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[GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/needs-pic-gm-buys-remaining-stake-in-cami-plant-from-suzuki/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's safe to say that 2009 has been the most difficult year in the 101-year history of General Motors. But while most of the news coming out of GM has been tough to swallow, the Detroit, MI-based automaker has had one very good piece of news: its new products are faring well in the marketplace. And of all the new products GM brought to market this year, none has higher volume than its Theta-based crossovers built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have been successful enough that The General has added a third shift, scheduled regular overtime for the rank and file and even spent $93 million on a new body shop to increase production capacity by 40,000 units per year.

But GM was spending big bucks and building very important vehicles at a plant that it jointly owned with partner Suzuki. Well, GM changed that last week when it announced that it was buying Suzuki's stake in the Canadian facility. GM has not disclosed the amount of money it paid to take over full interest of the facility, but we're guessing the total wasn't nearly as much as the cost of a new plant, which can cost over $1 billion. But while the news was good for GM and the people of Ingersoll, we're guessing the folks who work at closing plant in the U.S. aren't all that happy about this development. Hit the jump to read over GM's brief press release.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki

GM buys remaining stake in CAMI plant from Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Chevrolet2010 Chevrolet Equinox2010 Equinox2010 GMC2010 GMC Terrain2010 Terrain2010Chevrolet2010ChevroletEquinox2010Equinox2010Gmc2010GmcTerrain2010TerrainCAMIcami plantCamiPlantchevy equinoxChevyEquinoxgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgmc terrainGmcTerrainingersollontarioMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian man earns second ticket with one finger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/canadian-man-earns-second-ticket-with-one-finger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/canadian-man-earns-second-ticket-with-one-finger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/canadian-man-earns-second-ticket-with-one-finger/#commentsFiled under: ,



Stare at the maple leaf in the center of a Canadian flag long enough and it really starts to look like someone's giving you the bird. Especially if you've been sucking down Mooseheads, eh?

We mention this because a man was pulled over in Port Hope, Ontario, for going about 85 miles per hour (135 km/h) a few weeks back. After constable Bettina Schwarze wrote the motorist up, he flipped her off. Schwarze then pulled the man over a second time and issued him a ticket for an "improper hand signal." We kinda dig cops with senses of humor.

[Source: Toronto Sun]

Canadian man earns second ticket with one finger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bettina SchwarzeBettinaSchwarzeCanadaOntarioPoliceTicketsWed, 19 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ontario to announce incentives for plug-in vehicles, up to $10K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ford Focus EV "mule" - Click above for high-res image gallery

The premier of the Canadian province of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, reportedly plans to announce a major incentive program for plug-in vehicles today in Toronto. Ontario has already given several billion dollars to General Motors and Chrysler and wants to help boost the industry further to try and recoup some of its "investment." To that end, McGuinty plans to offer tax incentives of up to $10,000 toward the purchase of plug-in vehicles.

No details are available yet, but the plan would likely be similar to a U.S. program, with graduated incentives of up to $7,500 depending on the capacity of the battery. A wide array of plug-ins are expected to arrive over the next several years, including the Chevrolet Volt, Ford's Transit Connect and Focus based EVs, Toyota's PHEV Prius and Nissan's EV, among others. McGuinty will reportedly also pledge to have at least 20 percent of the province's vehicle fleet be plug-ins by 2020. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


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

REPORT: Ontario to announce incentives for plug-in vehicles, up to $10K originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dalton McGuintyDaltonMcguintyev incentivesEvIncentivesontarioontario ev incentivesOntarioEvIncentivesWed, 15 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-suzuki-xl7-production-put-on-indefinite-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-suzuki-xl7-production-put-on-indefinite-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-suzuki-xl7-production-put-on-indefinite-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to Automotive News, Suzuki has elected to halt production of its only North American-built model, the slow-selling three-row XL7 crossover. Blaming the nation's subprime loan crisis, Suzuki spokesman Hideo Kojima has confirmed that no additional examples of the America-only model will roll off out of General Motors' CAMI joint-venture facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. The plant is still operational, however, continuing to produce other GM vehicles for the remainder of the model year.

