Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA['Birthplace of GM' now back in company hands [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Durant Dort Factory One

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dortdurant-dort carriage coflintgeneral motorsgmmark reussmichiganwilliam durantSun, 05 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/birthplace-of-gm-now-back-in-company-hands-w-video/20557141/article-detail.xml 20557141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/durant-dorch-factory-one.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Daily Show</i> takes a long, hard look at the Detroit-Canada bridge fiasco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/daily-show-takes-a-long-hard-look-at-the-detroit-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/daily-show-takes-a-long-hard-look-at-the-detroit-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/daily-show-takes-a-long-hard-look-at-the-detroit-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Detroit Ambassador Bridge

You mean to tell me that one man owns the busiest international border crossing in the entire United States? One that carries about 25 percent of all trade between the US and Canada? Ha! With apologies to George C. Parker, if you believe that, I've got a bridge to sell you.

Wait. This is for real, as in, a real bridge? Apparently so. The Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario, Canada is in fact owned by a billionaire Grosse Pointe, Michigan resident named Manuel "Matty" Moroun. Moroun is none too pleased with the prospect of a new bridge, proposed years ago and backed by the US and Canadian governments, competing with his own. The billionaire went so far as to fund a multi-million-dollar campaign seeking to create a constitutional amendment that would require a statewide vote to fund such a project. The proposition was voted down, meaning the bridge project could proceed.

We haven't yet explained the best part: Canada plans to pay for the entire bridge. That's right. The Canadian government has agreed to pay for the construction of the bridge, the land in Michigan that would need to be acquired and the construction of necessary on-ramps to Detroit's I-75 highway. Which would leave Michigan and its residents with, well, absolutely zero financial obligation.

Here's where we point out that a huge amount of automotive trade is carried over the Ambassador bridge. In fact, according to the New International Trade Crossing website, Chrysler has estimated that "delays at the Detroit-Windsor crossing adds more than $600 to the average car manufactured in the Michigan-Ontario region."

Leave it up to The Daily Show to turn such an oddly controversial topic into a hilarious video segment. We suggest you check it out below, and pay special attention to the parody of Chrysler's well-known "Born in Detroit" marketing campaign.

Continue reading Daily Show takes a long, hard look at the Detroit-Canada bridge fiasco

Daily Show takes a long, hard look at the Detroit-Canada bridge fiasco originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambassador bridgebridge to canadacanadadetroitdetroit bridgemanual morounmatty morounmichigannew international trade crossingwindsorThu, 10 Jan 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/daily-show-takes-a-long-hard-look-at-the-detroit-canada/20425728/article-detail.xml 20425728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ambassador-bridge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ambassador-bridge.jpg <![CDATA[Could Michigan going "Right To Work" status revitalize its auto production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Midwest has lately been at the center of battles between unions and the politicians contesting them, and the union side hasn't been doing so well. Michigan is the latest rust-belt state to lob a legislative grenade into union ranks, the state governor signing two right-to-work bills that prohibit mandatory union dues in the state's workplaces.

Some context: This isn't like Indiana or Wisconsin, two other nearby states that have recently waged government vs. union battles (unions lost in both states), Michigan is a marquee union haven. It is the birthplace of the United Auto Workers, the richest union in the nation, and has ties to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that still make front page news. It has the fifth-highest union membership of any state, but it has the greatest number of union members by percentage of the population. And as for that fifth-placed membership placing, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 the states ahead of Michigan were New York, Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington.

Reaction from union representatives and supporters has, naturally, been damning. More than 12,000 people from Michigan and surrounding states marched outside the state Capitol, the Teamsters president called the bill "shameful" and "divisive," and 260 teachers - members of another powerful union - called in sick on the say of the vote.

Reaction from outside the unions has been mixed: The hope is that the legislation will give Michigan a better chance to compete for corporate dollars now that the specter of compulsory unionization has been removed. But it doesn't change existing union contracts - the current UAW labor agreement with the Big Three expires in 2015 - and it doesn't stop attempts to unionize. Michigan also has other issues like its tax on manufacturing equipment that make it an expensive place to do business. No one is expecting cash to suddenly be funneled back into Michigan in ways it hasn't been for decades, and it will take a few years to gauge the results. The narrative, rather, seems to be more about the future of unions and the momentum turning even more forcefully against them, as opposed to a sudden revival of Michigan's fortunes because of the legislation.

