Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/report-gm-ford-to-dramatically-increase-q1-production-versus-y/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The first quarter of 2009 could best be described as the worst of times in the auto industry. With the full weight of the global financial collapse weighing down on the industry, sales dropped like a stone and production screeched to a halt. General Motors and Ford produced only 371,000 and 349,000 vehicles respectively during Q1 2009, a mere fraction of the industry giants' overall capacity. One year later, the auto industry here in the U.S. is still far from healthy, but many industry experts feel the market has stabilized.

Evidence of that fact presents itself when looking at production data for the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the first quarter of 2010. Automotive News is reporting that Ford plans to build 550,000 cars and trucks in the first quarter while GM plans 650,000 units. While that's a bump of 58 percent and 75 percent versus Q1 2009, respectively, the numbers are within a few thousand units of Q4 production. But even compared to Q4, production is up around four percent for both Ford and GM - a hopeful sign for the industry.

But while GM and Ford appear to have good production news, AN is reporting that the forecast is a bit cloudier for Chrysler. The Pentastar's recent announcement that it would prolong shutdown over the holidays throws some doubt on the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker's reported plan to increase Q1 2010 production by 56% versus Q1 2009. While Chrysler was supposed to up production to 376,000 units, the shutdown could drop production by up to 30,000 units.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: GM, Ford to dramatically increase Q1 production versus year ago numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 production2010Productionautomobile productionAutomobileProductioncar manufacturingcarbuildingCarManufacturingchryslerfordford productionFordProductiongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm assemblygm productionGmAssemblyGmProductionmanufacturingsales volumeSalesVolumeU.S. productionU.s.ProductionWed, 09 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-volkswagen-confirms-karmann-purchase-plans-to-build-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Volkswagen AG has announced it will be establishing a new manufacturing unit in Osnabrueck, located in VW's home state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, VW will be purchasing the land, equipment, and machinery formerly owned by Karmann -- the coachbuilder and convertible roof specialists who manufactured the classic Beetle-based Karmann Ghia coupe (Karmann filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and has been struggling since).

Production of a new vehicle at the plant is slated to start in 2011. In the meantime, 200 people will be needed to open the plant next year, and VW is estimating more than 1,000 new jobs will be created by 2014. Volkswagen AG has not disclosed which model will be built at the plant, or any financial details.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KarmannKarmann Ghiakarmann volkswagenkarmann vwKarmannGhiaKarmannSaleKarmannVolkswagenKarmannVwLower SaxonyLowerSaxonymanufacturingnew modelNewModelOsnabrueckPlantProductionVolkswagenVWMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Hummer grinds gears: production of 2010 H3 and H3T resumes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/hummer-grinds-gears-production-of-2010-h3-and-h3t-resumes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/hummer-grinds-gears-production-of-2010-h3-and-h3t-resumes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/hummer-grinds-gears-production-of-2010-h3-and-h3t-resumes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Hummer H3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the Hummer sale isn't officially official - which is to say, the Chinese authorities haven't told Tengzhong "Proceed!" - it is official enough that GM has restarted production of the 2010 H3 and H3T at its Shreveport, LA plant. General Motors didn't want to be stuck with dead models, so it closed the Hummer spigot while its side of the deal with Tengzhong was finalized. By the beginning of this month, though, the bottom of the inventory barrel was starting to peek through, with just 1,183 units on hand.

Even though Hummer sales are down more than 50 percent, nevertheless people are still buying, and the company's two H3 models are obviously the most popular. According to Automotive News, a Hummer spokesman reports that the 2010s should be arriving in dealerships in December - and as we reported earlier, you may even find them in two new colors and with biofuel capability.


Gallery: 2010 Hummer H3 and H3T


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

Hummer grinds gears: production of 2010 H3 and H3T resumes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 h32010 h3t2010 hummer2010 hummer h32010 hummer h3t2010H32010H3t2010Hummer2010HummerH32010HummerH3th3tmanufacturingplantssuvtruckWed, 11 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/report-baic-koenigsegg-may-produce-saab-9-5-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC), announced as a minority partner in Koenigsegg's deal to purchase Saab from General Motors two months ago, plans to produce the Saab 9-5 on Chinese soil next year. The involvement of BAIC in the Saab transaction helps Koenigsegg close the deal and gives the Chinese company leverage to re-badge the previous-generation Saab 9-5 as its own or to simply expand the brand's existing reach within the country.

