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: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-toyota-to-add-850-more-jobs-in-san-antonio-to-build-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2007 Toyota Tundra Limited - click above for high resolution gallery

NUMMI's loss will be San Antonio's gain. Toyota is adding a second shift at its truck plant and looking to hire 850 workers for the production increase, and since Toyota's suppliers are located on-site, they're also adding a second shift and hiring.

The relocated Tacoma production from NUMMI is projected to roll 150,000 vehicles out per year, still below the 200,000 trucks Toyota wanted to be making when it launched the current Tundra. It's a way for Toyota to hedge its pickup bets. When the market for the biggies sags, Tacomas may be more appealing; the plant could adjust its mix and keep going. While Toyota's pickup volume is a small slice of the market, San Antonio may wind up loving the Tundra and Tacoma in a big way.


Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[Toyota seeks $2 million from California for training NUMMI workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/toyota-seeks-2-million-from-california-for-training-nummi-worke/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/toyota-seeks-2-million-from-california-for-training-nummi-worke/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/toyota-seeks-2-million-from-california-for-training-nummi-worke/#commentsFiled under: ,



Back in February, New United Motor Manufacturing Co. (NUMMI), the now defunct joint agreement between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, CA, entered an agreement with California's Employment Training Panel that would provide training to 1,400 workers. Since the time of the agreement, GM has backed out of the partnership with Toyota and ceded the plant to the Japanese automaker. For its part, Toyota has announced it will close the plant by March 2010, leaving 4,700 workers unemployed.

That isn't stopping Toyota from trying to collect the $2 million it says is owed to them for completing the training program. The training covered improved manufacturing techniques, automotive training and computer skills, but critics say the training is effectively useless since the NUMMI plant is the last automotive assembly plant in California. Labor Union lobbyist Barry Broad went as far as to call the request "corporate welfare" in light of the fact that the training will likely never be utilized in the Golden State. Toyota, on the other hand, is sticking to the company line, with a statement saying, "These skills have made our team members greater contributors to NUMMI and will make them more attractive to prospective employers when they conclude their employment here in April 2010."

The California Manufacturers and Technology Assn, which provided the training and later worked hard to keep the NUMMI plant open, is on Toyota's side in the dispute, saying "a deal's a deal." While Toyota's request for $2 million even though it is closing the plant sounds like a PR nightmare given the horrible financial state California is in, it's hard to deny that they deserved to be compensated for the training. After all, the agreement was for training, not for continued employment. Perhaps next time the Employment Training Panel makes a deal to provide money for training, it'll stipulate that the workers being trained stay employed long enough to reap the benefits of their education.

[Source: LA Times | Image Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Toyota seeks $2 million from California for training NUMMI workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaeducation training panelEducationTrainingPanelnumminummi plant closureNummiPlantClosuretoyotaFri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Production of Toyota Corolla transferring from NUMMI to Ontario]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/report-production-of-toyota-corolla-transferring-from-nummi-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/report-production-of-toyota-corolla-transferring-from-nummi-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/report-production-of-toyota-corolla-transferring-from-nummi-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Toyota Corolla - Click above for high-res image gallery

As even mighty Toyota finds itself with excess production capacity in North America and elsewhere, the Japanese automaker has finally made the decision to shutter an assembly plant. The loss of the Pontiac Vibe means that it wasn't viable to keep the NUMMI factory in Fremont, CA operating on its own, but the rest of the products it builds are still in demand to varying degrees.

We've already heard that production of the mid-size Tacoma pickup truck would be consolidated with its big brother the Tundra in San Antonio TX. The other remaining product from NUMMI was the Corolla sedan. The volume that had been produced in California will reportedly now come out Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario factory where the compact car is already built. It's not known at this time if the move will result in any additional jobs at the Cambridge plant. Thanks for the tip, Dave!


Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla


[Source: Montreal Gazette]

REPORT: Production of Toyota Corolla transferring from NUMMI to Ontario originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambridgenumminummi closingnummi plantNummiClosingNummiPlanttoyotatoyota corollatoyota corolla productionToyotaCorollaToyotaCorollaProductionSat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Now that Toyota has decided the fate of the NUMMI plant, the company has to decide where to move production of the Tacoma and Corolla models built there. The Corolla hasn't been spoken for yet, but Toyota is confirming that its Tacoma line is moving to the San Antonio factory that currently makes the Tundra pickup.

Toyota will spend $100 million on tooling for the Tacoma, and city and county officials guess that annual units will number about 100,000. It is also estimated that 1,100 new hires will be added to the factory employment rolls, which includes the 21 suppliers on the campus. Building the new truck will give the plant the second shift it's been missing since last summer, when it went down to a single shift as auto sales declined.

For the NUMMI workers, Toyota's announcement only makes the finality all the more real. Discussions with NUMMI laborers remains ongoing, and it has been mentioned that Toyota could move some California workers to Texas. However, with San Antonio offering tax breaks based on hiring some local workers, the chances of that are probably slim. Thanks for the tip, Tony.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manufacturingnummiplantssan antonioSanAntoniotacomatexastoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomatundraunionsFri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/breaking-toyota-reportedly-pulls-plug-on-nummi-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/breaking-toyota-reportedly-pulls-plug-on-nummi-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/breaking-toyota-reportedly-pulls-plug-on-nummi-plant/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's over. Or more to the point, it will be. Toyota Motor Corp. has reportedly announced that it will end production at Fremont, California's New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., better known as NUMMI. Despite protestations from workers and community members to the contrary, The Associated Press is reporting that Toyota's board has voted to shutter the plant effective March 2010. The plant's future had been called into question by General Motors announcing its intention to pull-out from the groundbreaking joint venture as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

With General Motors' pullout from the facility and the production of its Pontiac Vibe along with it, Toyota has kept the factory's 4,600 workers busy assembling the Corolla and Tacoma. The move comes amidst word that the Japanese automaker has plans to cut production by up to one million units.

For its part, California officials attempted to rally an incentives package to convince Toyota to keep the plant open, but the effort to keep the plant in operation has evidently failed. With the half-year lead time before the facility's closure, lawmakers will be looking hard to find a new tenant to take over the facility.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreakingnewsGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMNUMMIPontiac VibePontiacVibeToyotaToyota CorollaToyota TacomaToyotaCorollaToyotaTacomaThu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota to end production at NUMMI in March]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word 'round the campfire (okay, by way of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper in Japan and via Reuters) is that Toyota will end production at its NUMMI plant in California in March of next year. Though a spokesperson for the automaker claims no final decision has been made about an official closing of the plant, reports indicate that suppliers have already been notified about plans to shutter the assembly lines early next year after more than a quarter century in operation.

General Motors' only current contribution to the plant in California is the Pontiac Vibe, which officially ends production this month. Toyota is said to be moving production of the Tacoma pickup to its plant in San Antonio, Texas, and final assembly of the Corolla will reportedly join the Matrix, its hatchback sibling, in Ontario, Canada and a factory in Japan.


Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota to end production at NUMMI in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota matrix2009ToyotaMatrixnew united motor manufacturingnew united motor manufacturing incnew united motor manufacturing inc.NewUnitedMotorManufacturingNewUnitedMotorManufacturingIncNewUnitedMotorManufacturingInc.numminummi plantNummiPlantpontiac vibePontiacVibetoyotatoyota matrixtoyota motorToyotaMatrixToyotaMotorMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Only in California: UAW reportedly fighting to save Toyota plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc, better known as NUMMI, has been operating in Fremont, California since 1984. The plant started as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. The idea was that Toyota could cut out the expense of boating cars all the way across the Pacific and The General could learn about Japanese managerial techniques and lean manufacturing processes. And this is how the world got the gift of the Geo Prizm. Last month, GM pulled out of NUMMI, leaving it all to Toyota. And now Toyota's not so sure it wants the plant.

