Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/#comments Filed under: , ,



Ron Gettelfinger, the United Auto Workers' (UAW) president during the recent tumult, is moving on from his post, and has thrown his support behind Bob King. King is currently a vice president in the union and manages the relationship with Ford.

While the outlook is positive for King's nomination, he's going to have some reconciliation to do. In the last go-round with Ford, King asked his membership to agree to concessions that took strikes off the table, which the UAW's rank and file promptly denied. Despite the contention, King has been thought of as Ron Gettelfinger's replacement for some time, and the union hopes King will be a tougher customer in the throes of negotiation.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob kingbob king uawBobKingBobKingUawRon GettelfingerRon GettlefingerRonGettelfingerRonGettlefingeruawUAW contractuaw forduaw presidentuaw president gettelfingerUawContractUawFordUawPresidentUawPresidentGettelfinger Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler again offering early retirement to 23k hourly workers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-chrysler-again-offering-early-retirement-to-23k-hourly-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-chrysler-again-offering-early-retirement-to-23k-hourly-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-chrysler-again-offering-early-retirement-to-23k-hourly-w/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Chrysler is again offering early retirement packages in an effort to entice some of its 23,000 hourly employees to hit the road. The buyout packages are the first offered by post-bankruptcy Chrysler, though the terms of the buyouts are very similar to earlier offerings. The Freep is reporting that all workers with at least one year of service can walk away from their current job and receive $75,000 plus a $25,000 voucher. Those who wish to participate in this program will also continue to receive health benefits for an additional six months with the option to purchase coverage for a year after that.

Retirement-eligible workers age 55-59 with a combined 85 years of service or workers age 60 or older with at least 10 years of service can receive $50,000 plus a $25,000 voucher. A third package for workers between the ages of 55 and 62 with at least 10 years of service can receive immediate full retirement benefits. The workers have two weeks to decide whether or not to take the buyout/retirement packages, as the offer will be pulled from the table November 13.

Chrysler's newest buyout program comes as many facilities across the country are either closing or have already closed. Without a jobs bank to keep paychecks coming, we're guessing the take rate could be substantial in affected areas.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler again offering early retirement to 23k hourly workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buyoutChryslerchrysler packagesChryslerPackagesearly retirementEarlyRetirementlayoffspackagesretirement packagesRetirementPackages Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of <i> Car and Driver </i>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/autoblog-podcast-151-with-eddie-alterman-of-car-and-driver/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Abuelsamid, Lieberman, Roth and Shunk. Sounds like a law firm, but it's this week's podcast crew. Car and Driver editor-in-chief Eddie Alterman bravely wades into the pool and joins us for Episode #151 of the Autoblog Podcast, as well.

We spend a goodly amount of time going over what's in all five garages this week, before picking up actual topics. Once into news, we move through the Honda Accord Crosstour's pricing and impending launch, Ford's profitable quarter and union dealings, Edmunds' dust-up with the White House, and wrap with what might be cool at the crazy automotive cavalcade that is SEMA. It's an hour and twenty minutes of rollicking good times, so let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver

Autoblog Podcast #151: With Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastcar and drivercar driverCarAndDriverCarDrivercash for clunkersCashForClunkerseddie altermanEddieAltermanedmundsedmunds white houseEdmundsWhiteHouseFord salesford sales gainFord sales resultsford uawFordSalesFordSalesGainFordSalesResultsFordUawpodcastSEMAsema 2009Sema2009 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #151Autoblog1:20:42autoblog podcast, eddie alterman, car & driver, alterman, sema, uaw, ford, ford uaw, edmunds, cash for clunkers <![CDATA[New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/#comments Filed under: ,



What's good for the goose may be good for the gander, but what works for one country or automaker doesn't necessarily work for another. So while the Canadian Auto Workers union may have approved a new agreement with Ford, below the 49th parallel their compatriots apparently feel otherwise.