Given GM's dire financial state, you might expect for Suzuki to be worried about the future of the their arrangement, but apparently that isn't so. AN quotes CEO Osamu Suzuki as saying: "The possibility that CAMI would be forced into closure or a production stop is 120 percent impossible... it is a central pillar in the reconstruction plan, so I am not worried about it."

So while there may be a paucity of new kabuki-faced XL7s headed out onto North America's roads, Suzuki apparently believes that their joint venture with GM will find a way to carry on.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]





REPORT: Suzuki XL7 production put on "indefinite hold" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet EquinoxChevroletEquinoxChevy EquinoxChevyEquinoxIngersollOntarioPontiac TorrentPontiacTorrentSaturn VueSaturnVueSuzukiXL-7XL7Wed, 13 May 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Montreal, Niagara Falls, New York City: F1 looks to return to North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/montreal-niagara-falls-new-york-city-f1-looks-to-return-to-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/montreal-niagara-falls-new-york-city-f1-looks-to-return-to-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/montreal-niagara-falls-new-york-city-f1-looks-to-return-to-no/#commentsFiled under:



Since the Canadian Grand Prix was canceled for this season, Formula One has been entirely absent from North America. But participating automakers, investors and organizers alike know that the North American market is vital and can't be overlooked, and to that end several new developments are said to be underway to bring F1 back over to the western shores of the Atlantic.

First up, and probably the most straightforward, would be the reinstatement of the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The event was long a mainstay of the F1 calendar and a prominent event both for locals and for racing fans from across Canada and the United States. Quebec provincial government minister Raymond Bachand confirmed in a recent radio interview that the local governments are motivated to bring the race back to Montreal, and that talks are ongoing with Bernie Ecclestone. A five-year deal at a more reasonable rate than what Ecclestone previously demanded is what local governments are seeking.

Meanwhile, reports are surfacing of several new circuits being built up the St. Lawrence River near Niagara Falls, Ontario. With the backing of Jeff Gordon and others, Kuwaiti investment firm Bayt Al Mal is reportedly building a new $200 million motorsports park in Niagara to include a one-mile oval track for NASCAR races and a 2.5-mile road course that could attract the Canadian Grand Prix to the site. The facility being built boasts seating capacity for 100,000, plus hotels and other accommodations on a 623 acre site. Several other projects are also reportedly under way in the region, close to upstate New York and not far from Detroit, including a 3.5-mile road course for the IRL.

Enough about Canada, what about the United States, you ask? Ecclestone's latest tirade precludes a return to Indy, while in his view none of the hundreds of existing race tracks in the United States would be suitable. Following his previous indications that a new track could be made near Las Vegas, Bernie's now suggesting that only New York would make a viable location for Formula One to return to the U.S. We wonder, meanwhile, what he'll come up with next.

[Sources: F1-Live and GrandPrix.com | Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons]

Montreal, Niagara Falls, New York City: F1 looks to return to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian grand prixcanadian grand prix niagara fallsCanadianGrandPrixCanadianGrandPrixNiagaraFallscircuit gilles villeneuveCircuitGillesVilleneuvef1f1 nyf1 ontarioF1NyF1Ontarioformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrand prixGrandPrixmontrealnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityniagara fallsNiagaraFallsontarioquebecunited states grand prixUnitedStatesGrandPrixusgpFri, 17 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuesday deadline for Chrysler Canada to make CAW deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/canadian-govt-sets-tuesday-deadline-for-chrysler-to-make-caw-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/canadian-govt-sets-tuesday-deadline-for-chrysler-to-make-caw-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/29/canadian-govt-sets-tuesday-deadline-for-chrysler-to-make-caw-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



After declaring that the deal GM struck with the Canadian Auto Workers union wasn't nearly good enough, Chrysler has threatened to pull out of Canada if cannot come to an agreement with the CAW by Tuesday, March 31. Making matters even more pressing is the fact that the Canadian government has set the same deadline for Chrysler's Canadian operations to receive government money. If the CAW and Chrysler don't agree on something, the Canadian treasury closes up the vault.

