Stellantis worker dies in ‘workplace accident’ in Sterling Heights

A Stellantis NV employee died this week while on the job at the Sterling Stamping Plant in Sterling Heights, the transatlantic automaker confirmed Thursday. Details of the Wednesday evening incident that is under investigation were not immediately available, and a call was left with the Sterling Heights Police Department. In a Facebook post, Local 1264 identified… Continue reading Stellantis worker dies in ‘workplace accident’ in Sterling Heights

Ford to extend downtime at several plants amid ongoing chip shortage

The ongoing semiconductor shortage that has hampered auto production worldwide has prompted Ford Motor Co. to extend previously-announced downtime at several of its plants in the coming weeks, the company confirmed Wednesday. The Dearborn automaker’s Chicago, Flat Rock and Kansas City assembly plants in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri, respectively, will be down the weeks of May… Continue reading Ford to extend downtime at several plants amid ongoing chip shortage

Subaru recalls vehicles to fix engine, suspension problems

Detroit — Subaru is recalling nearly 875,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. because the engines can stall or a rear suspension part can fall off. The stalling recall covers more than 466,000 Crosstrek SUVs from 2018 and 2019 and Impreza cars from 2017 through 2019. The company says in government documents that a computer… Continue reading Subaru recalls vehicles to fix engine, suspension problems

Ford to sell vehicles directly to customers in China under new EV organization

Ford Motor Co. announced Tuesday it will sell vehicles directly to customers in China under the umbrella of a new, dedicated battery-electric vehicle organization.  The move, in the world’s largest auto market and electric vehicle leader, marks the latest step forward in the Blue Oval’s bid to ramp up production of EVs globally. Meanwhile, the company also… Continue reading Ford to sell vehicles directly to customers in China under new EV organization

Ford, VW battery supplier said to reach deal to avoid import ban

The South Korean supplier of electric vehicle batteries in the U.S. for Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG has reached a last-minute deal with its chief rival, said people familiar with the situation. Saturday’s move averts a 10-year import ban on SK Innovation Co.’s products and protects thousands of jobs in the politically important state… Continue reading Ford, VW battery supplier said to reach deal to avoid import ban

Biden’s budget proposal targets $600M for electric vehicles, $75M for PFAS

Washington — President Joe Biden’s first budget proposal devotes $600 million for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure across 18 federal agencies, as well as $75 million to address contamination by toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. The proposed PFAS spending to accelerate toxicity studies and research is part of an $11.2 billion plan for the Environmental Protection Agency, which… Continue reading Biden’s budget proposal targets $600M for electric vehicles, $75M for PFAS

Ford reports 73.3% growth in China sales in first quarter of 2021

Ford Motor Co. sold 153,822 new vehicles in China in the first quarter, for a 73.3% year-over-year increase and the automaker’s fourth consecutive quarter of growth in the market. Ford, which historically has struggled to gain traction in the world’s largest auto market, attributed the positive results to rising consumer demand as well as its product… Continue reading Ford reports 73.3% growth in China sales in first quarter of 2021

Chip woes: GM, Ford pause more production for deepening shortage

Detroit — Automakers are making more production adjustments and cancellations this week as they continue to grapple with a semiconductor shortage costing valuable manufacturing time and eating into automakers’ potential profits. General Motors Co. is restarting its midsize truck production next week after two weeks down, the automaker said Thursday. But it will halt some production at three new plants… Continue reading Chip woes: GM, Ford pause more production for deepening shortage