Enter the United Auto Workers. NUMMI is unique in that it's the only Toyota manufacturing facility in the U.S. where the workers are unionized. It's also the only auto plant in California with some 4,500 union jobs. This prompted the UAW to send an email to its members, asking them to contact members of Congress so as to keep the plant (and jobs) alive. Quote the email, "We believe that Toyotas sold in the United States should be made in the United States. California is by far Toyota's single biggest market for car sales in the United States." The ironic part is that many Toyotas sold here are made here, but the jobs (typically in Southern states) are certainly not unionized. Much to the UAW's chagrin.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Only in California: UAW reportedly fighting to save Toyota plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General MotorsGeneralMotorsGMNew United Motor Manufacturing IncNewUnitedMotorManufacturingIncNUMMIToyotaUAWUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersTue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/toyota-na-pres-inaba-hopes-for-profit-in-2011-nummi-could-be-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/toyota-na-pres-inaba-hopes-for-profit-in-2011-nummi-could-be-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/toyota-na-pres-inaba-hopes-for-profit-in-2011-nummi-could-be-d/#commentsFiled under:

Three weeks into his new assignment as president and chief operating officer of Toyota North America, Yoshimi Inaba came to Detroit to talk about the state of the business. This is Inaba-san's third stint working for Toyota in North America after returning to Japan in 2003. This spring the senior management in Japan asked Inaba-san to return to North America and help turn the suddenly ailing giant around.

Those who have been watching Toyota in the past decade have observed the company grow at a tremendous and seemingly inexorable rate. When the big crash hit in 2007-8, Toyota proved to be no more immune than any other automaker and recently recorded the first full-year loss in 71 years. As one of the biggest markets for the company, the North American operations clearly played up part in that loss and will play a part in returning the company to profitability. Read more after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved

Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesfactory utilizationFactoryUtilizationnummiprofitabilitysciontoyotayoshimi inabaYoshimiInabaThu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/toyota-bankrolling-500-million-into-indiana-plant-no-comment-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/toyota-bankrolling-500-million-into-indiana-plant-no-comment-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/toyota-bankrolling-500-million-into-indiana-plant-no-comment-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The world's biggest automaker has confirmed that it is investing 44.9 billion yen (or about $467.2 million at current exchange rates) to upgrade its Indiana plant. Toyota Motor Corp. will reportedly spend the next three months retooling in order to build its Sequoia and Highlander SUVs on the same line (last year, the automaker canceled plans to manufacture the Highlander in a new plant slated for Mississippi).

Toyota also has no comment about the recent rumors that it had entered talks with General Motors about buying out General Motors's share in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) venture after the U.S. automaker announced last week that it was abandoning its 50 percent stake in the partnership. Toyota is currently negotiating with the United Auto Workers to adjust labor rates at the Fremont, California, operation. According to reports, the plant could shut down if those talks go sour.

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

REPORT: Toyota bankrolling $500 million into Indiana plant; no comment on NUMMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FremontGMHighlanderIndianaInvestmentManufacturingNUMMISequoiaTMMIToyotaTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GM execs to reportedly meet with Toyota regarding hybrid sharing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-gm-execs-to-meet-with-toyota-regarding-hybrid-sharing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-gm-execs-to-meet-with-toyota-regarding-hybrid-sharing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-gm-execs-to-meet-with-toyota-regarding-hybrid-sharing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors that General Motors may get access to Toyota's proprietary hybrid technology just won't go away. Today, Bloomberg cites two unnamed sources in reports that Toyota President Akio Toyoda and GM chief Fritz Henderson will meet this August in Michigan to discuss the possibility of a GM-badged version of the Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback.

For the record, both General Motors and Toyota have repeatedly denied that any such talks have taken place in the past and have said it's unlikely that they ever will in the future. Many of these rumors indicate that the two automakers are considering building the Prius together at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture in California, but GM has today announced that its involvement in NUMMI is over.