Could Michigan going "Right To Work" status revitalize its auto production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>james hoffalawlegislationmichiganright to workteamstersuawunited auto workersFri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/20401850/article-detail.xml 20401850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628.jpg <![CDATA[MI court ruling gives you permission to yell at parking meter enforcement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mi-court-ruling-gives-you-permission-to-yell-at-parking-meter-en/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mi-court-ruling-gives-you-permission-to-yell-at-parking-meter-en/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mi-court-ruling-gives-you-permission-to-yell-at-parking-meter-en/#commentsFiled under: ,

Expired parking meter

Have you ever left your car at a metered parking spot, for just a few minutes too long, only to come back to a parking ticket? Have you ever wanted to yell at the parking enforcement officer? Well, as Jared Rapp found out, the practice is protected by the Constitution.

Rapp, 29, was a student at Michigan State University in 2008 when a parking officer ticked his vehicle. Rapp proceeded to vent his frustrations by yelling at the officer who administered his ticket. He must've been quite intimidating - according to a Detroit Free Press report, the officer "retreated to his vehicle, called for help, then sat in his vehicle until police arrived."

Apparently, the tirade that followed resulted in charges against Rapp, which triggered a court case that went all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court. The state court has ruled that Rapp cannot be charged with a crime for such an act. Rapp was to be prosecuted under an MSU ordinance regarding "anyone who disrupts in any way anyone carrying out any activity for or with MSU."

That sounded a bit vague to Rapp's attorneys, and it apparently did to the court, as well. In a divided decision, they have ruled that prosecuting Rapp would infringe upon his right to free speech.

MI court ruling gives you permission to yell at parking meter enforcement originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>finefree speechjared rappmeter maidmichiganmichigan supreme courtparkingparking enforcementparking meterparking ticketWed, 01 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20288434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/01/mi-court-ruling-gives-you-permission-to-yell-at-parking-meter-en/20288434/article-detail.xml 20288434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/expired-parking-meter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/expired-parking-meter.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler considering $200M investment to boost Pentastar V6 production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/chrysler-considering-200m-investment-to-boost-pentastar-v6-prod/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/chrysler-considering-200m-investment-to-boost-pentastar-v6-prod/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/chrysler-considering-200m-investment-to-boost-pentastar-v6-prod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pentastar V6 engine

The Pentastar V6 has been Chrysler's magic bullet as of late, combining solid power and impressive fuel efficiency. The do-all powerplant has found its way into a just about any Chrysler Group vehicle with an engine bay to accept it. Jeep and Journey alike have enjoyed the benefits of the dual-overhead cam 3.6-liter mill.

Chrysler is pondering an investment of $200 million into its Detroit Mack I facility to increase Pentastar production. Meanwhile, Chrysler plans to halt production of the aging 3.7-liter V6 at the Mack II facility. The 200 employees that were laid off by the idling of Mack II will be reemployed at other Chrysler Group facilities in the area.

According to the Automotive News report, if an agreement can be reached with the local government, the Mack I plant would switch over from producing the 4.7-liter V8 to the popular 3.6-liter Pentastar engine. Currently, the Pentastar is also produced in Trenton, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.

If the proposal was approved, Chrysler will not only produce the 3.6-liter version of the Pentastar, but also intends on building variants with different displacements.

Chrysler canceled its usual summer shutdown, and the Trenton and Saltillo facilities have been working overtime to meet demand for the popular engine.

