Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toledo Jeep workers to get four more weeks of "vacation"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/toledo-jeep-workers-to-get-four-more-weeks-of-vacation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/toledo-jeep-workers-to-get-four-more-weeks-of-vacation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/toledo-jeep-workers-to-get-four-more-weeks-of-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above to view more high-res pics of the 2008 Jeep Liberty

Employees at Jeep's factory in Toledo, Ohio reported back to work this week after two months of mandatory downtime. The good news is that they still have their jobs; the bad news is that they've been told to expect another four weeks off before the end of the year. This time, however, the shutdowns will be scheduled in week-long intervals instead of covering an entire four-week period. The slowdown of SUV sales has been widely covered and the Jeep brand has not been immune, including its bread-and-butter Wrangler model that had proven extremely popular a short while back when the first-ever four-door version was unveiled. Of course, back then gas was below $3 a gallon. Besides the Wrangler, Jeep also makes the Liberty and Dodge Nitro at the Toledo plant.

Gallery: 2008 Jeep Liberty


[Source: 13 ABC]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dodge nitroDodgeNitrojeepjeep libertyjeep plantjeep wranglerJeepLibertyJeepPlantJeepWranglertoledo jeeptoledo jeep liberty planttoledo jeep nitrotoledo jeep plantToledoJeepToledoJeepLibertyPlantToledoJeepNitroToledoJeepPlant2008-08-26T18:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[F1 musical chairs depends on where Alonso sits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/f1-musical-chairs-depends-on-where-alonso-sits/#commentsFiled under: ,

Every year towards the end of the season, the world of Formula One racing plays a big game of musical chairs as drivers' contracts come up for renewal and seats open up. Sometimes drivers end up in the same chair they were in before, but this season we've got reason to believe there'll be a big switch. And the key to that switch depends on Fernando Alonso more than anyone else, according to Ross Brawn.

The former Ferrari technical guru and current head of Honda's F1 racing program points towards the lackluster performance of Renault this year as clear evidence that Alonso will seek out a new team. Where he will end up remains a big question mark, however, as almost all the teams would welcome the two-time world champion to their ranks, and would be willing to hold off signing their other drivers until Alonso has sat down.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>alonsofernando alonsofernando alonso contractFernandoAlonsoFernandoAlonsoContractferrarihondared bullRedBullrenaulttoyota2008-08-26T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Another CEO leaves Ford: Top Canadian exec quits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/another-ceo-leaves-ford-top-canadian-exec-quits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/another-ceo-leaves-ford-top-canadian-exec-quits/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/another-ceo-leaves-ford-top-canadian-exec-quits/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Bill Osborne, up until yesterday the President of Ford Australia, is not the only non-U.S. Ford exec taking a walk from his responsibilities at the Blue Oval. Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd head-honcho Barry Engle (above) has also chosen to leave the company on the exact same day. The coincidences don't end there, as both men took their respective positions just six months ago in February of this year. While we're not yet sure what role Osborne will be stepping into, his counterpart from Canada is headed to Pennsylvania, his home state, to join New Holland Agricultural Equipment SpA as president and CEO. New Holland is a unit of CNH Global NV -- itself controlled by Italian automaker Fiat.

As we said regarding the open position in Australia: "Ford has not announced a replacement, but the new boss will have his or her work cut out as the Australian market adjusts from its high-horsepower diet to more fuel efficient vehicles." Yeah... that's been going around.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>barry englebarry engle fordBarryEngleBarryEngleFordford2008-08-23T10:45:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford Australia boss calls it quits after job cuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ford-australia-boss-calls-it-quits-after-job-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ford-australia-boss-calls-it-quits-after-job-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/ford-australia-boss-calls-it-quits-after-job-cuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After holding the title for just over six months, the President of Ford Australia has resigned and is moving to the United States to "fulfill a career dream." President Bill Osborne, who took the position only in February, insists his departure has nothing to do with the fact that the company just announced 350 jobs will be cut at Victorian plants. Mr. Osborne is mum on where he is heading, although a company spokesperson said it is outside the automotive industry. Ford has not announced a replacement, but the new boss will have his or her work cut out as the Australian market adjusts from its high-horsepower diet to more fuel efficient vehicles. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

