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[Nissan to take on domestics with commercial truck in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sensing the ripe market opportunity, Nissan will start producing various light-commercial and medium-duty trucks in 2010. The targeted segment is currently dominated by Ford and GM, where the miscellaneous cabs and frames are used to produce such vehicles as dump trucks, tow trucks, and school buses. Now, Nissan wants a piece of the pie. Larry Dominique, Nissan's VP of product planning, wouldn't disclose details right now, but he did say that a handful of new products will be needed to satisfy the new commercial truck dealers - and Nissan is more than willing to oblige. Joe Castelli, the former director of Ford's commercial trucks (and now a VP of commercial trucks at Nissan), said the Japanese automaker will be pulling from their global stable of commercial components (branded Atlas and Atleon in other markets) to quickly adapt them for the U.S. market. Nissan's official commercial truck plans will be announced in January at the Detroit Auto Show, and we'll be there to judge reactions.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Commerical TrucksCommericalTrucksLight TrucksLightTrucksManufacturingNissanTruck2008-08-27T18:01:00+00:00<![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[Ford investing $75M to switch Michigan Truck plant from trucks to cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click above to view more high-res shots of the Euro-Focus

News flash: small cars like the Ford Focus are selling beyond expectations (ours anyway) while trucks and SUVs are sitting on dealer lots much longer than auto manufacturers would like. For this reason, Ford is moving as quickly as possible to switch a few of its truck plants into car plants, including its Michigan Truck plant where behemoth SUVs like the Expedition and Navigator were being built. The switchover is going to cost the automaker since these are not flexible manufacturing facilities, with the first bit of retooling ringing the registers to the tune of $75 million bucks -- and that's just for a new bodyshop. The total cost to retool the plant will be in the hundreds of millions. As they say, it takes money to make money. While the plant is being refurbished, workers will be shuffled to the nearby Wayne plant to build even more Focuses. The best bit of news, though, is that Ford will finally be building its small cars from Europe at its converted truck plant, the ones we've all been asking for since the Euro-Focus got a new platform and we didn't. Not that we're still sour or anything...

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus


[Source: The Detroit News]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>euro focuseuro fordeuro ford focuseuro fordsEuroFocusEuroFordEuroFordFocusEuroFordseuropean fordeuropean ford focuseuropean fordsEuropeanFordEuropeanFordFocusEuropeanFordsford focusFordFocusmichigan truckMichiganTruckwayne assembly plantwayne plantWayneAssemblyPlantWaynePlant2008-08-26T15:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota tops GMAC as the biggest U.S. auto lender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/toyota-tops-gmac-as-the-biggest-u-s-auto-lender/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/toyota-tops-gmac-as-the-biggest-u-s-auto-lender/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/toyota-tops-gmac-as-the-biggest-u-s-auto-lender/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota Financial Services recently leaped over GMAC Financial services to take the lead as the biggest U.S. auto lender in terms of loan and lease contract volume. The study by AutoCount (a unit of the Experian Automotive company) estimates that Toyota captured 6.35% of the market from January through June, while GMAC had 6.2% for a close second place. Rounding out the top five were Chase Auto Finance, American Honda Finance, and Ford Credit (in that order).

As GMAC has made major cutbacks in leasing over the summer, many industry experts expect Toyota to hold its lead through the end of the year. A spokesperson from GMAC was quick to point out that the study did not include two wholly owned subsidiaries: Nuvel Credit and National Auto Finance. When those two companies are included, GMAC's share increases to 6.72 percent -- effectively placing them at the top again. While the automakers battle for the title position, the independent banks are the ones to watch. They've been steadily increasing their lending share as the Detroit 3 struggle with the rising costs of funds and declining credit ratings.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AutoCountBiggestbiggest U.S. lenderBiggestU.s.LenderExperianfirst placeFirstPlacegmacgmacfinancialleaseloanToyota Financial ServicesToyota FinancingToyotaFinancialServicesToyotaFinancing2008-08-25T18:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nano plant protests may cause Tata to reconsider]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/nano-plant-protests-may-cause-tata-to-reconsider/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/nano-plant-protests-may-cause-tata-to-reconsider/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/nano-plant-protests-may-cause-tata-to-reconsider/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Tato Nano