As of Friday, the two sides were still $12-per-hour away from a deal. Chrysler says it needs a $19-per-hour reduction in labor costs, the CAW says its workers are more efficient than their American counterparts at a $7-per-hour drop. The CAW also claims that Chrysler's negotiators would appear to agree to certain things, and then return to the table with a different set of demands. The theory is that chaperon Cerberus is overruling the negotiators' positions.

Chrysler's response is "Although we made progress toward 'closing the gap', significant issues related to the existing 'pattern' remain on the table. These are not normal business circumstances and all Chrysler constituents have been asked to 'break pattern.'" As for the Canadian government, it has said it "isn't married" to the Tuesday deadline, but it's obvious they don't plan to stand around with a bag of money indefinitely. Hat tip to Dan

[Source: CBC News]


Tuesday deadline for Chrysler Canada to make CAW deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawchryslerchrysler canadaChryslerCanadamanufacturingnegotiationsontarioplantstorontounionunionsSun, 29 Mar 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler considering pulling out of Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/report-chrysler-considering-pulling-out-of-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/report-chrysler-considering-pulling-out-of-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/18/report-chrysler-considering-pulling-out-of-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



According to The Canadian Press, Chrysler may elect to pull all manufacturing operations out of Canada if it cannot come to an agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers by month's end. The embattled automaker is looking negotiating with the CAW in part to reduce wages from an average of $76 to $57, and as part of a contingency plan/ bargaining chip, it is reportedly architecting a wholesale pullout from America's northern neighbors.

The pullout would jeopardize some 10,000 jobs at the company's two plants in Ontario and another facility in Toronto. It would also mean that production would have to shift (or end) for a number of key Chrysler products, including the company's minivans (and Volkswagen's Routan), as well as the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger. The likely alternatives, say analysts, would be to push minivan production back to the St. Louis plant that produced them up until last year, and potentially move the LX-platform cars to facilities in Michigan or Mexico,

For its part, Chrysler is looking for more concessions from the CAW than was recently given to rival General Motors last week. That labor agreement reportedly cut labor costs by around $7 an hour - far short of what Chrysler says it needs to return to profitability. Part of those concessions could come in the form of benefit cuts, as in several areas CAW employees enjoy even better benefits than their UAW counterparts. According to The Canadian Press, CAW workers receive a maximum of six weeks paid vacation (versus five for UAW workers), as well as "substantially more break time per shift." Of course, the automaker's benefit costs are kept down because of Canada's socialized medicine.

If Chrysler does decide to pull its manufacturing base out of Canada, it could risk a countrywide consumer boycott, so watch for Auburn Hills to tread carefully as it negotiates with CAW officials. Either way, expect some sort of resolution by month's end, lest it risk passing deadlines for the further $2.3 billion in aid it expects. Top tip, LIP!

[Source: The Canadian Press via Wheels.ca | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler considering pulling out of Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auburn HillsAuburnHillsCanadian Auto WorkersCanadianAutoWorkersCAWChryslerNegotiationsOntarioTorontoUAWUnionWed, 18 Mar 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[CAW concessions could pave way for Canadian GM bailout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/caw-concessions-could-pave-way-for-canadian-gm-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/caw-concessions-could-pave-way-for-canadian-gm-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/caw-concessions-could-pave-way-for-canadian-gm-bailout/#commentsFiled under: ,

Reuters reports that the Canadian Auto Workers leadership and General Motors Canada have agreed on a set of union concessions that, if approved by CAW members, could clear the way for both the Canadian federal and Ontario local governments to furnish the cash-starved automaker with billions more in bailout dollars. According to Reuters, the union has agreed to swallow a wage freeze through 2012, reduced vacation time, and higher co-pays on their benefits plans. These changes would come on top of proposed pay reductions for both executives and regular salaried workers, plus benefits cuts for the latter.