Chrysler considering $200M investment to boost Pentastar V6 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.6Lchryslerdetroitenginemichiganpentastarv6Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20284623/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/24/chrysler-considering-200m-investment-to-boost-pentastar-v6-prod/20284623/article-detail.xml 20284623 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/23-2011-dodge-grand-caravan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/23-2011-dodge-grand-caravan.jpg <![CDATA[China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/chinas-saic-sets-up-shop-in-suburban-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/chinas-saic-sets-up-shop-in-suburban-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/chinas-saic-sets-up-shop-in-suburban-detroit/#commentsFiled under: ,

SAIC LogoShanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has opened a new North American headquarters in Birmingham, Michigan. The Chinese automaker says the facility will help build a stronger connection and further cooperation between U.S. manufacturers and their Chinese counterparts.

SAIC refurbished a 30,000-square-foot building for its new HQ, which should employ around 100 people. Specifically, the location will help SAIC purchase the parts it needs from the strong base of local suppliers in the area while also coordinating import and export operations. The Chinese automaker says the facility will also house some technology and engineering research development, as well.

SAIC said the company chose Birmingham for the city's proximity to partners like General Motors as well as numerous parts suppliers. Michigan's pro-business environment didn't hurt the decision either. SAIC is the largest automaker on the Chinese stock market. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit

China's SAIC sets up shop in suburban Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birminghambirmingham michiganmichigansaicsaic michiganshanghai automotive industry corporationFri, 29 Jun 2012 18:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20268950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/chinas-saic-sets-up-shop-in-suburban-detroit/20268950/article-detail.xml 20268950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/saic-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/saic-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[America's cell phone laws, state by state]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/#commentsFiled under:


Memorial Day weekend is one of the premiere road trip holidays. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 30 million people will hit the road this weekend, averaging 642 miles each. That means, for many, crossing state lines. And nowadays, that's more confusing than ever. Speed limits may vary, but at least those are posted. Cell phone laws, however, are much more confusing.

For example, if you were driving from Michigan to Florida, you could legally text while driving in Ohio and Florida, where there are no laws banning it. But in between, it's illegal, as 38 states have laws against texting while driving.

There are 10 states where you couldn't hold my phone to my ear, as these states ban drivers from using hand held devices and require hands-free cell phone use.

Younger drivers, those with learners permits or under 18, may face stricter enforcement in some states, though it's unclear exactly how a cop can figure out someone's age at 70 miles per hour.

Of course, some cities have their own laws, as well, banning everything from texting while driving to dancing with girls. Make sure you know those laws as well. Or, just stay home, no one really wants to go to Bomont anyway. To see exactly what your state's laws are regarding cell phone use while driving, check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listing or scroll through the maps in our gallery above.

America's cell phone laws, state by state originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Automobile AssociationCell PhoneFloridaInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyLocalMemorial DayMichiganOhioSci/TechU.S.Fri, 25 May 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/20244777/article-detail.xml 20244777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/distracted-drivers-state-laws-002-1337892959_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/distracted-drivers-state-laws-002-1337892959.jpg <![CDATA[University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/#commentsFiled under:

University of Michigan Supermileage Team

The University of Michigan has had one of the preeminent solar car teams in the world for more than two decades, but a new group of students is looking to make its own mark in the world of green engineering. The school will be fielding its first entry in the annual SAE Supermileage competition this year.

If you think a bunch of newbies would launch their effort somewhat low-key, you probably aren't from Michigan or familiar with the Wolverine Way. Michigan has set its goal at nothing short of the North American record of bettering 3,169 miles per gallon with its single-cylinder, Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine. The expectation is that the Michigan car will hit 3,300 mpg.

The Supermileage competition has been held since 1980, requiring students to design and build extremely lightweight, single-seat vehicles. The competition itself involves circling the Eaton Corporation Proving Grounds test track. Last year, 27 teams competed, with Quebec's Universite de Sherbrooke dominating the competition, recording 2,158 mpg, over 500 mpg more than its cross-province rival, Universite' Laval.

The 2012 Supermileage competition is scheduled for June 7-8 in Marshall, MI. Scroll down to read the press release and watch Michigan's promotional video.