[Source: News.com.au]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AustraliaBill OsborneBillOsborneFordLayoffQuitResignVictoria2008-08-22T14:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Trevor Creed retires from Chrysler, Ralph Gilles ascends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/trevor-creed-retires-from-chrysler-ralph-gilles-ascends/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Trevor Creed has decided that being the capo di designi capo for such programs as the Chrysler 300, PT Cruiser, Dodge Challenger, Viper, and Ram, among others, is a satisfactory way to cap a career in design. Creed has spent the past 23 years at Chrysler, and his departure as Vice President of Design on August 31st opens up the slot for Ralph Gillies to step up. Gillies will start his new role as Design Veep September 1st, and he'll answer to Frank Klegon, Executive VP of Product Development.

Hey Frank, get rid of focus grouping, give Ralph a bit more leash to manage a staff that can design a car that actually looks good. As Design Vice President, Gillies will now oversee the Product Design Office, so one imagines that, given the opportunity, there may be a glimmer of hope for righting the horrid wrongs of the Sebring, as long as some of that 2009 Ram mojo is still around.

Once Gillies and team work sheetmetal magic, Andreas Schnell is the newly appointed Vice President of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Core, the people that come up with the electronics that not only run the vehicle, but entertain and delight, as well. Schnell will also be responsible for "voice of the customer" efforts, and the voice of the customer should be heard loud and clear saying "please build better cars."

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Trevor Creed retires from Chrysler, Ralph Gilles ascends

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>chrysler designChryslerDesignralph gillies chryslerRalphGilliesChryslertrevor creed chrysler design retiretrevor creed retireTrevorCreedChryslerDesignRetireTrevorCreedRetire2008-08-19T08:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota refuses to lay off workers, but has great flower beds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/toyota-refuses-to-lay-off-workers-but-has-great-flower-beds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/toyota-refuses-to-lay-off-workers-but-has-great-flower-beds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/toyota-refuses-to-lay-off-workers-but-has-great-flower-beds/#commentsFiled under: ,



Toyota is struggling to sell trucks and SUVs like everyone else, but unlike the competition, no full-time workers from stalled factories are getting laid off. The 4,500 workers at idled plants are instead bettering themselves through eduction by taking classes on safety, diversity, and Toyota history. They're also doing community service while on the clock and even some gardening. The workers will be learning how to work faster and smarter during the down time, and are even being shifted to busier plants on a temporary basis to help plants that are working beyond capacity to keep up with demand.

Toyota's plan to keep its workers busy at all costs isn't cheap, as about $50 million is being spent to keep workers busy with training programs. Of course, you can't please everyone and the plan isn't sitting well with all of Toyota's workforce, as workers at running factories don't like the fact that laid off workers are getting a leg up on training. A more skilled plant could have an advantage over others in getting earmarked for future products, so unaffected workers also want the extra training.

While expensive and a bit of a logistics nightmare, Toyota's plan is a good one if you can afford it. It should help create a more loyal, better trained workforce that also forges ties with the surrounding community. We bet Toyota hopes it will prevent any talk of unionizing, as well. And with Toyota's record profits over the past few years, $50 million is a drop in the corporate bucket.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req., Image: Junko Kimura/Getty]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>layoffstoyotaToyota san antonio truck planttoyota workersToyotaSanAntonioTruckPlantToyotaWorkers2008-08-18T18:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Report: Ferrari wants Alonso and Kubica for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa contracted with Ferrari through next year, reports are circulating that the Scuderia may bring on board both Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica for 2010.

After Kimi and Felipe, and with Lewis Hamilton firmly in place at McLaren, the pairing of Alonso and Kubica in Maranello would provide a formidable team against the rest of the field. Alonso, of course, is a two-time world champion and one of the only drivers to repeatedly beat Schumacher to the title, while Kubica has proven himself a competent driver of the highest degree. Whether the reports are accurate, and whether Ferrari would just dump Kimi and Felipe like that remains to be seen.

