature markets, which were more impacted by the economic situation we're in than were some of the emerging markets, and that certainly compounded the impact of a weak economy. And the third thing is really the choices that we're making in line with our strategy, really focusing on the target profitable segments that are in our sight and exiting volume in the lower -- sort of the lower segments of the markets that are unprofitable for us. So we're following our strategy, making decisions in line with that, and certainly are comfortable with it. As we look at volume, as we look at volume going out, again, I think, in North America, certainly, we see a really, a pretty good environment. As I said on the call, our channel inventories are really are on very good shape. They're at very low levels, and we continue to see a lot of pent-up demand there. And I know you guys follow them as well. We see miles driven now up, 7 out of the last 9 months, almost up 1% year-to-date. So that pent-up demand is there. It's just a question of when it comes back. EMEA, clearly, clearly tougher than we expected. The volumes there from an industry perspective are really approaching, are at really, the 2009 recessionary levels, sort of again, unprecedented levels. And there, we're making changes to increase some flexibility in our supply chain, and I'm happy with the decisions we're making to sort of get back to where we want to be, more so in Europe. And overall, I think we look at it, we see where the industry's headed. We're making our best call and we're comfortable with it, and we'll continue to monitor it as we go forward.