Fueling speculation that the Tata protests last week may have been much more effective than originally reported, India's Tata Motors Ltd has said it will move the upcoming Tata Nano plant from its planned eastern India location if the violent protests don't end. The tension is between the industry that is pushing for the 1,000-acre plant and the farmers who wish to retain the land for agricultural use. After the unveiling of the plant in January, which was hailed by the state's ruling Communists, the protests have been gathering steam. It eventually led to the violent clash last week as more than 1,000 people marched against the planned facility. The announcement from Tata Motors is significant as the company has invested more than 1,500 crore rupees ($350 million) in the project so far, and there is no alternate plan to replace the facility at Singur (although the Nano is going to be manufactured at other plants, as well). In addition, other manufacturers who are expanding into India (including Nissan, Renault, GM, and Hyundai) are watching the unfolding events very closely as they plan their next moves.

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>CommunistsCroreFarmersIndiaProtestsRupeesSingurTataTata Motors LtdTataMotorsLtdViolence2008-08-25T08:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[More shots of Chevy Cruze from Lordstown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/more-shots-of-chevy-cruze-from-lordstown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for more new live shots of the 2011 Chevy Cruze

Yesterday's announcement by General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner that his company would invest $500 million in the U.S. to build the 2011 Chevy Cruze was perhaps most welcomed by the workers at GM's assembly plant in Lordstown, OH where the car will be built. That plant is getting a $350 million shot in the arm to gear up for the Cruze, which appeared on stage with Wagoner for the announcement. The car on hand was only a foam model, but it looks ready to drive away in (just don't lean on the doors), and these new images give us a few more views of the Cruze not afforded by the official images of a red car released by GM yesterday. Cruze news will probably be hard to come by until October when the car makes its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show, so until then we're left wondering how well it will match up against the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, next-gen Focus and the rest of the compact sedan segment.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze


[Source: GM, Photos by Bill Pugliano/Getty and David A. DeNoma]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2011 chevy cruze2011ChevyCruzechevychevy cruzeChevyCruzecruzeparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShow2008-08-22T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM announces $350 million for Lordstown plant to bulid Chevy Cruze]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/gm-announces-350-million-for-lordstown-plant-to-bulid-chevy-cru/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Cruze

The 2011 Chevy Cruze is a big deal. It's not Tom Cruise big, but when was the last time GM offered a truly competitive small car? The Cobalt has been around since 2005, and the Cavalier dates back to 1982. So it's been at least 26 years of Chevy offering a back of the pack small car. The Cruze is a bit different, having been developed not by GM's designers and engineers in North America, but by its European and Asia Pacific teams. It will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and go on sale in Europe and Asia next year. About a year after that the Cruze will go on sale in the U.S., and that version will be built at GM's plant in Lordstown, OH. GM CEO Rick Wagoner was at the plant today to announce a $500 million investment in its U.S. operations to build the Cruze here, with more than $350 million earmarked for the Lordstown plant where the current Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 are built.

The Lordstown plant will likely build the new Cruze side-by-side with the Cobalt and G5 for a while until the latter two are phased out. It rides on GM's new compact Delta platform, which itself will eventually underpin a number of new products including the highly anticipated Volt, the next-gen Astra and an upcoming MPV to replace the Euro-only Zafira that's likely coming to the U.S., as well.

UPDATE: Two live shots of the Cruze from today's announcement from GM's Lordstown plant have been added to the gallery.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Cruze


[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM announces $350 million for Lordstown plant to bulid Chevy Cruze

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2011 chevy cruze2011ChevyCruzechevychevy cruzechevy cruze lordstownChevyCruzeChevyCruzeLordstowncruzecruze lordstownCruzeLordstown2008-08-21T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Police and protestors clash at future site of Tata Nano plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano

Raze 1,000-acres of farmland to build an automobile factory, and somebody is going to protest. Even in India. The automaker is Tata, and the protesters numbered at least 1,000 strong as they went head-to-head against police in eastern India yesterday at the future manufacturing site of the Tata Nano (rumored to be the world's cheapest car at just $2,380). The protests are rooted deeper than just "open space" issues. In fact, the real tension is between India's ruling party, and the communist-run government in West Bengal where the plant is to be located. The farmers are unwilling to part with their agricultural livelihood, while the government continues to promote industry. After blocking a highway for a few hours, the stick-wielding protesters were dispersed without injuries. Once again, progress wins out over pastures.

