Author: Detroit Free Press Online

LC 500 convertible takes Lexus style to new heights, but don’t mistake it for a sports car

CLOSE Stunning new convertible oozes luxury, but don’t mistake it for a sports car Detroit Free Press If a better looking car than the Lexus LC 500 convertible goes on sale this year, I’m not sure mortal eyes will be able to withstand the sight. Like those who stare too long at the sun, the… Continue reading LC 500 convertible takes Lexus style to new heights, but don’t mistake it for a sports car

GM to restore full pay for 69,000 workers — but CEO to keep salary cut

CLOSE In a show of confidence for the future despite the coronavirus pandemic, General Motors said it will restore full pay to its 69,000 salaried employees around the world sooner than the company had expected. But CEO Mary Barra and other senior leaders will continue to take pay deferrals: For Barra and the others,  that means a 10% reduction… Continue reading GM to restore full pay for 69,000 workers — but CEO to keep salary cut

Vehicles on the road keep getting older, and COVID could push the age higher

CLOSE The average age of a vehicle on U.S. roads has climbed to almost a dozen years. It’s part of a long-term trend of people holding on to their cars, trucks and SUVs longer, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to add even more pressure to this phenomenon, possibly pushing the average up… Continue reading Vehicles on the road keep getting older, and COVID could push the age higher

GM’s solution to keep a key truck plant running amid coronavirus fears

CLOSE General Motors is reversing course at Wentzville Assembly plant, even as it continues to experience high worker absenteeism by a fearful workforce as coronavirus cases surge in the surrounding community. On Monday, GM was supposed to be in the process of idling its third shift at the factory located near St. Louis. The move would have meant some of the… Continue reading GM’s solution to keep a key truck plant running amid coronavirus fears

Ford sending robotic ‘Fluffy’ to Van Dyke Transmission Plant

CLOSE Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights will welcome an unusual visitor in August. A 70-pound, dog-like robot, nicknamed Fluffy, will spend two days at the plant in Macomb County. The yellow, battery-powered robot will be there to conduct a laser scan on a portion of the plant floor. Scans are done to prepare for retooling,… Continue reading Ford sending robotic ‘Fluffy’ to Van Dyke Transmission Plant

Report: Ford gets 1-year extension on billions in loans

CLOSE Ford has secured some additional breathing room as it tries to navigate the ongoing global financial crisis. The Dearborn automaker has gotten commitments from enough banks for a one-year extension on the bulk of revolving loans totaling about $5.35 billion, according to Reuters, which said JP Morgan was leading the effort. The news service, citing… Continue reading Report: Ford gets 1-year extension on billions in loans

Fiat Chrysler workers in Toledo: We’re the victims in corruption scandal

CLOSE A group of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles workers is suing FCA and the UAW for racketeering and conspiracy, claiming they are the real-life victims of the ongoing corruption scandal. The 27 Toledo-based autoworkers listed as plaintiffs said the UAW buried their concerns about  pay and employment status because union officials were getting the kinds of swanky perks — travel, fancy… Continue reading Fiat Chrysler workers in Toledo: We’re the victims in corruption scandal

Ford’s top lawyer leaving automaker to take job at Coca-Cola

CLOSE Bradley Gayton, general counsel at Ford Motor Co. is leaving to take a job at Coca-Cola.  (Photo: Eric W. Perry) A 39-year Ford veteran will take over as the top lawyer for the automaker as it loses Bradley Gayton to the Coca-Cola Co. John Mellen, associate general counsel at Ford, is to become general… Continue reading Ford’s top lawyer leaving automaker to take job at Coca-Cola

GM offers up revealing new details of future Cadillac electric cars

CLOSE General Motors on Thursday released its 2019 Sustainability Report that revealed new details of its upcoming flood of electric vehicles. And the automaker promised to make further improvements in its diversity hiring. “In some cases we feel good about the progress we’ve made, but we know we can do better,” Dane Parker, GM’s Sustainability Officer, told… Continue reading GM offers up revealing new details of future Cadillac electric cars