Continue reading University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]

University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyhypermilingmichigansae supermileage competitionsupermileageuniversite de sherbrookeuniversite lavaluniversity of michiganThu, 17 May 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/20240320/article-detail.xml 20240320 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/michigan-supermileage-team-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/michigan-supermileage-team-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic chases the sun with Michigan's solar car team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/translogic-chases-the-sun-with-michigans-solar-car-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/translogic-chases-the-sun-with-michigans-solar-car-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/translogic-chases-the-sun-with-michigans-solar-car-team/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Translogic visits the University of Michigan Solar Car Team

No, that is not the world's most awesome Michigan Wolverines beer pong table. It's a million-dollar race car that's powered by the sun, and in the most recent epsiode of Translogic, our sister site visits the University of Michigan Solar Car Team to learn all about it.

The Wolverines have been racing in international solar car competitions since 1989, having built 11 cars in the past 23 years. They've won the North American Solar Challenge six times, including the last three in a row, and will be defending their title this July. The team finished third in the World Solar Challenge last year in Australia, and is currently working on a new car design for the 2013 event.

The car itself, dubbed Quantum, is a poem to minimalism, light weight and efficiency. It can run at over 100 miles per hour, thanks to its ultra-efficient, 12-horsepower, in-hub electric motor and a low curb weight of just 320 pounds.

Scroll down to watch the full episode and see the U of M team in action.

Continue reading Translogic chases the sun with Michigan's solar car team

Translogic chases the sun with Michigan's solar car team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michiganmichigan wolverinesnorth american solar challengequantumquantum solar carsolar cartranslogicu of muniversity of michiganuniversity of michigan solar car teamvideoworld solar challengeThu, 12 Apr 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212167/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/12/translogic-chases-the-sun-with-michigans-solar-car-team/20212167/article-detail.xml 20212167 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/michigan-solar-car-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/michigan-solar-car-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/translogic-goes-for-a-walk-with-mabel-the-walking-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/translogic-goes-for-a-walk-with-mabel-the-walking-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/translogic-goes-for-a-walk-with-mabel-the-walking-robot/#commentsFiled under:

MABEL the robot on Translogic

Our sister site Translogic visits the University of Michigan in their latest episode to check out a bipedal robot named MABEL. While other similar robots like ASIMO (built by Honda), and the Partner Robots (from Toyota) have wowed crowds with their ability to walk upright, MABEL advances the technology with a complex system of springs in its knees so that its gait more resembles actual human locomotion. This enables MABEL to actually run like a human, with both "feet" leaving the ground for part of each stride.

MABEL actually set a world record for fastest two-legged machine last summer, hitting a peak pace of 6.8 miles per hour. (By comparison, ASIMO tops out at 3.7 mph.) More importantly, MABEL is able to walk and run over more than just flat terrain, as it can dynamically balance similar to a human. University of Michigan researchers say this technology may be able to help the disabled regain the ability to walk some day, or be deployed for future vehicles that don't use wheels.

Watch the full episode below.

Continue reading Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot

Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosbipedal robotmabelmichiganrobotroboticstranslogicuniversity of michiganFri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206860/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/translogic-goes-for-a-walk-with-mabel-the-walking-robot/20206860/article-detail.xml 20206860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/xl-mabel-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/xl-mabel-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Romney doubles down on auto bailout opposition?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/romney-doubles-down-on-auto-bailout-opposition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/romney-doubles-down-on-auto-bailout-opposition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/18/romney-doubles-down-on-auto-bailout-opposition/#comments

GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is trailing in the polls in Michigan ahead of that state's February 28 primary, and the former Mass. Governor thinks the way to close the gap is to bash the bailout of the auto industry in 2009 that saved General Motors and Chrysler from being broken up and liquidated in bankruptcy court.

Romney's timing is tough, what with GM's setting an all-time record profit for 2011.

Polls have suggested that despite the obvious benefit from the bailout to Michigan, state residents have been divided about whether Uncle Sam should have stepped in to keep the automakers in tact.

My big beef with Romney is not that he opposes the bailout in principle (though he did support the bailout of Wall Street), but that he fictionalizes events of 2009 when GM and Chrysler went through bankruptcy. Romney asserts that the companies could have gone through a managed bankruptcy without the help of the federal government. Not true.

