by Michael Strong | Apr 3, 2020
Automakers have extended the time their production facilities in the U.S. will remain shut down as the impact of the coronavirus outbreak continues to grow. In Europe, companies are doing the same with one notable exception: Fiat Chrysler. FCA officials are looking at...
by Michael Strong | Apr 3, 2020
As the auto industry enters uncharted sales waters courtesy of the current pandemic, finding ways to get potential buyers into new vehicles – or back into vehicles in the case of leasing – is more critical than ever. New vehicle sales in March dropped in the mid-40%...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 3, 2020
With U.S. auto sales now expected to plunge as much as 80% in April and, for the year, drop to levels not seen since the Great Recession, automakers are looking for help, possibly including a federal incentive program that could kick-start demand that might otherwise...
by Michael Strong | Apr 2, 2020
In another sign of the automotive industry actively pitching in to help battle the coronavirus pandemic, General Motors started training employees to produce ventilators at its components plant in Kokomo, Indiana. GM is partnering with Seattle-based Ventec Life...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 2, 2020
Global petroleum prices plunged by more than half last month, with prices at the pump falling to levels not seen in years – but crude oil is showing an unexpected rebound, raising the prospect that the numbers could be ready to bottom out. Brent crude, a global...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 2, 2020
Nissan will keep its manufacturing and assembly plants in Tennessee and Mississippi shuttered until the end of April, although the company but did not specify a specific date. Volkswagen of America also announced it was pushing back the date it plans to resume...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Apr 2, 2020
Days after announcing plans to start building desperately needed ventilators at a plant near its Dearborn, Michigan headquarters, TheDetroitBureau.com has confirmed Ford Motor Co. will convert a second factory to add production of powered respirators, as well. While...
by Joseph Szczesny | Apr 1, 2020
A good start to vehicle sales in January and February ended abruptly in mid-March as carmakers reported sales dropped precipitously as state and local officials shut businesses and put social distancing measures in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic....
by Joseph Szczesny | Mar 31, 2020
The turmoil at the top of the United Auto Workers continues as the union suspended Richard Rankin, one of the union’s regional directors, following an independent investigation by an outside law firm into charges that had described as “workplace harassment.” The move...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 31, 2020
The White House on Tuesday formalized plans to roll back fuel economy standards set during the Obama administration, a move expected to substantially lower the mileage the typical new vehicle will deliver by 2025. What the administration is calling the “Safer...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 31, 2020
The City of Light will be a little darker in October as the Paris Motor Show has become the latest in a growing list of automotive events to cancel – or, in some cases, postpone – due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The decision follows the Sunday announcement...
by Paul A. Eisenstein | Mar 31, 2020
Ford Motor Co. has again indefinitely delayed the start-up of its North American manufacturing network due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic. The one exception will be for production of the ventilators needed to assist some of the most seriously ill victims of...