GM hopes that the combined white-and blue-collar savings will be enough to convince Canadian officials to open up the coffers. For its part, the CAW says it'll use the GM negotiations as a model for how it'll deal with the other automakers seeking similar concessions. The Canadian developments come after a week in which the big story was GM's auditors' gloomy outlook on the company's ability to contintinue as a going concern. Stay tuned for another active news cycle this week as President Obama's auto industry task force heads to Detroit for powwows with automaker and union leaders. Everyone is in scramble mode right now because both GM and Chrysler need more money by the end of this month in order to keep the lights on. Thanks to Jarrett for the tip!

[Source: Reuters]

CAW concessions could pave way for Canadian GM bailout originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidbailoutcanadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawgm canadaGmCanadaontariorescueSun, 08 Mar 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/honda-produces-20-millionth-vehicle-in-america/#commentsFiled under: ,



In spite of Honda's latest production cuts, the Japanese automaker reached a significant milestone this week. Twenty-seven years after opening its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant, Honda has produced its 20 millionth vehicle in North America. The original U.S. plant is still open but it has been joined by assembly operations in East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Alabama; and Greensburg, Indiana. The automaker also has assembly lines in Alliston, Ontario, and El Salto Jalisco, Mexico.

Many of the vehicles assembled in North America are destined for sale on our shores. According to the automaker, more than 77% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2008 were produced in North America (representing a total of 1,421,427 units). The positive financial implications are obvious when you realize that Honda partners with more than 620 North American suppliers (545 in the U.S. alone) and purchased parts and materials worth more than $19.5 billion in 2008 alone. The automaker also points out that their cumulative North American engine production has topped 18.4 million units, and they have assembled more than 13 million automatic transmissions domestically. Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone

One in 20 Million: Honda celebrates U.S. production milestone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 million20MillionEast LibertyEastLibertyel saltoel salto mxicoel salto plant mexicoElSaltoElSaltoMxicoElSaltoPlantMexicoHondaLincolnMarysvilleMexicomilestoneOhioOntarioproductionrecordWed, 04 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[GM and CAW reach deal over truck plant closure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-and-caw-reach-deal-over-truck-plant-closure/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-and-caw-reach-deal-over-truck-plant-closure/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-and-caw-reach-deal-over-truck-plant-closure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a deal designed to assuage the tensions between General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers union, GM's new car plant in Oshawa, Ontario will gain two additional models to build. The old truck plant in the same city, though, will still close sometime in 2009. Until then, the truck plant will continue to assemble hybrid versions of GM's full-size pickup trucks. The new Oshawa plant will begin building GM's long-anticipated Camaro revival and will also get some Chevrolet Impala production and an unnamed Buick model at some point in the future.

In addition to the extra work at the brand new Oshawa plant, displaced workers with at least 26 years of GM employment will get a percentage of their yearly salary, even after the plant has closed, until they have reached the necessary 30-year mark for retirement. Other qualifying ex-employees will get buyout packages of some sort. Thanks for the tip, Ryan!

[Source: CBC News]

GM and CAW reach deal over truck plant closure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocanadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawimpalaontariooshawaoshawa ontariooshawa plantOshawaOntarioOshawaPlantMon, 28 Jul 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM may add car line to closing Canadian truck plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-may-add-car-line-to-closing-canadian-truck-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-may-add-car-line-to-closing-canadian-truck-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-may-add-car-line-to-closing-canadian-truck-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Despite rising tensions (and a lawsuit) between General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers union, the automaker may be interested in adding a new car line at its soon-to-closed truck plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Though that plant was originally scheduled to stay open a few more years, slumping sales of full-size trucks built there have forced GM to announce its early closure along with three other pickup and SUV plants. Since that announcement, union workers have barricaded GM Canada's headquarters for the last eight days in protest, which we'd imagine might make it difficult for GM management to negotiate with union officials... but what do we know?

