Autoblog Plants/Manufacturing http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Plants/Manufacturing 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 and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Dodge Dart production line worker

Most domestic automaker assembly plants traditionally take a couple of weeks off during the summer. The shutdowns give each plant time for much needed repairs and maintenance, and in some cases, help better align production with demand. Not this year, though, as demand for many models is outstripping what Ford, Chrysler and General Motors plants can produce.

Ford has announced that it will shorten its annual summer shutdown for most North American plants from two weeks to one. The shorter shutdown will increase the carmaker's annual North American production by 40,000 units on top of the 200,000 extra units that it was already planning to produce this year versus last. Automotive News reports that Ford produced 2.8 million vehicles on this continent in 2012, and that output this year has already increased 13 percent through April.

Chrysler, meanwhile, is also operating at full tilt and plans to run some plants through the summer with no shutdown at all. Those not getting a break include Jefferson North where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, Toledo North that will assemble the new Cherokee, and Conner Avenue, home of SRT Viper production. Other assembly plants will be down for a single week, while all of Chrysler's engine and transmission plants except one in Indiana will continue operating with no shutdown this summer.

Lastly, GM is keeping its cards closer to its chest. The automaker declined to comment to Automotive News about its summer production plans, instead saying that the company "does things a bit differently" now compared to the past, tying plant shutdowns to model life cycles and market demand rather than traditional annual timetables.

Continue reading Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns

Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerfordgeneral motorsgmplant shutdownshutdownsummer shutdown Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/20579690/article-detail.xml 20579690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> francetoyotatoyota yaris Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/20574228/article-detail.xml 20574228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt.png <![CDATA[Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a report on the Chrysler Communications Facebook page and one fairly grainy image of the production line, at around 11:00AM Eastern this morning, the one-millionth Jeep Wrangler JK will roll out of the company's Toledo assembly plant.

The third-generation or "JK" Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 2007 model year, and has obviously been more popular than ever. With a greater than ever number of trim levels, two-door and four-door Unlimited models and hardy off-roading Rubicon packages, the JK offers more to choose from than ever for those looking for something in a traditional Jeep. In fact, with the modern 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 powering it, the 2012 model year saw more than 140k Wrangers sold here in the US; the best-ever figure for the model.

With a model refresh due out for the Wrangler in 2015 (along with the likely addition of a diesel engine option), we expect that sales will continue to roll right along, too.

Millionth Jeep Wrangler JK to roll off line this morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jeep wranglerjeepjeep wranglerjk wranglerone millionth jeep wrangler jk Fri, 17 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573752/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-roll-off-line/20573752/article-detail.xml 20573752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/1-millionth-jeep-wrangler-jk-628.jpg <![CDATA[Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Acura NSX Concept - live at Detroit Auto Show

Honda today confirmed that the forthcoming Acura NSX hybrid supercar will be built at a brand-new facility in Ohio. This will be the company's third plant in Ohio, and will come as the result of a $70 million investment. Honda first hinted that NSX production would be coming to Ohio when the original concept car was revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Honda's new facility, called the Performance Manufacturing Center, will encompass a 184,000-square foot space inside of the automaker's former North American Logistics building and will employ 100 associates. As you might expect, the Performance Manufacturing Center is located just a few miles from Honda's American-based R&D facility, as well as the Marysville auto plant, where production of the 2014 Accord Hybrid will kick off this fall.

"The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio," said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America, in a press release.

Production of the Acura NSX will begin sometime in 2015. We have already seen the hybrid hero several times in conceptual form, with the latest reveal at this year's Detroit Auto Show giving us a glimpse at the car's interior.

Scroll down for the full details in Honda's press release.

Continue reading Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015

Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 acura nsx2016 acura nsxacuraacura nsxhondahonda performance manufacturing centerohio Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567995/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567995/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/20567995/article-detail.xml 20567995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Business booming for Hyundai in 'Bama, new production record set]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/#comments Filed under: , ,



Although it may be a distinction of mild importance on a global scale, Hyundai announced that last month it set an all-time sales record for the month of April. Digging a little deeper, Hyundai-Blog - an enthusiast site not affiliated with the South Korean automaker - is reporting that another record was set: to go along with 63,315 total sales in April, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembled a record 37,372 Elantra and Sonata sedans.

