General Motors has hired a former Apple executive to help it develop in-vehicle software features for car buyers. GM announced Tuesday that Mike Abbott, the former vice president of engineering for Apple’s Cloud Services division, will join GM as executive vice president of software starting May 22. Abbott will report to CEO Mary Barra. “His… Continue reading GM hires former Apple, Twitter exec Mike Abbott to run its entire software development
Author: Detroit Free Press Online
Study: Automakers may face tough sell with subscriptions for heated seats, remote start
Automakers that expect to make big bucks by charging consumers for features on demand, such as heated seats or hands-free driving, will face an uphill battle, a new study said. Cox Automotive released the study — “Software Monetization: The Emergence of Vehicle Features on Demand” — Tuesday that showed most in-market car shoppers were not… Continue reading Study: Automakers may face tough sell with subscriptions for heated seats, remote start
2024 Ford Mustang quality review leads to plant down time prior to launch, UAW layoffs
Ford Motor Co. has cut work shifts of UAW members at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant while in the process of launching the all-new classic 2024 Mustang, the Detroit Free Press has learned. The automaker cut production shifts the week of April 24, the plant was down the week of May 1, and the plant… Continue reading 2024 Ford Mustang quality review leads to plant down time prior to launch, UAW layoffs
GM’s new Hummer Omega Edition designed to be out of this world starting at $140,000
General Motors is offering a limited edition 2024 GMC Hummer electric pickup and SUV — called the Omega Edition — that it says will send demand into orbit. The price tag is certainly out of this world. The Omega Edition pickup starts at $149,995 for a 24-module battery and the SUV, with a 20-module battery, will… Continue reading GM’s new Hummer Omega Edition designed to be out of this world starting at $140,000
Safety advocates push feds, automakers to do more to prevent hot car deaths
In a matter of hours, Laura Beck’s life changed forever. In June, she lost her son and husband in a manner that almost defies understanding. Her son, Anderson, died of heatstroke after being left in a vehicle, and her husband, Aaron, took his own life in response. Aaron didn’t realize until getting a frantic call… Continue reading Safety advocates push feds, automakers to do more to prevent hot car deaths
UAW isn’t ready to endorse Biden for another term yet, UAW president says. Here’s why
The UAW isn’t ready to make an endorsement in the 2024 presidential election in what appears to be an effort to push for commitments from the Biden administration on concerns about electric vehicles and other issues, according to a letter this week from union President Shawn Fain. The letter to members, dated Tuesday, noted that… Continue reading UAW isn’t ready to endorse Biden for another term yet, UAW president says. Here’s why
The UAW has a problem with GM’s new joint venture that the union wants addressed now
This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for the first 3 months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Exclusive investigative reporting that fights for the truth, exposes corruption and gives voice to the voiceless all across Michigan. Comprehensive coverage of Michigan’s auto industry, including in-depth analysis of Ford, GM, and Stellantis’… Continue reading The UAW has a problem with GM’s new joint venture that the union wants addressed now
Wireless charging for EVs is coming soon — and you’ll love it
I tested what may be the next big thing in electric vehicle charging in a parking lot on the edge of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood recently. I maneuvered a Ford Mustang Mach-E astride an 11-kW wireless pad that charged the EV faster than the 240-volt home chargers most EV owners use … and eliminated the potential… Continue reading Wireless charging for EVs is coming soon — and you’ll love it
Used EVs are growing in popularity, but beware to watch for these issues when shopping
This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for the first 3 months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Exclusive investigative reporting that fights for the truth, exposes corruption and gives voice to the voiceless all across Michigan. Comprehensive coverage of Michigan’s auto industry, including in-depth analysis of Ford, GM, and Stellantis’… Continue reading Used EVs are growing in popularity, but beware to watch for these issues when shopping
Stellantis revenues, shipments up in 1st quarter
Improvements in semiconductor supplies helped Jeep- and Chrysler-parent Stellantis ship more vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. Those consolidated shipments of almost 1.5 million units, up 7% compared with the same quarter a year ago, gave net revenues a boost as well, up 14% to $52 billion (47 billion euros). Net revenues were up… Continue reading Stellantis revenues, shipments up in 1st quarter