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>clashfactoryfarmlandmanufacturingplantpoliceprotestsriottata nanotata nano successorTataNanoTataNanoSuccessor2008-08-21T14:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Movie studio looking to move into Ford's abandoned Wixom plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/movie-studio-looking-to-move-into-fords-abandoned-wixom-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/movie-studio-looking-to-move-into-fords-abandoned-wixom-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/movie-studio-looking-to-move-into-fords-abandoned-wixom-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

After over a year of being shuttered, Ford's abandoned plant in Wixom, Michigan could get a new lease on life in the form of a movie studio. Rumor has it that Warner Brothers Pictures is considering taking up residence in the ex-auto plant for a short period, though Ford may want something a bit more long-term. The production company has confirmed that it toured the plant for the first time about four months ago with officials from Ford present. When contacted for comment, a Ford spokesperson said only that the automaker would prefer to do something worthwhile with its old plant, but had no announcements to make.

Measuring in at over four-million square-feet, the old building has plenty of room and Warner Bros. would build a "small city" around the space, hiring between sixty and one-hundred permanent employees plus many part-timers and contract workers -- certainly a boon for the city's lagging economy -- not to mention starting the careers of a whole new generation of paparazzi.

[Source: The Detroit News]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>warner broswarner bros.warner brothersWarnerBrosWarnerBros.WarnerBrotherswixomwixom michiganwixom plantWixomMichiganWixomPlant2008-08-21T08:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford slashing F-150 customization by 90 percent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click on the pic above for our high-res 2009 Ford F-150 gallery

As staggering as it may seem, the 2008 Ford F-150 pickup can be ordered in billions of different combinations. That's all going to change for 2009. In an effort to reduce complexity and cut spiraling costs in the process, Ford will be slashing the number of possible F-150 configurations by 90 percent. The automaker isn't leaving the rest of the lineup alone either. The Ford Expedition goes from 250,000 combos down to fewer than 10,000. The 2009 Lincoln MKS debuts with about 300 combinations, and the 2010 Ford Focus will offer only about 150, which is 95 percent fewer than the current model. Are you in the market for a 2009 Ford F-150 and worried that you won't be able to get it exactly the way you want? Don't fret, Ford will still offer more than 9 million combinations for next year's model, including a brown one we presume.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2009 F-1502009F-150configurationscustomizationF-150FordFord ExpeditionFord FocusFordExpeditionFordFocusLincoln MKSLincolnMksoptionsreduce optionsReduceOptions2008-08-18T13:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cologne plant begins pumping out 2009 Ford Fiesta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/cologne-plant-begins-pumping-out-new-fiesta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiesta beginning production

Ford has finally begun production of the all-new 2009 Ford Fiesta in Cologne, Germany, today. After an investment of 455 million Euros (about $674 million) to restructure and modernize the plant, Ford is expecting its 4,000 employees will be able to roll out 148,000 Fiestas by the end of the year, which is an impressive 1,900 cars each day). In January 2009, the Valencia plant in Spain will also begin building the Fiesta. There are also production plants in China, Thailand, and Mexico that are tooling up for the newest small Ford in order to meet worldwide demand, which finally includes the U.S. where it will also be sold in both sedan and hatchback configurations around 2010. Based on the Verve concept, the new compact is exactly what the automaker needs in today's efficiency-conscious marketplace, and its stylish enough not to be considered a cheapskate or eco-geek while driving.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta begins production


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Cologne plant begins pumping out 2009 Ford Fiesta

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ChinaCologneFiestaFord FiestaFordFiestaManufacturingMexicoThailand2008-08-14T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford: We can make money on small cars!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/ford-we-can-make-money-on-small-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Focus

For years, enthusiasts have been clamoring for Euro-only Blue Oval models to be sold in American dealerships. This dream is finally coming true, starting with the new Ford Fiesta and next-gen 2010 Ford Focus. Mark Fields has revealed that the European Focus and Foci built in North America will share 90% of their parts compared to just 20% today. Not only will this make for better cars, it also allows Ford to realize a double-digit profit improvement on each Focus compared to what it's earning today. This is certainly a positive development, as the automaker believes that the small car segment will nearly double in the next few years. We're inclined to agree unless Exxon discovers that the Earth's core is made of crude. The other part of Ford's plan is to make its North American plants flexible enough to respond quickly to the ever-changing U.S. market, which is something Toyota, Honda and other import automakers assembling vehicles in this country have already done with great effects.

