Toyota to dump California plant

It appears the days are numbered for California’s last automotive production facility. Sources with knowledge of the situation say the Japanese automaker will most likely wind down its share of the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant it once shared with General Motors, ending the employment of the only UAW workers building Toyota products.
On Thursday, [...]

Changes to Chrysler manufacturing, styling

Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President—Manufacturing announced several changes:

Byron Green was appointed Head of Manufacturing Engineering, responsible for all assembly product and process activities associated with current and future platforms.
Fred Goedtel Jr. was appointed Head of Assembly Operations, responsible for all assembly plants.
Warren Miller continues as Head of Stamping Operations.
Brian Harlow was named Head of Powertrain [...]

Obama’s actual statements

In their rush to send out key details of Obama’s auto plan, many journalists ignored important information. This is the full text; other documents are available from the White House.
One of the challenges we have confronted from the beginning of this administration is what to do about the state of our struggling auto industry. [...]

Product development reorganization

Chrysler has re-organized their product development teams to reflect new processes and synergies. Key appointments are:
Scott Kunselman, Jeep/Truck Vice President. Reporting to Scott are several chief engineers for specific programs, as well as directors of program management, body engineering, interior engineering, and chassis engineering. 
Daniel Knott, Car/Minivan/SRT Vice President. Again, reporting to Daniel are various chief [...]

Chrysler takes the pledge

Chrysler has started to polish its image with the following online ad. Chrysler’s CEO, Bob Nardelli, was the only Big Three CEO to agree to a $1 per year salary while taking Federal loans.
The domestic automobile industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy, representing 4% of our nations GDP. One in ten jobs [...]

Bob Nardelli testifies to the Senate

Chrysler LLC Chairman and Chief Executive Bob Nardelli read the following statement to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, on Nov. 18, 2008:
Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, I appreciate this opportunity to address the current economic and financial crisis, the impact it is having on the automotive industry, and the [...]

Chrysler reports 33% decline in U.S. sales for October 2008

Chrysler LLC today reported total September 2008 U.S. sales of 107,349 units, down 33 percent from the same period last year. Total September sales reflect a highly volatile economic environment, ongoing segment shifts and reduced fleet and lease volume.
Chrysler LLC’s minivan sales thrived in September based on their appeal as fuel efficient, multi-passenger vehicles. [...]