Category Archives: manufacturing

Johnson Controls Expanding Start-Stop Battery Plant

Posted on 5 August 2015 by Ken Zino

The technology gained its popularity in Europe followed by the U.S. and China. Continue reading →

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GM to Invest $877 Million in Flint

Posted on 4 August 2015 by Ken Zino

GM announced that it plans to invest $877 million to build a new body shop for the assembly plant, locating it closer to the Flint Metal Center. Continue reading →

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Auto Sales Growth Rates to Slow

Posted on 4 August 2015 by Ken Zino

Advances in technology, tougher legislation, shorter product cycles and increased launches will create a challenging, yet opportunistic environment in the years ahead for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers, according to IHS Automotive. Continue reading →

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GM to Spend $1.4B on Arlington, Texas Plant Improvements

Posted on 14 July 2015 by Ken Zino

A day after the opening of talks with the UAW on a new four-year contract, GM announced today that it would spend $1.4 billion on the Arlington Assembly Plant that produces full-size SUVs. Continue reading →

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Screw US Workers! Trade Policy Fails Again

Posted on 7 July 2015 by Ken Zino

Imports of auto parts, engines, vehicles through May 2015 increased to $112,315,000, a dismal job-destroying record. May at $29,462,000 was a record as well. Continue reading →

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GM Invests in Orion Assembly Plant Again

Posted on 22 June 2015 by Ken Zino

The 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement is up for renewal by this September, with the two-tier wage system a major potential point of contention between the Detroit Three and the UAW. Continue reading →

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UAW Denounces US House Passage of Fast Track

Posted on 18 June 2015 by Ken Zino

No trade agreement adopted under “Fast Track” has ever been defeated. It is the UAW’s contention – supported by much data gathered after the jobs destroying NAFTA, agreement, that the American auto industry, which leads the country in manufactured exports today, will be hurt. Continue reading →

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Shanghai-Volkswagen Open a New Plant in Changsha China

Posted on 26 May 2015 by Ken Zino

The Volkswagen Group dedicated today a new vehicle plant of Shanghai-Volkswagen (SVW) in Changsha, southern China. This plant is the Group’s 119th global facility and its 20th in China. Volkswagen has been a force in the Chinese market for more … Continue reading →

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GM to Invest $1.2 Billion in Fort Wayne Pickup Plant

Posted on 26 May 2015 by Ken Zino

Trucks are among GM’s most profitable vehicles. Less expensive fuel prices, low interest rates, and a modest recovery in the U.S. economy have caused a resurgence in truck sales among the Detroit Three after they plummeted in 2008 as the Great Recession took hold. Continue reading →

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Volvo picks Union Hostile South Carolina for First US Plant

Posted on 11 May 2015 by Ken Zino

Volvo began importing cars to the U.S. in 1955. Ford Motor, after a stormy relationship with the Swedish automaker, sold loss-making Volvo in 2010 to Geely. Continue reading →

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GM Announces $5.4 Billion in U.S. Plant Investments

Posted on 30 April 2015 by Ken Zino

Since June 2009, GM has announced U.S. facility spending of ~$16.8 billion. About $11.4 billion of that has come since the 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement that is up for renewal, with the two-tier wage system a major potential point of contention. In total, GM said these investments have created 3,650 new jobs and secured the positions of approximately 20,700 others. Continue reading →

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New Alfa Romeo Engines Coming

Posted on 16 April 2015 by Ken Zino

FCA (Fiat Chrysler) will invest more than $540 million to produce two new engines for its Alfa Romeo as part its latest attempt to revive the once proud Italian brand. Continue reading →

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Honda Announces Second U.S. Acura MDX Plant

Posted on 11 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Honda today said it would add a second U.S. production site for the Acura MDX SUV by investing $85 million in its East Liberty, Ohio plant to produce Acura MDX in Ohio beginning in 2017. The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and is now in its third iteration. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Expands Takata Recall Nationally

Posted on 31 December 2014 by Ken Zino

Chrysler Group is expanding its current regional recall of Takata PSDI-4 driver airbag inflators to all 50 U.S. States and Federalized Territories at the request of NHTSA. Continue reading →

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Huge Toyota Tacoma Pickup Corrosion Recall

Posted on 30 September 2014 by Ken Zino

Toyota claimed it is not aware of any fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with its latest safety defect that it has told NHTSA about in its required legal filing. However, NHTSA has several hair-raising complaints from Tacoma owners about incidents. Continue reading →

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