Two autoworkers who had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease are back to work at Stellantis’ Warren Truck Assembly Plant, and no legionella bacteria were found in testing of the plant’s water systems, according to a Stellantis spokeswoman. The investigation, however, is ongoing, according to Andrew Cox, Macomb County director of health and community services. It’s… Continue reading Workers who’d had Legionnaires’ disease return to auto plant
Author: Detroit Free Press Online
GM to trim engineering jobs as part of a new streamlining initiative
General Motors is streamlining its engineering ranks and will cut a small number of jobs in the process. The automaker confirmed Thursday that it gave notice to about 200 engineers that their positions are being eliminated. But they are allowed to apply for other jobs within the company, said GM spokesman Kevin Kelly. “GM is… Continue reading GM to trim engineering jobs as part of a new streamlining initiative
Ford demands secrecy as it preps salaried workers for blue-collar jobs if UAW strikes
Ford Motor Co. is preparing white-collar workers to do blue-collar jobs in case of a UAW strike, according to internal company materials reviewed by the Free Press. Over the past month, Ford has held meetings with salaried workers, including engineers, to explain that the company wants to protect the flow of parts to car dealers… Continue reading Ford demands secrecy as it preps salaried workers for blue-collar jobs if UAW strikes
Acura’s 2024 ZDX electric SUV has impressive 325-mile range, $60K starting price
The 2024 Acura ZDX, an electric luxury SUV General Motors will build for Honda’s premium brand, will have a range of up to 325 miles and prices starting “in the $60,000 range” when it goes on sale early in 2024. The new ZDX features much more conventional SUV styling than the polarizing hatchback Acura sold… Continue reading Acura’s 2024 ZDX electric SUV has impressive 325-mile range, $60K starting price
Detroit auto show dates are on collision course with end of UAW contracts
Memories of the Detroit auto show from the past still conjure images of a special Motor City brand of glitz, glamour and fun, from the formal wear on display for the Charity Preview to children grasping the steering wheel of a sports car safely parked on the show floor while parents snap photos nearby. The… Continue reading Detroit auto show dates are on collision course with end of UAW contracts
UAW President Shawn Fain responds to workers worried about pay loss during a strike
Again and again, UAW President Shawn Fain has scheduled updates for his members on Facebook Live to discuss contract negotiations and sometimes even skewer an automaker. Thousands of viewers have tuned in to watch and submit questions via chat that he addresses in real time. They submit thumbs-up and heart emojis as he speaks. Other… Continue reading UAW President Shawn Fain responds to workers worried about pay loss during a strike
GM invests $60 million in battery materials company Mitra Chem
General Motors is investing $60 million in a Silicon Valley-based battery materials company to help GM bring more affordable electric vehicles to market faster. GM on Wednesday announced the stake in Mitra Chem, an AI-enabled battery materials innovation company. It is part of a Series B financing, which further establishes a startup after it has… Continue reading GM invests $60 million in battery materials company Mitra Chem
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway cuts its stake in GM almost in half
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway has sold nearly half of its stake in General Motors, with experts speculating that the move was prompted by concern over slow electric vehicle launches and an uncertainty over UAW talks as the potential for a strike looms. Berkshire Hathaway said it reduced its shares of GM stock… Continue reading Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway cuts its stake in GM almost in half
UAW plans strike authorization vote this month
UAW members are being asked to give union leaders the OK to call for a strike as negotiators continue their work ahead of the expiration next month of contracts with the Detroit Three. The strike authorization vote is considered something of formality during contract talks with Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis, which owns… Continue reading UAW plans strike authorization vote this month
Dwayne Johnson picks up $107,000 Ford Raptor R and gushes over autoworkers
On his way through Los Angeles, Ford CEO Jim Farley met up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at Galpin Ford. The retired professional wrestler-turned-Hollywood actor was picking up his Raptor R, which starts at $107,400, plus $1,745 in destination fees, a week ago. Galpin Ford in North Hills is his neighborhood dealer. And it’s where… Continue reading Dwayne Johnson picks up $107,000 Ford Raptor R and gushes over autoworkers