Autoblog

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Fiat

Amidst the confirmation that chief executive Sergio Marchionne was splitting off the Dodge Ram truck unit into its own division of the Chrysler Group came the announcement of some executive re-shuffles in Auburn Hills. Among them, Lancia CEO Olivier Francois was appointed head of the Chrysler brand. But according to the latest reports, the sharing of a chief executive is only the tip of the North Atlantic iceberg for cooperation between the Chrysler and Lancia.

Long subsisting like it's the Plymouth of the Fiat Group, Lancia lacks a strong product portfolio. But while it isn't expected to join its sister brands in the transatlantic journey to the American market, the sharing and co-development of new products with Chrysler could get the quirky Fiat division back on track.

Among those products that stand to be shared between the two quasi-premium brands are the next-generation models of the Chrysler 300 (which could underpin a replacement for the discontinued Lancia Thesis), Chrysler Sebring, and Lancia Ypsilon hatchback.

Meanwhile, Francois, who joined Fiat in 2005 from his position as a regional manager for Citroën, is emerging as a rising star within both auto groups: his responsibilities now put him in charge of both Chrysler and Lancia, as well as marketing, advertising and branding for no less than nine brands: Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram. If it wasn't clear before, it's now plainly obvious who has replaced Luca de Meo as Marchionne's right hand man.

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

Francois appointment points to more cooperation between Chrysler and Lancia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO reportedly rules out return to Formula One

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda

Things could hardly have played out worse for Honda. It has poured what surely amounted to billions of dollars for years into its Formula One team with little effect. Then it brought in Ross Brawn, only to withdrew its support from the squad, then it sold the entire operation to Brawn while paying out big bucks to avoid an even bigger severance bill. And only then did Brawn turn the F1 team into a winner. That'd be enough to send some automakers scurrying to get back in the game, but not Honda.

The Japanese automaker's new CEO Tokanobu Ito has reportedly completely ruled out the possibility of a return to F1 "even if the economy improves," deriding the series as bereft of relevant development possibilities. Well, there you have it. No word, however, on whether Honda will support the 2010 Japanese Grand Prix at its Suzuka Circuit after Toyota withdrew its Fuji Speedway from the event.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty]

Honda CEO reportedly rules out return to Formula One originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Wagoner gets $8.2M severance + $74,030 annually w/benefits... for life

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Earnings/Financials

When Rick Wagoner was forced out of his position as the CEO of General Motors last March, he left with a severance plan that included $22 million paid out over the course of a few years, plus a yearly pension. Just a few months later, The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Mr. Wagoner has worked out a deal with his ex-employer that will "only" pay out $8.2 million, plus $74,030 per year for life, along with health and life insurance plans. Wagoner's retirement becomes official on August 1, at which time he can begin reaping the benefits of his golden parachute.

Wagoner's severance, while greatly reduced, is still worth more money than most Americans will earn in their lifetime, and it will doubtlessly prompt some to once again question big payouts to ex-executives at federally bailed out companies. We wonder if now is a bad time to hit up Wagoner for a low interest loan to help us get into a new Camaro...

[Source: The Los Angeles Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Wagoner gets $8.2M severance + $74,030 annually w/benefits... for life originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: C. Robert Kidder announced as chairman of Chrysler Group LLC

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler

Once Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy, the automaker's current CEO Robert Nardelli, be replaced by an appointee selected by the oversight committee (likey Sergio Marchionne) and C. Robert Kidder will become the new Chairman of the (supposedly) revitalized Chrysler.

Chrysler outlines Kidder's extensive history in their release (posted below the fold), including stints as the CEO of Borden Chemical Inc. and Duracell International, along with serving as the lead director on Morgan Stanley's board. Although Kidder holds an M.S. in Industrial Economics from Iowa State University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan, his only contact with the automotive industry that we can glean from the release is his work "with a major OEM client." So his car-cred is in question and that leaves us wondering what kind of Chairman Kidder will be for a company desperately in need of compelling and competitive products. Expect more information about Kidder to be forthcoming.