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford: We can make money on small cars!

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>2010 ford focus2010FordFocusfordford fiestaford focusFordFiestaFordFocussmall carsmall carsSmallCarSmallCars2008-08-13T16:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler expanding Detroit plant for car-based Grand Cherokee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/chrysler-expanding-detroit-plant-for-car-based-grand-cherokee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for big gallery of the current Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has a long and illustrious history with the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and that lineage will continue on, albeit with some modifications to remain relevant to the times. Unlike many of its closest rivals that used a body-on-frame approach (we're looking at you, Explorer), the Grand Cherokee has always been based on a unibody platform. But it looks like future Grand Cherokees will be moving on to a car-based platform rather than its own dedicated one. To retool for this new vehicle program, Chrysler has announced that its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit will be getting a $1.8 billion renovation that should employ 400 new workers -- a boon for the weary Detroit-area economy.

While purists may not like the idea of a car-based Grand Cherokee, we can't imagine that Chrysler would make the mistake of alienating its vast army of die-hard Jeep fans by making its flagship product too road-biased. Remember too that the Grand Cherokee name has always been affixed to a model that's a bit less rough-and-tumble than other more hardcore Jeep models like the Wrangler. Expect to see the next-gen Grand Cherokee sometime in 2010. Thanks for the tip, Roger!

[Sources: Dow Jones Newswire, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>grand cherokeeGrandCherokeejeepjeep crossoverjeep cuvjeep grand cherokeeJeepCrossoverJeepCuvJeepGrandCherokeejefferson northjefferson north assembly plantJeffersonNorthJeffersonNorthAssemblyPlantnew grand cherokeeNewGrandCherokeeunibody jeepUnibodyJeep2008-08-13T15:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota to start building Highlander in U.S. six months early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/toyota-to-start-building-highlander-in-u-s-six-months-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from our review

Up to this point, all Highlanders destined for the U.S. have been built in Japan. Toyota had planned to start building a new, redesigned Highlander in late 2009 at its plant in Tupelo, Mississippi, a factory that is still under construction, but the rapidly slumping SUV market prompted it to postpone the vehicle's redesign to 2010. Things change quickly in this business, however, and because its plant in Princeton, Indiana that builds the full-size Tundra is now sitting idle, Toyota has decided to use that capacity to start building the Highlander in the fall of 2009. The Tupelo plant, meanwhile, will instead start building the Prius here in the U.S. when its construction is completed in 2010. All this flip flopping of production can be done because of the flexible manufacturing that was built into each of Toyota's plants, and the positive end result is that its workers can keep working rather than sitting at home without a paycheck.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>princeton indianaPrincetonIndianatoyotatoyota highlanderToyotaHighlandertupelo mississippiTupeloMississippi2008-08-12T14:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac places DTS/STS replacement on hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for our high-res 2008 Cadillac STS gallery

It may be the end of the Big Cadillac. Not only has General Motors put plans for a DTS/STS replacement on the back burner, but apparently the flame is close to being extinguished as consumers are demanding smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Cadillac's banner year was 1954 (the year Elvis was driving a pink '54 model). Back then, the big Caddys represented wealth and success (and gas was only $.25 per gallon). Today, a 4,000-pound super-sized sedan averaging 15 mpg in the city cycle doesn't bode well with anyone. With plans for their replacement on hold, and the rumor that the DTS/STS my be combined into one new vehicle unconfirmed, GM is focusing on coupe and wagon versions of the CTS and smaller and more fuel efficient SUVs. For the record, we don't consider the just-announced $71,000 2009 Escalade Hybrid smaller and more efficient....