Perhaps a better tack for Romney would be to suggest that as long as GM is making such huge profits the company might pay back some of the loans granted it under President Bush. GM got billions before the bankruptcy that it is not required to pay back.

Read my entire column about Romney's odd take on history at HuffingtonPost Detroit.

Romney doubles down on auto bailout opposition? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutchryslerdavid kileygeneral motorsgopmichiganmitt romneyprimaryrepublicanSat, 18 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/18/romney-doubles-down-on-auto-bailout-opposition/20174096/article-detail.xml 20174096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/romney2012.b5b1f5674a64483fb7d3a6cde7d9425d-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/romney2012.b5b1f5674a64483fb7d3a6cde7d9425d-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Barn Find: 1952 Ferrari 212 Ghia Cabriolet found collecting dust]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/barn-find-1952-ferrari-212-ghia-cabriolet-found-collecting-dust/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/barn-find-1952-ferrari-212-ghia-cabriolet-found-collecting-dust/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/barn-find-1952-ferrari-212-ghia-cabriolet-found-collecting-dust/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



While rummaging through the wares on offer at an estate sale, Bobby Goins, a "picker" in Grand Blanc, Michigan, found the car pictured above: a 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Ghia Cabriolet. Hidden under a tarp and lots of detritus in a garage, once it was revealed Goins discovered that the car was almost completely intact. The only thing missing was the engine, and that was found in Wisconsin not long after the discovery of the car.

Without a serial number, it's difficult to place this car exactly, even though the 212 Inter was only made for three years. It came early in Ferrari's move to production cars, but was one of the most numerous models with the widest variety of bodystyles - no less than eight coachbuilders contributed designs and variations on those designs. For instance, this one has a Ghia grille used on another body, but a different hood treatment. No matter, it's been rescued from oblivion and sold to a good home: it was bought by a Ferrari collector for just $150,000.

Follow the jump to see local news footage of Goins' discovery.

Continue reading Barn Find: 1952 Ferrari 212 Ghia Cabriolet found collecting dust

Barn Find: 1952 Ferrari 212 Ghia Cabriolet found collecting dust originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1952 ferrari1952 ferrari 212 inter ghia cabriolet212212 interbarn findbobby goinsferrariferrari 212ferrari 212 interghiagrand blancmichiganvideoMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130304/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/barn-find-1952-ferrari-212-ghia-cabriolet-found-collecting-dust/20130304/article-detail.xml 20130304 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferraricabriolet52_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/ferraricabriolet52.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy boasts about Caprice PPV performance in Michigan State Police test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chevy-boasts-caprice-ppv-performance-in-michigan-state-police-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chevy-boasts-caprice-ppv-performance-in-michigan-state-police-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chevy-boasts-caprice-ppv-performance-in-michigan-state-police-te/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet Caprice PPV

General Motors has a reason to preen over the results of the Michigan State Police vehicle evaluations. The Chevrolet Caprice PPV managed to eclipse its competition in top speed and braking tests. The Caprice PPV managed to scoot down from 60 miles per hour in just 125.8 feet, which is a full four feet shorter than the equivalent Ford Interceptor Sedan. Likewise, with a top speed of 154 mph, the protect-and-serve Bowtie boasts a top speed that's 6 mph faster than the 148-mph Interceptor. While that's impressive, we're more terrified by the fact that the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV managed to ratchet up an astonishing 139 mph. That's what we call a flying brick.

