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[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[2010 Mazda CX-7 debuts with refreshed look and new four-cylinder in... Toronto?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/2010-mazda-cx-7-debuts-with-new-four-cylinder-in-toronto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/2010-mazda-cx-7-debuts-with-new-four-cylinder-in-toronto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/2010-mazda-cx-7-debuts-with-new-four-cylinder-in-toronto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Mazda CX-7

While we were gathered here in rainy Chicago for the Auto Show, we received word that the 2010 refresh for the Mazda CX-7 has in fact debuted some 500 miles away in Toronto, Canada. This switcheroo had us searching the floor here in McCormick for a 2010 model lazing away in the corner of Mazda's stand, but instead we only found the 2009 model. After the press conference, we stopped to chat with James O'Sullivan, Mazda's North American president and CEO, and he confirmed the Canadian debut was in fact the global premier.

The big news coming out of the Canadian International Auto Show for 2010 is that the CX-7 is getting a new 2.5-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder model (the same engine is employed in the 2010 Mazda6 and Mazda3). So-equipped, the CX-7 generates 161 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and maximum torque of 161 pound-feet of torque (at 3500 rpm). The turbocharged, 244-horsepower 2.3-liter engine remains unchanged. Further details like fuel-economy, price, and trim specification for this model will be revealed "at a later date," and in fact there is no official confirmation that the normally-aspirated inline-four will come to America, although it would be hard to imagine Mazda not doing so.

Beyond powertrains, Mazda has refined the CX-7 inside-and-out, including a redesigned front end with a larger five-point grille and different front and rear fascias. Inside, new gauge faces have taken up residence, along with a 4.1-inch color TFT information display, an available blind-spot monitoring system, three-position seat memory for the driver's seat (and a power backrest for the passenger seat), and Bluetooth for both phones and audio.

More after the jump...

Gallery: 2010 Mazda CX-7

Continue reading 2010 Mazda CX-7 debuts with refreshed look and new four-cylinder in... Toronto?

2010 Mazda CX-7 debuts with refreshed look and new four-cylinder in... Toronto? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chicago 2009Chicago Auto ShowChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowCX-7CX7MazdaTorontoWindy CityWindyCityWed, 11 Feb 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Car of the Year finalists announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/canadian-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/canadian-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/27/canadian-car-of-the-year-finalists-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,



Take a trip up to Canada and you'll think that everyone drives either a dogsled, Zamboni, Chrysler minivan or a used Civic. But that doesn't mean Canadian drivers can't aspire to more, as finalists for the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year awards have been announced.

The awards are bestowed by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), based on a published voting system and a comprehensive five-day evaluation of over 160 new vehicles in real world conditions. The association has selected the Hyundai Genesis, Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla as finalists for the top honor. Awards for the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year (down to the Ford Flex, Mercedes M-Class and Subaru Forester), Best New Design (between the Honda Fit, Jaguar XF and VW Passat CC), and Best New Technology (GM OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Infiniti Around View Monitor and Mitsubishi Super-All-Wheel Control) will also be handed out at the Canadian International Auto Show on February 11 in Toronto. Watch this space, eh?

[Source: CanadianDriver]

Canadian Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ajaccanadacanadian car of the yearcanadian international auto showCanadianCarOfTheYearCanadianInternationalAutoShowtorontotoronto showTorontoShowTue, 27 Jan 2009 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi employs fleet of snow plows to make a point]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/audi-employs-fleet-of-snow-plows-to-make-a-point/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/audi-employs-fleet-of-snow-plows-to-make-a-point/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/audi-employs-fleet-of-snow-plows-to-make-a-point/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to enlarge the Audi-sponsored snow plows

Thanks to an alert reader, we have a good look at Audi's most recent advertising campaign in Toronto. It's a bit odd, but extremely unique, involving snow plows and huge signs proclaiming that "Winter is Coming." Indeed it is, and depending on where you live, winter could potentially put an end to your driving fun. As you're surely aware, though, one of Audi's selling points is its Quattro all-wheel drive system, which aids in traction over a variety of surfaces, including snow. According to our tipster, this particular stunt proved successful in that it definitely grabs attention, "People were putting down their Starbucks so you know it has to be a good ad campaign," says our man on the streets of Toronto. For what it's worth, this appears to be the second year in a row that Audi has used this advertising campaign. Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

Audi employs fleet of snow plows to make a point originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi snow plowsAudiSnowPlowssnow plowsSnowPlowstorontotoronto audiTorontoAudiSat, 18 Oct 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: i spied in Canada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/spy-shots-i-spied-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What you're looking at is a right-hand-drive Mitsubishi i spotted in Toronto, as in Toronto, Canada... as in on the North American continent. Mitsubishi's initial line was that the i would be for the Japan Domestic Market only. Then they exported it to Hong Kong, Singapore and Brunei. Then New Zealand. Then Britain. And Australian cities are next in the crosshairs. Wherever it has shown up, it's been a sales sensation, which is handy for Mitsubishi as sales in Japan have slumped to 1,200 cars per month from almost 8,000 per month in March 2006.

So will North America be getting its first 660cc kei car? Not a chance say sources within Mitsubishi's Tokyo HQ. Then the i spied in Toronto is almost certainly a plug-in electric i MiEV undergoing testing. Everyone will have to wait until 2009 or even 2010 to get their hands on one of those, but when they hit markets worldwide they'll have sticker prices under 2million Yen - that's about $17,500 today.

Well spotted Allan!

