Category Archives: manufacturing

New 2013 Chevrolet Malibu to be Built in Hamtramck, MI

Starting in 2012 in the U.S., Malibu will be built at GM’s assembly plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, which is currently producing the Chevrolet Volt and will soon start making the Opel Ampera. This leads us to speculate that a hybrid version of the Malibu is in the works. What happens to the Fairfax, Virginia plant that currently builds the Malibu remains to be seen. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Recalls Cruze for “Steering Wheel Detachment”

GM reported to NHTSA that upon investigation it was discovered that an incorrect steering wheel was originally fastened on the steering column of the Cruze during assembly. When the mistake was discovered, the wheel was removed and replaced but the steering wheel was not properly fastened to the column. The worker apparently left the bolt out. Continue reading

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Toyota to Resume Vehicle Production at All Japan Plants

However, production volume is planned to be approximately 50% percent of normal. After April 27, all production facilities will enter an annual spring holiday through May 9. A decision on post-holiday production will be made after assessing the parts supply situation. Continue reading

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Honda Resumes Auto and Motorcycle Production in Japan at 50% Capacity, More Earthquake Caused Interruptions Coming

Honda Fit, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL are produced in Japan for the North American market. Honda produces a small percentage of CR-Vs in Japan for the U.S. as well. Continue reading

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Steelworkers follow UAW and Ratify Contract with Dana

The contract has implications for the United Autoworkers Union as it enters negotiations this summer with automakers since the Dana contract reduces but does not eliminate the gap in the existing two-tier wage structure with Goodyear.
The UAW is fiercely divided over the two-tier issue, which allows new hires at $12 an hour, while veterans get $28. UAW president Bob King insists that reduced wages for new workers are necessary, while opposition groups within the union are calling for its end.
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Mazda Stops U.S. Dealer Orders for Japanese made Vehicles

Mazda Motor has temporary stopped orders for Japan-built vehicles from its dealers in the U.S. as a result on ongoing production interruption caused by the Japan earthquake on March 11. Mazda temporarily resumed partial production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants on March 22, producing replacement parts and parts for overseas production and vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventories. Mazda indefinitely suspended the production of vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventory at its Hofu plant today. Continue reading

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Japan Earthquake Causes Loss of 320,000 Vehicles. More Plant Shutdowns on Way and the Worst is yet to Come

“The Japan disaster has had a profound effect on the automotive industry,” said IHS Automotive Director Michael Robinet, noting that 13% of the global automotive industry is shut down and companies have lost 320,000 units of production since the earthquake, tsunami and power disruptions. Continue reading

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Super Bowl Ads Effective for Chevrolet, Mini, Kia, and VW

Chevrolet, Mini, Kia and Volkswagen had the best return on investment among the ten automakers advertising during the 2011 Super Bowl, according to data just released by publisher Hachette Filipacchi.

A six week study conducted before and after the Super Bowl was based on traffic on 14 automotive websites. Continue reading

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Toyota Postpones Prius V Japan Launch; With Honda Expects U.S. Plant Shutdowns from Earthquake Parts Shortages

At the same time Toyota was telling workers in U.S. plants to expect shutdowns because of parts shortages resulting from Japan’s triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant meltdowns. Toyota said it did not know at this time when, where or how long the production disruptions would last, but it was likely that some would happen. Continue reading

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Former Ford Plant in Norfolk Virginia Sold to Belgium Firm

Ford Motor Company today announced the sale of its Norfolk Assembly Plant in Virginia to Atlanta-based Jacoby Development. As part of the transaction, Jacoby, in turn, sold a portion of the 100-acre former Ford Plant to Belgium-based Katoen Natie (KTN), a global logistics provider. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Continue reading

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Japanese Earthquake Shuts GM Truck Plant in U.S.

General Motors is the first auto company to announce that it will stop production at a U.S. plant due to a parts shortage resulting from Japan’s tripe tragedies of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns.

GM’s Shreveport Assembly in Louisiana will be closed next week. Continue reading

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Porsche Cajun SUV to be Built alongside Larger Cayenne in Leipzig, Eastern Germany. Huge Plant Expansion Planned

Thus the fifth model in the Porsche line is scheduled to appear at the renowned sport car maker that ironically now sells more sedans and trucks than 911 and Boxster models. Cajun will be the least expensive Porsche when it appears. Continue reading

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U.S. Bound Infiniti Models Damaged in Japanese Port; Nissan to Reopen Some Japanese Plants. V6 Engines a Problem

Nissan says that about 1,300 Infiniti vehicles were damaged in port in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami. However, this equates to a few days’ supply for the luxury brand, which is heavily dependent on Japanese imports for most of its premium vehicles. Continue reading

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Toyota Extends Production Shut Down at all Japanese Plants

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has decided to continue the vehicle-production halt started on March 14 at all plants in Japan, including subsidiary vehicle manufacturers, through March 22. Originally Toyota and other major Japanese automakers had said some shut downs would be for a couple of days. Continue reading

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Auto Production in Japan at Standstill as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru Shut. More Earthquakes Coming?

Auto production in earthquake racked Japan is at a standstill this morning as most automakers closed plants even in non quake areas for announced times of three days to a few weeks. In fact, no company can be sure when they will reopen plants. Moreover, rolling blackouts will disrupt public transportation and production throughout the country for unknown periods of time as damaged nuclear powerplants are repaired or scrapped. Continue reading

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