Future uncertain for new Ford Edge as company heads into labor talks in Canada

CLOSE Ford’s sporty midsize SUV boasts 335 hp, twin-turbo V6, automatic emergency braking and more. Wochit Plans to build a next-generation Ford Edge crossover have been shelved, according to an automotive forecaster who provides consulting and analytical data to automakers, suppliers and financial institutions. “We have confirmed the information from multiple sources within the industry,” Sam Fiorani, vice president… Continue reading Future uncertain for new Ford Edge as company heads into labor talks in Canada

GM CEO Barra hints at new product, promises full production soon

CLOSE Mary T. Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors  (Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) General Motors CEO Mary Barra plans more visits to factories to ensure worker safety, hinted at new products coming and driving the growth of electric vehicles. She also assured workers there are no job cuts anticipated. Barra made the comments on the eve… Continue reading GM CEO Barra hints at new product, promises full production soon

2021 Nissan Rogue makes room for car seats, adds clever navigation

CLOSE A new version of Nissan’s best-selling Rogue compact SUV goes on sale this fall with advanced new driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control that can slow the vehicle in anticipation of oncoming curves and exit ramps. As it enters its third generation, the 2021 Rogue gets a bit shorter and adopts boxy new… Continue reading 2021 Nissan Rogue makes room for car seats, adds clever navigation

GM declines request to shut down plant as cases of coronavirus grow, union says

CLOSE UAW Local 2250 President Glenn Kage knows exactly when he will go to General Motors for a “serious conversation” about shutting down the Wentzville Assembly plant for 14 days because of workers with coronavirus. “Five to 10 cases (of coronavirus) is a yellow light, 10 to 20 cases is a red light,”  Kage told the Free Press… Continue reading GM declines request to shut down plant as cases of coronavirus grow, union says

FCA’s top communications exec leaves job after just 4 months

CLOSE Simon Sproule, chief communications officer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles based in Auburn Hills, is leaving the job he began Feb. 3. He resigned and has made the personal decision to step away from the auto industry, according to a source close to the situation. His last day is Friday. The company said in a statement, “Simon Sproule… Continue reading FCA’s top communications exec leaves job after just 4 months

Ford, GM, FCA to keep many white-collar employees working remotely

CLOSE Non-manufacturing salaried workers at the Detroit Three are not returning to their office jobs anytime soon. At Ford, the majority of U.S. non-manufacturing employees won’t return to the office before September, a Ford spokesman told the Free Press Thursday. That’s pushed back from Ford’s previous plan to bring them back in July. The Ford Motor Company World Headquarters on Michigan Avenue in… Continue reading Ford, GM, FCA to keep many white-collar employees working remotely

FCA prepares to cut third shift at Windsor Assembly, end production of Dodge Grand Caravan

CLOSE Windsor Assembly Plant is scheduled to lose one of its three shifts beginning next month, a move that will affect about 1,500 people, as the plant adjusts its production, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles prepares to stop making the Dodge Grand Caravan at the end of August. In a departure from most recent automotive news,… Continue reading FCA prepares to cut third shift at Windsor Assembly, end production of Dodge Grand Caravan

FCA says almost 90% of North American hourly workforce back on job

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says almost 90% of its hourly workers in North America are back on the job this week. The automaker released a breakdown this week of the return to work following the lengthy manufacturing shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The company said 48,145 of 54,940 hourly workers, or 88%, have returned to work in… Continue reading FCA says almost 90% of North American hourly workforce back on job

FCA picks CEO, chair for Comau robotics unit on way to PSA Group merger

CLOSE Fiat Chrysler Automobiles continues making plans for its expected merger with Peugeot-maker PSA Group. On Monday, the company announced another piece in that process — two key appointments — as it prepares to spin off its robotics unit, Comau, a move highlighted in its merger announcement in December. Paolo Carmassi, a former Honeywell executive,… Continue reading FCA picks CEO, chair for Comau robotics unit on way to PSA Group merger

Ford restarts all its operations south of the border, FCA adds shifts

CLOSE Ford knew its decision to build a new plant in Mexico would create a political firestorm on Tuesday, yet it forged ahead anyway.  (Photo: Paul Sakuma, AP) Ford Motor Co. has restarted its plants in Mexico after weeks of shutdown due to the coronavirus, it said Monday.  The automaker offered little detail on exactly… Continue reading Ford restarts all its operations south of the border, FCA adds shifts