It remains a possibility that Toyota will fully take over the reigns at NUMMI to finally build the Prius in America, but even if that's the case, it's extremely unlikely that General Motors will have anything to do with the project in light of its own massive undertaking of readying the Chevrolet Volt for the market in 2011.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Source: Bloomberg]
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

GM execs to reportedly meet with Toyota regarding hybrid sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreengm priusGmPriusnew united motor manufacturingnew united motor manufacturing inc.NewUnitedMotorManufacturingNewUnitedMotorManufacturingInc.nummitoyotatoyota gmtoyota gm nummitoyota priusToyotaGmToyotaGmNummiToyotaPriusMon, 29 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/after-25-years-gm-ditches-nummi-tie-up-with-toyota-as-part-of-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/after-25-years-gm-ditches-nummi-tie-up-with-toyota-as-part-of-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/after-25-years-gm-ditches-nummi-tie-up-with-toyota-as-part-of-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As part of its "New GM"/"Old GM" bankruptcy proceedings, General Motors has announced that it will abandon its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota.

According to an official statement, GM and Toyota worked to find a future product that would work for both automakers, but they were apparently unable to do so. As a result, GM will assign its NUMMI stake to "Old GM," effectively ending a 25-year partnership with the Japanese automaker.

Over the last quarter-century, the Fremont, California plant has produced a number of vehicles for GM, including the current Pontiac Vibe, as well as the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm, and the Bowtie'd Nova that preceded it.

There is no word on what (if any) effect the deal's collapse will have on Toyota's NUMMI-made products which include the Tacoma pickup and Corolla sedan. According to NUMMI's official website, 5,440 workers are employed at the plant. Official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: General Motors; NUMMI | Image: Hokubei]

Continue reading After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota

After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewschevrolet novaChevroletNovaChevy novaChevyNovacorollaFremontGeo prizmGeoPrizmNummiPontiacPontiac VibePontiacVibeprizmToyotaToyota CorollaToyota TacomaToyotaCorollaToyotaTacomaMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It was originally thought that the Vibe would be the terminal Pontiac, but now that we've learned that the Excitement runs out of the NUMMI plant by the end of August we're not so sure. While the curtain will drop on the Vibe, General Motors hasn't totally ruled out future co-production with Toyota at its joint venture in Fremont, CA.

The Vibe is the twin of Toyota's Matrix, and tended to earn Pontiac a lot of "it's a good GM car, because it's actually a Toyota" commentary, frustrating to no end in the halls of the RenCen, we're sure. Check out the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August

Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final pontiacFinalPontiacnumminummi plantNummiPlantpontiacpontiac nummipontiac nummi plantpontiac vibepontiac vibe finalpontiac vibe nummiPontiacNummiPontiacNummiPlantPontiacVibePontiacVibeFinalPontiacVibeNummiToyota MatrixToyotaMatrixVibevibe final pontiacVibeFinalPontiacMon, 22 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Call: Pontiac Vibe final consumer model for dead brand ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/last-call-pontiac-vibe-final-consumer-model-for-dead-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/last-call-pontiac-vibe-final-consumer-model-for-dead-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/last-call-pontiac-vibe-final-consumer-model-for-dead-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Pontiac Vibe GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Last Pontiac Standing will be the nearly new Vibe. The compact hatchback was the predictable pick not just due to its young age, but because it is part of General Motors' longstanding NUMMI joint-venture plant with Toyota.

Understandably, the Vibe isn't set to get a big update for 2010, but according to GM's 2010 Product Guide, front- and all-wheel drive models will continue, as will the sportier GT. The Vibe will receive a new Ignition Orange Metallic paint option (Mystic Blue Metallic goes away), a new luggage rack will be available on all-wheel drive models, and a couple of new option packages appear on the order sheet for the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder model (Sun & Sound and cargo management). Air-conditioning will be standard across the range for the first time.