According to The Detroit News, however, GM has been talking with Ontario's Economic Development and Trade Minister, Sandra Pupatello, who says that the government is very interested in securing the new vehicle line as quickly as possible. Even if a decision is made in short order, it is likely the plant's 2,600 workers would be out of work for up to two years after the closes and before its ready again with new tooling for a passenger car line.

[Source: The Detroit News]

GM may add car line to closing Canadian truck plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadian auto workerscanadian unionCanadianAutoWorkersCanadianUnioncawgmontariooshawaoshawa ontariooshawa plantOshawaOntarioOshawaPlantunionWed, 11 Jun 2008 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM Canada suing CAW for C$1.5 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-canada-suing-caw-for-c-1-5-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-canada-suing-caw-for-c-1-5-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/gm-canada-suing-caw-for-c-1-5-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hold on to your britches folks. General Motors dealings with the Canadian Auto Workers union just took another turn for the worse. GM, like every other full-line automaker selling vehicles in the United States, has been unable to move as many pickup trucks as it had hoped since the price of gas has spiked. In response to the shifting tide of vehicle sales and to slow the huge financial hemorrhaging, GM announced about eight days ago that it would be closing four plants that build trucks and SUVs, including one in Oshawa, Ontario. Unfortunately, the General had recently promised to keep that particular plant open for a few more years, so the announcement more than irked the Union officials from up north.

Here's where things get real ugly. In retaliation, the CAW has blockaded the entrance to the GM headquarters in Canada for the last eight days. As you might imagine, GM has a slight problem with this and has taken the matter to court, where documents reveal that the automaker wants C$250,000 from the local union and five of its members for a total of $1.5 million in damages. We're not sure if this impending lawsuit will impact the Union's plans for a rally this Thursday in the parking lot of the Oshawa headquarters, but it's probably safe to say that this situation won't have a happy ending.

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

GM Canada suing CAW for C$1.5 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockadecanadacanadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawgmontariooshawaoshawa ontariooshawa plantOshawaOntarioOshawaPlantunionWed, 11 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/honda-shuffles-production-so-it-can-make-more-civics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As domestic automobile manufacturers cut production and lay off workers because they were caught off-guard when consumer buying habits switched to more fuel-efficient vehicles, Honda will effortlessly shuffle its production to meet U.S. demand for small cars. Without cutting any jobs in North America, Honda will move assembly of the Honda Pilot SUV and Honda Ridgeline pickup from Alliston, Ontario, to Lincoln, Alabama. This move will allow the Japanese automaker to increase production of the fuel-efficient Honda Civic in its Canadian plant. Later this year, Honda is expected to add another 2,000 jobs as it begins to build Civics in Indiana, as well. That plant will be Honda's seventh in North America. Honda has sold 34,163 units of the Civic in North America through April of this year, which is 8.2% more Civics sold on average per day than in 2007. For comparison's sake, Toyota has sold 32,435 Corollas, Ford has sold 23,850 Foci and Chevy has sold 18,636 Cobalts so far this year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlabamaAllistonCanadaCivicHondaIndianaLincolnOntarioPilotProductionRidgelineThu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ontario introduces bill to protect "children" from secondhand smoke]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ontario-introduces-bill-to-protect-children-from-secondhand-sm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ontario-introduces-bill-to-protect-children-from-secondhand-sm/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ontario-introduces-bill-to-protect-children-from-secondhand-sm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Four U.S. states, one Canadian province and one territory have already banned smoking in your car when children are present. Next up to potentially adopt the legislation is Ontario, Canada. A bill has been introduced into parliament that would fine anyone smoking in a car when someone under the age of 16 is also in the car.