Continue reading BREAKING: C. Robert Kidder announced as chairman of Chrysler Group LLC

BREAKING: C. Robert Kidder announced as chairman of Chrysler Group LLC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Fiat

After weeks of speculation, Fiat confirmed today that its CEO, Sergio Marchionne, will assume the same role with Chrysler once it exits bankruptcy. According to statements from the Obama administration, Chrysler could emerge from "surgical bankruptcy" in as little as 30 to 60 days, after which Chrysler's current chief executive Bob Nardelli will step down and Marchionne will step in.

A dual Canadian and Italian citizen, the Ontario-educated Marchionne is credited with turning the Fiat Group around from a money-losing enterprise into one of the largest and most successful automakers in the industry. After taking over the helm at Fiat five years ago, Marchionne said he would need to double its sales to 5.5 million units annually in order to make the company financially viable. His vision for separating Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo out of their parent company and into a new auto group together with Chrysler (and potentially with GM's European and Latin American assets) would make it the second-largest automaker in the world, with 6 million cars produced annually. The bulk of the debts, however, would remain with the shells of their former organizations, leaving the new one unencumbered and free to regroup. There's no further news at this point as to when Chrysler will emerge from its Chapter 11 proceedings, allowing Marchionne to step in, or how the reported Treasury Dept. regulations will affect Marchionne's salary, but we can expect to hear plenty more on this highly-rated executive and his vision for reshaping the auto industry in the very near future.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Giuseppe Cacace/Getty]

BREAKING: Marchionne confirmed as post-bankruptcy Chrysler CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Chrysler CEO salary capped at $500,000

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

The next chief executive of Chrysler will be tasked with bringing the company out of bankruptcy, restructuring into a profitable business, repaying government loans (if and when they do so at all), integrating Fiat technology and retaining jobs wherever possible. Oh, and he or she will have to do it all on no more than $500,000 a year. This according to the latest reports, based on new Treasury Department regulations.

In receiving funds from the $700 billion financial industry bail-out coffers, Chrysler becomes one of the first companies to fall under new regulations outlined by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner (pictured above) that stipulate chief executives of any firms receiving said funding can't receive compensation exceeding the half-million mark. And not just the chief executive, either, but the top 25 suits in the company. The regulations don't limit the executives from receiving stock options, but with Chrysler's shares being split between Fiat, the UAW and the Canadian and U.S. federal governments, there aren't any shares to go around to offer the cut-rate execs. And to compound things, the executives have to agree to waive the right to sue the government for cutting their wages. The regulations further state that the recipient of the funds (i.e. Chrysler) is barred from owning or leasing private jets, so Fiat executives flying from Turin to Detroit will have to pay their own way. However, the regulations are ambiguous when it comes to payment for second jobs: in other words, who can say if Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne would be capped at $500k overall if he took the helm at Chrysler, as well?

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image Source: Win McNamee/Getty]

REPORT: Next Chrysler CEO salary capped at $500,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati's North American CEO steps down... after less than one year?

Michael Harley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Maserati, Fiat

Marti Eulberg, CEO of Maserati North America, has left her position to "pursue other opportunities," the company announced today. Eulberg, a veteran of Ford and Jaguar, held the CEO position for less than a year after taking the position just last June.

As it as been with most of the world's automakers, 2009 has been a tough year for the Fiat-owned automaker. Only 247 Maserati vehicles had been sold through March of this year in the U.S., representing a sales decline of 58 percent.

As quoted in AutoWeek, Raffaele Fusilli, Maserati's global commercial director said:

"We deeply value the concrete effort of Marti and the MNA team... During a very challenging time, Maserati was one of the very few automotive players in North America to post a positive result in terms of sales in 2008, thus contributing to the second-consecutive record year achieved by the company worldwide.

Fusilli will oversee Maserati's North American operations until a successor is announced.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Maserati's North American CEO steps down... after less than one year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag"

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Since it was announced that the highly quotable Bob Lutz would be departing from his General Motors management spotlight, automotive bloggers and reporters everywhere have been mourning the loss of an executive with such an exquisite way with words. Now it appears that the pining may have been premature, thanks to the emergence of another top management type with the brass, it seems, to freely speak his mind in public.

In a new interview with Yahoo! Tech Ticker's Sarah Lacy, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was asked what he thought of an earlier New York Times piece that voiced opposition to a government loan for the electric car maker. With a huge smile indicating his delight in the opportunity to speak about the issue, Musk announced that "Randy Stross is a huge douchebag". After a brief pause he added, "...and an idiot." Take that, Mr. Fancy Pants reporter guy!