In September, Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson told reporters he wanted to double the number of Chinese Saab dealers from 15 to 30, and that he had an interest in local Chinese production. "Beijing Auto is an opportunity for us to establish ourselves in the Chinese market with their experience," the CEO said. Under current plans, Saab imports all cars to China, where they're sold under the Shanghai General Motors network. Sales have been slow, but promoting the brand under the watchful eye of BAIC may help the brand gain traction in China's huge automotive market.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: BAIC/Koenigsegg may produce Saab 9-5 in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5BAICBAIC SaabBaicSaabBeijing Automotive Industry Holding CoBeijingAutomotiveIndustryHoldingCoBejing AutoBejingAutoChinaInventoryJan-akeJonssonKoenigseggManufacturingPartnershipPrevious generationPreviousGenerationProductionSaabShanghai GM networkShanghaiGmNetworkSat, 07 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mini 'Countryman' crossover skipping Detroit for Geneva?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-mini-countryman-crossover-skipping-detroit-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-mini-countryman-crossover-skipping-detroit-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-mini-countryman-crossover-skipping-detroit-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mini Countryman concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Everyone is getting ready for the Mini Countryman -- including, perhaps, the WRC -- but everyone is going to have to wait, according to a report by those Mini-mad folks at Motoring File. The holdup is the upcoming BMW X3, which is BMW's foremost concern right now as the little crossover is practically as important to BMW as a Euro print plate is to the European Central Bank.

The Mini will be produced at Magna's plant in Austria, but first BMW has to complete the shift in X3 production from that plant to its facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Until that's done, Countryman production can't begin. That has observers figuring that the production Mini crossover won't meet the public until next year's Geneva show, instead of Detroit.

The other Countryman-related news is that, like SH-AWD and Quattro and Symmetrical AWD, Mini plans on a specific brand for its flavor of all-wheel drive. The name is said to be "All4." Yes, our minds are already agog at the ways in which Mini will be spinning that little moniker...


Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE


[Source: Motoring File]

REPORT: Mini 'Countryman' crossover skipping Detroit for Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcountrymancrossovermanufacturingminimini countrymanMINI CrossoverMiniCountrymanMiniCrossoverplantsMon, 26 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Edgeflexfordford edgeford flexford indiaFordEdgeFordFlexFordIndiaindiaindian laborIndianLaborlabor disputelabor disturbancelabor unrestLaborDisputeLaborDisturbanceLaborUnrestlincolnlincoln mktlincoln mkxLincolnMktLincolnMkxmanufacturingMKTMKXplantsRico autorico auto industriesRicoAutoRicoAutoIndustriesSun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Shreveport, LA mayor lobbies D.C. to close the HUMMER deal, already]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Cedric Glover, the mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana, went to Washington, D.C. to plead his case for the sale of Hummer to Tengzhong. The only thing is, we're not sure why he went. To be more precise, we do know that he wants to protect jobs at GM's Shreveport plant that builds Hummers. The plant has about 800 workers who build some of The General's pickup trucks and Hummer models, and the loss of The Big H would undoubtedly put people out of work.

What we're not sure of is what he thinks Washington has to do with it. He did ask that a couple of D.C. muckety-mucks "consider reaching out to the Chinese government to urge immediate approval of the Hummer deal," but Washington hasn't expressed any opposition to the deal and probably couldn't get the deal concluded on the Chinese side any sooner -- never mind the fact that Hummer is the least of Washington's concerns as far as China goes.

We've been told by one source at Hummer that although nothing is final until it's signed, they feel good about the deal, and Tengzhong must have known what it was doing when it made the bid in the first place. Yet beyond all that, as it stands today the Shreveport plant has three years to live at most: the facility wasn't part of the Hummer sale, and GM said it would shutter the place by 2012 at the latest. Mayor Glover wants to save jobs in his town, which is great, but unless GM starts going gangbusters (and soon) then Glover could be playing the Deck Chair and Sinking Ship game.