Up for ratification over the past week and into the weekend was a proposal that would essentially grant Ford the same measures that unionized auto workers extended to Chrysler and General Motors in the midst of their bankruptcy proceedings. The measures include limitations placed on the unionized workers' rights to strike for increased wages and benefits, as well as a reduction in paid vacation time, a broad wage freeze as well as one on cost-of-living adjustments and increased employee contributions towards insurance and pensions. The agreement would also allow the automaker more flexibility in shifting jobs around, and in exchange the workers expected more jobs to be created - or at least fewer to be lost.

Some union leaders pleaded with their constituents that ratification of the deal was essential to keeping all three of the Detroit automakers on an even keel, thereby maintaining a common ground on which to build negotiations for the future. However as voting drew to a close across the country this weekend, UAW members at three of Ford's largest U.S. plants - the Dearborn Truck Plant, Romeo Engine Plant and UAW Local 862 representing the Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant - all voted against the new contract, making its passage now virtually impossible.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawcontractcontract negotiationsContractNegotiationsfo mo coFoMoCoFordford motor companyFordMotorCompanynegotiationratifyuawunionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkers Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/ford-and-canadian-auto-workers-reportedly-reach-a-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/ford-and-canadian-auto-workers-reportedly-reach-a-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/ford-and-canadian-auto-workers-reportedly-reach-a-deal/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ford reaches deal with CAW

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadacanada fordCanadaFordfordford assembly plantsford canadaford cawFord crossoverford crown victoriaford edgeford flexford motor companyFord Motor Company FoMoCoford of canadaford ontarioford pantherford st thomasford unionford union dealford unionsFordAssemblyPlantsFordCanadaFordCawFordCrossoverFordCrownVictoriaFordEdgeFordFlexFordMotorCompanyFordMotorCompanyFomocoFordOfCanadaFordOntarioFordPantherFordStThomasFordUnionFordUnionDealFordUnionsgrand marquisGrandMarquislincolnLincoln MKTLincoln MKT crossoverLincoln MKT FlexLincoln MKXLincolnMktLincolnMktCrossoverLincolnMktFlexLincolnMkxOakvilleoakville assemblyoakville plantOakvilleAssemblyOakvillePlantpanther platformPantherPlatformst thomas assemblyst thomas plantStThomasAssemblyStThomasPlanttown carTownCarunion Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-formula-d-judgment-day-2009/#comments Filed under: ,

Formula D Judgment Day - click above image to watch the video

Two weeks ago was Formula D's big season finale and 2009 Championship, AKA Judgment Day. While we (sadly) couldn't be there, we did get a little preview of the event when Tanner Foust took us drifting in his ferret-on-linoleum-out-of-hell stock car-engined Scion. Anyhow, in this video all the usual trouble makers and tire killers are present, including Vaugn Gitten Jr., Samuel Hubinette, Tanner Foust and Joon Maeng -- plus the 2009 season winner, Chris Forsberg. Also -- you're going to like new host Kerryann De La Cruz. Still, wish we could have been there at the Irwindale Speedway watching it all unfold.

But sometimes we just have to settle for second best, which in this case our friends over at WebRidesTV have put together a most excellent Judgment Day video. If you've never given drifting and/or and Formula D a chance, this could be your ticket in. As has been noticed countless times in the past, in what other motorsport do Dodge Vipers and Ford Mustangs go head to head with Nissan Zs, 240SXs and Skylines? Not to mention Toyota AE86 Corollas and the occasional Japanese-tuned Corvette -- on the same track at the same time. It's just nothing but fun. Make the jump to watch the video.