[Source: Tuttosport via Axis of Oversteer, Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>alonsoalonso ferrariAlonsoFerrarifernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrarikubicakubica alonsokubica alonso ferrarikubica ferrariKubicaAlonsoKubicaAlonsoFerrariKubicaFerrarirobert kubicaRobertKubica2008-08-14T07:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paolo Pininfarina announced to succeed his late brother]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/paolo-pininfarina-announced-to-succeed-his-late-brother/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/paolo-pininfarina-announced-to-succeed-his-late-brother/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/paolo-pininfarina-announced-to-succeed-his-late-brother/#commentsFiled under: ,



These are precarious times for European design studios and coachbuilders, with some of the biggest names in the business facing potential closure. Not even Pininfarina is immune, and the storied Italian studio cannot afford to miss a beat. That's why, only days since the tragic death of its CEO Andrea Pininfarina, the company has already announced his successor.

Rather than hiring from outside, control of the carrozzeria will pass to Paolo Pininfarina, brother of the late Andrea, son of Sergio and grandson of founder Batista "Pinin" Farina. He is shown here attending the funeral for his brother that took place just yesterday. As we reported earlier today, the company is scheduled to unveil its first new vehicle since the tragedy next week at Pebble Beach: the Rolls-Royce Hyperion .

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd, Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>andrea pininfarinaAndreaPininfarinaceochairmanpaolo pininfarinaPaoloPininfarinapininfarinapininfarina ceopininfarina chairmanPininfarinaCeoPininfarinaChairman2008-08-12T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chris Theodore named as new CEO of Saleen, Inc.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/chris-theodore-named-as-new-ceo-of-saleen-inc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/chris-theodore-named-as-new-ceo-of-saleen-inc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/chris-theodore-named-as-new-ceo-of-saleen-inc/#commentsFiled under: ,

We haven't received an official announcement from Saleen, but we're here to report that Chris Theodore has been named the new CEO of Saleen, Inc. His previous title at the company was Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, and he has helped drive the development of Saleen's latest vehicles including the S5S Raptor Concept, S302 Extreme, and Dan Gurney Signature Series Mustang. Theodore is most famous for his time at Ford as the head of North American Car Product Development, where he initiated the development of the Ford GT and was also responsible for other vehicles like the 2002 Ford Thunderbird and the 2001 Bullitt Mustang. We have no information on why former Saleen CEO Paul Wilbur is no longer at the position, but we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out.

UPDATE - a letter from Saleen regarding the new appointment has been including after the jump.

Continue reading Chris Theodore named as new CEO of Saleen, Inc.

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Chris TheodoreChrisTheodoreSaleen2008-08-08T18:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Frank Stephenson to direct McLaren design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/frank-stephenson-to-direct-mclaren-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/frank-stephenson-to-direct-mclaren-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/frank-stephenson-to-direct-mclaren-design/#commentsFiled under: ,

Based only on his work to date, history would remember Frank Stephenson as one of the most influential automotive designers of our time. He's credited with the resurrection of the retro hatch - having designed the MINI, Fiat 500 and Alfa MiTo - in addition to a portfolio of lust-worthy supercars for Ferrari and Maserati. It came as a surprise when the American-raised designer left his post as head of the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, shortly after the Fiat Group hired former Pininfarina designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti to oversee styling for the entire group, and a big question mark had been left lingering over where he would head next.

Questions demand answers, and in due course this has received its own. Emerging reports now indicate that Frank Stephenson is going to McLaren to head up a new design team for its road car division. The development is an interesting one for McLaren, which used its F1 engineers to direct the styling of its previous road cars. However as the company strives to distance itself from Mercedes-Benz in the wake of the departing SLR, it is clear that McLaren hopes to run in the big leagues and go head-to-head with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini et al. Following in the footsteps of Gordon Murray is no mean feat, but we'll be looking forward to seeing what Stephenson and McLaren have in store for us next. Hats off to Trevor for the tip!