[Source: HummerGuy]

Shreveport, LA mayor lobbies D.C. to close the HUMMER deal, already originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cedric gloverCedricGloverchinageneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgovernmenthummerLAmanufacturingplantsshreveportshreveport assemblyShreveportAssemblysuvtengzhongtengzhong hummerTengzhongHummertruckuawunionSat, 24 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-toyota-adding-850-jobs-in-san-antonio-truck-factory/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota's arrangements for its San Antonio plant are coming together after the closure of NUMMI and the announced relocation of Tacoma pickup production. The company will be adding 850 permanent and temporary workers to its labor force in Texas, taking the number of associates from 1,850 to about 2,700 - and that doesn't include increases in the supplier workforce. For those with an eye on the employment scene, Toyota posted the job openings in August and 14,000 people applied.

The assumption of Tacoma duties will put the San Antonio plant on a schedule of two shifts per day for the first time since last year's plant idling. When the $100 million retooling is finished, the plant will be able to produce 200,000 Tacomas every year. Toyota engineers are preparing the assembly line now and Tacoma production is scheduled to being next spring, with 100,000 units projected annually.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingnummipickupplantssan antonioSan Antonio TexasSanAntonioSanAntonioTexastacomatexastoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomaMon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fitting Irony: Detroit Mayor Bing's own auto supply company hurting and on the block?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/fitting-irony-detroit-mayor-bings-own-auto-supply-company-hurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/fitting-irony-detroit-mayor-bings-own-auto-supply-company-hurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/fitting-irony-detroit-mayor-bings-own-auto-supply-company-hurt/#commentsFiled under: ,

No one is allowed to escape the grinding maw of Detroit's woes -- not even Detroit Piston extraordinaire and hometown mayor Dave Bing. The mayor owns an automotive supplier called The Bing Group that provides stamped parts for carmakers. The recession has put the company on such slippery footing that it told GM it couldn't provide any more parts, and it's looking to sell itself.

As part of assuming the position of mayor, Bing stepped away from the day-to-day operations of the company by creating a blind trust. Or at least, he was supposed to -- Bing remains the registered agent for the company, and that makes him the first person the state would go to for information on the firm, which suggests that he should know something about how its currently run.

Regardless, Bing is still considering whether to sell and will decide early next year. GM has told the company that as a condition of GM's bankruptcy its suppliers are compelled to keep sending parts even if GM didn't pay them, but that didn't appear to take into account the supplier nearly going bankrupt without that money. In the interim, GM is moving toward paying its suppliers on a weekly basis, which should help The Bing Group (and others). Yet in spite of the talked-about economic rebound, Detroit still hurts.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Credit: Dave Hogg via CC2.0]

Fitting Irony: Detroit Mayor Bing's own auto supply company hurting and on the block? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave bingDaveBingdetroitgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmanufacturingthe bing groupTheBingGroupSun, 18 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Border Drive? Umm... No. Mexico car production reportedly down nearly 40%]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/border-drive-umm-no-mexico-car-production-reportedly-down-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/border-drive-umm-no-mexico-car-production-reportedly-down-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/border-drive-umm-no-mexico-car-production-reportedly-down-n/#commentsFiled under:



Mexico hasn't accounted for nearly as much ink as the U.S. and Canada in recent discussions of the auto industry. But in case anyone was wondering, they're in a big hurt south of the border as well. While the American market's decline in auto sales factors in at about 25% overall, the Latin American Herald Tribune reports that Mexico has seen a 30.6% drop in sales volume.

And that's the best news. Exports from the automaker plants based in Mexico fell 35.5%, and production descended into the deepest hole, posting a 37.7% contraction compared to last year. The economic rebound everyone is saying is here (or really close) should get Mexico's numbers back in line before long - September's production was only down 22% and exports only dropped 18.7%. But until then... ¡Ay, caramba!