[Source: WebRidesTV]

Continue reading VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009

VIDEO: Formula D Judgment Day 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Chris ForsbergChrisForsbergDriftFormula DFormula DriftFormulaDFormulaDriftIrwindale SpeedwayIrwindaleSpeedwayJoon MaengJoonMaengJudgment DayJudgmentDaySamuel HubinetteSamuelHubinetteTanner FoustTannerFoustVaughn Gittin Jr.VaughnGittinJr. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Three Ford plants vote down new contract with UAW]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/needs-image-three-ford-plants-vote-down-new-contract-with-uaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/needs-image-three-ford-plants-vote-down-new-contract-with-uaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/needs-image-three-ford-plants-vote-down-new-contract-with-uaw/#comments Filed under: , ,



Pattern bargaining is how things tend to be done in Detroit, a strategy which ensures that one automaker doesn't tend to get a plum deal at the expense of the other car builders in town. General Motors and Chrysler negotiated pretty hard with the United Auto Workers as part of the bailouts, and Ford's now in the process of securing new agreements with its labor force. While the Blue Oval didn't need government money to stay afloat (well, aside from those low interest technology loans, anyway), it wants parity with its rivals workforce deals.

Several Ford plants have approved the new deal, in which Dearborn has asked for the same concessions that its rivals have already secured. Most recently, however, three Ford facilities have voted down the plan to hold firm entry-level pay and benefits, limits on the union's right to strike over wages and benefits, and consolidates skilled trades. Those opposed to Ford's new agreement argue that the true spirit of pattern agreements would lift Chrysler and GM up to where Ford's current agreements are. Kansas City's F-150 plant slapped down the proposed contract by 92%, but Ford will await the final tally before conceding defeat - or celebrating successful negotiations. Contentious labor dealings are certainly not something Ford wants to deal with at this precarious moment. Even while business has been trending up lately, there's still a long way to go, and if labor puts a skip in the get along, it could be a nail in the coffin of a successful recovery.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req. | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Three Ford plants vote down new contract with UAW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford uawford uaw rejectionFordUawFordUawRejectionuawUAW contractuaw fordUAW Ford contractUAW Ford negotiationsuaw rejectionUawContractUawFordUawFordContractUawFordNegotiationsUawRejection Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Shreveport, LA mayor lobbies D.C. to close the HUMMER deal, already]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/shreveport-la-mayor-lobbies-d-c-to-close-the-hummer-deal-alre/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Cedric Glover, the mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana, went to Washington, D.C. to plead his case for the sale of Hummer to Tengzhong. The only thing is, we're not sure why he went. To be more precise, we do know that he wants to protect jobs at GM's Shreveport plant that builds Hummers. The plant has about 800 workers who build some of The General's pickup trucks and Hummer models, and the loss of The Big H would undoubtedly put people out of work.

What we're not sure of is what he thinks Washington has to do with it. He did ask that a couple of D.C. muckety-mucks "consider reaching out to the Chinese government to urge immediate approval of the Hummer deal," but Washington hasn't expressed any opposition to the deal and probably couldn't get the deal concluded on the Chinese side any sooner -- never mind the fact that Hummer is the least of Washington's concerns as far as China goes.

We've been told by one source at Hummer that although nothing is final until it's signed, they feel good about the deal, and Tengzhong must have known what it was doing when it made the bid in the first place. Yet beyond all that, as it stands today the Shreveport plant has three years to live at most: the facility wasn't part of the Hummer sale, and GM said it would shutter the place by 2012 at the latest. Mayor Glover wants to save jobs in his town, which is great, but unless GM starts going gangbusters (and soon) then Glover could be playing the Deck Chair and Sinking Ship game.

[Source: HummerGuy]

Shreveport, LA mayor lobbies D.C. to close the HUMMER deal, already originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cedric gloverCedricGloverchinageneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgovernmenthummerLAmanufacturingplantsshreveportshreveport assemblyShreveportAssemblysuvtengzhongtengzhong hummerTengzhongHummertruckuawunion Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST <![CDATA[U-S-A! Ford reportedly moving production of Kuga to America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/u-s-a-ford-reportedly-moving-production-of-kuga-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/u-s-a-ford-reportedly-moving-production-of-kuga-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/u-s-a-ford-reportedly-moving-production-of-kuga-to-america/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2009 Ford Kuga (Euro Spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Kuga is currently made in Europe and isn't available for sale here in the States, but if a report from Bloomberg is to be believed, the next Kuga could be produced in Louisville, Kentucky for sale both here and abroad. Bloomberg's sources claim that Ford plans to build as many as 80,000 Kuga crossovers here for export overseas by October 2011, which would undoubtedly make members of the United Auto Workers union very happy.