The bill makes no exceptions for, well, anything. It doesn't matter if the car is stopped or moving, if all the windows are down and the sunroof open, or whether the smoker is driver or passenger. Smoke inside a motorized vehicle with a "child," and it'll cost you $250 Canadian.

While we don't argue with the supposed spirit of the law -- protecting children from the ill health effects of smoke -- we do wonder about the relevant age. Sixteen years old seems kind of long in the tooth to be classified as a "child," while 17-year-olds are suddenly adults who can handle it. There would also seem to be more dangerous things out there than traces of smoke at 55-MPH with the windows down, but it is Canada after all, so maybe not.

Thanks for the tip, Rodstar!

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Ontario introduces bill to protect "children" from secondhand smoke originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaontariosmokesmokerssmokingsmoking banSmokingBanFri, 02 May 2008 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[85-year-old man arrested for racing down the highway in his Oldsmobile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/85-year-old-man-arrested-for-racing-down-the-highway-in-his-olds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/85-year-old-man-arrested-for-racing-down-the-highway-in-his-olds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/04/85-year-old-man-arrested-for-racing-down-the-highway-in-his-olds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not so long ago, Ontario, Canada drafted a law to curb racing and excessive speeding on its highways. Things were getting so out of hand that stretches of road were called the Ontariobahn. In a campaign they call "shock and awe," they jacked the maximum fine up to $10,000, and threw in a 7-day suspended license and vehicle impound for anyone doing more than 50-KPH over the posted limit.

Since the traps were laid, they have been full. A recent catch was an 85-year-old man who was doing 161 kph -- 61 over the limit -- on roads with ice and snow. He wasn't racing -- he was simply "going to the bank and shopping," albeit rather quickly. So he was immediately relieved of his license and his Oldsmobile.

Since the law took effect on September 30, 2007, 2,300 Canadians have met the same fate -- 1,300 of them in the first five weeks. On average, every day 24 drivers have to learn bus routes, and 24 cars get parked somewhere for a week. The 85-year-old gent has the honor of being the oldest arrested so far, a 16-year old girl was the youngest, and the fastest driver was going 230 kph (142 mph). If your travels take you through Ontario while the shock and awe continues, try not to get frisky with the go peda else you'll be down with a very different O.P.P. -- the Ontario Provincial Police.

Thanks for the tip, Doug!

[Source: CTV Toronto]

85-year-old man arrested for racing down the highway in his Oldsmobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite the lack of a formal announcement (nor any real surprise), the Detroit News has the inside scoop on Ford's plan to close its Ontario plant after production of the Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car ceases, likely by the end of 2010.

The 2.6-million square foot facility currently employs over 2,400 workers and has built a number of models, ranging from the Pinto to the Escort.

Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) president, Buzz Hargrove, admitted to the News that, "There's nothing we can do to save St. Thomas," but we think there is. Convince Ford that the livery market is still dependent on the Panther-platform stalwart, despite New York City's vow to make all of its taxis hybrids in the next few years, and revamp the current car to be all things to all cops by fitting a new V8, a custom, police-friendly interior and anything else the boys (and gals) in blue could want.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford to shutter Ontario plant sometime in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crown victoriaCrownVictoriafordgrand marquisGrandMarquislincolnmercuryontariotown carTownCarMon, 10 Dec 2007 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler moves more 300 production to Ontario]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/chrysler-moves-more-300-production-to-ontario/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/chrysler-moves-more-300-production-to-ontario/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/chrysler-moves-more-300-production-to-ontario/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The almost-independent Chrysler has decided to consolidate production of the next-generation 300 at its Brampton, Ontario plant. 30,000 units for European consumption were slated to be built in Austria, but the merciful cancellation of the Imperial has left room for the right-hand-drivers at the Canadian plant. The ability to place a steering wheel on the right side will cost the folks from Auburn Hills a cool $500 million, on top of the $700 million already earmarked for the Brampton retooling. The high price of the Euro also factored into the decision to move 300 production to Canada.

