Autoblog Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Autoblog Hirings/Firings/Layoffs http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Hirings/Firings/Layoffs http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Ford family keeps special voting rights]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/#comments Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

Ford Motor Company has a dual-class stock structure of Class A and Class B shares. The roughly three billion Class A shares are for the general public like you and me, while the roughly 71 million Class B shares are all owned by the Ford family. Each Class A share gets the shareholder one vote, each Class B share is worth 16 votes, the result being that Common Stock holders control about 60 percent of the company while the Ford family controls 40 percent even though it holds far fewer shares. The only way that could ever change would be if the Fords sell their Class B shares, but even so, Class B shares revert to Class A when sold outside the family, so they'd have to sell a whole bunch of them.

A contingent of Class A shareholders think the dual-class system is unfair, and for the past few years a vote's been held during the annual shareholders meeting to end it. It has failed every time, as it just did again during the meeting held this week. A smidge over 33 percent voted to end the dual system, outvoted by the 67 percent who are happy with the way Ford is going - unsurprising in view of a corporate turnaround that will be part of business-class curricula for years to come.

On the sidelines, Ford elected Ellen R. Marram to the post of independent director, the first woman to hold the job. The former Tropicana CEO and 20-year Ford board member replaces retiring board member Irvine Hockaday who helped bring Alan Mulally to the CEO position.

Ford family keeps special voting rights originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bill ford jr.board of directorsellen marramfordford familystocks Fri, 10 May 2013 18:30:00 EST

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20564983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bill-ford-alan-mulally-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bill-ford-alan-mulally-628.jpg <![CDATA[Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/masamichi-kogai-new-mazda-president-and-ceo/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Japan, Mazda

There's some executive rearranging going on in the top suite at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, with current CEO Takashi Yamanouchi telling reporters there "I'd like to hand over the work to younger people" now that the company has returned to profitability. Yamanouchi became CEO on November 19, 2008 of an independent Mazda that had to fight for its future in the immediate aftermath of the global financial crisis. What followed was four years of losses before finally getting back to black last year.

Masamichi Kogai (pictured) will be appointed the new president and CEO on June 25, pending approval at the company's annual general shareholders' meeting. Kogai assisted Seita Kanai with the production-efficiency initiative that Mazda called Mono Tsukuri Innovation, which worked to give export-dependent Mazda the best chance at profitability in spite of a rising yen. Kogai, lately in charge of production and purchasing, has been with the company since 1977 and worked in areas from R&D to logistics.

Kanai, who headed the Mono Tsukuri effort and was among the leadership on Skyactiv, will be promoted from executive vice president to vice chairman. Akira Marumoto will become executive VP of Mazda and assistant to new president Kogai. Yamanouchi will remain Chairman of the Board. There's a short press release below to make it official.

Continue reading Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO

Masamichi Kogai new Mazda president and CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ceomasamichi kogaimazdamono tsukuriseita kanaiTakashi Yamanouchi Fri, 10 May 2013 09:33:00 EST

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20564795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/masamichi-kogai-mazda-ceo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/masamichi-kogai-mazda-ceo.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez to step down?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/aston-martin-boss-ulrich-bez-to-step-down/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Aston Martin

According to a report in Autocar, Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez is expected to step down and take "a more ambassadorial role" with the company at the end of this year. The magazine states that an Aston Martin spokesperson declined to comment on this rumor, but a new boss is expected to be put in place this summer, giving that person time to work with Bez during the transition period.

Bez joined Aston Martin as CEO in July 2000, when the company was owned by the Ford Motor Company as part of the Premier Automotive Group, and stayed in this position after the brand's sale to a group of investors led by Prodrive boss David Richards. During his tenure, Bez has been credited with pushing the DB7 to success, as well as spearheading the launch of the current, modern Aston Martin range.

If a new CEO is, in fact, to be announced this summer, we expect to have official word coming in the next few months. Stay tuned.

Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez to step down? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martindr ulrich bezulrich bez Sat, 04 May 2013 10:58:00 EST

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20556395 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/159526713_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/159526713.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/#comments Filed under: Minivan/Van, Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford Kansas City

Continued high demand for the Ford F-150, along with the addition of the all-new Transit series of commercial vehicles, has led Ford to announce that it will add over 2,000 jobs at its Kansas City Assembly Plant. At the time of the announcement, the plant boasts 2,450 hourly employees working on two shifts. All told, Ford will invest $1.1 billion in the Kansas City plant to expand truck production and begin producing the Transit series.

According to the automaker, fullsize truck sales are up 19 percent through April of 2013, leading to an additional 900 workers and a third shift of production for the F-150. Production of the Transit series will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, requiring an additional 1,100 workers. In addition, Ford estimates that a total of 18,000 jobs will be created by suppliers to its Kansas City plant to support the additional vehicle production.

Want to know more? Scroll down for the complete press release.

Continue reading Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City

Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford f-150ford kansas city assembly plantford transitkansas city Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

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20555539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-kansas-city_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-kansas-city.jpg <![CDATA[Anthony Foxx nominated by Obama to be next Transportation Secretary [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/anthony-foxx-nominated-by-obama-to-be-next-transportation-secret/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/anthony-foxx-nominated-by-obama-to-be-next-transportation-secret/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/anthony-foxx-nominated-by-obama-to-be-next-transportation-secret/#comments Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Anthony Foxx

Anthony Foxx, labeled by President Obama as "one of the most effective mayors Charlotte [North Carolina] has ever seen," has been nominated by the President to be the next Secretary of Transportation. Foxx would take over for Ray LaHood, who announced that he would be stepping down a few months ago.

President Obama had only positive things to say about Mr. LaHood, who had previously served in Congress as a Republican, calling him "a model for the kind of bipartisan approach to governance I think we need so badly in this town." Foxx had been a Democrat, but said during the nomination speech, "There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican road, bridge, port, airfield or rail system."

Scroll down below to see a video from CBS News highlighting Obama's announcement and Foxx's acceptance.

Continue reading Anthony Foxx nominated by Obama to be next Transportation Secretary [w/video]

Anthony Foxx nominated by Obama to be next Transportation Secretary [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> anthony foxxanthony foxx secretary of transportationanthonyfoxxsecretaryoftransportationnational highway traffic safety administrationobamaobama transportation nomineeobamatransportationnomineeray lahoodtransportation secretary Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST

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20552424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/anthony-foxx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/anthony-foxx.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Celebrities

Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova with Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Russian-born tennis superstar Maria Sharapova has just inked a three-year deal with Porsche to be its brand ambassador, a position that will put her on a global campaign for the German automaker. The 26-year-old athlete isn't new to the role - she previously signed a similar three-year deal with Land Rover in 2006.

"Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars," explained Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG, during the announcement. "Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation," he added.

Some consider Porsche's choice of a female tennis player as its ambassador interesting, if not surprising. The automaker has traditionally marketed its vehicles with a masculine edge - Sharapova and the sport of tennis position the brand in a different light - likely an intentional decision. Do you think Porsche's choice was a good one? If not, who would you choose as its global ambassador?

Continue reading Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador

Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brand ambassadormaria sharapovamaria sharapova gallerymaria sharapova picturesporscheporsche maria sharapovasharapovatennis Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST

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20547547 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maria-sharapova-porsche-005-1366732520_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maria-sharapova-porsche-005-1366732520.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/#comments Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

The redesigned Volkswagen Passat has been a decent seller since its debut in 2011, but sales have apparently dropped off enough that the automaker is trimming some of the employees from its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen will be cutting shifts and laying off 500 contracted workers in response to slowing sales.

