Manufacturing

US Treasury Sells $621 Million of GM Stock in March 2013

The US government continued its exit from General Motors in March 2013, selling $621 million in shares as part of a plan to divest its post-bailout stake by early 2014.

GM considers using Cadillac CT6 platform for future Buick flagship

General Motors is weighing the possibility of a new top-tier Buick based on the Cadillac CT6’s Omega platform, but no launch date has been set.

Toyota’s Didier Leroy breaks boardroom barriers in Japan

Didier Leroy, a French executive, is set to become the first non-Japanese executive vice president at Toyota, challenging long-held assumptions about foreign advancement at the company.

Faurecia and Dongfeng agree €2bn China joint venture

French supplier Faurecia will form a new joint-venture with Dongfeng in Wuhan, targeting €2bn in deliveries to Dongfeng and its partners including Peugeot, Nissan, Honda and Kia.

Cadillac CT6 debuts GM's multi-material lightweight strategy

The new Cadillac CT6 flagship, unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show, introduces a multi-material construction that will influence at least four future GM vehicle architectures.

Datsun revived for emerging markets with Renault-Nissan backing

The Datsun name has returned under Nissan, with French-led expertise shaping its focus on affordable cars for Russia, India, Indonesia and South Africa.

Mary Barra Named Among Fortune’s Top Leaders Amid Detroit Recovery

General Motors CEO Mary Barra has been ranked ninth on Fortune’s 2015 list of the world’s 50 greatest leaders, joining Detroit officials credited with guiding the city through bankruptcy.

Toyota unveils sweeping strategy overhaul to sharpen global edge

Toyota is overhauling its entire business strategy, with a new focus on design, technology and efficiency to maintain its global leadership as the industry shifts.

MINI Superleggera Vision tipped for production approval

MINI is reportedly preparing to greenlight the Superleggera Vision concept for production, with a launch targeted for 2018 and key changes from the original show car.

First new Suzuki Vitara rolls off the line in Hungary

Suzuki has started production of the latest Vitara at its Esztergom plant, with plans to build 70,000 units in the first year for global markets.

Lamborghini Achieves Record Sales in 2014 as Demand Surges

Lamborghini delivered 2,530 cars in 2014, achieving a 19% sales increase and posting €629 million in revenue as it introduced the Huracán and expanded its workforce.

Continental AG open to partnership if Apple enters car market

Continental's CEO said the supplier would be interested in working with Apple should the US tech giant decide to build its own vehicle.

Weaker Canadian Dollar Fails to Ignite Auto Manufacturing Revival

Despite a sharp fall in the Canadian dollar, the country’s automotive sector has not seen the expected resurgence in factory investment or job growth seen in the US and Mexico.

PSA Peugeot Citroën Beats Expectations with 2014 Financial Recovery

PSA Peugeot Citroën returned to profit in 2014, lifted by stronger demand in China and Europe, and set more ambitious cash-flow targets for the years ahead.

Hyundai targets US commercial vehicle market with $1.8bn global plan

Hyundai Motor has announced a $1.8 billion investment through 2020 to expand its global commercial vehicle presence, including a push into the US market.

Ford to Build New GT Supercar in Canada with Multimatic

Production of the 2016 Ford GT will take place in Markham, Ontario, as Ford partners with Canadian specialist Multimatic to assemble its carbon fibre supercar.

Chevrolet Confirms Bolt EV Production at Orion Plant

Chevrolet will build the Bolt EV at Orion Assembly near Detroit, targeting a 200-mile range and a starting price around $30,000, with production slated to begin in late 2016.

Ford Completes €2.3bn Spanish Plant Investment for Expanded Output

Ford finalises a €2.3 billion expansion at its Valencia plant, paving the way for six model lines and increased exports from Spain.

UAW Workers Eye Wage Rises as Detroit Three Announce Profit-Sharing Payouts

Detroit’s hourly auto workers are set for large profit-sharing cheques, but expectations for base wage increases remain high as union contract talks approach.

Spyker Wins Appeal to Overturn Bankruptcy Ruling

Dutch supercar maker Spyker has overturned a court-ordered bankruptcy, regaining creditor protection as it pursues new models and a merger with a US electric aircraft firm.

Aston Martin Secures Backing for Model Range Investment

Investindustrial has pledged further financial support to Aston Martin as the marque prepares to unveil an updated line-up and pursue its long-term industrial strategy.

Volkswagen set to challenge Toyota for 2015 global sales crown

Toyota forecasted a dip in 2015 sales, opening the door for Volkswagen to potentially overtake the Japanese giant as the world’s top-selling carmaker.

Local Motors Targets Expansion with 3D Printed Micro-Factories

US startup Local Motors plans to expand its network of micro-factories using 3D printing to produce electric vehicles, following demonstrations at Detroit's auto show.

Infiniti Q60 Production Will Not Take Place in Mexico

Infiniti has confirmed the Q60 coupe will not be assembled at its new Mexican plant, with production plans focused elsewhere as the model prepares for launch.