Author: Detroit Free Press Online

Stellantis, DTE announce 2nd-largest clean power deal of its kind in U.S.

Stellantis says it’s committing to a big boost in its clean energy purchases in Michigan in a deal with DTE Energy. The automaker, which owns the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands, issued a joint news release Monday with DTE committing to adding 400 megawatts of new solar projects in Michigan, which the release… Continue reading Stellantis, DTE announce 2nd-largest clean power deal of its kind in U.S.

Stellantis to idle Jeep plant, citing rising EV-related costs; UAW vows to fight

Stellantis said Friday that escalating costs to shift to electric vehicle production is forcing it to indefinitely halt operations at its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, where 1,350 people work. The plant, which builds the Jeep Cherokee SUV, will halt production Feb. 28. That will result in layoffs of at least six months or more, the… Continue reading Stellantis to idle Jeep plant, citing rising EV-related costs; UAW vows to fight

Workers at new GM joint venture EV battery plant vote to join union

The hourly workforce at Ultium Cells LLC, the joint venture owned by General Motors and battery maker LG Energy Solution, has voted to unionize its plant in northeast Ohio after the union and the company spent months at odds over the organizing process. About 1:30 Friday morning, the UAW released the results of a two-day… Continue reading Workers at new GM joint venture EV battery plant vote to join union

GM’s Barra talks economy and top issues she sees in 2023 UAW contract talks

General Motors CEO Mary Barra described it as “an incredibly interesting time” for the automaker ahead of contract negotiations with the UAW in the fall of 2023 because of two unknowns: the future of union leadership and the health of the U.S. economy. But Barra, who spoke to the media Thursday at an Automotive Press… Continue reading GM’s Barra talks economy and top issues she sees in 2023 UAW contract talks

1,000 salaried Ford workers retire after pension warning from automaker

Ford sent out an email to retirement-eligible salaried employees in September with a warning and a bit of advice about retiring this year to maximize a lump sum pension payment. The company confirmed Wednesday that approximately 1,000 employees elected to retire by the Dec. 1 deadline. The Ford note — subject line “Important Information Regarding… Continue reading 1,000 salaried Ford workers retire after pension warning from automaker

Ford’s top marketing exec leaves automaker

Ford announced Wednesday its global chief marketing officer, Suzy Deering, would be “departing the company” effective Thursday. No successor was named. The four-sentence news release offered no hint as to why Deering was leaving the Dearborn automaker. “Deering has served as Ford’s global chief marketing officer for the past two years, overseeing brand communication, ecommerce… Continue reading Ford’s top marketing exec leaves automaker

Ford Focus, Fiesta cars sit in shop for months, owners ‘ghosted’ by automaker

This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for 6 Months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Access to exclusive sports reporting on your local teams from USA TODAY… Continue reading Ford Focus, Fiesta cars sit in shop for months, owners ‘ghosted’ by automaker

Hidden coils under Detroit road may make electric vehicles more affordable, efficient

This content is only available to subscribers. Get unlimited digital access. $1 for 6 Months. Subscribe Now Your subscription supports: Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Access to exclusive sports reporting on your local teams from USA TODAY… Continue reading Hidden coils under Detroit road may make electric vehicles more affordable, efficient

Here’s how many GM dealers have signed up to build public EV chargers so far

General Motors said Wednesday it now has about 1,000 of its 4,450 dealers in North America enrolled in the Dealer Community Charging Program, an initiative aimed at doubling the number of Level 2 electric vehicle chargers across North America by 2026. GM also said it has selected EV-charging manufacturer FLO, based in Quebec City, Canada,… Continue reading Here’s how many GM dealers have signed up to build public EV chargers so far