The Chevrolet PPV Sedan gets its power from the company's 3.6-liter V6 engine and lays it to the pavement by the miracle of good, old-fashioned rear-wheel drive. While Ford claims that the company's forced-induction V6 garners better fuel economy with equivalent performance, it will be hard for most law enforcement agencies to brush past the PPV's taller top end and shorter stopping distance. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Chevy boasts about Caprice PPV performance in Michigan State Police test

Chevy boasts about Caprice PPV performance in Michigan State Police test originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capricecaprice ppvchevrolet capricechevrolet caprice ppvmichiganmichigan state policeppvThu, 22 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20049740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/chevy-boasts-caprice-ppv-performance-in-michigan-state-police-te/20049740/article-detail.xml 20049740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chevrolet-caprice-ppv-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chevrolet-caprice-ppv-630.jpg <![CDATA[Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/hell-plays-host-to-worlds-largest-gathering-of-hearses/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/hell-plays-host-to-worlds-largest-gathering-of-hearses/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/hell-plays-host-to-worlds-largest-gathering-of-hearses/#commentsFiled under: ,

hearse record in hell michigan

If you're heading to Hell, you're probably going to take a ride in a hearse at some point in your journey. Seems only fitting, then, that a group of hearse owners chose the tiny hamlet of Hell, Michigan as the place to set a world record. An official from the Guinness Book Of World Records was on hand to verify that the 51-hearse gathering is a new record in a category that we didn't even know existed.

Hearse owners descended on Hell to roll into the record books together, and the vehicles arrived in a variety of shapes and sizes. Click past the jump to watch the entire crew ride into the pages of history in a couple of videos. In the second video, skip to the 4:25 mark to catch a glimpse of our favorite hearse of the bunch.

Continue reading Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses

Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death carfuneralfuneral carguinnessguinness book of world recordshearsehearse recordhellhell michiganmichiganvideoworld recordWed, 21 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/hell-plays-host-to-worlds-largest-gathering-of-hearses/20048596/article-detail.xml 20048596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hearse-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hearse-record.jpg <![CDATA[Despite lengthy bankruptcy, Visteon's Stebbins earns more than any other MI-based CEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/despite-lengthy-bankruptcy-visteons-stebbins-earns-more-than-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/despite-lengthy-bankruptcy-visteons-stebbins-earns-more-than-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/despite-lengthy-bankruptcy-visteons-stebbins-earns-more-than-a/#commentsFiled under:

visteon ceo stebbins earns 26.9 million in 2010There were some raised eyebrows after Ford CEO Alan Mulally raked in $26.5 million in 2010, even after the company realized a healthy profit and significantly improved sales. But while Mulally got a big check for being instrumental in the company's high-profile turnaround, he wasn't even the highest paid CEO in Michigan.

Automotive News is reporting that Visteon CEO Donald Stebbins pulled in $26.9 million in 2010, due in part to stock received as part of the supplier's bankruptcy reorganization. Stebbins' total compensation included a $21.2-million stock award, which was bolstered by the fact that shares of Visteon stock went from $49 in October to $66.90 at the end of last week.

Stebbins isn't the only Visteon executive to get a fat payday in 2010, as CFO William Quigley took in $11 million in compensation and VP Joy Greenway banked another $6 million. Executives weren't the only ones to benefit from Visteon's bankruptcy, either. Bondholders received shares that are currently worth $3 billion; a reported profit of $1.9 billion beyond their original investment.

Shareholders weren't so lucky. Visteon's old shares were canceled as part of the bankruptcy, and those shares were replaced with only one million of the new shares, or 2.5 percent of the company. That's about 61 cents per share of the old stock.

You can probably guess that the old shareholders feel slighted by the agreement. One unnamed source told Automotive News that it was unfair for Visteon executives to receive an alleged $114 million in total compensation for steering a company to bankruptcy. What say you?

Despite lengthy bankruptcy, Visteon's Stebbins earns more than any other MI-based CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcyceo compensationceo payexecutive paymichiganvisteonvisteon bankruptcyvisteon ceoThu, 12 May 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19936942/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/despite-lengthy-bankruptcy-visteons-stebbins-earns-more-than-a/19936942/article-detail.xml 19936942 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/stebbins_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/stebbins.jpg <![CDATA[Report: CAR projects Michigan will net up to 23,000 new auto jobs in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/17/report-car-projects-michigan-will-net-up-to-23-000-new-auto-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/17/report-car-projects-michigan-will-net-up-to-23-000-new-auto-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/17/report-car-projects-michigan-will-net-up-to-23-000-new-auto-job/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Explorer assembly line

The fourth quarter of 2010 showed strengthening auto sales, and analysts believe 2011 will reveal further sales growth. That will likely lead to more profit for automakers, and The Detroit News reports that Michigan jobs could follow. The report cites findings by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) that show up to 23,000 new Michigan jobs in 2011 alone.