[Source: Car Design News]


 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>frank stephensonFrankStephensonmclarenmclaren designMclarenDesignstephenson2008-08-08T10:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler considering four-day work week at Toledo Jeep plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/chrysler-considering-four-day-work-week-at-toledo-jeep-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/chrysler-considering-four-day-work-week-at-toledo-jeep-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/chrysler-considering-four-day-work-week-at-toledo-jeep-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Jeep sales are down. They're way down, in fact, posting a 44-percent drop in their daily sales rate last month. Though the larger 'utes are really dragging down sales, even the once-untouchable Wranger has been feeling the sting of escalating fuel prices, as its blocky shape and 3.8-liter V6 engine conspire to deliver awful fuel mileage. Also selling rather slowly are the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro, which are assembled at the same plant in Northwest-Ohio. In an effort to save costs, Chrysler officials are considering reducing the work-week at the Toledo plant from the normal five days down to four and allowing its workers to stay on for ten-hour shifts. While that total still equals the forty-hours from a five-day, eight-hour per day work-week, Chrysler believes it can save on energy and fuel costs by shuttering the plant for an extra day.

[Source: 13abc.com]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>jeepjeep wranglerjeep wrangler unlimitedJeepWranglerJeepWranglerUnlimitedtoledotoledo jeeptoledo jeep planttoledo ohtoledo ohioToledoJeepToledoJeepPlantToledoOhToledoOhio2008-08-07T15:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford meets salaried cuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/ford-meets-salaried-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/ford-meets-salaried-cuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/ford-meets-salaried-cuts/#commentsFiled under: ,

For white collar workers that still work at the Ford Motor Company: congratulations, you've officially made the cut. Ford's President of the Americas, Mark Fields, announced at a media event that the Blue Oval has successfully achieved its targeted cuts, at least for now. Fields told reporters that Ford would "continue to look at our structure and evaluate that versus the external environment," which is fancy executive talk for "if we don't start making some money, we'll cut some more." Fields didn't reveal the exact number of cuts that were made to achieve that goal.

Ford announced in June that it would cut 15% of its salary-related costs in an effort to become more lean and conserve cash during the brutal automotive downturn. Ford is trying to conserve enough Bennies to pay for its ambitious powertrain plans that will be needed to help the Dearborn, MI automaker offer the fuel efficient vehicles customers want. Fields said that spending on engines and transmissions over the next couple years will be "unprecedented," and that Ecoboost, diesels, hybrids, and other fuel-saving technologies will get the lion's share of the spending. Ford also plans to convert three truck and SUV factories to small car production and add six European models to its product mix.

[Source: Reuters]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>blue ovalBlueOvaldownturnfordinvoluntary separationInvoluntarySeparationjob cutsJobCutslayoffs2008-08-07T09:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Owners refute rumors of firing Ecclestone and selling F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumors have been circulating that CVC, the commercial rights holders to Formula One, have considered selling the series. But before that could happen, they would have to give Bernie Ecclestone the boot.

The reports were fueled by comments made by Max Mosley, the embattled president of the FIA, who related to reporters that conversations about the subject had taken place with executives at CVC. According to Mosley's conclusion, CVC would consider selling Formula One if a huge offer were made - possibly by an Arab consortium - but Ecclestone would need to be replaced because "the whole business depends on a man who is 78 years old". However, CVC issued a strong statement at this past weekend's race in Hungary that it had no immediate plans to sell F1 and was pleased with its performance as well as that of Bernie Ecclestone.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bernie ecclestoneBernieEcclestonecvccvc ecclestoneCvcEcclestoneecclestonefiafia mosleyFiaMosleyfomformula one managementFormulaOneManagementmax mosleyMaxMosleymosley2008-08-07T08:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Montezemolo named head of Formula One Teams Association]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/montezemolo-named-head-of-formula-one-teams-association/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/montezemolo-named-head-of-formula-one-teams-association/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/montezemolo-named-head-of-formula-one-teams-association/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When the Formula One teams met last week at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, they had yet to announce who would take over the helm of their newly-formed Formula One Teams Association. The group was formed to effectively negotiate on behalf of all the teams on a new commercial deal with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management and on new regulations with the FIA. Reports now indicate that Luca di Montezemolo will act as the group's leader and spokesman.