Ford is currently awaiting the ratification of a new labor deal that would put labor costs of the Dearborn, MI-based automaker on a nearly equal footing with General Motors and Chrysler. A major tenet of the negotiations is the guarantee of new product to build in U.S. assembly plants, effectively giving 41,000 blue collar Ford employees some much needed job security. A summary of the tentative agreement between the UAW and Ford reportedly states that the Louisville facility will receive a new product with "considerable export volume," so it's not a far leap to surmise that the Kuga will become Kentucky born and bred.

At this point, Ford has only announced that the Louisville plant will receive a more fuel efficient product based on Ford's global C platform. The Kuga certainly fits that bill, and building the small crossover in the good ol' US of A makes financial sense right now since the dollar is worth less than the euro or British pound, and labor costs in the U.S. could be $10 per hour cheaper than they are in Germany, for instance.


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga


[Source: Bloomberg]

U-S-A! Ford reportedly moving production of Kuga to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford kugaFordKugalouisville plantLouisvillePlantuawunionunion contractUnionContract Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: NY cracking down on cabbies using cell phones - only took 10 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-ny-cracking-down-on-cabbies-using-cell-phones-only-too/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-ny-cracking-down-on-cabbies-using-cell-phones-only-too/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/report-ny-cracking-down-on-cabbies-using-cell-phones-only-too/#comments Filed under: , , ,


It's hard to believe, but cab drivers in New York City are prohibited by law from talking on cell phones, with or without headsets. That doesn't seem to stop them, says the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission. Citing phone-related accident statistics, the commission is now proposing more stringent rules that would raise fines and even keep cabbies from using hands-free devices to chat. "We've tried everything else; there's no other way we can make this work," says Matthew W. Daus, the taxi commissioner.

In the first six months of 2009, only one ticket was issued for every 500,000 cab rides. Cabbies escape prosecution because they claim they were only wearing the hands-free devices, not using them. "Judges have been dismissing summonses because there's no proof of conversation," says Daus. Under the proposed rules, the wearing of a headset merits an infraction. Under the current rules, cab drivers are allowed to talk on cell phones while stopped at a red light. The new rules would require drivers to pull over to answer the phone.

Without a doubt, the cabbies are riled. Calling the proposed rules inhumane, they claim mobile phones are crucial in emergencies and the only way they are able to keep in touch with relatives during their 12-hour shifts. While the drafted rules are subject to public hearings next month, the drivers point out the absurdity of some of the proposals. When one organizer at the New York Taxi Workers Alliance was told that he'd have to pull over to answer a ringing phone, his amusing answer was rather succinct: "Where do you get space to put your car?"

[Source: NY Times | Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: NY cracking down on cabbies using cell phones - only took 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cabbiecellular phoneCellular PhonesCellularPhoneCellularPhoneslegalmobilemobile phoneMobilePhonenew lawsuitnew york cityNewLawsuitNewYorkCitynyc taxiNycTaxirulestaxi Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford and UAW contract changes begin to leak out]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-ford-and-uaw-contract-changes-begin-to-leak-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-ford-and-uaw-contract-changes-begin-to-leak-out/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-ford-and-uaw-contract-changes-begin-to-leak-out/#comments Filed under: ,



Even before General Motors and Chrysler entered bankruptcy, the two automakers were wheeling and dealing with the United Auto Workers, reworking their contracts signed in 2007. Since Ford wasn't partaking in the billions of dollars handed to the other two automakers by the federal government, the Dearborn, MI-based automaker was seemingly left out in the cold. Those contract changes helped GM and Chrysler emerge as stronger companies, but Ford was left hanging.