That's a huge number of high wage jobs in a region still burdened with unemployment levels over 10 percent, and a big reason the Mitten State is projected to be a jobs winner is a shift in the competitive landscape. Ford and General Motors are making money in a down auto market and Chrysler was breaking even even before refreshing most of its vehicle lineup. CAR points out that the Detroit Three are also competitive on labor and legacy costs, quality and manufacturing efficiency, which frees up more money for product development.

CAR has reportedly been able to track at least $5.6 billion in announced projects in Michigan over the past 24 months, and the industry continues to recover from the Great Recession; a number that stands a good chance of increasing.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: M. Spencer Green/AFP/Getty]

Report: CAR projects Michigan will net up to 23,000 new auto jobs in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carCenter for Automotive ResearchjobsmichiganMon, 17 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19803049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/17/report-car-projects-michigan-will-net-up-to-23-000-new-auto-job/19803049/article-detail.xml 19803049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/autosales.8cdad1b567f24691b625bdad7b1a603f-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/autosales.8cdad1b567f24691b625bdad7b1a603f-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Government seen backing graduated drivers licenses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/government-seen-backing-graduated-drivers-licenses/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/government-seen-backing-graduated-drivers-licenses/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/government-seen-backing-graduated-drivers-licenses/#commentsFiled under: ,

McLovinGetting your driver's license can be a tremendous event. It signifies a new-found level of freedom and a chance to go out and explore more of the surrounding world. The privilege of being licensed to drive a car is a wonderful thing, yet not everyone thinks of it that way. A teenager with a learner's permit is eager to make the jump to a full license - even if they might not be totally ready to carry that piece of plastic in their wallet or purse. A bill introduced in the spring of 2009 would make the learning process a bit longer by mandating graduated license programs.

Backed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a graduated license program would require a driver to go through three stages of licensing: learner's permit, intermediate license and full driver's license. The bill also proposes that the legal age to obtain a learner's permit be set at 16, as well as no unsupervised night driving until the driver is 18 years old. All states currently have some form of a graduated program in place, with the exception of North Dakota. This bill would help create harmony amongst the states with regards to age and term limits as some states are more lax than others.

For example, the state of Michigan allows drivers to begin the learner's permit process at just 14 years and eight months of age. Michigan drivers can then graduate to a full license by the age of 17. Is that too young? Perhaps, but it's hard to lump every 17 year old driver into one "you're-too-young-to-know-anything" driving group. Statistics do show that teenage drivers have higher crash rates compared to their older peers.

Perhaps a few more years in a better-thought-out licensing program can help bring that number down?

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: eBaum's World]

Continue reading Government seen backing graduated drivers licenses

Government seen backing graduated drivers licenses originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver trainingDrivers Educationdrivers licensegraduated licensinglicensemichiganNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNHTSATue, 28 Sep 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19652195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/28/government-seen-backing-graduated-drivers-licenses/19652195/article-detail.xml 19652195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/mclovin_license_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/mclovin_license.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Authorities skeptical of Ford's new Police Interceptor at testing event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ford Police Interceptor testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Michigan law enforcement officials have gathered to run a rodeo with the Ford Police Interceptor, Dodge Charger Pursuit and Chevrolet Caprice police car. The last horse standing will be trying to slide into the spot left by the Ford Crown Victoria, which sold about 50,000 units per year before going out of production. Ford doesn't have the inside line on replacing its standard bearer, though, because the Taurus-based Police Interceptor is front-wheel drive, and that makes some officers skeptical.