Now if you're thinking that Montezemolo isn't a team principal, you're right. In fact, he hasn't been actively responsible for the Scuderia in decades. The hereditary Marquis de Montezemolo is president of Ferrari and chairman of the entire Fiat Group, and recently finished his term as chairman of industrial association Confindustria. Certainly a heavy hitter, well above to pay-grade of Scuderia Ferrari chief Stefano Domenicali. The top-level appointment certainly lends a great deal of weight and credibility to the new association.

[Source: F1-Live]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>f1f1 associationF1Associationformula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationluca cordero di montezemololuca montezemoloLucaCorderoDiMontezemoloLucaMontezemolomontezemolo2008-08-05T18:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota reduces Japanese workforce by 800]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/toyota-reduces-japanese-workforce-by-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/toyota-reduces-japanese-workforce-by-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/toyota-reduces-japanese-workforce-by-800/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sinking sales at its Lexus luxury division have prompted Toyota to lay off some 800 workers at a Japanese plant where certain Lexus models are assembled. All 800 workers were temporary hires provided by an outside agency, and Toyota claims that at least 500 of the temps will be brought back at some point in the future. It seems that Toyota, along with other Japanese automakers, are increasingly using these temporary workers so that they can more easily adjust their payroll to changing market conditions. This tactic has drawn the ire of many in Japan, a country where loyalty is seen as extremely important. In total, Toyota's daily sales rate dropped by 18% last month while Lexus saw an even larger 25% fall, by far the largest of all the major Japanese brands.

[Source: The Detroit News]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>lexuslexus lay offslexus layoffsLexusLayoffstoyotatoyota lay offstoyota layoffsToyotaLayoffs2008-08-05T16:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tesla hires ex-Ford exec as new CFO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/tesla-hires-ex-ford-exec-as-new-cfo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/tesla-hires-ex-ford-exec-as-new-cfo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/tesla-hires-ex-ford-exec-as-new-cfo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster.

Tesla Motors continues its hiring spree by bringing on Deepak Ahuja to serve as the company's CFO. Ahuja comes by way of the Ford Motor Company, where he was heading up the project to bring small European Ford's to America. Prior to that, Ahuja carried various other important financial roles with Ford and Mazda. Tesla's goal of becoming "the next great American automobile company" is a brash one, but much more likely to pan out with the proper people at the helm. Considering the rate at which Tesla Motors has been bringing on talent, including the recent addition of Franz von Holzhausen as Design Director, it is clear that the budding automaker takes its goal rather seriously. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Tesla Motors]

Continue reading Tesla hires ex-Ford exec as new CFO

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>deepak ahujaDeepakAhujateslatesla cfotesla motorstesla motors cfotesla roadstertesla-motorstesla-roadsterTeslaCfoTeslaMotorsTeslaMotorsCfoTeslaRoadster2008-08-05T08:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[BREAKING: Franz von Holzhausen leaving Mazda for Tesla Motors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/franz-von-holzhausen-leaving-mazda-for-tesla-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/franz-von-holzhausen-leaving-mazda-for-tesla-motors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/franz-von-holzhausen-leaving-mazda-for-tesla-motors/#commentsFiled under:



It's already on Wikipedia so it must be true. We've just received confirmation from Tesla Motors that the upstart electric car company has somehow managed to snag Mazda's top designer to become its new Design Director and head up a team of in-house designers at a new studio. Franz von Holzhausen is the current rock star of the automobile design world, having been the creative force behind the last few year's worth of Mazda concepts that include the Nagare and Furai, as well as overseeing the design of all Mazda production vehicles in North America since February 2005. von Holzhausen has also been a designer at both General Motors and Volkswagen.

This is a major coup for Tesla, as its current Roadster was designed entirely by Lotus. The company's chairman, Elon Musk, reportedly hand-picked von Holzhausen to design the rest of Tesla's electric car range that will include both a mainstream sedan and sport compact.