Currently, the plant has three teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Saturday, but starting May 13, this will be reduced down to two teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday. This will be done to reduce dealer inventory (the article says that VW dealers, on average, have a 97-day supply of Passats) and production capacity (currently running at an annual pace of 170,000 units, which is more than the 150,000 annual units the plant was planned to produce).

This, of course, isn't saying that the Passat has been a failure since VW added 200 full-time employees to the plant in February 2012 to keep up with increased demand. The AN article says that automakers frequently overstaff plants during the launch of a new product - or in this case, a new product and a new plant - but eventually reduce the workers as things run smoother and more efficiently.

Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chattanoogalayoffsvolkswagenvolkswagen chattanoogavolkswagen passatvw Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST

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20545930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-vw-chattanooga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-vw-chattanooga.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus ES350 confirmed for Kentucky production starting in 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/#comments Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Lexus, Luxury

Following Thursday's report, Toyota has confirmed that production of the Lexus ES will move to its Georgetown, KY assembly plant starting in 2015. To accommodate the extra 50,000 units of capacity that the ES represents, Toyota will be investing $360 million in the plant and hiring 750 new workers.

In the previous report, sources stated that the state of Kentucky had offered Toyota as much as $146.5 million to move ES production to the Georgetown facility.

The press release, posted below, specifies that only the ES350 will be built in Kentucky, so it's likely that the ES300h hybrid will continue to be built in Japan - where all ES models have been built since the car was introduced in 1989. Toyota's Georgetown plant, which currently builds the Toyota Camry, will also be getting an expansion to its engine plant to produce more four-cylinder engines at a cost of $30 million and will create an additional 80 jobs.

Continue reading Lexus ES350 confirmed for Kentucky production starting in 2015

Lexus ES350 confirmed for Kentucky production starting in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> georgetown kentuckylexuslexus eslexus es350made in americatoyota motor manufacturing kentucky Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:28:00 EST

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20545735 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota offered $146.5 million to build Lexus ES in Kentucky]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/toyota-offered-146-5-million-to-build-lexus-es-in-kentucky/#comments Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Lexus, Luxury

2013 Lexus ES350

Toyota posted a media advisory yesterday saying that Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, and Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, would be making a production announcement tomorrow in New York City, and Automotive News reports that the automaker will be announcing a plan to domestically produce the Lexus ES. According to the report, numerous plants are competing to build the ES in North America, and the State of Kentucky has offered the automaker up to $146.5 million to build the luxury sedan at the Georgetown, KY assembly plant.

If Georgetown gets the ES, which has been built in Japan since its debut in 1989, it would be built alongside the Toyota Camry, which is somewhat ironic since in our review of the 2013 Lexus ES350, we wrote that this ES finally says "goodbye to its Camry roots." In order to get the whole amount offered, the article states that Toyota would have to invest $531.2 million and hire 570 full-time workers at the plant, which doesn't sound all that unreasonable since the plant would require an additional 50,000 units of annual production, not to mention the fact that the Georgetown facility is already at its capacity for building the Camry.

Toyota offered $146.5 million to build Lexus ES in Kentucky originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> georgetown kentuckylexuslexus estoyota Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:37:00 EST

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20544850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac executive appointments have global flair]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/cadillac-executive-appointments-have-global-flair/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/cadillac-executive-appointments-have-global-flair/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/cadillac-executive-appointments-have-global-flair/#comments Filed under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Luxury

Don Butler and Steve Majoros

Cadillac has rearranged its executive suite in order to take full advantage of its sales momentum. Don Butler is moving from his role as US VP of marketing to a newly created position with the title VP of global Cadillac strategic development. It will be his job to "drive the next phase of Cadillac growth internationally," planning strategy and developing new markets.

He will be replaced by Steve Majoros, an exec poached from Chevrolet's ad agency of record, Campbell Ewald. Majoros, who has the Chevrolet campaigns "Like a Rock" and "American Revolution" on his resume, will oversee Cadillac's US and international marketing.