This doesn't mean that half of Hyundai's April sales came from the Montgomery, AL plant, but it's still a telling sign of just how important this new factory is. The Elantra and Sonata are by far Hyundai's most popular models, accounting for almost 63 percent of all Hyundai sales so far in 2013. Congrats on the achievement, Hyundai.

Business booming for Hyundai in 'Bama, new production record set originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hyundaihyundai elantrahyundai motor manufacturing alabamahyundai productionhyundai saleshyundai sonata Sun, 12 May 2013 13:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564061/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/business-booming-for-hyundai-in-bama-new-production-record-set/20564061/article-detail.xml 20564061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.

As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the US, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari productionferrari salesluca di montezemolo Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563663/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/20563663/article-detail.xml 20563663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru investing $400 million for Impreza production in Indiana]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As a part of a goal to increase its US sales tally up to 500,000 annual units by the end of the decade, Subaru is investing $400 million in its Lafayette, IN assembly plant in order to start building the Impreza in 2016. According to Automotive News, about half of that investment will be for a new paint plant while another big chunk will be used to extend the assembly line to allow for the increased capacity.

Currently, Subaru's Lafayette plant is responsible for building about 200,000 Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models each year (not including around 100,000 Toyota Camry sedans), but Subaru-specific output will be increased to 300,000 units, requiring an additional 900 new hires as well. Although a previous report suggested the Forester and Impreza would be moving Stateside, this AN article only mentions the hatchback and sedan versions of the Impreza being added to Lafayette - and no mention of the closely related XV Crosstrek.

Subaru investing $400 million for Impreza production in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indianalafayettesubarusubaru impreza Thu, 09 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561999/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/subaru-investing-400-million-for-impreza-production-in-indiana/20561999/article-detail.xml 20561999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-subaru-impreza-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-subaru-impreza-review.jpg <![CDATA[GM to build $1.3 billion Cadillac plant in China]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/#comments Filed under: , , ,



General Motors has gotten approval to build a $1.3 billion manufacturing facility for its Cadillac brand in China. China's National Development and Reform Commission signed off on plans for GM to build the plant in the country's Shanghai's Jinqiao zone; construction is expected to begin in June of this year. According to a Bloomberg report, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units.

No surprise here, but Cadillac would like to sell a lot more cars in the plush Chinese luxury market. The brand moved only 30,010 cars in China last year, compared with 400k for Audi, and about 330k for BMW. With Cadillac already telling us that it would be moving production of its XTS sedan to China - a production decision that saves having to pay 25-percent import tariffs - approval of the factory is a critical win for the company.

In fact, according to earlier comments by GM China president Bob Socia, it's at least conceivable that Chinese-built Cadillacs could be shipped back to the US for sale. The brave new world of globalization, getting stranger by the minute.

GM to build $1.3 billion Cadillac plant in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cadillaccadillac xtschinageneral motorsgm Wed, 08 May 2013 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562283/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/gm-build-cadillac-plant-china/20562283/article-detail.xml 20562283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xts-china-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xts-china-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford rethinking vehicle launch strategy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-rethinking-vehicle-launch-strategy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-rethinking-vehicle-launch-strategy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/ford-rethinking-vehicle-launch-strategy/#comments Filed under: , ,



With a new boss at the helm, Ford is looking at new ways to improve its vehicle launches in North America to prevent recent issues that have popped up with models like the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Escape and Ford Fusion. Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's new president of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs, revealed a few ways the automaker plans to avoid early build issues such as the engine fires on certain 2013 Escape and Fusion models and months-long delays for customers to receive their MKZs.

It sounds like the root of the problems may have been Ford's relationship with suppliers compounded by the fact that the product surge came on the heels of the recent industry-crippling recession, and in the AN article, Hinrichs says improvements are being made to reduce problems during the launch of new or redesigned models. Three such improvements that were implemented during the first quarter of this year including more rigorous quality comparisons, better use of computer technology to catch major problems sooner and hiring engineers to work closer with suppliers.

