Tag Archives: auto industry

Unions Protest Closing of Ford Plant Leningrad Region

Posted on 22 February 2019 by Ken Zino

Although the closure of the Vsevolozhsk plant has not been confirmed, Ford announced in January 2019 that it would review its development strategy in Russia. Depending on the review, the plant in Vsevolozhsk and two plants to produce cars and engines in the Republic of Tatarstan may be closed. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Feeding Frenzy at Ford, Firestone

Posted on 20 November 2010 by Ken Zino

This is a cautionary tale about how two old-line industrial companies were caught out in a global media crisis that badly tarnished the reputations of both. By the time that trial lawyers, politicians and the media moved on to other … Continue reading →

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Driving Impression – Chevrolet Cruze

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet is finally replacing its aging Cobalt with the Cruze sedan, which is already on sale in more than 60 countries in Asia and Europe since 2009. The new Cruze is a design hybrid since its engineering was done at Opel in Germany and Daewoo in Korea. North American versions went into production at Lordstown, Ohio this summer. Continue reading →

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Nissan Leaf Debuts in U.S. at $32,780

Posted on 2 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) says that the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle on sale in December starts at $32,780 MSRP before a $7500 federal tax credit, plus taxes, title and license fees. A Leaf lease starts at $349 per month. The pure electric vehicle requires a charging dock, which Nissan says will cost another $2200 on average, and require eight hours to fully recharge Leaf’s 48 lithium ion battery modules. 

There are also other potential subsidies for the mid-size with what is claimed to be a 100-mile range. There is $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California. The charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit up to $2000. Continue reading →

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Help Teens Cope with Dangerous Winter Roads

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Ken Zino

Now that winter is arriving in our northern latitudes, drivers will need to deal with the ice, snow, and other hazards that turn roads treacherous and contribute to the more than 1.5 million weather-related car crashes that occur each year, according to the National Research Council.  And if my experience is representative, more people than teens need to think about navigating a two-ton car or sport ute through the slop. Continue reading →

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