-
Recent Posts
- Milestones – 15 Million Honda Accords Sold in U.S.
- UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC
- June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%
- BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
- “Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements
- Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
- Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
- Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived
- Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
- Porsche AG Board Drastically Cuts 2025 Annual Dividend ~50%
- Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles
- AAA – Independence Weekend Travel Forecast Flat
- IndyCar – Lundgaard Last-to-First Win at Road America!
- Carry Over Pricing Planned on the 2027 Subara Solterra
- First Look – 2027 Porsche Taycan EV. Values Crisis?
Recent Comments
- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: labor issues
BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities,” said Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing. “Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, opinions
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brett Adcock, Figure AI, humanoid robots, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Physical AI, R2-D2, Ulrich Wieland, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
“Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements
“There is no way back to the American Dream without undoing the damage of NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “There is no future for the U.S. working class that doesn’t address the free trade disaster. Progressives and working-class allies need to understand that trade is at the heart of the rise of global authoritarianism, wealth inequality, and the political weakness of the working class.”
“The moral vision of a society where working-class people reclaim their dignity relies on reining in the rising billionaire dictatorship,” Fain said. “NAFTA and similar trade agreements are the social contract as written by multinational corporations. It’s time we rip it up and start over and take back the American Dream.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, china, Democratic President Bill Clinton, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Labor Rights, nafta, North American Free Trade Agreement, Republican George H.W. Bush, Shawn fain, the USMCA, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiations, World Trade Organization, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW Local 2093 Members Ratify New American Axle Contract
“Not only did they take care of the legacy people that were here and made the tough decisions back in 2008 to keep the place open, they took care of the people working there today,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “They also took care of all the future generations that will come to work here in Three Rivers, Michigan, at American Axle.”
Over the ten-day strike, UAW Local 2093 members attracted the interest and support of local community and political allies from across the state, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, State Senator Sean McCann, Three Rivers Mayor Angel Johnston, U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, candidate for Michigan Attorney General Eli Savit, among others. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged Abdul El-Sayed, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, State Senator Sean McCann, UAW Local 2093, UAW President Shawn Fain, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Mixed Results on Trump Auto Tariff, Policy Scorecards
Plante Moran shared its North American Production Outlook 2026 – 2033 forecast with the Society of Automotive Analysts this week. It is investigating at the mid-2026 point how electrification continues to influence auto industry direction as the year unfolds. The estimable mega-consulting firm that deals in audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management globally has a significant advisory presence in the auto industry. It says changes are coming later this decade and into the early 2030s.
“The North American production volume outlook for growth remains, but we’re seeing some geographic shifts, mostly to the US. And amount of this growth will be encountered in the later years of our projections,” said Dan Lee, principal at the Southfield, MI office. And that’s largely due to the delays in EV adoption that we’ve seen whether that’s planned to be paused or not.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dan Lee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Plante Moran, Society of Automotive Analysts, USMCA tariff volume, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Striking UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement at American Axle
After walking out on strike at midnight on June 1, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle/Dauch Corporation have reached a tentative agreement with the company, the UAW said last night. The as yet unratified contract gets the workers’ “topline demand” of $30 per hour by 2030, a more than 36% increase to the top wage rate over four years. The UAW claimed there are other “historic gains in a record contract” at the Tier 1 parts supplier to GM.
“Tonight, after 10 days on strike, I am proud to announce that UAW Local 2093 has reached a tentative agreement at American Axle,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “And tonight, after 18 years of sacrifice, these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them.” Continue reading
Posted in blog, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, opinions, people, shows and events
Tagged Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Josh Jager, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Steve Dawes, uaw, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, UAW President Shawn Fain, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Harley‑Davidson On-Shoring Motorcycle Production
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) said this week that it is bringing production of the Revolution® Max platform for North America back to the United States as part of the Company’s so-called Back to the Bricks strategy. [The venerable company has been clobbered by Trump Administration economic policies – AutoCrat.]. The move returns machining, powertrain assembly, painting, and final vehicle assembly work back to Harley-Davidson facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with union jobs. The motorcycles are Pan America, Sportster® S, and Nightster models. The production transition is expected to be completed ahead of the start of Model Year 2028 production in 2027. Harley-Davidson expects to manufacture more than 100,000 motorcycles out of the Company’s York, Pennsylvania facility in 2027. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, motorcycles, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged America and Sportster® S and Nightster motorcycles, Artie Starrs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike
“After the company now known as Dauch Corporation failed to offer a fair deal after weeks of negotiations, nearly 1000 UAW Local 2093 members walked out on strike in Three Rivers, MI starting Monday 1 June at 12:01 am. Mass picket lines started at 6:00 am,” the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation
Tagged American Axle Three Rivers plant, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, The International Union United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, uaw, UAW Local 2093, UAW parts and components suppliers, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Milestones – Volkswagen Chattanooga at 15 Years
Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga Plant is celebrating 15 years since its grand opening in May 2011 (VOW3.DE or OTC VOW3.DE). Volkswagen Chattanooga has assembled more than 1.85 million vehicles, invested $4.3 billion in its operations, and now employs more than 4,000 team members. Today, the plant is home to the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The models together composed about 30% of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales in 2025. The plant is also noteworthy as becoming UAW organized despite VW’s long opposition to a union in North America. Tennessee is a Right to Work state [right to work for less? – AutoCrat] since 1947. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, opinions, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chattanooga State Community College, Henning Habicht, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mechatronics Academy at Volkswagen, Oakridge National Lab, Summer STEM camps, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Chattanooga, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW Files Unfair Labor Practice Against American Axle
“Calling the police on your own dedicated workforce for holding union flyers isn’t just a violation of federal labor law – it’s a desperate attempt to bully workers into submission,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “But that’s not going to work with UAW Local 2093 members. These workers are going to stay strong for a record contract.” [See Police Body Cam footage at a link below – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news, opinions, people, shows and events
Tagged Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, American Axle, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Josh Jagger, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Section 7 Violation of National Labor Relations Act, Steve Dawes National Labor Relations Act, uaw, UAW Local 2093, UAW Region 1D, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030 Financial Reform Revealed
“We have great people, the muscle of global scale, unmatched brands that connect and inspire, the deep local roots of our regions and dealer partners to meet our customers’ distinctive needs, and a relentless focus on innovation and excellence in execution. With these strengths, we are uniquely positioned to offer delight, functionality, and affordability. Adding to these the accelerating and amplifying benefits of our ‘win-win’ partnerships, we have everything we need to deliver our FaSTLAne 2030 ambitions,” claimed Filosa. [This is the corporate equivalent of betting on the come line in the Casino at Monte Carlo – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results, shows and events
Tagged alfa romeo, Anthony Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, chrysler, citroën, Dodge, Dongfeng Group, Fiat, jeep, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, opel, Peugeot, ram, Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030, STLA One platform, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Chinese Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles Coming to EU Via Stellantis
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and the Dongfeng Group today announced their intention to form a European joint venture for shared sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and engineering activities. The joint venture would take responsibility for the sales and distribution of Dongfeng’s Voyah-branded vehicles in designated markets in Europe. This would circumvent EU tariff’s on Chinese-made vehicles. [Stellantis and Dongfeng Group recently announced the production of all-new Peugeot and Jeep models in China for the domestic market and export – AutoCrat]*
“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership to the benefit of customers around the world,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing, leveraging the best of Stellantis’ global footprint alongside Dongfeng’s access to China’s advanced new energy vehicles ecosystem.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, opinions, software defined vehicles
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, bevs, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles, extended-range EVs, fcvs, fuel cell vehicles, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, PHEVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Qing YANG, Rennes plant in France, Stellantis and Dongfeng, Voyah Free, Wuhan plant, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW
“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”
“The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) has been informed that eligible hourly employees have voted in favor of union representation through the United Auto Workers (UAW). We respect the outcome of this process and our employees’ right to make this decision. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on working together, as one team, in support of our mission to ‘put YOU at the center of science.’ We are committed to continuing to deliver immersive, engaging, and impactful STEM experiences for the communities we serve in Detroit and across Michigan,” MI-SCI told AutoInformed. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Christian Greer, Ken Zino, LaShawn English, MI-SCI, Michigan Science Center, Myriam Springuel, Smithsonian Affiliate, UAW Region 1, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW American Axle Workers Authorize Three Rivers Strike
“The membership of UAW Local 2093 and Region 1D have sent a crystal clear message to American Axle: we need a fair contract now, or we’re ready to take the next step,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “We’ve waited long enough for this company to do the right thing, and we’re ready to do what it takes to win a fair deal at American Axle.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, American Axle Three Rivers plant, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dauch Corporation, Jay Korf, Ken Zino, Steve Dawes, uaw, UAW Local 2093, UAW Region 1D, United Automobile, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Stellantis and Leapmotor to Expand Leapmotor International
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd 9863.HK) today announced their intention to expand their strategic partnership [Leapmotor International – LMPI – is a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China – AutoCrat.] with an emphasis on European products and assembly plants and engineering technologies.
“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor – a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally – is a true win-win for both of us. It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese Trade Wars, Ken Zino, Leapmotor C-SUV B10, Leapmotor International, Opel C-SUV, Villaverde Madrid plant, X @KenAutoinformed, Zaragoza plant, Zhu Jiangming
Leave a comment
UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC
More than 800 members of UAW Local 5101, representing workers at Woodward MPC, have voted by 71% to authorize a strike after months of company stall tactics and unfair labor practices during contract negotiations the UAW claims. Woodward workers voted … Continue reading →