Archive for October, 2011
UAW tentative contract gets mixed reviews from voting Ford workers
Workers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant voted to reject the contract, while workers at Ford’s Sterling Axle Plant voted in favor of the deal.
GM’s Orion assembly plant awaits Friday visit by Obama, S. Korean president
President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will visit General Motors’ Orion Township assembly plant Friday to promote a free trade agreement now before Congress that could stimulate exports of U.S.-made products to South Korea, Colombia a…
Graphic: Comparing the UAW contracts at Ford, GM, and Chrysler
A comparison of the deals for UAW members at the Detroit Three auto companies.
Chrysler workers could be tough sell
After 11 weeks of tense contract talks with Chrysler, the UAW must convince 26,000 union-represented Chrysler workers to vote for a contract with smaller gains than those at General Motors and Ford.
Mark Phelan: Big list of features in a small Chevrolet Sonic
The * * * 2012 Sonic subcompact is the latest strong entry from small-car specialist Chevrolet. Wait. Let me try again. I promise I’ll get through that sentence without laughing. Give me one more chance.
Spare thoughts
Readers comment on the quality issues of the Volkswagen Passat I reviewed last week as well as Volkswagens in general. “Former models of the Passat were engineering and reliability nightmares. Wonder if this will be more of the same?”
Tom Walsh: Chrysler, Ford workers weigh trade-offs in proposed contracts
“What on Earth are some people thinking when they vote against ratifying these UAW contracts?” That’s the most common question I hear about labor negotiations between the UAW and General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
GM to launch Spark electric minicar globally in 2013
General Motors is returning to the pure-electric market for the first time since the EV1’s demise 12 years ago, electrifying its tiniest car in an attempt to appeal to urban buyers. GM will launch an electric version of its global Chevrolet Spark minic…
Yen worse for Toyota than disaster
The earthquake that crippled Japan in March may cost Toyota less than the rising yen.
Mark Phelan: Chrysler’s product plan remains unclear
Chrysler’s proposed new contract with the UAW is an enigma wrapped in a paycheck. Once you get past the obvious good news — a new lease on life for the Sterling Heights assembly plant, investment and expansion at two southeast Michigan engine pla…