[Source: Latin American Herald Tribune | Image: Jose Castañares/AFP/Getty]

Border Drive? Umm... No. Mexico car production reportedly down nearly 40% originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryauto salesAutoIndustryAutoSaleslatin americaLatinAmericamanufacturingmexican auto productionmexican carmexican carsMexicanAutoProductionMexicanCarMexicanCarsMexicomexico auto productionMexicoAutoProductionNAFTAsalesThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.


Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano


[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestabudgetfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbackla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009manufacturingmexicoplantsspy shotsSpyShotsMon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Analysts chide GM for boosting production [*UPDATED]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-analysts-chide-gm-for-boosting-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-analysts-chide-gm-for-boosting-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-analysts-chide-gm-for-boosting-production/#commentsFiled under: ,



General Motors has announced its planned production for next year: 2.8 million vehicles. That's a 45% increase over its production this year - 1.9 million cars and trucks - and according to some analysts, it's completely unwarranted. GM says it arrived at that number based on "real simple math." Analysts quoted in the Detroit Free Press today appear believe that GM was guided more by hope and a quest for market share.

Just about everyone agrees that next year's new car market will grow compared to this year, with estimates generally ranging from a 10% to 15% increase in sales. GM slashed its production this year so much that by September, its inventory hit unprecedented lows. To be ready for what it believes will be a 15% bounceback in overall North American car sales, a boost in its own sales (which were down almost 40% this yea)r, and to have enough inventory on hand, it figures it needs to bump production by 45%.

Every analyst appears to agree that GM will need to make more cars. But 2.8 million? Even as one analyst said, "There is no question that their production is going to be up next year and it's going to be significant - it really is," they were all in agreement that 2.8 million vehicles will leave a lot of cars either sitting on lots or being ridiculously discounted. The announcement has brought out sentiments that we are seeing shades of the old GM with a 'make them and move them by any means necessary' mentality. Both GM and the analysts' math is "real simple," but we'll have to wait until next year to see whose is accurate.

UPDATE: GM has responded to the original article on its Fastlane blog, chiding the Detroit Free Press for questioning a number that GM only meant as a 2010 production possibility, not a certainty.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty]

REPORT: Analysts chide GM for boosting production [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010analystauto industryauto salesAutoIndustryAutoSalesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmanufacturingnorth americaNorthAmericaMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It is a travesty that the initials "MG" are coming to be a convenient epithet for the term "woe." The British sportscar maker has had an exceedingly trying history recently, and things haven't got any better with word that its owner, MG Motor UK Ltd. (which is really Nanjing Automobile Corporation), is reportedly closing the company's Longbridge plant.

Production of the MG TF was back in order early last year, but economic turbulence made the factory's fortunes equally bumpy. It hasn't helped that the last couple of special editions the company has put out, the MGTF LE500 and the 85th Anniversary MGTF, haven't been so well received. MG Motor said it couldn't guarantee stability and now, 2009 production has ceased. There were rumors of a new 2010 MG model coming out... but that was a long time ago, and things have lately been as quiet as the now-shuttered Longbridge factory.

[Source: BBC]

REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainconvertiblelongbridgemanufacturingmgmgtfnacNanjingperformanceplantssportsukTue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-gm-halting-duramax-production-for-10-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-gm-halting-duramax-production-for-10-weeks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-gm-halting-duramax-production-for-10-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The revamped 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine will go into production in April 2010 and the current Duramax, which doesn't meet emissions requirements that go into effect January 1, 2010, will cease production the day before the new year begins. In the interim, GM will be retooling the factory and won't be producing any of the engines to go in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

This has some dealers and outside observers wondering if GM will run out of 2009 Duramax engines before the new ones are built and installed in engine bays. One dealer says GM will take orders for extended cab models with the big diesel, but no longer accepts orders for Duramax regular cabs. Analysts believe that with the car and work truck market showing some recovery, that demand will grow just as GM is trying to play the inventory game.