Ford rethinking vehicle launch strategy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford motor companyjoe hinrichslincolnquality control Tue, 07 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559123/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/ford-rethinking-vehicle-launch-strategy/20559123/article-detail.xml 20559123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-fd.jpg <![CDATA['Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5

Automotive News Europe reports the new Audi manufacturing facility in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico will increase the automaker's production capacity for the Q5 SUV by 150,000 units per year. While the plant will supply every market with the exception of China, most of the production is slated to head to the US.

While speaking with ANE, Audi CEO Rupert Stradler said, "Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020." So far this year, 40 percent of Audi vehicles sold in the US have been light trucks, with the company's sales in that segment jumping by 53 percent. By comparison, Audi passenger car sales have increased by just one percent.

The first Q5 vehicles from the San Hose Chiapa plant will show up on dealer lots in 2016. Audi of America recently received a larger 9,000-unit allocation of Q5 models after seeing sales increase 36 percent through April compared to the same period in 2012.

'Worldwide, every third Audi will be an SUV by 2020' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi crossoveraudi q5audi suvmexicosuv Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558422/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/worldwide-every-third-audi-will-be-an-suv-by-2020/20558422/article-detail.xml 20558422 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-q5-628.jpg <![CDATA['Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Durant Dort Factory One

General Motors has signed a purchase agreement for the Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory in Flint, Michigan for an undisclosed sum. Calling the location "Factory One," GM President of North America Mark Reuss said he isn't sure what will be done with the site yet, but when it's "reborn" it will "be great and it's going to be something we can all be proud of - GM and Flint."

According to Wikipedia, William Durant co-founded the Durant-Dort Carriage Co. with Josiah Dallas Dort in 1886. They leased a factory to build carriages from the Flint Woolen Mills, and the office building across the street is where Durant dreamed up the idea for General Motors - coincidentally, both David Dunbar Buick and Charles Nash, who would open their own respective car companies, worked for the carriage company.

GM will also take over the upkeep of the carriage company's office building. It has been suggested that the boardroom there could become a museum, but publicly all we know is that Reuss says, "We're going to make that area a really special area." Scroll down to watch a video offering a bit of history on the venture, as well as an announcement message from GM's Reuss.

Continue reading 'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]

'Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dortdurant-dort carriage coflintgeneral motorsgmmark reussmichiganwilliam durant Sun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/20557141/article-detail.xml 20557141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Daimler and Renault officially joined hands in April 2010. Since then, Nissan has agreed to build engines for the Germans, Daimler is expected to construct a plant near the Nissan plant in Mexico, the Smart ForFour and Renault Twingo will share platforms and electric siblings and the same Renault manufacturing facility, and Mercedes is supposedly considering a Renault-based X-Class vehicle to slot between Smart and the A-Class. Not bad for less than three years' work.

But wait, there's more. According to a report in Automotive News, the two firms are talking about developing a large van. When it comes to big cargo haulers, Mercedes is in bed with Volkswagen at the moment, but the contract has just three more years to run and VW has announced its intention to go solo on the next-generation van.

This wouldn't be the first commercial vehicle tie-up for the brands: Mercedes already uses the Renault Kangoo as the base for its Citan. Both Daimler and Renault have confirmed the talks, but have not confirmed a French newspaper report that the manufacturing site has already been chosen in France.

Daimler, Renault talking about large van joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daimlermercedesrenaultsprintervan Sun, 05 May 2013 13:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557113/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/daimler-renault-talking-about-large-van-joint-venture/20557113/article-detail.xml 20557113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-sprinter-2014_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mercedes-sprinter-2014.jpg <![CDATA[Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/#comments Filed under: ,



Honda has announced that it has made an initial investment of $470 million to build a brand new transmission plant in Celaya, Mexico. For those keeping track, this is the same city that will also house Honda's new automobile manufacturing facility, which will begin production of the Fit compact beginning in the spring of 2014.

This new transmission plant is expected to come online in the second half of 2015, with an annual production capacity of 350,000 units, though that number is expected to double in the years following the plant's opening. With a 700,000-unit production capacity, Honda says a full 1,500 new associates will be hired at the Mexican plant.

Honda will specifically use this new transmission plant for the production of CVTs for automobiles built in Mexico, as well as for cars produced in facilities around the world. It stands to reason, then, that since the next-generation Honda Fit will be built right around the corner from these new CVTs, the small hatchback - which is expected to grow into a full family of vehicles - could be fitted with continuously variable units in the future.

