Archive for October, 2011
Bill Vlasic’s book has behind-the-scenes tales of automakers’ revival
In “Once Upon a Car,” the latest book on the recent 2008-09 financial crisis that almost swallowed Detroit, author Bill Vlasic simply tells the story and does not judge.
Looking ahead
Mark Phelan reviews the Chevy Sonic in Thursday’s Motor City.
Inside autos
Midsize pickups are out of favor with buyers and for all its nifty innovations, Honda’s Ridgeline is starting to move into automotive senior status. But don’t think for a moment that Honda is getting out of the pickup market. The Ridgeline will soon ge…
Mark Phelan: Top contenders for Car and Truck of the Year
The North American Car and Truck of the Year jury has selected 24 vehicles that made the short list for 2012 car and truck of the year.
UAW, Chrysler close in on contract agreement
The UAW has summoned its top Chrysler local leaders from across the country to Detroit for a meeting Monday that is typically an indication of a tentative labor agreement. Three people familiar with the plan told the Free Press of the meeting Friday ev…
GM delays plans for 2nd shift at Chevy Volt plant
General Motors is delaying plans to add a second shift at its Detroit-Hamtramck Chevrolet Volt factory after finding more efficient ways to build the car. GM had said in May it would add a total of 2,500 workers on two shifts at Detroit-Hamtramck, with…
GM postpones 2nd shift at Hamtramck Volt plant
GM had said in May it would add a total of 2,500 workers on two shifts at Detroit-Hamtramck, with the first of those shifts to start this fall. But during a six-week shutdown this summer, GM made its production line and body shop more efficient, allowi…
GM replaces Ren Cen real estate management firm
General Motors has decided to replace the Hines real estate firm as its long-time manager of its Renaissance Center world headquarters with CBRE Group, Inc., another international real estate management firm, the automaker said today.
UAW, Chrysler close in on deal
UAW President Bob King is spending his third consecutive day at Chrysler’s headquarters in Auburn Hills.
Analyst: Toyota recovery could take several years
Toyota’s U.S. market share has slid from 17% for all of 2009 to 11.5% last month. The company was passed in sales and market share last month by a surging Chrysler Group LLC, which in the past was far behind Toyota.