Category Archives: manufacturing

Nissan Recalls Popular 2013 Models for Bad Passenger Airbags

Posted on 18 March 2013 by Ken Zino

Nissan is recalling numerous 2013 model Altima, Leaf, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles because the passenger side airbag is defective. Sensors within the so-called passenger Occupant Detection System may have been manufactured out of specification for several months. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag on some of Nissan’s most popular vehicles. Continue reading →

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Subaru Key Fobs Running Wild and Starting Cars Randomly

Posted on 11 March 2013 by Ken Zino

Subaru is recalling various 2010 through 2013 models equipped with an Audiovox remote engine starter that was sold as an accessory. The key fob may run wild and randomly start the engine without the driver pressing the button. Continue reading →

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New Stamping Presses for GM Full Size SUVs coming to Texas

Posted on 28 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The first shipment of equipment to stamp out components for General Motors’ new full-size SUVs arrives at the Arlington Stamping Plant this week. The four gigantic presses from Korean supplier WIA, pit equipment and two press beds – weighing a total of 5 million pounds – are making their way 550 miles from the Port of Houston. Continue reading →

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Acura RLX Uses New Steel and Aluminum Bonding for Doors

Posted on 18 February 2013 by Ken Zino

When the Acura RLX goes on sale in the U.S. next month, its outer door panels will be made of aluminum joined to an inner steel frame. This unusual combination of dissimilar materials results in a reduction of door panel weight by approximately 17% compared to the conventional all-steel door panel. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Skoda Builds 15-millionth Car

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Ken Zino

Škoda has produced its 15-millionth car, a silver, third-generation Octavia – rolled off the assembly line at Šcoda’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav during the first week of February. The Octavia will be used as a VIP sedan at the Škoda Technology Center in Česana. The new Skoda Octavia is now being launched in the Czech Republic and Germany, while other markets will follow in coming weeks. In total, Skoda will launch eight new or face lifted models in 2013. Continue reading →

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Energy Secretary Steven Chu Resigns after a Distinguished Four Years

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

The Department of Energy, oft mocked by right wing Republicans, in Chu’s mind actually serves U.S. taxpayers as a Department of Science, a Department of Innovation, and a Department of Nuclear Security. Continue reading →

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GM Moves Performance Build Center to Corvette Plant

Posted on 31 January 2013 by Ken Zino

GM is moving its Performance Build Center from Michigan to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant where the Chevrolet Corvette is assembled. The center allows customers to build their own specialty engines for installation in GM vehicles. Continue reading →

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GM to Invest $600 Million in Fairfax Plant and Keep 4,000 Jobs

Posted on 28 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Sadly in the current language of multinational corporations operating in the ailing U.S. economy and its largely jobless recovery, the investment will not create any new jobs but keep 4,000. For this taxpayers of Kansas, according to The Kansas City Star approved $120 million in revenue bonds last September to subsidize the new paint shop. Continue reading →

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Wind Turbines Headed for Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio

Posted on 25 January 2013 by Ken Zino

When the turbines begin operating later this year, the Honda plant will be the first major automotive manufacturing facility in the United States to obtain a significant amount of its electricity directly from wind turbines located on its property. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls 748,000 Pilot, Odyssey Models for Defective Airbags

Posted on 23 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda is recalling 2009-2013 Pilot crossover models and 2011-2013 Odyssey minivans built in Alabama because rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing. The absence of more than one rivet could alter the performance of the driver’s airbag during deployment,increasing the risk of injury. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Now Operating Largest Solar Power “Park” in Tennessee

Posted on 23 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen today turned on the largest single solar installation at an automotive manufacturing facility in the United States and the biggest solar installation in the state of Tennessee. At a dedication in Chattanooga, a giant light switch was used to note the opening of the 9.5-megawatt solar system. All of the output will be used by VW to make cars. Continue reading →

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Mazda and Fiat Sign Agreement for New Alfa Romeo Roadster

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. announced today the formal signing an agreement that will have Mazda produce a convertible two-seater sports car for Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima, Japan plant starting in 2015. Continue reading →

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Chinese GAC Group to Build Jeep Models in China

Posted on 15 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Company will build Jeep models in China, according to a revised joint venture signed in Michigan today with Fiat S.p.A. GAC already manufactures the Fiat Viaggio – aka Dodge Dart – and distributes the imported Fiat 500, Freemont and Bravo in China. Continue reading →

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FAA to Review Boeing 787 Design and Production

Posted on 11 January 2013 by Ken Zino

A series of mishaps on the Boeing 787 including, engine oil leaks, cracked windshields and a fire has prompted the FAA to promise a comprehensive review of the design, manufacture and assembly of the so-called Dreamliner. The 787 designation was the date of an elaborate unveiling during July of 2007, with the first flights planned for that August. The twin-engine composite aircraft had several production delays before finally entering service years late. Continue reading →

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Honda to Build 2014 Accord Hybrid in U.S. at Marysville, Ohio

Posted on 10 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda of America Manufacturing said today that it would invest $23 million and hire 50 new workers at its Marysville, Ohio auto plant to add assembly of the new Accord Hybrid Sedan scheduled to go on sale this fall. Continue reading →

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