Plants, jobs, sales figures, regulation and the executives behind them. The business of building cars.
Page 12 of 14
Volvo's new US boss John Maloney expects stronger sales in 2012 as supply improves and Chinese ownership brings stability, despite a limited pipeline of new models.
Volvo has confirmed the recruitment of 40 ex-Saab employees and expects to hire more, as specialist engineering talent disperses following Saab’s bankruptcy.
Nissan and Dongfeng have agreed to assemble Renault models in Wuhan, marking Renault’s first local production in China and a shift from its previous import-only approach.
Spyker Cars NV will adopt the name Swedish Automobile NV following the sale of its sportscar division and ongoing uncertainty over the Saab brand rights.
India's largest SUV maker is preparing to approach Saab’s administrators, as several international parties show interest in the bankrupt Swedish brand.
Renault and Nissan are nearing a deal to secure majority control of Russia’s AvtoVAZ, with negotiations expected to conclude by March 2012.
Chinese manufacturer Youngman has secured rights to Saab’s Phoenix platform and is considering new vehicle production, potentially in Sweden, following Saab’s bankruptcy.
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers has called on city governments to relax motorcycle bans, arguing that easing restrictions could cut congestion and boost the market.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has agreed to purchase the Krusevac tyre plant in Serbia, investing up to €50 million over three years to strengthen its European manufacturing base.
Russia’s AvtoVAZ will assemble seven different models across Lada, Renault and Nissan brands at the IzhAvto plant in Izhevsk, with production ramping up from 2012 through to 2020.
Europe’s largest carmakers, through ACEA, have called on EU leaders to address the Eurozone debt crisis, warning that ongoing instability threatens both the industry and the wider economy.
The Tuscaloosa plant will add a third shift from August 2012 to meet demand for SUVs and prepare for upcoming C-Class production.
Japanese manufacturer confirms new investment in Derbyshire plant to build next-generation C-segment hatchbacks, with 1,500 jobs added and further supply chain funding.
A German Mercedes-Benz executive was detained in Tuscaloosa under Alabama's new immigration law, prompting state lawmakers to consider changes amid concerns from business leaders.
Tesla will add at least 400 jobs in 2012 as it prepares to launch Model S production at the former NUMMI plant in Fremont, California.
Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn has cautioned that 2012 will be a more difficult year for the company, citing weak demand in debt-hit European countries.
Russia’s AvtoVAZ will partner with Asia Auto to build a $500 million assembly plant in East Kazakhstan, aiming for 120,000 cars a year and a 70% localisation rate by 2015.
Saab’s last hope for survival in October 2011, a €70m bridge loan from Chinese firm Youngman, looked set to collapse after reports of a Beijing veto.
Japanese supplier Yazaki has launched a new factory in Caracal, Romania, investing €4 million to supply wiring harnesses for Ford and Renault and create up to 500 jobs.
Continental Tire will invest $500 million in a new Sumter, South Carolina facility, aiming for 1,600 jobs and up to 8 million tyres produced annually by 2021.
Fiat expects to take its holding in Chrysler from 53.5% to 58.5% by the end of 2011, pending achievement of performance targets set in the original restructuring deal.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn warns prolonged yen strength could force Japanese carmakers to rethink domestic production, with Infiniti models set for overseas manufacturing.
A €13 million order from a Chinese buyer will allow Saab to pay overdue wages and some supplier debts, but the company’s long-term future remains uncertain.
Fiat is seeking to buy Canada’s remaining stake in Chrysler after the automaker repaid government loans, but Ottawa is not yet ready to sell.