In the course of the interview, Musk goes on to explain exactly how he felt the writer in question cherry-picked from the facts to make a case for Department of Energy loan denial, going on to vigorously defend the Tesla business model. In the conversation that followed the opening barrage, it was very interesting to note the certitude expressed by Elon that Tesla Motors would receive the low interest loan requested from the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. Noting that his company is a "perfect fit" for ATVM funds, he states, "The odds of us getting that money ($350 million) are 99 percent..." alluding to assurances given in private meetings, Musk suggested the funds are coming and coming soon. Hit the jump for the entertaining and informative video.

Gallery: Tesla Model S

[Source: Tech Ticker via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag"

VIDEO: Tesla CEO 99 percent sure of DOE loan, calls NYT writer "a huge douchebag" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne could replace Nardelli as Chrysler CEO in management shake-up royale

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials, Fiat

If you were surprised by the "resignation" of GM chief Rick Wagoner late last month, get used to the idea. Chrysler reportedly has some major management changes in store as well, including a new seven-member executive board including representatives from Fiat and the Obama administration's automotive task force. But while Bob Nardelli may stay on to chair that board, Chrysler's next CEO may not even be American. Sources close to the ongoing negotiations between Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group suggest that part of the new arrangement could see Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionnne taking the top job at the Detroit automaker with which he's jumping into bed.

Sound crazy? Not as crazy as you might think. The architect of Fiat's impressive turn-around from a struggling conglomerate into one of Europe's biggest automakers, Marchionne is a Canadian citizen and was educated just a hop, skip and a jump away from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario. Further, he holds court twice a month at the suburban Chicago offices of Fiat's agricultural subsidiary, Case New Holland. Obama has publicly praised Marchionne's management, which could see him take a hands-on approach to running the two allied companies similar to how Carlos Ghosn, another highly rated European automotive executive, runs Nissan and Renault.

Chrysler and Fiat have until the end of the month to iron out a plan, but it may be more complicated than straight-up bilateral negotiations, as several third parties also figure into the mix. First is Cerberus Capital Management, which owns a majority stake in Chrysler at the moment. Next up is Daimler, which is still locked in negotiations with Cerberus to offload its remaining stake in Chrysler. After throwing in representatives from the United Auto Workers, some of America's biggest financial institutions (many not faring much better than Chrysler themselves) hold several billions in the company's debt. Sure, Marchionne may get the job, but he's going to have one heck of a time getting all this sorted out.

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

REPORT: Fiat's Marchionne could replace Nardelli as Chrysler CEO in management shake-up royale originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year

Michael Harley — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Contests, Mazda

Joining the ranks of Carroll Shelby, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean (to name just a few), James O'Sullivan will receive the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year Award at an invitation-only luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) in May. O'Sullivan is the current President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation.

The award, started in 1964, recognizes excellence in automotive leadership from OEM executives as chosen by a nominating committee comprised of industry media, analysts, and suppliers. O'Sullivan has more than three decades of experience in the industry, and he held many key positions with Ford before heading Mazda. Robert Djurovic, executive director of the Automotive Executive of the Year award program said, "As a native Detroiter with a strong background in the actual sales process, coupled with a lean inventory, a solid partnership with JP Morgan Chase, and a great market offering in the Mazda3, James is the ideal candidate for the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year."

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year

Mazda President and CEO James O'Sullivan named Automotive Executive of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill Ford and Alan Mullaly vow to take 30% pay cuts

Michael Harley — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials, UAW/Unions

The day after Ford and the UAW reached a tentative retiree health care deal (General Motors and Chrysler are still negotiating), the leaders of the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker have announced that they will be taking a 30 percent reduction in salaries over the next two years. A memo, signed by Ford Executive Chairman William Ford Jr. and Chief Executive Alan Mulally, addresses the pay cuts and adds that Ford's board of directors will also drop their compensation for the same period of time. In addition, performance bonuses for salaried workers and senior executives will also disappear.

