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Report: Ford laying off 200 temporary workers at F-150 plant

Filed under: Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, UAW/Unions

2011 Ford F-150

2011 Ford F-150 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The United Auto Workers will soon be sitting down with Detroit automakers in an effort to reach a new contract agreement. Some in the know feel Ford will be the targeted OEM in the negotiations due to the automaker’s recent successes, and a recent criticism levied by UAW leadership is that The Blue Oval employs more temporary workers than General Motors or Chrysler.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford took a step to rectify that issue on April 7, when it laid off 120 “temporary” workers at its Dearborn truck plant. The automaker will reportedly relieve another 80 workers of their duty in the coming weeks, bringing the total pink-slip count to 200. Ford has some 2,000 temp workers in plants across the country, compared to 1,000 at GM and next to none at Chrysler.

Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans tells the Freep that the workers were only brought on to launch the 2011 F-150, and that they knew that the position was temporary. Gary Walkowicz of UAW Local 600 points out that he’s sad to see the temps go, adding that some have been receiving half pay and zero benefits since 2002.

While it’s never nice to hear of layoffs, the cuts make some sense to Ford due to the fact that the automaker has displaced full-time workers all over the country in need of new positions. We’re thinking Ford will try to find work for as many of those workers as possible leading up to contract talks.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

2011 Ford F-150

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company
[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Ford laying off 200 temporary workers at F-150 plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

Autoblog Returns For Another Crack At The 200-MPH Club

World Class Driving 200 MPH

World Class Driving 200 MPH Challenge – Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving 200 miles per hour has always been at the top of my bucket list. Unfortunately, accomplishing this dream has always eluded me as it is laden with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. First, the task requires a machine capable of the speed. Second, one needs a very long, straight piece of pavement. Lastly, there is the hurdle of the law – getting tagged at three times the typical legal limit will not only seriously ruin your weekend, but also take a sizable chunk of money (and probably a driver’s license) out of your leather wallet.

After decades of frustration, World Class Driving has come to my rescue. The same company that has been touring the nation with its fleet of expensive exotics, offering regular civilians the opportunity to drive on road and track, offers the “200 mph Challenge.” In a nutshell, they provide the cars, pavement and amnesty from the law in one turnkey package. It isn’t cheap ($4,995 for this program), but successful completion puts participants in a very exclusive group of non-professionals who have driven 200 mph. To put it into perspective, more people have been launched into space.

Participants are an eclectic group. Of the 16 in my class, there are prominent physicians, attorneys, CEOs and wealthy adventurists who do it for sport (you know, the kind who travel to Russia for a supersonic flight in a Mikoyan MiG-29). There is also young 16-year-old Alec Feintuch, attending through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Poignantly, I’m not the only one with the dream of driving 200 mph.

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Gallery: World Class Driving 200 MPH Challenge

Continue reading World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them

World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final laps of 2011 Daytona 200 lead to controversy, Ducati’s first victory [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

Jason DiSalvo, 2011 Daytona 200

Jason DiSalvo wins the 2011 Daytona 200 – Click above for high-res image gallery

While this year’s Daytona 200 was a great day for Ducati and its 848 EVO, it left something to be desired for everyone else. The race was blighted by tire issues, a bad final-lap crash that the riders were lucky to walk away from and a controversy stemming from Ducati’s win.

The controversy started with a red flag late in the race and a mandatory tire change for all riders. On the same lap, Ducati rider Jason DiSalvo blew a cylinder on his machine. Eventually, race officials decided to re-start around 3:30 and run the rest of the 200 as a 15-lap sprint to the finish. Besides angering fans who paid to see a 200-mile single race and would end up with 147 miles over two races, the delay allowed DiSalvo’s team time to change his blown engine.

With permission from the AMA, DiSalvo was back in the race. In the final seconds of the all-out 15-lap sprint to the finish, DiSalvo passed Cory West on a draft to take the win. That wasn’t the end, though. Since there had been a red flag, there was some confusion as to who should be crowned the victor.

There was talk of letting the results from the lap before the red flag stand. That would have meant the race ended with Josh Herrin out front, JD Beach in second and Jake Zemke third. Officials decided, however, that since the top six riders had crossed the line before the red flag fell and everyone else was still on the previous lap, the results from the 15-lap sprint would decide the winner.