Scroll down for Honda's full press release.

Continue reading Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico

Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ceyalacontinuously variable transmissioncvthondamexicotransmission plant Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557405/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557405/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/20557405/article-detail.xml 20557405 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/11-2013-honda-civic-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/11-2013-honda-civic-review.jpg <![CDATA[Explosion at Magna plant injures workers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/explosion-at-magna-plant-injures-workers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/explosion-at-magna-plant-injures-workers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/explosion-at-magna-plant-injures-workers/#comments Filed under: ,

Magna (supplier) logoAn explosion at a Magna International divisional plant in Newmarket, ON, a manufacturing facility for Dortec Industries, occurred on Wednesday afternoon. Some nine people were injured in the accident and five or six (reports vary) were sent to the hospital. Magna has reported that all workers have since been released from the hospital.

Reporting by Canada's National Post indicates that the explosion was described by Magna as a "minor arc flash explosion," on the manufacturing line, and notes that there was no fire as a result of it. All of the Dortec plant's 200 employees were evacuated after the event. A full investigation into the blast is still ongoing, but so far no structural damage to the facility has been reported.

Magna International is a major automotive supplier, with BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen among its clients. Dortec Industries makes door modules, locks and other components for Magna. The company has stated that the explosion is not expected to impact its customers.

Explosion at Magna plant injures workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dortecdortec industriesmagnamagna internationalplant explosionsupplier Thu, 02 May 2013 10:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556046/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556046/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/explosion-at-magna-plant-injures-workers/20556046/article-detail.xml 20556046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/magna-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/magna-logo-250.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: , , , , , ,

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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555539/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/20555539/article-detail.xml 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[DC Design plans Avanti facility in India by 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a story in the Economic Times of India, the DC Design Avanti is on its way - but it's going to take a couple of years. Company founder Dilip Chhabria told the paper that he plans to have a manufacturing facility in the Sanand, Ahmedabad district in Gujarat state, India by next year with a production capacity of 3,500 units.

It would be the fourth DC facility in the country. The factory would produce 1,000 models of the cars DC already makes on top of 2,500 examples of the Avanti or an SUV that DC plans to reveal next year.

DC Design has occasionally called the Avanti a supercar, but it more often refers to the red wedge as a sportscar, an appellation that is more in line with its specs; when it was revealed last year the mooted engine was a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost with 265 horsepower. Chhabria said he is targeting aspirational young executives ready to spend 25-30 lakh rupees (about $46,000-$55,000 US) for his offering. He plans to keep them special by only building 4,000 of any DC model, then moving on to the next.

DC Design plans Avanti facility in India by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> avantidc designdc design avantiDilip Chhabriagujaratindia Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550831/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/20550831/article-detail.xml 20550831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dc-design-avanti-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dc-design-avanti-production.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In 2011, Chrysler announced a $72-million investment in its Toledo Machining Plant to modernize production of the eight- and nine-speed torque-converters for automatic transmissions made there. That upgrade work won't be finished until Q3 of this year, but Chrysler has already announced a further $19.6-million investment to increase production capacity for the nine-speeders.

The extra units will be necessary because the nine-speed transmission they'll be mated to is going into three popular models: it will debut on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, then go into the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. The company predicted that this year alone it would sell 200,000 units equipped with the nine-speed tranny, and it is spending some $374 million in addition to the investment in Toledo to upgrade production capacity for it.

The work attached to this new investment won't begin until Q3 of 2014, and it will be finished by the end of that year. There's a press release below with all the details.

Continue reading Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production

Chrysler investing $20M in Toledo plant to support 9-speed auto production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler 200dodgedodge dartjeepjeep cherokeenine-speed transmissiontoledotoledo machining plant Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550350/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/chrysler-investing-20m-in-toledo-plant-to-support-9-speed-auto/20550350/article-detail.xml 20550350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chrysler-nine-speed-auto.jpg <![CDATA[Worker killed at Nissan Tennessee plant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/worker-killed-at-nissan-tennessee-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/worker-killed-at-nissan-tennessee-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/worker-killed-at-nissan-tennessee-plant/#comments Filed under: , ,

Nissan emblem on Altima grille

A worker has died at the Nissan assembly plant in Smyrna, TN following an accident. According to The Detroit News, the tragedy happened Thursday and involved a large electric panel that fell while it was being moved. The victim was not a Nissan employee, he was a worker for Michigan-based supplier Complete Automation.

