Tag Archives: zino

Saab Saved from Liquidation by Two Chinese Companies?

Posted on 31 October 2011 by Ken Zino

This latest episode in the ongoing Saab story (NYSE Euronext Amsterdam: SWAN) is likely not the final one in a long running thriller over the future of the former General Motors subsidiary. The proposed Chinese ownership agreement is subject to a final share purchase agreement between Swan, Pang Da and Youngman. In a statement, Swan said it will contain “certain conditions including the approval of the relevant authorities, Swan’s shareholders and certain other parties.”

Furthermore, the €100 million will be paid in installments. An important consideration for Swan to enter into the transaction is the commitment of Pang Da and Youngman to provide long term funding to Saab Automobile. Continue reading →

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Initial Quality in China Achieves Historic High – Japanese Lead

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Overall initial quality of vehicles sold in China averages 162 PP100 (problems per 100) in 2011. This is the lowest problem rate recorded since the inception of the study in 2000, according to J.D. Power Asia Pacific. Not surprisingly, models from Japanese brands, as a whole, have the lowest problem incidence in the China market in 2011 with an average of 108 PP100. Continue reading →

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Updated Buick Book – David Buick’s Marvelous Motor Car

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Ken Zino

It is Gustin’s contention that “Buick sets pattern for Chevrolet.” The award winning author discusses the reasons why Billy Durant created Chevrolet Motor and summarizes the complex set of events that led Durant to develop the Chevrolet automobile. Continue reading →

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Japan Production Still Not Completely Restored JAMA Says

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Ken Zino

U.S. automakers have been benefiting from Japan’s absence from the market. Earlier this week Ford Motor reported that it had increased U.S. revenue by $700,000 dollars in Q3 because it raised prices or trimmed incentives. Continue reading →

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PBGC Sues Bendix for Pension Debt from Plant Closing

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Ken Zino

The action against German-owned Bendix is the first time PBGC has had to go to court to compel a company to cover pension obligations from a plant closing. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Group Reports Q3 Net Income of $212 Million

Posted on 27 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Chrysler results stand in contrast to Ford Motor, which yesterday reported third quarter 2011 net income of $1.6 billion, or 41 cents per share, a decrease of $38 million, or 2 cents per share, versus third quarter 2010 on revenue of $33.1 billion, an increase of $4.1 billion from Q3 2010. Ford Q3 2011 pre-tax operating profit was $1.9 billion, or 46 cents per share, with an operating margin of 4.8%. Chrysler remains the smallest and weakest of the Detroit Three with limited international operations. Still, Chrysler is clearly on the mend. Continue reading →

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Aircraft Laser Strikes Growing so FAA Launches Website

Posted on 27 October 2011 by Ken Zino

The FAA says that portable laser pointing devices are less expensive, more powerful, and more readily available than ever. People seem unable to resist the very dangerous temptation to shine them at aircraft. It is mute on the possibility of domestic terrorism occurring. Continue reading →

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Chrysler UAW Contract Ratified by Rank and File

Posted on 26 October 2011 by Ken Zino

As was the case with newly ratified UAW contracts at GM and Ford, a large part of the Chrysler UAW deal – in this case, $3.4 billion of claimed new investment of $4.5 billion – was part of previously announced business plans after Chrysler emerged from a controversial taxpayer-supported bankruptcy and reorganization in 2009. Continue reading →

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Earthquake Aftershocks – Honda Global Production Down 32%

Posted on 26 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in seven months since February 2011 – the month before the earthquake and tsunami, setting an all-time record for the month of September. This includes record production in Asia and China for the month of September. Continue reading →

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Ford Q3 Income, Profits Down as Volume Increases. No Dividend Yet, But Sooner Rather than Later Promised

Posted on 26 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford continues to struggle globally by posting losses in moribund European economies, and – surprisingly – the growth markets of Asia Pacific and Africa. North America, where Japanese competitors have been out of the market since the March earthquake and tsunami disrupted production, and South America reported pre-tax profits for the third quarter. Continue reading →

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Pontiac Owners Show Loyalty to Remaining GM Brands

Posted on 26 October 2011 by Ken Zino

One year after Pontiac dealers permanently closed on 31 October 2010, General Motors has managed to maintain or increase the loyalty rate of Pontiac owners, according to by Edmunds.com. Edmunds found that 39.9% of Pontiac owners who traded in for … Continue reading →

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Chrysler Up, GM Sideways, Ford Down in Consumer Reports Annual Reliability Survey Revealed Today at APA in Detroit

Posted on 25 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Chrysler staged a quality comeback of sorts. General Motors did not sustain last year’s trend of improvement. Ford slipped badly in the 2011 Consumer Reports Reliability Survey revealed today at APA. Japanese brands continue to dominate Consumer Reports survey’s best rankings. Japanese brands took the top nine spots. They were led by Scion, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Honda, and Toyota. Continue reading →

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Honda Closed, Toyota Cuts Japan Production from Thailand Floods. After Effects Continue to Worsen for Japanese Makers

Posted on 25 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Honda Automobile Thailand – HATC – continues to be shut down since October 4th because of the Thailand floods. “Due to the inability to access its facility in, Ayutthaya , HATC does not currently have a clear outlook for when production will resume.

Toyota Motor Corporation has also “adjusted” production in Japan this week due to Thailand parts shortages at least through Friday, as the after affects of the Thailand Floods – responsible for at least 300 deaths – continue to grow. Continue reading →

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Kia Adds Carfax Vehicle History Reports to Used Cars

Posted on 24 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Kia’s decision means that 32 manufacturer brands that have chosen Carfax for their Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Continue reading →

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All Honda Plants at Full Production Post Earthquake

Posted on 24 October 2011 by Ken Zino

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, HMIN, today began a second production shift for the first time, which increases output at the plant to its full annual capacity and adds approximately 1,000 new associates to Honda’s operations in Indiana. HMIN opened in 2008 just as the global auto markets were collapsing due to the financial crisis caused by the reckless practices of Wall Street firms, banks and rating agencies. Continue reading →

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