Category Archives: manufacturing

NASCAR’s Rick Hendrick Builds Own Engine for Corvette Z06

The so called Engine Build Experience is a $5,800 option when a customer purchases a new Corvette Z06 or ZR1. Yes, you pay more to get your hands dirty by helping to assemble your $100,000 Corvette – as there’s marketing genius here. Continue reading

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GM to Invest $2 Billion in U.S. Plants, Depending on Tax Breaks

Critics, of course, say the cost per job – when you total all the loans and tax breaks – is exorbitant, especially since what is mostly going on these days is the retention of existing jobs long after jobs move South to non-union transplants. Continue reading

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BMW Group Plans Additional €400 Million Investment in China

The BMW Group in Munich said that it will expand manufacturing capacity in China by more than €400 million in conjunction with its Chinese Joint venture partner. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Recalls Cruze for Transmission and Steering Defects

Chevrolet is recalling more than 200,000 Cruze compact cars for two safety related defects caused by improper manufacturing that can result in Cruze models rolling away while in park or the driver losing control of the steering. Continue reading

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2012 Honda CRV Delayed at Least One Month in U.S. New 2012 Civic Scarce Through September. Both Were Best Sellers

Two of the immediate Honda causalities are the all new 2012 Civic and CRV – both among the best selling vehicles in the United States. Continue reading

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General Motors to Build New Chevrolet Malibu in Korea

Korea ranks at the very bottom — 30 out of 30 among the largest automotive markets — for auto import market access. The average among major developed economies is approximately 40% market penetration by imported automobiles, but in 2006 in Korea, the total of import vehicles from all global manufacturers in all countries entering the Korean market was around 3.6%. This is about 40,000 vehicles in a market that buys roughly one million vehicles annually. Continue reading

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Toyota Recalls Tundra Pickups for Rear Drive Shaft Failures

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. today announced it will conduct a safety recall on approximately 51,000, 2011 model year Toyota Tundra trucks to inspect the rear drive shaft. The rear drive shaft on Tundra models may include a defective slip … Continue reading

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Toyota March Production Drops 31% Globally, 62% in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said that production at its Japanese and overseas factories dropped 31% in March, the month of the devastating Japan earthquake and tsunami. In Japan the impact was far worse as production dropped 62% for the month. … Continue reading

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Standard & Poor’s Says Japanese Auto Outlook Now Negative

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services in Tokyo today cut its outlook on six Japanese auto companies from stable to negative, including the Japanese Big Three – Toyota Motor Corp. (TM, 7203.TO), Honda Motor Co. (HMC, 7267.TO) and Nissan Motor Co. … Continue reading

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Honda Sets Fiscal Year Record for Overseas Auto Production

That of course was before the parts shortages and vehicle production disruptions caused by the Japan earthquake and tsunami on 11 March took hold. Continue reading

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Toyota Cuts May Auto Production in North America

On average, around 85% of the parts and materials for the 12 North American-built Toyota and Lexus models are sourced from 500 suppliers in North America. While production of some parts and materials continues in Japan, Toyota says it is working closely with affected suppliers in order to minimize the impact, which appears to be considerable and ongoing. Continue reading

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GM India Hires Scabs to Break Chevrolet Cruze Plant Strike

The General Motors India strike by the Gujurat Kamdar Mandal union is reminiscent of UAW sit down strikes during 1936-37 in Michigan, which led to recognition of the Union and the right to collective bargaining by the world’s largest automaker. Thus far Solidarity House, the UAW’s international headquarters in Detroit has remained silent on the GKM strike, and refused multiple requests for comment. General Motors in the U.S. simply says it is working with local groups in India. Continue reading

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Grede Buys Two Mexican Foundries to Boost Casting Capacity

Capacity or lack thereof at auto suppliers who drastically downsized by closing facilities and jettisoning workers in 2008 and 2009 as the Great Recession took hold, is an emerging problem as auto and truck makers slowly recover and increase production. Continue reading

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Earthquake Aftershocks – Toyota to Shut 5 European Plants

Toyota said in a statement that the decision is “necessary as a result of forecasted parts supply difficulties.” Continue reading

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Japan Earthquake Aftershocks – U.S. Car Prices Could Rise 9%

None of this is good news for beleaguered consumers who are now facing the highest gasoline prices in almost three years, as automakers such as Ford quietly raise prices because of increased commodity and energy costs. Continue reading

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