Another component in the brand's renewed global focus includes conducting an ad agency review. Announced last month, Fallon Worldwide remains Cadillac's agency of record, but others, said to include Campbell Ewald, will be bidding to make the creative that helps Cadillac expand sales percentages by triple digits here and in China. Scroll down below for the official press release.

Continue reading Cadillac executive appointments have global flair

Cadillac executive appointments have global flair originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingcadillaccampbell ewalddon butlermarketingsteve majoros Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

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20542245 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-marketing-swap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-marketing-swap.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/chrysler-group-moves-around-execs-in-wake-of-recent-departure/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ram

Chrysler is busy shuffling executives around in the wake of Ram head Fred Diaz's departure. The automaker has named Reid Bigland (pictured, right) as Diaz's successor in the role of president and CEO of Ram, though Bigland will continue his duties as the head of US sales and the president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Bigland first came to Chrysler in 2006 from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, so the guy knows a thing or two about trucks.

Meanwhile, Timothy Kuniskis will take over as president and CEO of Dodge. Previously, he served as the head of Fiat in North America and has been with Chrysler in one capacity or another since 1992. His old title now falls to Jason Stoicevich, who will also continue to work as the director of the automaker's California Business Center. Finally, Bruno Cattori will take over as the president and CEO of Chrysler Mexico.

Diaz left his position to take over as a divisional vice president of sales and marketing with Nissan. You can read the full press release on the Chrysler personnel changes below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure

Chrysler Group moves around execs in wake of recent departure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerdodgefiatfred diazjason stoicevichramreid biglandtimothy kuniskis Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST

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20542424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/reid-bigland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan poaches Ram CEO Fred Diaz]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/nissan-poaches-ram-ceo-fred-diaz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/nissan-poaches-ram-ceo-fred-diaz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/nissan-poaches-ram-ceo-fred-diaz/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Nissan

Nissan has announced that it has hired Fred Diaz as its new divisional vice president of sales and marketing. With the appointment, Diaz unexpectedly exits his post as president and CEO of Chrysler's Ram brand, a position he has held since 2009 when the brand was created as a separate entity from Dodge. He was also president and CEO of Chrysler de Mexico.

Nissan issued a press released - posted below - in which it says that Diaz's newly formed position will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the brand in the US, including such facets as sales, marketing, parts and service, along with administrative matters. In addition, he will lead Nissan's light commercial vehicle and fleet division, likely a key attraction with his Ram background.

Chrysler has yet to name a replacement for Diaz.

Continue reading Nissan poaches Ram CEO Fred Diaz

Nissan poaches Ram CEO Fred Diaz originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fred diaznissannissan hires fred diaznissan north america Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

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20539222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fred-diaz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fred-diaz.jpg <![CDATA[Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/#comments Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Ferdinand and Ursula Piech

In a move seen as yet another way for the controlling Piech-Porsche family to leverage its muscle over the continent's biggest automaker, Ursula Piech - wife of chairman Ferdinand Piëch - is set to join the Audi supervisory board at the annual shareholder's meeting on May 16. Putting Piëch's wife, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, on the board is seen as just a formality as the Piëch and Porsche families already control more than 90 percent of the Porsche SE holding company (owner of a majority of Volkswagen common stock).

Although formally trained to educate young children, this isn't Ursula Piëch's first corporate role. In 2010, Piëch chose his wife to be deputy head of two Austria-based foundations that control owned stakes in Porsche and VW. She took a seat on the board of Wolfsburg-based VW almost a year ago.

Chairman Piëch will turn 76 next week, and his wife is set to take over her husband's interests when he dies.

Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferdinand piëchferdinand piechpiëchpiechpiech porsche volkswagensupervisory boardursula piechvolkswagenvwvwag Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST

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20536710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/piech-family_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/piech-family.jpg <![CDATA[Ex-GM VP LaNeve takes over Lincoln ad agency]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/ex-gm-vp-laneve-takes-over-lincoln-ad-agency/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/ex-gm-vp-laneve-takes-over-lincoln-ad-agency/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/ex-gm-vp-laneve-takes-over-lincoln-ad-agency/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Lincoln

Those of you that caught yesterday's op-ed about Lincoln will have heard already, but Mark LaNeve has taken the helm at Team Detroit. Once the North American vice president of sales, service and marketing for General Motors, LaNeve will now head up the agency that handles all of Ford advertising. LaNeve will also run the account for Lincoln. While at GM from 2001 to 2009, the exec oversaw ad campaigns like Cadillac's Breakthrough and sales initiatives like "Employee Pricing for Everyone."

He left in 2009 to join Allstate as chief marketing officer, oversaw the creation of the Mayhem ad spots and was moved into the role of VP of agency operations overseeing Allstate's 10,000 agents. He resigned from the insurer in February 2012 for personal reasons and joined Team Detroit in August 2012 as chief operating officer, in charge of satellite offices in New York and internationally. He replaces ex-CEO Cameron McNaughton, and will continue to hold the title of COO.

Lincoln is trying to get its 2013 back to rights after putting big dollar commercials for the 2013 MKZ on television then having production glitches preventing cars from getting to dealerships. With rumors of a relaunch in the works, it's no surprise LaNeve has been given the reins - and from here it looks like the brand is desperate for the kind of magic he's proved he can marshal. Perhaps he can start by calling a mulligan on the renaming exercise that gave us the hoary "Lincoln Motor Company" and go back to oh, say, "Lincoln." Then he can ask the product folks to get to work on the MKC concept...

Ex-GM VP LaNeve takes over Lincoln ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingceofordlincolnlincoln mkzmark lanevemarketingpromotionteam detroit Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:32:00 EST

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20534680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mark-laneve-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mark-laneve-250.jpg <![CDATA[Holden announces 500 job cuts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/holden-announces-500-job-cuts/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Holden, Australia

Nearly 500 employees of Holden, GM's Australian outpost, will be without jobs as the company adjusts to the high dollar, fierce competition from foreign rivals and lagging Commodore (shown above) and Cruze sales. In 2005, Holden sold 66,794 Commodore models. But that number plummeted to just 30,532 units last calendar year, prompting the automaker to lay off 170 workers just five months ago. With this latest round, about 100 jobs will be cut in its Melbourne product development facility and another 400 will be slashed at its Elizabeth plant, in South Australia, as the company slows production from 400 units to 335 units per day.

The Australian government has invested more than $2.2 billion ($2.29 billion US dollars) of its own funds to help Holden over the years, and there are future subsidies on the line, but many are questioning the investments. When Holden managing director Mike Devereux was asked about the brand's future, he was far from optimistic. "I cannot predict the future... I can't control what central banks do ... I cannot control the value of other currencies that we compete with and I cannot predict what that will do to our business.''

Holden announces 500 job cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiaholdenholden australiaholden commodoreholden cruzeholden layoffmanufacturing Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

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20534291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vf-calaisv-show-car-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-328-live/#comments Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Mini, Rumormill, Shanghai Motor Show, Fisker, Electric

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #328 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #328 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 328autoblog podcast topicsbmwbmw x4detroit electricdetroit electric sp01detroit electric sp:01long term garageminipodcast 328podcast topicssp01sp:01x4 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:51:00 EST

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20533164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker mass layoffs triggers federal lawsuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/07/fisker-mass-layoffs-triggers-federal-lawsuit/#comments Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

Turns out it's illegal to surprise three-quarters of your workforce with pink slips on a random Friday morning. Just before the weekend, Fisker Automotive furloughed 160 employees as "a necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," which is lingo for trying to conserve as much cash and value as possible while the financially troubled company searches for a buyer. But Fisker Automotive laid off that group of employees without giving them 60 days notice and that detail has instigated proceedings in federal court against it.