Nissan has not released the name of the deceased, but has vowed to cooperate with the authorities investigating the accident. The Murfreesboro Post notes that this is the second death at the plant in recent years - in 2012, a transport truck driver was killed after his rig rolled forward, crushing him between his cab and trailer.

Worker killed at Nissan Tennessee plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> complete automationfactory safetynissannissan smyrnasmyrna tennesseeworker killed Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550065/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/worker-killed-at-nissan-tennessee-plant/20550065/article-detail.xml 20550065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-logo.jpg <![CDATA[Kia calls reports of second US plant 'groundless']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/kia-calls-reports-of-second-us-plant-groundless/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/kia-calls-reports-of-second-us-plant-groundless/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/kia-calls-reports-of-second-us-plant-groundless/#comments Filed under: ,

Kia plant in Georgia

In discussing how Kia planned to use a focus on quality to raise its brand perception and take the fight to BMW and Audi instead of Toyota, a recent article in Automotive News Europe said one of the primary constraints was production capacity; Kia simply doesn't have the ability to make enough cars to meet its aims with the plants it has.

The CEO of Hyundai-Kia is said to be reluctant to build more plants because of that focus on quality and the fact that its suppliers are stretched to the limit. The effects of that position are being felt right now with both makers losing market share, as in the case of Hyundai not being able to make enough of its Veloster Turbo for the US market.

A South Korean newspaper apparently reported last week that Kia was planning to build a second factory in Georgia with capacity for up to 150,000 units annually, and that the company would break ground as soon as this month on "KMMG2." Kia has responded to the news by saying, "The report is all groundless." The mayor of West Point, site of the current KMMG plant, said he didn't know anything about such plans, nor did the Georgia department of economic development have knowledge of a new Kia factory.

Kia calls reports of second US plant 'groundless' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> georgiakiakia motors manufacturing georgiakmmgplants Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548457/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/kia-calls-reports-of-second-us-plant-groundless/20548457/article-detail.xml 20548457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-georgia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-georgia.jpg <![CDATA[China's Great Wall aiming to sell vehicles in US around 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Great Wall Motor Co. display at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show with pickup and camper

Stop us if you've heard this one before: "The Chinese are coming." According to Automotive News, Great Wall Motor Co. plans to sell its vehicles in the US by around 2015. The Chinese automaker has been researching its planned expansion for the last two years, looking at everything from regulatory hurdles to establishing a dealer network, as well as customer needs and wants.

Although it isn't immediately clear what models the company plans to market here in the US, it is apparently looking at establishing a factory stateside. The company currently sells its wares in 76 countries and regions around the globe, but has yet to attempt to crack the US or Canada. Great Wall may be China's largest purveyor of SUVs, but it has a full lineup of models to choose from - it brought 26 vehicles to last weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show, including a stand-alone section for its Haval brand of SUVs.

Of course, the Asian nation's automakers have been promising to bring their vehicles to the US market for years now, but to date, not one has made a full-fledged effort. Not Chery, not Changfeng, not anybody. At the moment, the only Chinese-built cars sold in North America are Honda Fit models, and they are only available in Canada (however, General Motors recently opened the door to importing their own Chinese-built models).

Having said all that, Great Wall is one of China's most respected and most financially established automakers, and it has a lot of experience building factories in other markets (admittedly mostly knock-down plants), as well as exporting vehicles. It seems all but inevitable that Chinese automakers will eventually offer vehicles to US consumers in real volume, but for the moment, there's still a lot of debate about how quickly that reality will set in. To wit, a recent study by Bernstein Research suggested that Chinese automakers still have a decade or more of development before they will be able to field globally competitive products.

China's Great Wall aiming to sell vehicles in US around 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinese automakerschinese carsgreat wallgreat wall motorhavalshanghai motor show Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548323/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548323/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/chinas-great-wall-aiming-to-sell-vehicles-in-us-around-2015/20548323/article-detail.xml 20548323 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/great-wall-pickup-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/great-wall-pickup-shanghai.jpg -1 2