That meant that Jason Di Salvo, who before the red flag was out of the race, was crowned race winner, followed by Cory West and Jake Zemke. The result was no doubt a great moment for Ducati and DiSalvo, but left the guys who were ahead before the red flag and the fans who saw a shortened race feeling understandably spurned.

Click past the jump for a press release from Ducati celebrating the victory and a video of the closing laps of the 2011 Daytona 200.

Gallery: Jason DiSalvo wins the 2011 Daytona 200

Jason DiSalvo leads the Daytona 200 Jason DiSalvo wins the Daytona 200

[Source: Motorcycle USA, Axis Of Oversteer, Ducati]

Continue reading Final laps of 2011 Daytona 200 lead to controversy, Ducati’s first victory [w/video]

Final laps of 2011 Daytona 200 lead to controversy, Ducati’s first victory [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia’s Geneva lineup to include Chrysler 200-based Flavia

2011 Chrysler 200 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Some might deride Lancia as the Plymouth of the Fiat group, but instead of being killed off like the defunct American marque, the pseudo-premium Italian division is being teamed up with Chrysler in an effort to increase the Pentastar’s global reach while rejuvenating the Lancia brand.

We’ve seen the pairing take effect already through the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois and the toe-in-the-water demonstration of a Chrysler-badged Lancia Delta at last year’s Detroit show, but it looks like things could finally materialize at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

There, according to the latest reports from Europe, the Fiat/Chrysler alliance will unveil a Lancia-fied version of the new Chrysler 200. The model is expected to revive the Flavia nameplate last seen in 1975 and receive only a few modifications, in the form of a new grille (natch), European-spec bumpers and the possible mechanical additions of a manual transmission and diesel engine.

Headline though the development is, it is expected to be only one of several new debuts – some Chrysler-based, some not – that Lancia has planned for the Swiss expo. A Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship sedan is reportedly in the cards, as could be a Lancia version of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan (as a potential replacement for the Phedra that was jointly produced between Fiat and PSA). Finally, Lancia is expected to unveil the new Ypsilon hatchback, which itself could make its way Stateside as a Chrysler. Now all we need is a Pentastar-badged version of the New Stratos and we’ll be all set.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200: First Drive

2011 Chrysler 200

[Source: Automotive News Europe – subs. req’d]

Lancia’s Geneva lineup to include Chrysler 200-based Flavia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is set to debut the 2012 200 Convertible at the New York Auto Show in March, but through the magic of the Interwebs, the first crop of official images has already leaked out. The new 200 sedan isn’t a bad-looking car, and while the convertible’s design isn’t the most attractive creation (that rear end still looks plenty awkward), it’s certainly better than the outgoing Sebring.

Aside from the deletion of a fixed roof, expect the Chrysler 200 Convertible to be largely the same as its sedan counterpart, with interior refinement and engine choices all being carried over. This means that both the 2.4-liter inline-four and 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 should be underhood, and the end result is a cabriolet that, while better than the model it replaces, certainly won’t take your breath away.

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible Leaked Photos

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

[Source: Autoblog.it]

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible photos leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: Chrysler 200 Super S gets lowered… expectations?

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler

Chrysler 200 Super S

Chrysler 200 Super S – Click above to view the high-res image gallery

Nestled into a well-hidden crevice on the outskirts of the Chrysler booth at the Detroit Auto Show is a Mopar-accessorized 200 Super S. That’s right: a pimped 200. It would appear that Mopar noticed the 200 looks a bit… tall, so Team Pentastar’s aftermarket arm dropped the 200’s suspension a full three inches and outfitted it with a reworked lower chin and rear decklid spoilers. The 200 is further tweaked with a sublime quartet of glossy black 19-inch wheels, a pair of awkward hood vents, a mesh grille and foglamp bezels with light bar applique.

So… your neighbors still haven’t noticed that you dropped thousands of dollars on aftermarket parts for your Chrysler 200? Mopar’s design department has also re-sprayed the Super S with two-tone tungsten on matte black paint. Unfortunately the thin pinstriping on the showcar appears less than production ready. Click below for our high-res gallery of the 200 Super S.

Gallery: Chrysler 200 Super S: Detroit 2011

Chrysler 200 Super S

Detroit 2011: Chrysler 200 Super S gets lowered… expectations? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible playing in the snow

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Chrysler

Spy Shot of the 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Spied: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible is set to debut at the 2011 New York Auto show later this year. Thanks to the lens work of one particularly wily spy photographer, we get a clear look at the drop-top ahead of schedule. This two-door, soft-top example was caught running around with a surprising lack of camo-cladding.

Though we see a soft-top here, we can’t rule out the inclusion of a retracting hardtop since the outgoing Sebring employed a variety of disappearing roofs over its lifetime. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible playing in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Fiat

Moparized 2012 Fiat 500

Mopar gets frisky with Chrysler’s newest vehicles – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler loves to show off its Mopar-accessorized vehicles, and the 2011 Detroit Auto Show provides the perfect stage to reveal some new ones. Two vehicles slated to make an appearance are the 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S and 2012 Fiat 500.

The Chrysler 200 Super S is dropped three inches and sports a black and tungsten paint scheme. The bodywork gets updated with a slew of parts including lower chin and rear decklid spoilers. Riding on a set of 19-inch wheels, the 200 Super S gets a major shot in the style department… for better of for worse.

Mopar is also turning to its new Italian cousin, the 2012 Fiat 500, and offering styling treatments in the same vein as the 200 Super S. Chrome trim sets off the blacked-out exterior while the black and blue leather interior features various carbon fiber accents. Underneath the skin sits a Mopar strut tower brace to add a bit of stiffness.

Be sure to hop the jump and read the full press release for even more Mopar goodies making an appearance in Detroit.

Gallery: Mopar for the Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500

Moparized Chrysler 200 Moparized Fiat 500

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment

Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo to hire 200 in Sweden in expectation of higher demand

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volvo

2011 Volvo S60 lineup

2011 Volvo S60 T6 AWD – Click above for high-res image gallery

When the dust settles on 2010, Volvo anticipates global sales of about 380,000 units. That’s probably less than Volvo executives (and the new owners at Zhejiang Geely) were hoping for, but a global slump in auto sales is at least partly to blame. Fortunately, many industry analysts are expecting increased demand for autos in 2011, and Volvo apparently feels that the growing appetite for new vehicles will result in more customers at the local Volvo dealer.

Bloomberg reports that the Swedish automaker is hiring an additional 200 workers to increase capacity at the company’s Gothenburg plant. The move will help Volvo increase production from 48 vehicles per hour to 52. That doesn’t sound like a huge bump, but over the course of 365, days four vehicles per hour adds up to thousands of additional vehicles. Volvo will reportedly begin hiring soon, with hopes of filling all 200 positions by March.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60: First Drive

2011 Volvo S60

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Volvo to hire 200 in Sweden in expectation of higher demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion will be brand’s first 200,000-unit car since 2004

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford, Earnings/Financials

2010 Ford Fusion Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Ward’s Auto, Ford is about to stride past a production figure that it hasn’t hit since 2004. The 2011 Fusion is on the cusp of motoring past 200,000 sales this year – an annual number that a FoMoCo passenger sedan hasn’t managed to exceed since both the Focus sedan and Taurus did the deed back in ’04. In 2010, Fusion sales were up 21.5 percent through November compared to 2009 – hitting 196,590 units. Given that the Blue Oval has been easily knocking off more than 10,000 Fusion sales per month, Ward’s is betting that Ford will easily manage to overtake the 200k mark.

Should that happen, the Fusion will find itself in heady company. Only a handful of other sedans have managed to topple the 200,000-unit barrier this year, and all of those are from Asia. Not surprisingly, the Toyota Camry is expected to walk away from 2010 with the sales crown, with 296,581 deliveries through November, while the Honda Accord has already notched 253,073 sales under its belt. Following up in third place is the Toyota Corolla with 244,024 units sold. Also through November, the venerable Honda Civic has tallied 231,955 units, the Nissan Altima found 206,247 garages, and just last week, Hyundai announced that its redesigned Sonata had eclipsed 200,000 sales for the first time ever – a massive 90,000 unit improvement year-over-year.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review000 2010fordfusionhybrid_review001 2010fordfusionhybrid_review002 2010fordfusionhybrid_review003 2010fordfusionhybrid_review004

[Source: Ward’s Auto]

Ford Fusion will be brand’s first 200,000-unit car since 2004 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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