Spy Shots: i spied in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaii mievIMievmitsubishinorth americaNorthAmericatorontoWed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi tees off Toronto residents with botched TT ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/19/audi-tees-off-toronto-residents-with-botched-tt-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/19/audi-tees-off-toronto-residents-with-botched-tt-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/19/audi-tees-off-toronto-residents-with-botched-tt-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,



Audi apparently thought it could pull one over on the residents of Toronto, but it got caught. The automaker from Ingolstadt applied for a permit from the Film and Television Office of Toronto to shoot a commercial that would allow it to place double "T" statues that measure six feet high and fifteen feet long all over the city for a period of three days. A press release issued by Audi, however, confirms that no commercial would be shot, but rather that the statues are meant to act as billboards advertising the new Audi TT. The placement of the statues as advertisements, though, violates the city's signage laws.

About 50 of the statues were placed around Toronto, some appearing in park settings where residents go to enjoy natural beauty and a peaceful environment in the city. Clearly, the statues are regarded as a major eyesore, and people are ticked off that Audi and its advertising agency, Maverick PR, bent the rules to place them in the path of Toronto's residents.

Well, the citizenry has risen up against Audi's misuse of the permit and the fact that city officials ever granted it at all. Some have outright vandalized the sculptures, while others have appealed to the local government. City Hall has already responded by ordering Audi to remove all of the sculptures. Power to the people!

Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: Seemsartless, Spacing.ca, illegalsigns.ca]

Audi tees off Toronto residents with botched TT ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2007 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 audi tt2008AudiTtadvertisingaudi ttAudiTtbillboardscanadapermitsignstorontoSat, 19 May 2007 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen driver loses life in jet dragster accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/teen-driver-loses-life-in-jet-dragster-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/teen-driver-loses-life-in-jet-dragster-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/teen-driver-loses-life-in-jet-dragster-accident/#commentsFiled under:

In a tragic accident on Sunday, 17-year-old Canadian drag-racing protégé Kendall Hebert died when her jet-powered dragster crashed into a wall at Toronto Motorsport Park in the suburb of Cayuga, outside Hamilton, Ontario.

The accident occurred during a demonstration, not a race. The young Hebert had just finished a quarter-mile sprint down the track, reaching over 480 km/h (just under 300 mph) when the car inexplicably hit a concrete wall, sending the vehicle rolling and throwing its driver out of the cockpit. To make matters even worse, Kendall's family was in attendance and saw the crash that took their young daughter's life. According to provincial police, the event was also being broadcast over the internet.

(For those who have been following the news and might be wondering what made this accident fatal, while Top Gear's Richard Hammond is alive and recovering after a similar accident, the difference may lie in Kendall sadly having hit a wall directly, while Hammond rolled over grass, lessening the impact.)

Kendall came from a racing family; her father and sister both race competitively, and Kendall was looking forward to joining them after her 18th birthday, which she sadly never reached. Our condolences to the bereaved Hebert family.

(Our gratitude to Kevin for having sent us the sad news.)

[Source: the Toronto Sun]

Teen driver loses life in jet dragster accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcanadacayugacrashdragdragsterhamiltonhebertkendallontarioracingteentorontoTue, 03 Oct 2006 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadians crack down on illegal idling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/canadians-crack-down-on-illegal-idling/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/canadians-crack-down-on-illegal-idling/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/canadians-crack-down-on-illegal-idling/#commentsFiled under:

Anyone who feared that Canada's anti-idling law would go unenforced need not worry -- the city of Toronto and Toronto Police Services will ticket drivers (or idlers, as it were) of vehicles left idling for more than three minutes in a 60-minute time window. The infraction goes for $100 with a $25 provincial surcharge and was created to reduce the amount of smog polluting Canada's air.

Authorities are encouraging drivers to spend even less time idling than that, however -- they suggest that drivers don't warm up their vehicles before departing, and spending more than 10 seconds in the same spot should be accompanied by a driver turning his or her vehicle off except while in traffic.

While most would deem such efforts excessive (doesn't turning your vehicle off and on waste more gas?), for the most part the effort is a good one to reduce pollution and improve mileage.

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Canadians crack down on illegal idling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEPAgas pricesGasPricesidlingmileagetorontoWed, 20 Sep 2006 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian tragedy sparks calls to ban aftermarket parts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/04/canadian-tragedy-sparks-calls-to-ban-aftermarket-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/04/canadian-tragedy-sparks-calls-to-ban-aftermarket-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/04/canadian-tragedy-sparks-calls-to-ban-aftermarket-parts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A tragedy on Toronto streets that claimed the lives of a pair of enthusiasts has once again set alight political fires alight by those looking to ban performance modifications to automobiles.

Whether the deaths are attributable to street racing remains up for debate, but the event has triggered calls for the banning of go-fast bits like nitrous oxide.

Wheels' chief scribe Jim Kenzie rants in the Toronto Star that taking such action is little better than conclusions drawn from overly simplistic metaphors like:

Prostitutes wear short skirts. That woman is wearing a short skirt.
Therefore, she's a prostitute.

Said another way, banning aftermarket parts and the tuner culture would be to wrongly attack a symptom, not the problem of street racing itself.

What do you think about street racing and the efforts made to prevent it?  Sound off in comments!

[Sources: Toronto Star; PopCenter.org]

Canadian tragedy sparks calls to ban aftermarket parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jun 2006 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>illegal racingIllegalRacingroad safetyRoadSafetyrolloverstreet racingStreetRacingTorontotraffic safetyTrafficSafetySun, 04 Jun 2006 19:02:00 EST