Ford and the UAW have finally gotten together to level the all-important labor playing field, as the two agreed to a tentative contract on Monday. While the terms of the deal are always sealed until the rank and file vote on them, they are also seemingly always leaked before ratification takes place. Automotive News is reporting on several of the concessions made by both the UAW and Ford, and if the updates to the 2007 contract hold they should go a long way toward giving Ford parity with its cross-town rivals.

The UAW has reportedly agreed to freeze the wages of entry level workers making $14 per hour until the agreement ends in 2011. The UAW also lifted a cap that limits the amount of low-cost workers in the plants until 2015, when those jobs are limited to 20% of the workforce. Any workers above 20% will be given traditional union wages in order of seniority. The union will also limit the amount of jobs that are classified as a skilled trade and submit the 2007 contract to binding arbitration when the contract expires in 2011. The UAW has also reportedly agreed to not strike over wage and benefit-related issues, a big win for Ford that virtually guarantees that production stoppages won't be labor-related.

The Blue Oval also had to do some bending of its own. If its 41,000 UAW workers approve the contract changes, every worker will receive a $1,000 bonus for their troubles. Perhaps even more importantly, Ford made production guarantees of facilities in Ohio, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky. Ford is also reportedly guaranteeing to build hybrid batteries in its Rawsonville, MI facility, adding a new vehicle to its Michigan Assembly plant and adding a vehicle at Louisville Assembly that could be exported to other markets. Ford has also promised to build the Transit Connect in the U.S. if Ford decides to move production to North America to supplement production in Turkey. Ratification of the contract is expected later today or early next week, so we'll soon find out if these contract changes are the real deal.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd | Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: Ford and UAW contract changes begin to leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford concessionsford uawFordConcessionsFordUawuawuaw talksUawTalksunionunion wagesUnionWages Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford and UAW reach tentative agreement on contract changes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-on-contract-changes/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-on-contract-changes/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/ford-and-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-on-contract-changes/#comments Filed under: ,



In the interest of remaining competitive with transplants (non-union automotive plants in the U.S. owned and operated by import automakers), Ford and the United Auto Workers union have tentatively agreed on modifications to their current contract that affects some 41,000 hour workers. The exact modifications won't be officially revealed until the UAW and its members have a chance to ratify the contract changes later this week, but Automotive News is reporting that they include additional product commitments by Ford for UAW plants in the U.S., as well as bringing some parts work back in-house. Also reported are reported are concessions by the UAW for more work rule changes and a reduction in the number of skilled-trades classifications, both aimed at increasing productivity and saving money.

Ford is in a tough spot since its cross-town rivals, General Motors and Chrysler LLC, were able to renegotiate their contracts with the UAW under the umbrella of Chapter 11 bankruptcy this past summer. Ford, having avoided accepting any loans from the government and filing Ch. 11, has enjoyed better-than-expected sales the past few months, and so asking its hourly work force for concessions without the pressure of reorganization and while it's doing relatively well is a tough case to make. Nevertheless, it appears that UAW leaders were willing to see Ford's side of things. We'll let you know later this week when the official contract changes are revealed, so stay tuned.

[Source: Ford, Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Ford and UAW reach tentative agreement on contract changes

Ford and UAW reach tentative agreement on contract changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> contract changesContractChangesfordford uawFordUawuawuaw contract changesUawContractChanges Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:31:00 EST <![CDATA[(Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world's highest]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/black-and-blue-oval-ford-of-canada-labor-costs-reportedly-wor/#comments Filed under: ,



it wasn't long ago that U.S. automakers were producing a high percentage of their new products in Canada because labor costs were lower up north than are here in the States. The cost paradigm changed considerably after GM and Chrysler went into Chapter 11 reorganization, as the ailing automakers secured better labor deals with both U.S. and Canadian unions, making the UAW and CAW more competitive versus Japanese automakers.