While the General prepares it's urea-infused powerplants, any engines that GM builds through the end of 2009 can be installed in vehicles even if those vehicles are ordered and built next year. For now, GM says it is padding its stocks of Duramax engines and is confident about being able to meet the need.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 chevrolet2010 chevrolet silverado2010 gm sierra2010Chevrolet2010ChevroletSilverado2010GmSierra6.6 liter duramax6.6LiterDuramaxchevroletchevrolet silveradoChevroletSilveradochevyduramaxduramax dieselDuramaxDieselfalsegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgmcgmc sierraGmcSierramanufacturingpickupplantsWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On Thursday, Fiat is expected to put its John Hancock on a preliminary agreement to close its purchase of Carrozzeria Bertone, the coachbuilding arm of the Bertone company. In August Fiat won the right to acquire the builder, and it will throw €150 million at its operations over the next three years to return it to glory... or at the least allow it to begin producing new models.

Specific vehicles haven't been mentioned, but when (if) the Bertone factory reopens in late 2011, it's expected the production center will make the car that replaces the Euro-spec 300C. As a side note, that could be interesting because the European 300C is currently built by Magna, in Austria, and if Fiat brings production in-house that would mean more contract work taken from Opel's new papa. Jeep knockdown kits could also be shipped over and built for European consumption.

The purchase gives Fiat no stake in Stile Bertone, the now independent design firm that brought out the Mantide, so don't get your hopes up about wildly styled Chrysler supercars being built in northern Italy. Yet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsbertonechryslerfiatitalymanufacturingplantsWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/porsche-to-pull-boxster-production-from-magna-over-opel-stake/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/porsche-to-pull-boxster-production-from-magna-over-opel-stake/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/porsche-to-pull-boxster-production-from-magna-over-opel-stake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Porsche Boxster S - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a great deal of international haggling, Magna ended up winning the competition for Opel. One of the many questions to be answered now is: How will the deal affect Magna's engineering and assembly business? Even as companies like VW and BMW have said they would be looking closely at working with Magna if it owned Opel, Magna head Frank Stronach must have been convinced he could keep his clients happy.

That hasn't happened yet, and now Porsche is saying it might take future production away from Magna. The Stuttgart firm contracted Magna to build the next Boxster and Cayman in 2013 in Austria, but now it's worried that its costs and engineering might end up in the wrong hands if left with Magna.

Porsche's alternatives would be to keep Boxster production in-house at Zuffenhausen, where the cars are currently made, or to contract with Karmann, which just earned a chunk of VW's electric car business. The alternatives for Magna, though, aren't so clear - with BMW and VW also casting wary eyes, does it continue with the carmaker adventure at the risk of losing the business that got it to the top in the first place?


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK


[Source: Autoweek]

Porsche to pull Boxster production from Magna over Opel stake? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwboxstercaymaneuropemagnamagna internationalmagna porscheMagnaInternationalMagnaPorschemanufacturingporscheporsche boxsterporsche caymanPorscheBoxsterPorscheCaymanvolkswagenvwMon, 28 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz pondering C-Class production in Alabama?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/mercedes-benz-pondering-c-class-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/mercedes-benz-pondering-c-class-production-in-alabama/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/mercedes-benz-pondering-c-class-production-in-alabama/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mercedes-Benz C-Class - click above for high-res image gallery

The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's biggest seller Stateside, and a report in a Stuttgart newspaper indicates the company could be looking to stabilize the revenue from its bread-and-butter sedan. The C-Class is currently produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, and that makes it prey to currency swings on the trip across the pond. If Mercedes transferred production to its plant in Vance, Alabama, the company would also pay lower labor costs than it does in Europe.

The Alabama plant currently makes the M, GL, and R-Class vehicles. In March of this year, Mercedes allotted $290 million to expand the facility but didn't name any vehicle that would be added there, only saying it would be "future product." The German report mentioned that Mercedes could move some SL production from Bremen to Sindelfingen to make up for the shift, but a Mercedes spokesman said there is nothing in the works and nothing to comment on at the moment.

