by Michael Strong | Mar 11, 2014
As it turns out, Sergio Marchionne does not need any salary from Chrysler to be among the highest paid automotive CEOs in metro Detroit. Marchionne took home $5 million in 2013 as CEO of Fiat SpA, but it’s not the salary, it’s stock options that put him near the fore:...
by Michael Strong | Mar 11, 2014
The fits and starts of production of the new Jeep Cherokee in Toledo have now morphed into a torrent of SUVs that in conjunction with a similar demand for the Wrangler have forced the maker to add 1,000 part-time employees. The Toledo, Ohio plant where the two...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 11, 2014
If you think “green” when someone mentions Rolls-Royce, you’re probably thinking about the cost of the maker’s big sedans, coupes and convertibles which can push you up and above the $500,000 in a hurry. But Rolls could add a new meaning if it goes ahead with plans to...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 11, 2014
After an unexpected slowdown, sales of new vehicles in China appear to be regaining momentum, growing by 18% in February, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) reports, as the Chinese market shrugged off concerns about an overheated market and the...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 11, 2014
Two months does not a year make, but in a significant breakthrough Audi AG is claiming to hold the lead in the hotly contested global luxury car maket. The largest of the luxury brands of Volkswagen AG, Audi has been gaining ground on traditional rivals BMW and...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 11, 2014
Committees from both the U.S. House and Senate will hold hearings into why it took General Motors a decade to recall 1.6 million vehicles equipped with faulty ignition switches – a problem now linked to 31 crashes and 13 deaths. The announcements by the House Energy...
by Michael Strong | Mar 10, 2014
General Motors took steps today to get to the bottom of the ignition switch recall by hiring an outside law firm, Chicago-based Jenner & Block, with a reputation for getting answers. The firm’s chairman, Anton “Tony” Valukas, is working together with GM’s general...
by Michael Strong | Mar 10, 2014
The murky plans to split up Honda and Acura to strengthen the division’s luxury brand in North America became clear with the announcement today of Honda North America’s plan to form a Honda Division and an Acura Division. The plan calls for a realignment of the...
by Michael Strong | Mar 10, 2014
Bankruptcy saved General Motors and it may save the company again, at least from a significant liability issue and the millions of dollars that might go with it. When GM went through bankruptcy it created a “new” GM leaving the debt and many of the liabilities with...
by Joseph Szczesny | Mar 10, 2014
It’s been a cold, cruel winter for the auto industry, even makers like General Motors and Toyota struggling to maintain momentum in the marketplace. Chrysler has been one of the few automakers to remain in the black so far – but while demand has been strong for...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 10, 2014
To most of those who knew him, he was simply “Mr. Ford,” the dignified yet surprisingly modest man who had a long and surprisingly varied career that ranged from the automotive design studio to the football field – as well as a wide range of community activities....
by Michael Strong | Mar 9, 2014
William Clay Ford, the last surviving grandchild of Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford, died this morning. Ford, who was Director Emeritus of the company, was 88 years old. “My father was a great business leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to the company...