A press release is on its way from Tesla Motors and will be added to this post when it arrives. Thanks for the tip, Antontio and David!

[Source: Car Design News]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingFranz von HolzhausenFranzVonHolzhausenmazdatesla motorsTeslaMotors2008-08-04T16:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Harald J. Wester replaces Roberto Ronchi as Maserati CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/harald-j-wester-replaces-roberto-ronchi-as-maserati-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/harald-j-wester-replaces-roberto-ronchi-as-maserati-ceo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/harald-j-wester-replaces-roberto-ronchi-as-maserati-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Turnover rates at the top of the chain at Maserati continue to rise as the Trident marque searches for stability and growth. Since taking over Maserati from De Tomaso, the Fiat Group has appointed a long stream of executives to lead the marque. None have seemed to pass muster, however. Martin Leach (previously head of Ford in Europe) was replaced by former Rolls-Royce chief Karl Heinz Kalbfell in 2005, who was subsequently axed in favor of Roberto Ronchi in 2006. Now, following the departure of the company's North American head James Selwa earlier this year, comes news of yet another leadership change at Maserati.

Harald J. Wester has stepped up to the plate to take the reins at Maserati. Wester started his career at Volkswagen, then moved to Audi, Ferrari, and Magna Steyr before being hired as Chief Technical Officer for the Fiat Group, a position he will continue to execute in parallel to his leadership of Maserati. Wester is a heavy hitter, but so were many of the others who have gone through the big revolving door in Modena. If Wester manages to perpetuate the company's profitability and follow up on the success of the GranTurismo and Quattroporte with new, exciting models, we'll be sold...and hopefully Fiat Group chief Sergio Marchionne will be, too.

[Sources: Italiaspeed and Automotive News Europe]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>harald j. westerHaraldJ.Westermaseratimaserati ceomaserati chief executiveMaseratiCeoMaseratiChiefExecutiveroberto ronchiRobertoRonchiwester2008-08-03T13:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[The next sibling rivalry? Nakajima Jr climbs the formula racing ladder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kazuki NakajimaThe formula racing world is rife with the offspring of long-retired F1 drivers making a name for themselves: Rosberg and Piquet are already in F1, Jacques Villeneuve has already come and gone, and the Mansell brothers are working their way up, to name just a few. But since both the Schumacher brothers have retired, Formula One has been lacking that sibling rivalry. (Mind you, with Michael having won more championships than Ralf did races, it wasn't much of a competition).

However, we might get to see some serious brother-on-brother, wheel-to-wheel action in the near future. With his older sibling Kazuki (pictured at right) already racing for Williams-Toyota, 18-year-old Daisuki Nakajima is competing in the Japanese Formula 3 championship. Their father Satoru, who raced in about 80 grands prix in the late 80's and early 90's, says that Daisuki could be even faster than Kazuki. If that's the case, the younger Nakajima could find his way into F1 within the next couple of years, and then it'll be on.

[Source: F1-Live | Photo: Morio]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>daisuki nakajimaDaisukiNakajimaf1f1 brothersf1 rivalryf1 sonsF1BrothersF1RivalryF1Sonsformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekazuki nakajimaKazukiNakajimanakajimasatorusatoru nakajimaSatoruNakajima2008-08-03T08:10:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM to cut 5,000 salaried workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/gm-to-cut-5-000-salaried-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/gm-to-cut-5-000-salaried-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/gm-to-cut-5-000-salaried-workers/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors is looking to reduce its salaried (read: non-unionized) workforce by 5,000 employees by the end of the year, leaving the beleaguered automaker with 27,000 white-collar jobs in total. This 15% head-count reduction is part of an ongoing effort to trim costs as the automaker continues to hemorrhage cash.

Also on the docket are early retirement plans offered to a select group of workers close to retirement age, while employees who choose to stay won't be getting raises until 2010 at the earliest. If GM reaches its reduction goals, the automaker will have shed its salaried workforce by 17,000 people in the last decade alone.

[Source: The Detroit News]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>buyoutgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm layoffsGmLayoffslayoffs2008-07-30T18:32:00+00:00