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac STS


[Source: Bloomberg]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Cadillac DTSCadillac STSCadillacDtsCadillacStscanceledcancelledceasedelayedendedproduction stopProductionStop2008-08-12T14:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler asks UAW for 10-hour, four-day workweek]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/chrysler-asks-uaw-for-10-hour-four-day-workweek/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/chrysler-asks-uaw-for-10-hour-four-day-workweek/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/chrysler-asks-uaw-for-10-hour-four-day-workweek/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an effort to cut down on travel and energy costs, Chrysler is said to be in negotiations with the United Auto Workers Union to switch from five, eight-hour days down to four days with ten-hour shifts. We first heard this scheme mentioned as a possibility for the Jeep Factory in Toledo, Ohio, though it now appears as if all but the few plants turning in high amounts of overtime would be affected if the UAW agrees to allow Chrysler to make the scheduling change. As is typical with the new Cerberus-owned automaker, the Chrylser LLC isn't giving out any information on specific savings targets, though preliminary figures put the reduction at something close to -- but under -- $10 million a year. The new shifts are already underway at a Chrysler distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>chryslerchrysler work weekChryslerWorkWeekfour day shiftFourDayShiftten hour daysTenHourDayswork weekWorkWeek2008-08-11T17:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford talks tough on quality, promises best-built small cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/ford-talks-tough-on-quality-promises-best-built-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/ford-talks-tough-on-quality-promises-best-built-small-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/ford-talks-tough-on-quality-promises-best-built-small-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Fiesta


Not wanting to take second place to anyone, especially Toyota, Ford is vowing that its new line of Euro small cars, including the new Fiesta and next-gen Focus, will launch in the U.S. with the best quality in the industry. That's the official word from Bennie Fowler, Ford's VP of Global Quality. To accomplish this goal for the 2010 model year, Ford will send a handful of UAW workers to Wayne State University where they will become certified "Six Sigma Black Belts" (a.k.a. quality experts with the coolest certification ever) and take their learned expertise back to the assembly plants. The industry average right now is about 1,300 problems per 1,000 vehicles. Ford is promising that its new line of small cars from Europe will have just 800 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles. It is a target that bests their Japanese rival, but it still leaves us wondering why they wouldn't just aim for zero problems?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: The Detroit News]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Black BeltBlackBeltHigh QualityHighQualityLow issuesLowIssuesProblemsQualityQualtiySix SigmaSixSigmaToyotaUAW2008-08-11T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota Camry Solara Convertible saved from Gallows Pole]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/toyota-camry-solara-convertible-saved-from-gallows-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/toyota-camry-solara-convertible-saved-from-gallows-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/toyota-camry-solara-convertible-saved-from-gallows-pole/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Did Toyota get some silver? Did it get a little gold? What did it get, to keep the Camry Solara Convertible from the Gallows Pole*? According to Steve St. Angelo, president of Toyota's Kentucky operations and of no relation to Robert Plant, Toyota got a lot of grief from customers and dealers who didn't want to see the drop-top swinging from the Gallow's Pole. The Hangman was supposed to come for the Solara 'Vert this month, but production has now been extended for two full years. Automotive News reports that Toyota only sold 28,479 units of the Solara Coupe and Convertible in all of 2007, and while the majority were likely 'verts, the number still seems too low to argue that demand was high enough to give it two years' worth of extra production. St. Angelo also didn't clarify if the Solara Coupe would enjoy the convertible's amnesty or not. Regardless, the Hangman's wrong on this one and the Solara should be swinging.

*for those too young to remember Led Zeppelin's 'Gallows Pole', click here.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>camry solaracamry solara convertibleCamrySolaraCamrySolaraConvertiblesolara convertibleSolaraConvertibletoyotatoyota camry solara convertibleToyotaCamrySolaraConvertible2008-08-11T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/final-first-gen-mini-convertible-rolls-down-the-line/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk

Fans of the MINI Cooper Convertible take note: the last of the first-generation R52 models has now rolled off the assembly line. The last of the breed was a Cooper S with the Sidewalk package, painted metallic White Silver. If you were hoping to get your hands on this climactic machine, don't get your hopes up -- it's already been sold. Don't fret, though, there is a good side to this story. This stoppage was all planned, of course, and it means that the line will begin retooling for the second-generation R57 model. The next MINI convertible will be powered by the newer BMW/PSA/Peugeot-Citroen 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that should make it a little more frugal than before. Also of note are the new pop-up roll bars that replace the fixed units from the older model. Lastly, the R57 convertible will come in a few new colors, including Interchange Yellow (think hi-liter), Space Blue and the Hot Chocolate hue that had previously only been available on the Clubman.

Gallery: MINI Cooper Convertible Sidewalk


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading Final first-gen MINI convertible rolls down the line

 

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>minimini convertiblemini coopermini cooper convertiblemini cooper sidewalkmini sidewalkMiniConvertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperConvertibleMiniCooperSidewalkMiniSidewalkr52r57r57 miniR57Mini2008-08-07T17:29:00+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