Post by TonyV on Jul 25, 2014 17:51:26 GMT -5
Hello, I would like to bring your attention on a new post published on the
UAWLAP.org Site.
Details of the post follow.
In Solidarity,
Steven M. Stone
@ford Online News & Clipsheet
North America
Amid continuing interest in the GM ignition switch investigation, some Senators
are calling for a hearing to question NHTSA officials. Transportation
Secretary Anthony Foxx says no one at NHTSA has been disciplined or fired as a
result of the group’s handling of complaints related to the recall. GM
announced six more recalls affecting 717,950 vehicles in the U.S.
Chrysler announced it is recalling 792,300 older-model Jeep SUVs for ignition
switch problems, the second recall of its kind for Chrysler this year. It is
similar to the problem that has forced GM to recall millions of cars this year.
J.D. Power and Associates has issued its Automotive Performance, Execution and
Layout (APEAL) Study. Hyundai ranked highest among mainstream automakers, while
Porsche ranked highest overall. Jaguar, Audi and Dodge also were noted for their
strong scores. .
South America
The Wall Street Journal says Venezuela’s auto industry, once the third
largest in South America, is faltering amid currency woes and as manufacturers
struggle to produce vehicles. Automakers, including GM and Toyota, have cut
output by more than 80 percent in the first six months of the year while sales
have declined 75 percent.
Media reported that Chinese automaker Zotye sent a letter of intent to the
Brazilian government requesting approval to build a plant in the country by
2017. The facility will be located in southeastern Brazil and would produce the
automaker’s Z100 Logic mini car and T200 Hunter SUV.
Europe
GM said it gave full responsibility for its European business to a new entity
called Opel Group, which combines oversight of the Opel/Vauxhall brands, as well
as other operations, including GM’s Russian business. The new organization
will be based in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Fiat reportedly reached a deal with Renault to develop a new light commercial
vehicle, with the first vehicles being produced in 2016. It is the first
industrial partnership between Fiat and Renault. Media say Fiat CEO Sergio
Marchionne has sought more partnerships to share costs on vehicle development,
while still retaining control of distinctive design elements.
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn told media the company will review costs on
all levels to secure profitability and fund its expansion plans. He added that
considerable effort was needed to meet the company’s 2018 margin target of 8
percent. Volkswagen reportedly could unveil its post-2018 plan later this year.
Fiat and Volkswagen denied merger talks following media reports that the
companies’ family owners were discussing possibilities.
Asia Pacific
Chinese hackers reportedly discovered a flaw in Tesla Model S electric cars
that allowed them to remotely honk the horn, unlock the doors and flash the
headlights. Tesla has vowed to fix any “legitimate vulnerability” related to
the functions.
Volkswagen India will increase its amount of locally made parts to cut costs
and help improve sales. VW plans to invest $250 million in India during the next
six years. The company has been aggressive in promoting new milestones in India,
including its 400,000th Indian-made car.
Audi has started production of its A3 sedan in India. The vehicle is its first
model to be locally produced in the country. The A3 is slated to launch next
month.
The Holden Commodore in Australia has been recalled for the fifth time in three
months because of seat defects. Holden says there have been no reports of any
accidents or injuries as a result of the fault.
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/building-chairpersons-report/ford-online-news-clipsheet.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org
UAWLAP.org Site.
Details of the post follow.
In Solidarity,
Steven M. Stone
@ford Online News & Clipsheet
North America
Amid continuing interest in the GM ignition switch investigation, some Senators
are calling for a hearing to question NHTSA officials. Transportation
Secretary Anthony Foxx says no one at NHTSA has been disciplined or fired as a
result of the group’s handling of complaints related to the recall. GM
announced six more recalls affecting 717,950 vehicles in the U.S.
Chrysler announced it is recalling 792,300 older-model Jeep SUVs for ignition
switch problems, the second recall of its kind for Chrysler this year. It is
similar to the problem that has forced GM to recall millions of cars this year.
J.D. Power and Associates has issued its Automotive Performance, Execution and
Layout (APEAL) Study. Hyundai ranked highest among mainstream automakers, while
Porsche ranked highest overall. Jaguar, Audi and Dodge also were noted for their
strong scores. .
South America
The Wall Street Journal says Venezuela’s auto industry, once the third
largest in South America, is faltering amid currency woes and as manufacturers
struggle to produce vehicles. Automakers, including GM and Toyota, have cut
output by more than 80 percent in the first six months of the year while sales
have declined 75 percent.
Media reported that Chinese automaker Zotye sent a letter of intent to the
Brazilian government requesting approval to build a plant in the country by
2017. The facility will be located in southeastern Brazil and would produce the
automaker’s Z100 Logic mini car and T200 Hunter SUV.
Europe
GM said it gave full responsibility for its European business to a new entity
called Opel Group, which combines oversight of the Opel/Vauxhall brands, as well
as other operations, including GM’s Russian business. The new organization
will be based in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Fiat reportedly reached a deal with Renault to develop a new light commercial
vehicle, with the first vehicles being produced in 2016. It is the first
industrial partnership between Fiat and Renault. Media say Fiat CEO Sergio
Marchionne has sought more partnerships to share costs on vehicle development,
while still retaining control of distinctive design elements.
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn told media the company will review costs on
all levels to secure profitability and fund its expansion plans. He added that
considerable effort was needed to meet the company’s 2018 margin target of 8
percent. Volkswagen reportedly could unveil its post-2018 plan later this year.
Fiat and Volkswagen denied merger talks following media reports that the
companies’ family owners were discussing possibilities.
Asia Pacific
Chinese hackers reportedly discovered a flaw in Tesla Model S electric cars
that allowed them to remotely honk the horn, unlock the doors and flash the
headlights. Tesla has vowed to fix any “legitimate vulnerability” related to
the functions.
Volkswagen India will increase its amount of locally made parts to cut costs
and help improve sales. VW plans to invest $250 million in India during the next
six years. The company has been aggressive in promoting new milestones in India,
including its 400,000th Indian-made car.
Audi has started production of its A3 sedan in India. The vehicle is its first
model to be locally produced in the country. The A3 is slated to launch next
month.
The Holden Commodore in Australia has been recalled for the fifth time in three
months because of seat defects. Holden says there have been no reports of any
accidents or injuries as a result of the fault.
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/building-chairpersons-report/ford-online-news-clipsheet.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org