A German labor representative said that if such a move were to come, he would expect Mercedes to have a plan to save the 3,000 jobs that would be jeopardized at Sindelfingen, and protect production at Bremen as well. If Mercedes does move the C-Class here, it would become the first of the German players to build its highest volume car in the States.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C-Class


[Source: WGAL]


Mercedes-Benz pondering C-Class production in Alabama? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamabremenc classc-classCClassfalsemanufacturingmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz clase cmercedes-benzmercedes-benz c-classMercedes-benzC-classmercedesbenzMercedesBenzClaseCplantssedansindelfingentuscaloosavanceSun, 27 Sep 2009 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's "Buy American!" and then there's "Buy Union!" If you're among the most serious about keeping your red-white-and-blue money in the U.S. of A North America and organized labor is close to your ticker, then you'll want to check out this list put together by the United Auto Workers. It lists all of the vehicles made in America and Canada by union labor -- either UAW or CAW.

Naturally, it's heavy on domestic offerings, but if you're devoted to imports you can still avail yourself of a few Toyotas, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, and a VW Routan, and support "workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract." Nevertheless, knowing how some feel about unions all we ask is please stay on topic and please be kind to your virtual neighbor. Let the comments begin...

[Source: UAW]

FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacawmanufacturingplantplantsuawunionunionsusaThu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/bmw-plant-in-spartanburg-sc-produces-1-5-millionth-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: ,



BMW invaded the South in 1993, and it's first U.S.-made product was popped out in September a year later. Fifteen years after that there have been five factory expansions, 5,000 jobs created, a methane gas pipeline installed, a center for automotive research created, a golf tournament started, and 1.5 million combined versions of the 318i, Z3, Z4, X5 and X6 run over the factory threshold. The 1.5 millionth vehicle was an Oyster Blue and Ivory X6 for a Hong Kong customer. Just goes to show those Confederates might have been right: the South is rising again... You can read all about it in the presser after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw x5bmw x6bmw z3bmw z4BmwX5BmwX6BmwZ3BmwZ4factoriesmanufacturingmilestonesplantssouth carolinaSouthCarolinaspartanburgx5x6z3z4Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Bloom, Obama's chief auto advisor to become manufacturing czar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ron Bloom's role in the bankruptcy and re-emergence of Chrysler and General Motors has proven that his experience driving negotiations with the United Steelworkers union is portable. Pushing the two automotive giants through restructuring in an impressively quick manner has given the Obama administration the impression that Mr. Bloom (far left) is a good choice to head up a manufacturing overlord position which will focus on building that sector of America's economy back up. An appointment announcement is scheduled today at an AFL-CIO picnic in Cincinatti, Ohio, where both President Obama and Bloom will appear.

Bloom's credentials in manufacturing go back further than just his recent automaker involvement. As special assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers union for ten years, Bloom looked out for union jobs during a deal between Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation and Esmark, compromising where necessary, and stringing profanity together when needed to meet his objective.

Bloom is going to need as many fancy swear words as he can muster to stanch the bleeding in manufacturing. Many believe the United States will never have as robust a manufacturing sector as it once did. Even with our shrinkage in manufacturing, Bloom indicates that the United States shouldn't forget how to make things just yet, and that the Obama Administration wants an "innovative, vibrant manufacturing sector." In that vein, monies from the stimulus package are going into environmentally-focused programs such as electric vehicles, as well as helping automakers to retool by giving low coast loans.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty]

Ron Bloom, Obama's chief auto advisor to become manufacturing czar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afl-ciofalselabor daylabor day weekendlabor unionsLaborDayLaborDayWeekendLaborUnionsmanufacturingmanufacturing czarmanufacturing jobsManufacturingCzarManufacturingJobsobama stimulus packageobama task forceObamaStimulusPackageObamaTaskForceron blom manufacturing czarron bloomron bloom auto czarron bloom automakersron bloom gm bankruptcyron bloom laborron bloom manufacturingron bloom uswRonBlomManufacturingCzarRonBloomRonBloomAutoCzarRonBloomAutomakersRonBloomGmBankruptcyRonBloomLaborRonBloomManufacturingRonBloomUswMon, 07 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST