William Maley

Laura Soave, the head of the Fiat in North America, is leaving the company. Soave oversaw the return of Fiat in North America with 500. However flagging sales, slow dealer network expansion and marketing disasters (see Jeniffer Lopez ads) have cause Soave to leave. Through October, Fiat has only sold 15,826 500s. A far cry from the 50,000 500s goal for 2011. The news is made even worse when Automotive News reports that 29 out of the 150 Fiat dealers didn't sell one 500 last month. Soave's replacement is Timothy Kuniskis. Kuniskis previous position was Director of Product Marketing for Chrysler and Fiat. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Chrysler Group Appoints Timothy Kuniskis Head of Fiat Brand for North America November 21, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today named Timothy Kuniskis Head of the Fiat Brand for North America. Kuniskis most recently served as Director for both the Chrysler Brand and Fiat Brand Product Marketing. The move is effective immediately. In his new role, Kuniskis is responsible for the Fiat Brand in North America which includes leadership for Fiat Brand sales, marketing, dealer network and service. He will continue the reintroduction of the iconic brand including its newest vehicle the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. "Tim brings broad expertise and leadership in dealer operations and marketing where he has been already working with the team to shape the direction of the Fiat Brand," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group LLC. "As North American Head of Fiat, much of his immediate focus will be working with the dealer body where his fresh perspective from the operational side, as well as that on the commercial side, will begin the Fiat Brand's next chapter." Kuniskis joined Chrysler in 1992 and since then has held a series of increasingly responsible positions in the Company's business center operations and marketing organization. Laura Soave has left the Company and will pursue other interests View full article

GM's Spring Hill assembly has been quiet since production of Chevrolet Traverse moved in 2009, with the plant building powertrains and other components. Now, a car is returning to Spring Hill. Today, GM announced a $244 million investment into Spring Hill that will create one of the industry's most flexible production lines. The assembly line will open in the second half of next year building the Chevrolet Equinox, which will help supplement production in Canada. But GM says the plant will be capable of assembling any car from its portfolio should increased demand require another production site. GM says the investment will bring forth 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions in the next half of next year. Out of the $244 million, $183 has been reserved for “future midsized vehicles,” a move that will eventually bring around 1,090 hourly workers and 106 salaried jobs. Press Release is on Page 2 Spring Hill Assembly Reborn as Ultra-Flexible Operation Additional production of Chevrolet Equinox to begin in second half of 2012 $61 million investment and 685 jobs for flexible operation $183 million for future midsize vehicles and 1,196 jobs SPRING HILL, Tenn. – General Motors will invest $61 million to bring its idled Spring Hill assembly plant back to life as one of the world’s most-flexible manufacturing facilities capable of building any GM car or crossover based on customer demand or manufacturing need. The investment will create 594 hourly jobs and 91 salaried positions for the flexible operation scheduled to begin with the hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox in the second half of 2012. The additional production will supplement Equinox production in Canada, the main assembly sites of the midsize crossover vehicle and its sibling the GMC Terrain. The Equinox has been so popular – U.S. sales were up 18 percent in October – that GM has increased production three times since it went into production in 2009. GM also announced Monday a second investment of $183 million for future midsize vehicles to be built at Spring Hill, located about 40 miles south of Nashville. Timing was not announced, but that investment is expected to create an additional 1,090 hourly and 106 salaried positions. “Spring Hill has a history as one of GM’s most innovative and flexible plants,” said Cathy Clegg, vice president of GM Labor Relations. “We’re pleased that, working together with the UAW, we were able to build on that history and develop a plan to resume production at Spring Hill.” The potential for Spring Hill’s future role was discussed as a part of negotiations for a four-year national labor agreement ratified in October. "Our number one priority in auto negotiations this year was jobs," said UAW President Bob King. "We asked the company to bring jobs back to America , and that’s what this collective bargaining agreement represents. Together, we are bringing 1,800 jobs to Tennessee, and a total of 6,400 new GM jobs, which translates to nearly 60,000 good, auto-related jobs in the United States." Equinox production is only the start for Spring Hill Flex. Operators will be capable of building a variety of products on a range of platforms – covering for plants being retooled for new products and also allowing real-time reaction to sales spikes in a given car or crossover. Spring Hill powertrain and stamping operations, part of the integrated complex that was the home to the former Saturn brand from 1990 to 2007 and the Chevrolet Traverse large crossover into 2009, are still operating. In fact, GM has invested $515 million in the engine operations in the last 14 months for current and next-generation Ecotec 4-cylinder engine production. "The re-opening of Spring Hill is a testament to the value of collective bargaining," said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who directs the union's General Motors Department. "Collective bargaining works for companies, for workers and for America. Collective bargaining is what brought good jobs to Tennessee. It is what built our middle class. It is how workers and communities have a voice in corporate decision-making. Bargaining is what gives the working class a seat at the table." View full article

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s design boss told What Car? this week that he would like to see the brand produce a small car. “It's a personal view, but there's room for a premium small car. It would be a high-end small car for city use.” Callum said the vehicle wouldn’t be a cheap Jaguar, just scaled-down. “The big challenges would be economic and creating a business case for it, along with making a small car feel like a Jaguar and having the right levels of refinement and luxury.” When asked what shape the car could take, Callum said it “would have to break the mould and be a car that people just want.” All we ask is this: Please, no Jaguar Cygnet. Source: What Car? View full article

The Volkswagen 2.5L Inline-five found in the current Golf, Jetta, and Passat has been ok engine during it’s life. Now, Volkswagen is changing the guard. Car & Driver has learned from a couple of sources that Volkswagen is looking to replacing the 2.5 with a 1.8L turbo four. There are two reasons for the change. One is due to Volkswagen simplifying their manufacturing lines because the 1.8L turbo would be based on the same family as the 2.0L turbo. The second reason is due to how close the 2.5 and 2.0T are in fuel economy. A Jetta 2.5 equipped with a manual gets a MPG rating of 23 city/33 highway while the 2.0T equipped with a manual gets 22 city/33 highway. Source: Car & Driver View full article

Last year at the North American International Auto Show, Toyota showed a trio of Prius models; the Prius Plug-In, Prius V, and Prius C Concept. So far two out of three have began rolling out. Now, car number three is being shown in production form. The Toyota Prius C is coming to Detroit next January. The car is about the size of a Yaris but is packing a hybrid drivetrain that is a 1.5L gasoline engine coupled with an undisclosed "high-output" electric motor. The Prius C is expected to get the highest MPG of the group with 50 MPG. Inside, the Prius C gets Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system, which provides handsfree calling, navigation, entertainment, and information services. We’ll learn more about the Prius C in January. Press Release is on Page 2 Toyota Prius c Provides a Subcompact Entry Point to Prius Family of Hybrid Vehicles TORRANCE (Nov. 15, 2011) –Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will offer a fuel-efficient hybrid at a more accessible price when the Prius c joins the Prius Family of vehicles in the spring of 2012. The U.S. debut of the Prius c will be next January at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This highly anticipated subcompact member of the Prius Family will bring Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology to a new segment of buyers when it joins the third-generation Prius Liftback hybrid vehicle, the versatile new Prius v midsize hybrid vehicle and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid model, which will also debut next spring. Positioned as an entry into the Prius Family appealing to youthful shoppers seeking fuel efficiency, technology, and spirited driving dynamics in the subcompact segment, the Prius c will offer: Expected class-leading fuel economy better than 50 mpg in the city, which is the highest city mpg of any non-plug-in vehicle. Proven hybrid technology, with 14 years of heritage, available at a more accessible price. A high degree of convenience features and premium in-car electronics, uncommon in a five-door configuration, creating a less compromised compact-car experience As with other Prius models, Prius c combines its revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive® with excellent aerodynamics to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency. The new Prius c is unique in the Prius Family with a more youthful expression and a sportier dynamic character that offers a more fun-to-drive experience. The vehicle’s five-door format and flexible packaging will adapt to a broad range of owners’ needs. The Prius c offers an unexpected level of convenience, capability and technology in a compact hybrid-electric at an attractive price. Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and nine airbags will be among the standard features on the 2012 Prius c. In addition,owners will enjoy a new dimension of connectivity courtesy of the available Toyota Entune™ multimedia system. Entune™ leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle infotainment experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment, and information services. It allows users to connect with popular apps such as Bing™, OpenTable.com, and movietickets.com. Entune™ also provides access to real-time information services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. The Prius c also offers voice recognition, music streaming, and email/text to speech capabilities. Toyota Entune™ brings one of the largest selections of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio’s 750+ stations and Pandora® internet radio’s personalized music. In addition, the driver’s personal songs from portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth® audio streaming), and more than 170 stations from SiriusXM™ satellite radio are also available. Making premium technology available to compact-car shoppers, the Prius c offers superior fuel economy in a stylish, user-friendly package. View full article

The Dodge Viper is undergoing it’s final stretch of development time before being launched sometime in 2012. During the past year, Dodge has been releasing little bits of information about the next Viper. Now, a little more information has come out about the next Viper. Automotive News spoke with Dodge boss Reid Bigland at the Los Angeles auto show this week. Bigland said the redesigned Viper "will appeal to a broader segment of the market." "It was a little crude in the past, and to a certain extent that was its appeal because you really needed to have your wits about you when you got behind the wheel to keep that thing on the road. And that thrill of driving a Viper was kind of unlike any other. I think it still will be a thrilling ride with respect to the new one but offer a few more creature comforts that people come to expect in a high-performance vehicle today," Bigland said. If this worries any Viper fans, Bigland says don’t worry, "Those who were attracted to the Viper in the past will certainly be attracted to this new Viper. Guaranteed!" Source: Automotive News View full article

Hyundai and Kia are in a unique position.The two companies compete with each other in many segments even though the two are under the same roof. Despite the inevitable sales cannibalization arising from this, the two have enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years. But this leads to a question; should Hyundai and Kia stay where they're at or should they try to differentiate themselves? Well the two companies will do both. "One of our group's biggest agendas is to differentiate Hyundai and Kia and minimise cannibalisation. It is true that there is competition and cannibalisation between some models of Hyundai and Kia.," a unnamed executive at Hyundai Motor told Reuters." The executive went on to say, "The biggest differentiator will be design and future branding. Hyundai's brand will be more modern and premium and Kia will be more sporty. The two brands will be increasingly distinct from one other over time." We've beginning to see it with Hyundai introducing the Genesis Sedan and Equus sedan and Kia showing off the GT concept. Source: CNBC View full article

When the Subaru XV crossover arrives onto our shores sometime next year, it will come with a different name. During a presentation at the LA Auto Show this week, Subaru of America's Executive Vice President, Thomas J. Doll confirmed the Impreza-based crossover will be named the Subaru XV Crosstrek, not the Impreza Outback Sport. Why the name change? Well there could be two reasons. The first is the Impreza is known as the inexpensive compact car in Subaru's lineup. By separating all the different variants of the Impreza (XV Crosstrek, WRX, and STi), they can charge more for them. Secondly, Subaru has seen good sales results from separating the Legacy and Outback lines. The Subaru XV Crosstrek will make it's way to the US in 2012 as a 2013 model. Source: Car & Driver View full article

