Category: Automotive

Tesla factory workers took twice as many days off last year than in 2017 because of injury or sickness (TSLA)

Workers at Tesla’s auto plant spent twice as many days away from their jobs due to work-related injuries and illnesses, after adjusting for workforce growth, in 2018 than in 2017, Bloomberg reports, citing a report Tesla filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employees at Tesla’s Fremont, California, factory spent 22,454 days away… Continue reading Tesla factory workers took twice as many days off last year than in 2017 because of injury or sickness (TSLA)

Ford adds production of electric vehicles at second North American site

DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday it is adding production of a fully electric vehicle at a second North American plant as part of its $11 billion investment plan set last year. FILE PHOTO: The Ford logo is seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 15,… Continue reading Ford adds production of electric vehicles at second North American site

Ford to build new factory in Michigan for autonomous vehicles

Bill Pugliano | Getty Images
Workers build a truck as it goes through the assembly line at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ford is building a new plant in Michigan for autonomous vehicles as the company realigns some factories to focus on its future lineup of self-driving and electric cars.

The new facility, scheduled to open in the next two years, will take new commercial-grade hybrid models and incorporate the self-driving technology needed to turn them into autonomous vehicles. Ford is still considering where to build the AV finishing center and has not said how many people will work there.

“This facility will be about more than just putting the brains into these autonomous vehicles,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford's president of global operations. “We will use the AV production center to upgrade the interiors and add the technology customers will want for a particular self-driving model.”

The new autonomous vehicle, or AV, facility is part of a $900 Million investment Ford announced in 2017 to restructure its manufacturing footprint in Michigan. Ultimately, it's expected to create up to 900 new jobs by 2023. That includes adding a second shift in 2023 at the company's final assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan to build an all-electric vehicle the company has yet to announce. That 2023 model is part of Ford's plan increase sales of electric vehicles, including a brand new electric SUV scheduled to roll out next year. It will be built at a Ford plant in Mexico.

Ford's development of autonomous and electric vehicles is at the core of CEO Jim Hackett's plan to remake the automaker. Since taking over as CEO in 2017, Hackett has been criticized by analysts for moving too slow to reposition Ford as the auto industry shifts to new technology and focuses more attention on electric vehicles. Earlier this year, Ford announced a partnership with Volkswagen to share the costs of develop AVs and EVs.

Hinrichs believes Ford's plan to expand production of electric vehicles in Michigan four years from now will be well timed for the changing tastes of car buyers. “We see more consumers interested in electric vehicles. Plus the capabilities of the batteries and the technology is getting better,” he said.

Safety first: Volvo to add in-car sensors to prevent drunk driving

GOTHENBURG (Reuters) – Swedish automaker Volvo hopes to reinforce its reputation for safety-first driving by installing cameras and sensors in its cars from the early 2020s, monitoring drivers for signs of being drunk or distracted and intervening to prevent accidents. FILE PHOTO: The 2016 Volvo XC90, winner of the Truck of the Year award at… Continue reading Safety first: Volvo to add in-car sensors to prevent drunk driving

VW’s Skoda Auto: cannot repeat 2018 pay hikes in new round of bargaining

The average production wage grew 14 percent in 2018 and it is up by 25 percent in the last two years, Skoda said. Czech Republic: Volkswagen‘s Czech unit Skoda Auto does not expect to repeat the strong wage growth agreed in 2018 again in the latest round of collective bargaining, a board member said on… Continue reading VW’s Skoda Auto: cannot repeat 2018 pay hikes in new round of bargaining