In other news, the G6 will also soldier on in 2010, albeit only for fleet buyers. It is unclear what body styles will survive, but the sedan is a reasonable bet, although it is possible that coupe models will soldier on as well.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT


[Source: General Motors]



Last Call: Pontiac Vibe final consumer model for dead brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G6nummipontiacpontiac G6pontiac vibePontiacG6PontiacVibetoyota matrixToyotaMatrixvibevibe gtVibeGtWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pontiac Vibe to be replaced with another shared Toyota model?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/pontiac-vibe-to-be-replaced-with-another-shared-toyota-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/pontiac-vibe-to-be-replaced-with-another-shared-toyota-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/pontiac-vibe-to-be-replaced-with-another-shared-toyota-model/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are a lot of questions left unanswered after General Motors announcement this morning that its Pontiac division was not long for this world. One of those is what will happen to GM's joint venture agreement with Toyota to produce models at the New United Motor Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) facility in California. The Pontiac Vibe is currently produced there along with the Toyota Matrix, its platform mate. GM has stated that it's already negotiating with Toyota to produce a new model at NUMMI that would be sold under one of the automaker's remaining four brands - Chevy, Buick, Cadillac or GMC.

Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson told Automotive News, "There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe. Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac." The Vibe, a tall five-door hatchback, could simply be rebadged a Chevy to keep development costs down, though selling such a model in bow tie dealerships could cannibalize sales of the HHR, which itself is scheduled to be replaced in 2011 by a production version of the Orlando Concept. Or, GM could simply start fresh and develop an all new model off of the Corolla-derived platform that underpins the current Matrix and Vibe. As with all things GM at the moment, nothing is firm and more details (and rumors) will surely follow.

Check out our own review of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT


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

Pontiac Vibe to be replaced with another shared Toyota model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumors of a meeting between GM CEO Rick Wagoner and top officials from Toyota in Japan has been denied. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering that it's GM's policy not to comment on such matters, but Toyota has no such policy and has also denied that such discussions have or will take place. The Japanese Kyodo News had started the rumors, which specifically suggested that Toyota could offer GM hybrid technology and assistance in the assembly of small cars. That seemed rather odd, especially since GM has its own sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that was developed along with Chrysler and BMW. Toyota and GM also already share a factory in California that builds relatively fuel efficient compact cars, so any deal between the two automakers would just be an extension of their current agreements. What's more, General Motors is also in talks with Cerberus to make a major play on Chrysler's automotive operations, so it would seem to be an inopportune time to discuss major deals with other automakers as well.

[Source: Reuters]

Toyota denies rumors of giving aid to GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's Matrix wagon, Corolla sedan and its mechanical twin the Pontiac Vibe sport wagon are all in hot water after motorists have begun to issue complaints about their power side-front windows. Reports indicate the windows are getting stuck, making popping noises, and in some cases shattering and injuring passengers. To date, more than 503 complaints have been received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently looking into the issue. Ultimately, the investigation may trigger a recall affecting 676,747 vehicles manufactured during the 2003 and 2004 model years at NUMMI, the GM-Toyota joint-venture plant that found itself in a pot of hot water after an employee accused her superiors last November of letting defective vehicles leave the facility.

Interesting to note: This may become the first windows recall that doesn't require PC owners to download a patch. (Hardy har har.)

[Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A faulty seatbelt that traps an occupant in a vehicle and leads to his death is a horrible tragedy. If the defect were given a pass at the manufacturing plant, it goes beyond tragic to criminal. Toyota is now facing two lawsuits in California, both centered around manufacturing defects that may have been ignored at its joint-venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant.

We reported earlier on the first lawsuit filed by Katy Cameron, a NUMMI worker who alleges that vehicles with serious problems were passed out the door, even though the NUMMI plant purportedly subscribes to the "Toyota way" of manufacturing. Instead of empowering workers to spot and correct defects, even stop the assembly line to make things right, management at the NUMMI plant allegedly discouraged Cameron by demoting her.