The United Auto Workers renegotiated with Ford, giving Dearborn terms similar to those it gave GM and Chrysler. Ford reportedly told The Globe and Mail that it now pays about $52 per hour for U.S. labor after benefits. Unfortunately for Ford, the CAW hasn't extended the same helping hand labor-wise, and the Blue Oval isn't very happy. Ford says it is paying $16 more per hour for its Canadian workforce than it is for U.S. workers. In fact, Ford says its labor situation in Canada is so bad that the Blue Oval alleges its labor costs there are now higher than in any other region on earth.

The Canadian Auto Workers union appears willing to negotiate, but The Globe and Mail reports that it wants job security in return. Ford's St. Thomas plant, which currently builds the Panther-platformed Lincoln Town Car, Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, is scheduled for closure at some point in the next two years, and the CAW would like Ford to instead guarantee a new product for the facility. The CAW says it wants to continue to account for 13% of Ford's North American production, but closing the plant and laying off its 1,600 workers would shrink that number to 9%. So far, neither party seems to be budging, but we have a feeling Ford won't be paying the highest labor rates anywhere for very much longer.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

(Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world's highest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cawcrown victoriaCrownVictoriafordgran marquisGranMarquisst thomas plantStThomasPlanttown carTownCaruaw Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:02:00 EST <![CDATA[British 'Cash For Clunkers' to get extension]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/british-cash-for-clunkers-to-get-extension/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/british-cash-for-clunkers-to-get-extension/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/british-cash-for-clunkers-to-get-extension/#comments Filed under: , ,



We've seen this before, haven't we? Government institutes program to spur auto sales by offering car buyers a federal incentive to turn in an old car for a shiny, efficient new one, leading to sales growth, which later leads to no money in the program and the request for an extension. Our British friends across The Pond are reportedly looking to provide an extension to its version of Cash for Clunkers, which allocates £2,000 (nearly $3,200 USD) towards a new vehicle when a vehicle 10 years or older is turned in. The British version of the program contained only £300m in funds (around $477M) and it began way back in May.

BBC News is reporting that Lord Mandelson and the UK government is extending the program, noting that the island's economy was on the upswing but growth in manufacturing is still fragile. Labor unions, the auto industry, UK Steel, the Manufacturing Technologies Association and British Plastics Federation have all been requesting that the program be extended, as steady vehicle sales mean more stable job situations. Beyond the UK's version of Cash for Clunkers, Lord Mandelson has reportedly also said that the government will stand behind workers at Vauxhall, Jaguar and Land Rover plants affected by the auto industry slowdown.

[Source: BBC News | Image: Matt Cardy/Getty]

British 'Cash For Clunkers' to get extension originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> c4cgreat britainGreatBritainlord mandelsonLordMandelsonuk cash for clunkersUkCashForClunkers Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST <![CDATA[FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/fyi-uaw-releases-list-of-2010-cars-and-trucks-made-in-union-sho/#comments Filed under: , ,



There's "Buy American!" and then there's "Buy Union!" If you're among the most serious about keeping your red-white-and-blue money in the U.S. of A North America and organized labor is close to your ticker, then you'll want to check out this list put together by the United Auto Workers. It lists all of the vehicles made in America and Canada by union labor -- either UAW or CAW.

Naturally, it's heavy on domestic offerings, but if you're devoted to imports you can still avail yourself of a few Toyotas, Mazdas, Mitsubishis, and a VW Routan, and support "workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract." Nevertheless, knowing how some feel about unions all we ask is please stay on topic and please be kind to your virtual neighbor. Let the comments begin...