An officer's remark that "It is a whole different driving system" symbolizes the wariness, with concerns not only about cost and complexity, but just being able to drive the thing in the way officers are accustomed. The competition is rear-wheel drive, and in the case of the Caprice - which ran the police fleet show until it went out of production - there's more interior room. All the cars have their give-and-take, although the Ford is the only offering with all-wheel drive. Final results from the weekend's testing will be announced in December.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Authorities skeptical of Ford's new Police Interceptor at testing event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge charger pursuit2011DodgeChargerPursuit2012 ford police interceptor2012FordPoliceInterceptorCharger PursuitChargerPursuitchevrolet capricechevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvChevrolet Caprice PPV 2011ChevroletCapriceChevroletCapricePolicePatrolVehicleChevroletCapricePpvChevroletCapricePpv2011Dodge Charger Police carDodge Charger PursuitDodgeChargerPoliceCarDodgeChargerPursuitford police interceptorFordPoliceInterceptormichiganpolicepolice carpolice interceptorPoliceCarPoliceInterceptorMon, 20 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19639646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/19639646/article-detail.xml 19639646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting.jpg <![CDATA[Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/retooled-ford-wayne-assembly-plant-to-be-companys-most-flexible/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/retooled-ford-wayne-assembly-plant-to-be-companys-most-flexible/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/retooled-ford-wayne-assembly-plant-to-be-companys-most-flexible/#commentsFiled under: ,

Workers building pre-production 2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is crowing that its freshly retooled Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI is now the most flexible final assembly factory in its global network. The Wayne plant used to assemble the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs but is now building pre-production examples of the 2012 Focus. One of the features touted by Ford for its new global C-segment platform is that it is driving down development cost by building 10 different bodystyles on the architecture using many of the same mechanical components.

At launch, the Wayne plant will build both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variants, but those are expected to be joined by a new Lincoln compact and possibly variants like the Grand C-Max. Ford will also be building versions of these vehicles with conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. Over 80 percent of the equipment in the body shop is programmable and can run different body styles almost with the flip of a switch. Ford says this new flexibility will also allow it to quickly adjust its product mix to shifting market conditions.


Gallery: Ford Michigan Assembly Plant


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible

Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 ford2012 ford focus2012Ford2012FordFocusflexibleflexible manufacturingflexible manufacturing strategyFlexibleManufacturingFlexibleManufacturingStrategyfocusFord focusFordFocusgrand c-maxGrandC-maxlincoln concept cLincolnConceptCmichiganmichigan assemblymichigan assembly plantMichiganAssemblyMichiganAssemblyPlantwaynewayne assembly plantwayne miWayneAssemblyPlantWayneMiWed, 04 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19578817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/04/retooled-ford-wayne-assembly-plant-to-be-companys-most-flexible/19578817/article-detail.xml 19578817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/wayneassembly361-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/wayneassembly361-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Rumormill: Chevy Corvette production to leave Bowling Green for... Lansing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/rumormill-chevy-corvette-production-to-leave-bowling-green-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/rumormill-chevy-corvette-production-to-leave-bowling-green-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/rumormill-chevy-corvette-production-to-leave-bowling-green-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though it was just named the Official State Sports Car of Kentucky not even a month ago, a story from WLNS speculates that Chevrolet Corvette production could move from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Lansing, Michigan. The UAW president and economist who brought it up apparently didn't suggest that it would happen, they were really just throwing out possibilities to the WLNS reporter.

General Motors' Corvette rep David Caldwell, though, has doused any idea of this happening. When Autoblog asked him about the story, Caldwell told us that there had been a roundtable about what the Lansing Grand River plant might produce, and various cars were mentioned, including the Corvette. However, as Caldwell notes, "Corvettes are born in Bowling Green," and "nothing going on in the foreseeable future changes that long-time fact."

In other words, all of you in the Bluegrass State can relax now.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: WLNS]

Rumormill: Chevy Corvette production to leave Bowling Green for... Lansing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowling greenBowlingGreenChevrolet CorvetteChevroletCorvettechevycorvettekentuckylansingLansing Grand River Assembly PlantLansingGrandRiverAssemblyPlantmichiganWed, 14 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19553974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/rumormill-chevy-corvette-production-to-leave-bowling-green-for/19553974/article-detail.xml 19553974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/corvettelansingno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/corvettelansingno.jpg -1 2