A second lawsuit has also been filed by the Singh family, who are blaming the seatbelt latch in their 2002 Corolla for the death of Raminder Singh. The Singhs were involved in an accident that led to an engine fire, and while 19-year-old Gurinder Singh was able to exit the vehicle, his father remained trapped by his seatbelt despite Gurinder's efforts to unlatch it.

A spokesman for Toyota has been quoted as saying, "as heart-rending and tragic as this collision was, Toyota has an altogether different view of the facts." The facts will hopefully come to light during this civil trial, which heard opening statements on Tuesday.

Thanks for the tip, Jon!

[Source: Money/CNN]

Toyota whistleblower joined by civil suit over father's death originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corolladeathdefectsfirekaty cameronKatyCameronlawsuitmanagementnummiseatbeltsinghSingh ToyotaSinghToyotatoyotaThu, 29 Nov 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Are GM and Toyota working on a hybrid together?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/are-gm-and-toyota-working-on-a-hybrid-together/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/are-gm-and-toyota-working-on-a-hybrid-together/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/27/are-gm-and-toyota-working-on-a-hybrid-together/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The evidence: rumor had it at the LA Auto Show that customers would soon have the option of buying a hybrid Toyota Matrix and a hybrid Pontiac Vibe; the 2009 Pontiac Vibe is made at NUMMI, a GM-Toyota joint venture manufacturing plant where the Matrix is also made; Toyota's already got its hybrid synergy drive -- so is GM working on a hybrid with Toyota, or will they use Toyota's hybrid tech to work in the Vibe?

The evidence is circumstantial, certainly. But it's possible. Lutz said at the recent Reuters Auto Summit that, no matter what GM thinks of hybrids, the company made a mistake letting Toyota get so far ahead with hybrids such that now the Japanese brand has become practically synonymous with hybrids and is perceived to be atop a green moral high ground. True, there's the Volt, and GM might not be doing anything with Toyota at all and it could just be a rumor. Or GM could surprise us with something completely new -- it wouldn't be the first time.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Are GM and Toyota working on a hybrid together? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A certified auditor working at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) plant in California that's run jointly by General Motors and Toyota has stepped forward to file a lawsuit alleging that her managers knowingly permitted defects on cars to go unfixed. Katy Cameron claims that her superiors routinely overlooked problems including broken seat belts, faulty headlights, inadequate braking, mirrors falling off, engine oil leaks and steering wheel alignment problems, though there's no evidence that any of these have resulted in an accident. Cameron's lawsuit not only alleges that her managers failed to report these defects, but that she was also routinely harassed for being a whistleblower. The Associated Press reports that she is now on medical leave receiving treatment for stress, depression and other mental problems resulting from being mistreated at the NUMMI plant.

The NUMMI plant produces the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma and Pontiac Vibe, and while it's considered a joint-venture between Toyota and GM, the plant is run using Toyota's manufacturing process. From what we can tell, it operates much like a training ground where GM managers can go to learn Japanese manufacturing techniques. Thus, these allegations appear to be aimed more at Toyota than GM. The response from Toyota has been that it's "tackling quality problems as a top priority," while GM wasn't aware of the lawsuit at the time the linked article was written.

Toyota's sterling reputation for quality has been tarnished lately with recalls becoming more common and Consumer Reports removing a few of the Japanese automaker's vehicles from its recommended list. We imagine their must be tremendous pressure at the plant level to fix any quality issues that arise, which could encourage managers to make some questionable decisions. While we don't know for sure what happened at the NUMMI plant in California, the idea that some managers would choose to hide defects rather than report them doesn't seem that far fetched considering the pressure to be perfect.

[Source: AP via Wheels.ca via ImportCarCanada, photo via Inside Line]

Joint GM/Toyota NUMMI plant accused of passing defects originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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