[Source: UAW]

FYI: UAW releases list of 2010 cars and trucks made in union shops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadacawmanufacturingplantplantsuawunionunionsusa Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Ron Bloom, Obama's chief auto advisor to become manufacturing czar?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/ron-bloom-obamas-chief-auto-advisor-to-become-manufacturing-cz/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Ron Bloom's role in the bankruptcy and re-emergence of Chrysler and General Motors has proven that his experience driving negotiations with the United Steelworkers union is portable. Pushing the two automotive giants through restructuring in an impressively quick manner has given the Obama administration the impression that Mr. Bloom (far left) is a good choice to head up a manufacturing overlord position which will focus on building that sector of America's economy back up. An appointment announcement is scheduled today at an AFL-CIO picnic in Cincinatti, Ohio, where both President Obama and Bloom will appear.

Bloom's credentials in manufacturing go back further than just his recent automaker involvement. As special assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers union for ten years, Bloom looked out for union jobs during a deal between Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation and Esmark, compromising where necessary, and stringing profanity together when needed to meet his objective.

Bloom is going to need as many fancy swear words as he can muster to stanch the bleeding in manufacturing. Many believe the United States will never have as robust a manufacturing sector as it once did. Even with our shrinkage in manufacturing, Bloom indicates that the United States shouldn't forget how to make things just yet, and that the Obama Administration wants an "innovative, vibrant manufacturing sector." In that vein, monies from the stimulus package are going into environmentally-focused programs such as electric vehicles, as well as helping automakers to retool by giving low coast loans.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty]

Ron Bloom, Obama's chief auto advisor to become manufacturing czar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> afl-ciofalselabor daylabor day weekendlabor unionsLaborDayLaborDayWeekendLaborUnionsmanufacturingmanufacturing czarmanufacturing jobsManufacturingCzarManufacturingJobsobama stimulus packageobama task forceObamaStimulusPackageObamaTaskForceron blom manufacturing czarron bloomron bloom auto czarron bloom automakersron bloom gm bankruptcyron bloom laborron bloom manufacturingron bloom uswRonBlomManufacturingCzarRonBloomRonBloomAutoCzarRonBloomAutomakersRonBloomGmBankruptcyRonBloomLaborRonBloomManufacturingRonBloomUsw Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/toyota-moving-tacoma-production-to-san-antonio/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Now that Toyota has decided the fate of the NUMMI plant, the company has to decide where to move production of the Tacoma and Corolla models built there. The Corolla hasn't been spoken for yet, but Toyota is confirming that its Tacoma line is moving to the San Antonio factory that currently makes the Tundra pickup.

Toyota will spend $100 million on tooling for the Tacoma, and city and county officials guess that annual units will number about 100,000. It is also estimated that 1,100 new hires will be added to the factory employment rolls, which includes the 21 suppliers on the campus. Building the new truck will give the plant the second shift it's been missing since last summer, when it went down to a single shift as auto sales declined.

For the NUMMI workers, Toyota's announcement only makes the finality all the more real. Discussions with NUMMI laborers remains ongoing, and it has been mentioned that Toyota could move some California workers to Texas. However, with San Antonio offering tax breaks based on hiring some local workers, the chances of that are probably slim. Thanks for the tip, Tony.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> manufacturingnummiplantssan antonioSanAntoniotacomatexastoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomatundraunions Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Opel labor union goes on the offensive, GM negotiator meets with German feds]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/opel-labor-union-goes-on-the-offensive-gm-negotiator-meets-with/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/opel-labor-union-goes-on-the-offensive-gm-negotiator-meets-with/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/opel-labor-union-goes-on-the-offensive-gm-negotiator-meets-with/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The battle for Opel has added another front: Opel labor unions at two of the company's German factories retracted an agreement made last year to forgo vacation bonuses. The move demands that General Motors pay the laborers €70 million ($100.2M U.S.) by next week, the amount that they agreed to give up when GM was trying to rescue itself. Workers at two other Opel factories in Germany are expected to make the same move some time this week. The workers want GM to sell to Magna, and if The General doesn't make its intentions plain soon, the next step will be for Opel labor to demand the wage hike they waived last year, which would see the automaker owe another several hundred million euros.