As reiterated in the memo, Ford and Mulally are not wavering from their plan to go without government assistance and these recent announcements support that strategy. "We know these are challenging times and we all are affected by the tough actions we are taking... However, these are necessary actions to help us emerge as an even stronger, profitably growing Ford Motor Company for the benefit of us all." Thanks for the tip Adam!

[Source: WSJ.com | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Bill Ford and Alan Mullaly vow to take 30% pay cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How much does Nardelli really earn? Could be much more than $1

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

The president decreed that CEOs running banks that received TARP funds couldn't be paid more than $500,000 each year. Chrysler isn't a bank, yet it has received TARP funds, and its CEO, Bob Nardelli, is well under the $500,000. Or at least, he might be. During recent Congressional hearings Nardelli was asked if he'd take a pay cut to $1 a year, and he said he would; the only thing is, he was already making $1 a year.

When Nardelli joined Chrysler in 2007, he signed on for an annual paycheck of $1. The question is, is that all he's making? Neither Chrysler nor parent company Cerberus will say, and as a private company, Cerberus isn't compelled to. On the other side of the automaker CEO coin, it has been revealed that GM CEO Rick Wagoner is only getting a dollar and no bonus on top of that.

The issue certain people want addressed is whether taxpayer funds are being vacuumed into CEO bank accounts. In Chrysler's case it's not so clear how much Nardelli makes nor where any amount more than $1 is coming from -- Cerberus has various interests outside of Chrysler which could fund any theoretical bonus Nardelli gets.

[Source: ABC News]

How much does Nardelli really earn? Could be much more than $1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paolo Pininfarina announced to succeed his late brother

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

These are precarious times for European design studios and coachbuilders, with some of the biggest names in the business facing potential closure. Not even Pininfarina is immune, and the storied Italian studio cannot afford to miss a beat. That's why, only days since the tragic death of its CEO Andrea Pininfarina, the company has already announced his successor.

Rather than hiring from outside, control of the carrozzeria will pass to Paolo Pininfarina, brother of the late Andrea, son of Sergio and grandson of founder Batista "Pinin" Farina. He is shown here attending the funeral for his brother that took place just yesterday. As we reported earlier today, the company is scheduled to unveil its first new vehicle since the tragedy next week at Pebble Beach: the Rolls-Royce Hyperion .

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd, Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty]

Paolo Pininfarina announced to succeed his late brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nardelli returns to work after back injury

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Chrysler LLC chief Bob Nardelli is back to work after being laid up with a bad back the past couple of weeks, and here we didn't even know he was hurt. Some bloggers we are. Nardelli's injury didn't require surgery, and the Chrysler CEO worked from home while getting the rest needed to tend to Chrysler's turnaround plan. A Chrysler spokesperson didn't disclose how the injury occurred, but we're guessing the massive weight of the Pentastar's problems would be a hefty strain on anyone's back.

[Source: Freep]

Nardelli returns to work after back injury originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Babygate: Porsche CEO's hotel room bugged with baby monitor

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Volkswagen

It's far too early to come up with suitable jokes to make, so we'll just give you the facts. According to Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, Police are investigating a case of corporate eavesdropping in the form of a baby monitor that was found in the hotel room of Porsche CEO, Wendelin Wiedeking. Wiedeking was in Wolfsburg, Germany visiting Volkswagen headquarters for a board meeting when a security firm found the monitor behind a sofa in the CEO's room. An investigation is underway, however, it deserves noting that the alleged spying took place in November of last year and that Der Spiegel isn't citing any specific sources for their story.

[Source: Forbes]

Babygate: Porsche CEO's hotel room bugged with baby monitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW North America Chairman to become Rolls-Royce CEO

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Rolls-Royce

Tom Purves, Chairman of BMW North America, is getting a new desk -- one that is adorned with a silver Flying Lady. As of July 1, Purves will take over as the CEO of BMW's Rolls-Royce brand in Goodwood, England. Replacing Tom Purves as the CEO of BMW's North American Unit will be Jim O'Donnell, who has occupied the No. 2 seat since the beginning of this month.

Purves is no stranger to Rolls-Royce. He spent the first 17 years of his career there occupying several different management positions. The timing for his departure from BMW is interesting, though. BMW has a mandatory retirement age of 60. Coincidentally, that just happens to be the age Purves will celebrate on his birthday this November. Rolls-Royce, one of the most prestigious automakers in the world, doesn't have a mandatory retirement age.