[Source: Auto News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler moves more 300 production to Ontario originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300BramptonChryslerOntarioright-hand driveRight-handDriveFri, 20 Jul 2007 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ontario threatens to crush street racing cars before they hit the street]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/ontario-threatens-to-crush-a-street-racers-car-before-it-hits-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/ontario-threatens-to-crush-a-street-racers-car-before-it-hits-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/21/ontario-threatens-to-crush-a-street-racers-car-before-it-hits-t/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday we learned that California has begun the practice of crushing modified cars obtained while being used for the illegal and dangerous activity of street racing. The hope is that seeing their expensive toys flattened by a compress will deter street racers from endangering the lives of others on public roads. Judging from the news coming out of Canada, it appears that the province of Ontario is prepared to go one step further. Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant has stated that the authorities in his province will confiscate and crush vehicles built for street racing before they even put rubber to pavement on city streets.

"Just on the balance of probabilities if we can establish that a car is being used for the unlawful purpose of street racing, we will seize it and you will never see it again. We will crush your car, we will crush the parts."

The report from The Star in Ontario tells us that Bryant's fiery edict was given just a few days after a truck driver was killed after being cut off by three youths street racing on Highway 400. The driver, David Virgoe, drove his truck off the road and down an embankment rather than cross the divider and risk colliding with oncoming traffic.

More after the jump.

[Source: The Star]

Continue reading Ontario threatens to crush street racing cars before they hit the street

Ontario threatens to crush street racing cars before they hit the street originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attorney generalAttorneyGeneralcanadamichael bryantMichaelBryantontariostreet racersstreet racingStreetRacersStreetRacingThu, 21 Jun 2007 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Walker weeps: California turns to crushing street racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/paul-walker-weeps-california-turns-to-crushing-street-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/paul-walker-weeps-california-turns-to-crushing-street-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/20/paul-walker-weeps-california-turns-to-crushing-street-racers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The state of California has taken a hard line against illegal street racing, the type of which has on occasion led to the death of innocent pedestrians and the racers themselves. They're employing a new deterrent to make these illegal racers think twice about competing on public roads - crushing the impounded cars of those caught street racing. This Fox News video clip (click this link to view) shows a local reporter present at the inaugural crush who appears a little too excited about the event compared to the disembodied anchorman whose voiceover we hear in the backgroiund. The tuned Honda Civic hatch is flattened quickly inside the crusher's jaws, the extreme pressure popping out its windows like eyeballs and some of the hatch's contents ejecting out the back like vomit. Fortunately, it looks like the aftermarket rims may have survived. The Ron Burgandy wannabe behind the desk says it best at the end exclaiming, "Half the guys in the studio are crying at what you just showed us."

[Source: Fox News via GMInsideNews]

Paul Walker weeps: California turns to crushing street racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniacrushcrushedHonda CivicHondaCivicimpoundimpoundedOntarioRialtostreet racersstreet racingStreetRacersStreetRacingWed, 20 Jun 2007 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Wixom plant heads to the great assembly line in the sky]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/fords-wixom-plant-heads-to-the-great-assembly-line-in-the-sky/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/fords-wixom-plant-heads-to-the-great-assembly-line-in-the-sky/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/fords-wixom-plant-heads-to-the-great-assembly-line-in-the-sky/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The "Way Forward" has claimed its latest victim, this time in the form of the 50-year-old Wixom plant in Michigan. The production center, tasked with building Lincolns since 1957, has built its final White Chocolate Town Car destined for a customer in Washington D.C.

However, the Town Car hasn't met its demise yet. Production will continue at the St. Thomas plant in Ontario, Canada, along side its Panther brethren, the Crown Victoria and the Grand Marquis.

Wixom was housed production in the recent past for the Lincoln LS, Continental and Ford Thunderbird. Even Ford's ultimate halo car, the GT, received its finishing touches at Wixom.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford's Wixom plant heads to the great assembly line in the sky

Ford's Wixom plant heads to the great assembly line in the sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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