Manufacturing

Fiat weighs Innocenti revival as low-cost brand option

Fiat is considering reviving the Innocenti name for a new budget marque, targeting emerging markets and aiming to follow the success of rivals like Dacia and Datsun.

French Government Seeks Investment Bank to Advise on PSA Peugeot Citroën

France’s finance ministry is seeking external financial advice as PSA Peugeot Citroën explores potential alliances and faces ongoing financial pressure in 2013.

Daimler Truck Plant Strike in Portland: Unions Seek to Restart Talks

Two unions at Daimler's Portland, Oregon, truck plant remain on strike over pay and benefits, with union leaders aiming to revive stalled contract negotiations.

Chrysler Starts 2014 Jeep Cherokee Production in Toledo

Chrysler has begun building the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee at its Toledo, Ohio plant, with US dealer deliveries scheduled for August and full volumes expected in September.

GM Korea Workers Stage Six-Hour Partial Strike Over Wages and Production Plans

Unionised workers at GM Korea held a six-hour partial strike on 4 July, halting production and refusing overtime as wage talks stalled and concerns grew over future manufacturing plans.

NEVS Prepares to Restart Saab Production at Trollhättan, Plans to Hire 27 Workers

National Electric Vehicle Sweden moves closer to reviving Saab car production in Trollhättan, Sweden, with plans to recruit 27 assembly workers ahead of a targeted restart.

Volkswagen Marks 30 Millionth Golf at Wolfsburg Plant

The 30 millionth Volkswagen Golf, a Mk7 TDI BlueMotion, has rolled off the Wolfsburg production line, underlining the model’s global success since its 1974 debut.

Inside Alfa Romeo's 4C Assembly: From Carbon Tub to Road

Alfa Romeo has released a detailed look at the assembly process for the 4C, highlighting its carbon fibre construction and mid-engined layout ahead of first deliveries in September 2013.

Miles Electric Vehicles files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

US-based Miles Electric Vehicles, known for its low-speed electric fleet vehicles, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 June 2013 after struggling with liabilities far exceeding its assets.

Opel Considers Shifting Mokka Production to Spain

Opel is weighing a move to assemble the Mokka subcompact SUV at its Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, as European demand outpaces expectations.

Nissan Prepares Duster-Based SUV for Production

Nissan is finalising its own version of the Dacia Duster, with the rebadged SUV expected to launch as the Terrano and enter production in the coming years.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Set to Launch with First 9-Speed Automatic

Jeep is poised to beat Land Rover to market with the first 9-speed automatic transmission in a light SUV, as the Cherokee is due by late 2013.

Chrysler Claims Vehicle Quality Rivals Toyota After Survey Gains

Chrysler says its reliability is now close to Toyota’s, following strong results in the 2013 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index, but third-party metrics still show a gap.

Volkswagen and FAW Plan New Budget Brand for Chinese Market

Volkswagen and Chinese partner FAW are preparing to launch a new entry-level automotive brand aimed at China's budget segment, with the first model expected within three years.

Fisker Admits Bankruptcy a Likely Option as Struggles Mount

Fisker Automotive told US lawmakers it may seek bankruptcy protection after failing to secure new investment, halting production and cutting most of its workforce.

Cadillac Targets Smaller Chinese Cities for Growth

GM plans to triple Cadillac sales in China by 2015 by expanding into tier-two and tier-three cities, increasing local production, and adding new dealerships.

Japanese carmakers increase reliance on Chinese-made parts as local competition intensifies

Nissan, Honda and other Japanese manufacturers are shifting more sourcing to Chinese suppliers to lower costs and compete with domestic rivals in China’s booming entry-level car market.

Hyundai Labour Dispute Halts 41,000 Vehicles, Costs $730 Million

Ongoing industrial action at Hyundai’s South Korean plants has led to a production shortfall of 41,000 vehicles and losses exceeding $730 million.

Dacia Workers in Romania Accept 6% Pay Rise After Strike

After weeks of industrial action and threatened production moves, Dacia and its Mioveni plant workforce have agreed a pay deal including a 6% salary increase and a higher bonus.

Hyundai and Kia Pass 50 Million Global Sales Mark

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have surpassed 50 million vehicles sold worldwide, with the milestone reached as shipments of Avante, i30 and Tucson ix models left for the US in early 2013.

Fisker Job Cuts Spark US Political Criticism Over Green Loans

Fisker Automotive’s decision to lay off 75% of its workforce in April 2013 reignited scrutiny of US government clean-energy loans following high-profile setbacks.

GM and Opel Executives to Meet Merkel Amid Bochum Plant Uncertainty

General Motors and Opel leaders will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on 11 April, as the future of the Bochum plant and jobs at the German subsidiary remain in question.

Chrysler acquires Collier County test track from Harley-Davidson for $7m

The six-mile facility in Florida, previously used by Ford and Harley-Davidson, will support Chrysler’s year-round vehicle testing after four years of inactivity.

BAIC Eyes Mercedes Platforms for Future Models in China

Mercedes-Benz’s plan to invest €640 million for a 12% stake in BAIC could open the door for the Chinese automaker to build cars using Mercedes vehicle platforms.