According to Automotive News, GM's board met to discuss which bidder, Magna or RHJ, it would go with, but instead of making a decision it sent its lead negotiator back to Germany to talk to government officials. As of last week, there were rumors of GM wanting a buyback option for Opel, which could get GM quickly back into Europe when the company restores its fortunes. The option seemed to make RHJ the leading bidder, but not the one German government or labor wants.

If RHJ wins, it will get no state aid. If Magna wins, it has been pledged €4.5B ($6.4B U.S.) in government loans. The disadvantage could cause RHJ to deal with Opel drastically, which would greatly displease a whole lot of Germans. Perhaps that is why there is now talk of GM not selling Opel at all, instead looking to raise $4.3 billion to keep Opel in the family. With GM barely out of bankruptcy, and with economies still shaky, observers aren't sure where GM would get that kind of money. It is thought that GM will announce its intentions in the next day or so.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Opel labor union goes on the offensive, GM negotiator meets with German feds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgermanygmmagnaopelplantsrhjrhj internationalRhjInternationalunionsvauxhall Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: NUMMI workers demonstrate over plant's potential closing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/#comments Filed under: , ,



Toyota has never closed a U.S. assembly plant, but the suddenly struggling Japanese automaker has said that it would shudder the NUMMI factory in California, the only auto plant in the state, by next March. The upcoming closure isn't a big surprise since General Motors was allowed to bow out of its half of the joint venture project with Toyota during bankruptcy, giving Toyota full responsibility for the California plant. And since the Pontiac Vibe is no longer being made at the facility, capacity has dropped to a reported 60%, making the facility unprofitable at a time when Toyota is losing money.

The closure of the plant means, of course, that its 5,300 employees will soon be without a job. To protest the closure of NUMMI, an estimated 1,000 workers turned out to demonstrate in front of the facility last week. The union-organized workers are in a tough position, too, since their UAW contract expired last week. The contract was indefinitely extended, but either party can cancel it with five days notice. And with unemployment at 11% in California, finding a new job will be no easy task.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: NUMMI workers demonstrate over plant's potential closing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gmnummi plantNummiPlantprotesttoyotauawunionunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkers Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Opel, waiting on GM and the German government, heading toward bankruptcy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/opel-waiting-on-gm-and-the-german-government-heading-toward-ba/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/opel-waiting-on-gm-and-the-german-government-heading-toward-ba/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/opel-waiting-on-gm-and-the-german-government-heading-toward-ba/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



There are five noteworthy parties involved in the negotiations over Opel's fate: GM, the German government, the Opel trust, states with Opel manufacturing plants, and the Opel labor union. The Opel trust is the body created to run Opel after GM's bankruptcy, and consists of five members: a chairman, a representative for the German states with Opel plants, a representative for the German government, and both the CFO and chief negotiator for GM Europe. Got all that?

At this point Opel's future looks to have three possible trajectories: a sale to Magna, a sale to Belgian investment bank RHJ, or bankruptcy. Beijing Automotive also bid on Opel but it hasn't been mentioned in any recent discussions. The negotiating parties, however, haven't come to a decision on which future is the best for the German brand.

GM is still negotiating with Magna, but Magna apparently made promises to its Russian backers -- Sberbank and GAZ -- regarding "intellectual property and [GM's] Russian operations that simply could not be implemented." GM says it doesn't have a preferred bidder, but it's working with Magna to make the Austrian company's bid acceptable. The German states' rep on the Opel trust, and labor are said to prefer Magna win.

On the other hand, the German government rep is said to prefer the offer from RHJ or letting Opel declare insolvency. GM's negotiator said the RHJ tender is "a much simpler structure and would be easier to implement." The hitch could be that the German government's financial assistance to Opel is dependent on a the new buyer having a long term plan for the company and saving German jobs. Those aren't the kinds of terms usually associated with investment banks. According to one German premiere, though, a "clear decision" on Opel should come next week.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Opel, waiting on GM and the German government, heading toward bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgermanygmmagnaopelplantsrhjunions Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:31:00 EST