The US Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) Act mandates the 60-day notification period before mass layoffs, and according to a suit filed in US District Court in California by Outten & Golden LLP there are additional violations of California laws in the company's actions. Ex-Fisker employee Sven Etzelsberger is the named plaintiff in the case that seeks 60 days of "wages, salary, bonuses and other benefits" for Etzelsberger and other such affected employees. It isn't unusual for bankrupt companies to pay severance in order to keep this kind of thing from happening, but it seems Fisker employees were given nothing to take home but unused vacation pay, boxes of cubicle tchotchkes and white envelopes full of bumf.

The case will pit the letter of the law against the exceptions allowed for a "faltering company" and "unforseeable business circumstances." Fisker's new communications firm had no comment on the litigation.

Fisker mass layoffs triggers federal lawsuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker layoffshenrik fiskerlayoffs Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

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20532747 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiskerfederalsuit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiskerfederalsuit.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/#comments Filed under: Hybrid, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

The entirety of the public relations team at Fisker is about to be laid off. That's according to an email Autoblog received this morning from a credible source stating that the entire PR team, along with a large number of other Fisker employees will be furloughed at 8:00AM PST this morning.

The luxury plug-in-hybrid car startup launched with a splash with the sexy Karma sedan just a few years ago, but since then it has struggled to collect government financing, it has been battered by natural disasters, supplier solvency issues and the recent departure of its namesake, designer and founder Henrik Fisker. The company has been in talks with possible investors, but thus far that has amounted to nothing, and officials are said to be in discussions with bankruptcy experts.

UPDATE: Calling it a "necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," Fisker has confirmed it has laid off 75 percent of its employees. Read more in the official statement by scrolling down and in the Automotive News story linked below.

Continue reading Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE]

Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoff this morning [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingfiskerfisker karmafisker layoffshenrik fisker Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST

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20531659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/17-2012-fisker-karma-sd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/17-2012-fisker-karma-sd.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Volkswagen still has its eyes set on becoming the top global automaker by 2018, and to get there, it's apparently going to need more boots on the ground. Automotive News Europe is reporting that VW is looking to increase its staff by 50,000 over the next five years - an increase of nine percent - which does not include an increase in its US dealer network.

According to the report, a majority of the growth will come from China where the automaker is also looking to double its production capacity in the same time frame. The Volkswagen Group is already expected to rival General Motors for the top sales spot in China this year, and such a rapid expansion in the region could make a good springboard for sales increases in other countries.

Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> volkswagenvolkswagen 2018volkswagen groupvwvw 2018 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

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20528164 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Carbon Motors pulls out of Indiana plant, future uncertain]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/carbon-motors-pulls-out-of-indiana-plant-future-uncertain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/carbon-motors-pulls-out-of-indiana-plant-future-uncertain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/carbon-motors-pulls-out-of-indiana-plant-future-uncertain/#comments Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials, Police/Emergency, Diesel

Carbon Motors E7 police car prototype - front three-quarter view

Three years ago, Carbon Motors chose one corner of a shuttered Visteon plant in Connersville, Indiana as the location to build its diesel-powered E7 dedicated police cruiser. Carbon intended to invest $350 million to start production, providing 1,500 jobs at the same time. That investment, however, relied the US Department of Energy approving a $310-million loan to Carbon through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, a loan that was ultimately denied.

Without that money, the arrival of the E7 and Connersville's return to manufacturing have apparently been put on hold. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Carbon's plant development officer wrote the mayor of the city, Leonard Urban, to tell him that he had resigned, and all traces of Carbon Motors have been removed from the plant, including Carbon Drive that leads to it. Urban said he has no idea what the company's plans are, and Carbon hasn't commented.

Carbon Motors pulls out of Indiana plant, future uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon motorscarbon motors e7carbon motors indianaconnersvilleconnorsvilledepartment of energydoe loanse7indiana Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:31:00 EST

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