During the hustle and bustle of the LA Auto Show this week, Chrysler made announcement at their Toledo North Assembly Plant on Wednesday. The company announced they would invest 1.7 billion dollars into the plant to build the replacement for the Jeep Liberty. The investment will have $500 million going towards the renovation of the plant which will include 260,000 square feet added to the body shop, upgrade the facility, and add a Metrology Center which will make sure fit-and-finish standards are being met for vehicles. The investment also covers a new second shift for the plant which will create 1,100-plus positions. The renovations will take place before the close of 2011 and the second shift will come online sometime in 2013. Press Release is on Page 2 Chrysler Group LLC Announces $1.7 Billion Investment for Next Generation Jeep® SUV; Plans to Add Second Shift of Production at its Toledo, Ohio, Complex Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO confirms future plans for Toledo Assembly Complex at event with Ohio Governor More than 1,100 jobs to be added on second shift in late 2013 Investment includes $500 million to expand plant, adds body shop and upgrades at Toledo facility State-of-the-art Metrology Center part of expansion Announcement brings total U.S. investment to more than $4.5 billion since June 2009 Toledo, Ohio , Nov 16, 2011 - Chrysler Group LLC announced today that it will invest $1.7 billion to support the development and production of the next generation Jeep® SUV in 2013, including $500 million at the Toledo Assembly Complex (Ohio). As a result, the Company will add a second shift of production or about 1,100 jobs, bringing total employment at the complex to over 2,800. Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne, along with Ohio Governor John Kasich, U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur, Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, UAW Regional Director Ken Lortz, and other local officials joined employees to celebrate the news. Marchionne confirmed that the new Jeep D-segment SUV would be built in the Toledo facility for export to markets all over the world. “Earlier this year, I promised that I would have good news to share about our Toledo operations, so I am pleased to be able to make this announcement, which further demonstrates our commitment to the special relationship that Chrysler and the City of Toledo have shared,” said Marchionne. “Over many decades, Chrysler has become a part of this community’s fabric. With this investment and the addition of more than a thousand jobs, we continue to play our part in contributing to the city’s industrial and social development. Most importantly, this investment recognizes the support of the UAW and the role that our skilled and dedicated workforce has played in producing some of the finest, most recognized vehicles on the road today. “I want to thank Governor Kasich and Mayor Bell for working with us to make the business case for this investment. I would also like to thank Congresswoman Kaptur and all of the federal, state and local officials for their ongoing support,” said Marchionne. The $500 million investment in the Toledo plant includes a 260,000-square-foot expansion of the existing body shop and upgrades to all other areas of the assembly plant. In addition, Chrysler will add a state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot Metrology Center, which will help improve vehicle quality by verifying key measurements to ensure accurate fit and finish. The remainder of the $1.7 billion will be invested in other Chrysler Group facilities in the U.S., supplier tooling and other related development costs. Work on the plant will begin in the fourth quarter of 2011 and continue through 2012. The Toledo North Assembly Plant currently builds the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro. “This announcement continues the momentum that the Chrysler Group has experienced over the past 28 months,” said General Holiefield, Vice President and Director of the UAW Chrysler Department. “Not only is the company continuing to invest in its facilities, but it is adding jobs and securing the future of our current workforce by demonstrating its commitment to the workers who have contributed to the Company’s remarkable turnaround.” The second shift of production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2013. When positions are available, they will be posted at www.chryslercareers.com, where applications can be submitted online. No applications will be accepted at the plant. With today’s announcement, Chrysler Group is planning to invest more than $4.5 billion in the U.S. and has made significant progress toward building a successful enterprise since June 2009, including: reporting net income of $212 million in the third quarter of 2011; reporting the 19th-consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains in October; planning to invest $165 million to add a new one million square-foot body shop to its Sterling Heights (Mich.) Assembly Plant; announcing a $72 million investment in the Toledo (Ohio) Machining Plant; confirming a $114 million investment to repurpose about one-fifth or nearly 400,000-square feet of the Trenton North Engine Plant for the production of core components for the Pentastar engine produced at Trenton South; investing nearly $1.3 billion into the Company’s existing transmission manufacturing facilities in Kokomo, Ind., to accommodate production of a new advanced front-wheel drive automatic transmission; increase capacity and support production of the World Engine and improve processes for the 62TE transmission program; and accommodate future production of a new highly fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission; announcing a $600 million investment in its Belvidere Assembly Plant; confirming an investment of $850 million in its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and surrounding stamping facilities; planning an investment of $150 million in its GEMA (Dundee, Mich.) facility; announcing in December 2009 that it will invest $179 million to launch production of the 1.4-liter, 16-valve Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) at the company’s Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich., creating more than 150 new Chrysler jobs; adding a second shift of production – or nearly 1,100 jobs – at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in May 2010; adding nearly 900 jobs on a second shift at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in February 2011; launching the all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee in May 2010; beginning production of the all-new Fiat 500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger in December 2010; starting production of the 2011 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger in January. 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