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

BMW North America Chairman to become Rolls-Royce CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover

Geoff Polites, who's stewardship of Land Rover and Jaguar improved the health of both properties, has succumbed after a long illness. Polites led Jaguar and Land Rover back to collective profitability, and kept a steady hand on the helm during the upheaval surrounding the sale to Tata a month ago. While rumors swirled and pundits punned, it was Polites leadership that kept Jaguar and Land Rover on an even keel, with heads down and concentrating, instead of freaking out. Polites spent 40 years in the automotive business, and rose to CEO at Jaguar Land Rover in 2005. Both brands have strong, stylish product portfolios with name cachet, and David Smith, CFO of Jaguar Land Rover will step in as acting CEO for now. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies

Jaguar Land Rover CEO dies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Luca de Meo announced as new Alfa Romeo CEO

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

You'd be smiling, too...

According to emerging reports, Luca De Meo is being appointed as the new chief executive of Alfa Romeo, succeeding Antonio Baravalle who recently announced his departure.

De Meo is credited with the recent rejuvenation of the Fiat brand, overseeing the introduction of the enormously successful Grande Punto, followed by the new Bravo and most recently the hot new 500 retro-hatch. The industry was shocked when De Meo stepped down as Fiat brand CEO just a few months ago to assume a new position in the parent company as Chief Marketing Officer for the entire Fiat Group. De Meo will be retaining the marketing position in addition to his new responsibilities as head of Alfa Romeo, while keeping his third post as head of the Abarth division, which he launched during his tenure as Fiat brand CEO.

With the new appointment, it becomes all the more clear that Luca De Meo is being groomed to take over from Fiat Group chief Sergio Marchionne, whom he succeeded as Fiat brand CEO and remains the only one with more responsibilities in the Fiat empire than De Meo (with the possible exception of his namesake Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari, chairman of the Fiat Group and head of industrial alliance Confindustria).

As Marchionne pointed out, the duality of De Meo's positions put him "in the ideal position" to spearhead Alfa Romeo's imminent return to the North American market.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

BREAKING: Luca de Meo announced as new Alfa Romeo CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla names Ze'ev Drori new CEO

John Neff — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Tesla Motors has been operating with an interim CEO since last August when its founder, Martin Eberhard, stepped down as head of the company. Today the start up that promises to herald in a new era of EV motoring (if it can stay on schedule) announced the appointment of a permanent replacement. Ze'ev Drori will now be at the helm of Tesla Motors as it tries to guide the Tesla Roadster through the production process. Drori has a history of turning around small companies, having founded a computer chip company called Monolithic Memories and later running Clifford Electronics, an automobile security system company, until it was bought by Allstate Insurance in 1999.

We've always wondered whether that's been the plan for Tesla Motors all along: get the all-electric Tesla Roadster to market, build the brand and sell the technology to the major automaker with the highest bid. Bringing on a guy like Drori lends some credibility to that hypothesis, though it's just as likely Tesla plans to remain independent as it builds an entire lineup of all-electric vehicles in the coming years.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Tesla names Ze'ev Drori new CEO

Tesla names Ze'ev Drori new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?

Alex Nunez — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, China, Europe

According to UK-based media service Headline Auto, one of the hot rumors flying around the Auto Messe in Frankfurt earlier this morning was that China Automobile, the German importer for Chinese automaker Shuanghuan, was going to get booted out of the exhibit hall. The controversy stems from some bad blood brewing between Shuanghuan and the mainstream manufacturers whose designs it blatantly, unashamedly copies. On display in Frankfurt are the Shuanghuan UFO and CEO SUVs. UFO is a Toyota RAV4 clone, and CEO is a 95% copy of the BMW X5. (We say 95% because Shuanghuan apparently elected to copycat Mercedes-Benz for the CEO's front end design.)

In the end, China Automobile Deutschland got to stay at the show, but Shuanghuan still faces potential trouble ahead, as BMW is considering legal action against the company.

[Source: Headline Auto]

Continue reading Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show?

Rumormill: China Automobile almost kicked out of Frankfurt show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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