Ford to Pay $10 Million in Asbestos Case
A southeast Texas jury awarded $10 million in damages Friday to the family of a woman who died of a lung disease after being exposed to asbestos dust in her father’s clothing. The Brazoria County jury deliberated about eight hours before ordering Ford Motor Co. to pay $4.5 million to the estate of Carolyn Miller, who died of mesothelioma in 2000 at the age of 54.
Toyota Earnings of $10 Billion Solidify Hold on 2nd Place
Toyota Motor on Tuesday became the first Japanese company to report a net profit of more than a trillion yen, or about $10 billion, firmly establishing its position as the world’s No. 2 automaker ahead of Ford Motor.
Challenge Ahead for Detroit’s Automakers
Detroit’s Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — are going to have to make changes in their products if they want to stay competitive, says automotive trend watcher Micheline Maynard.
The End of the Line for the Olds
Today marks the end of the road for Oldsmobile, a line of cars which has been around since 1897. General Motors announced in 2000 that it would discontinue the Oldsmobile, which was the oldest automotive brand name in U.S. history.
Study Finds OEMs Jeopardizing Their Own Future, Industry Purchasing Practices Harming Competitiveness
Consolidation in the automotive industry — driven by intensive cost pressure from OEMs — is threatening those same OEMs’ competitiveness, according to one recent study. A new study by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) “Beyond Cost Reduction: Reinventing the Automotive OEM-Supplier Interface,” shows that over the past decade, automotive OEMs have outsourced central functions, which has left them dependent on ever fewer suppliers and their innovations.
Ford Recalls Escapes; Engine Stalls Cited
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 363,440 Escape compact sport-utility vehicles from model years 2001-2003 because the engine may stall at certain speeds.
Subaru Recalls Certain Six Cylinder Outbacks and Impreza WRX Vehicles
Subaru of America has announced a voluntary recall on certain 2001-2004 six cylinder Outback models, and 2002-2004 Impreza WRX 2.0L models to address a possible cruise control cable problem. Approximately 127,580 vehicles are potentially affected, according to Subaru.
American Axle Strike Causes GM to Idle Plant
In a move that already is rippling through the auto industry, about 6,500 UAW auto-parts workers hit the picket lines Thursday morning at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. in Detroit and other cities. A 4-year contract with UAW members at American Axle, one of the world’s largest auto suppliers, expired at midnight Wednesday and the two sides could not reach a tentative agreement. By late Thursday the strike already was affecting General Motors Corp., American Axle’s biggest customer and former owner.
GM to Tap Accessories Market, Plans to Build 85 Parts Distribution Centers
It appears that General Motors (GM) wants to grab yet another piece of the rapidly-growing vehicle accessory market. GM has asked its dealers and investors to help boost the company’s sales of vehicle accessories by building new autoparts distribution centers, according to a recent Bloomberg report. GM said it would like to see 85 parts centers built by 2005.
GM, Kia Face Growing Investigation
General Motors Corp. and Kia Motors Corp. are facing an expanded U.S. auto safety investigation and possible recalls because of fuel leaks that may occur on more than 760,000 vehicles. Gasoline may leak into the engine on 483,000 Cadillacs and Oldsmobile Auroras models for 1995 through 1997, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. A total of 278,266 Kia Spectra and Sephia sedans from the 2000 and 2001 model years are being checked for spills during refueling, which led to the recall of 100,000 Sephias made before 2000.
GM Recalls Popular SUVs for Electrical Risk, Second Major Recall for GM This Month
General Motors said Monday that it will recall 636,000 of its most popular 2002 and 2003 midsize SUVs because of a windshield wiper system electrical problem that’s been tied to two crashes. GM plans to begin notifying owners starting in July, when they will be told to go to a dealer to have a vent hole in the windshield wiper system patched so that water does not leak in. The leaking water can corrode wiring, GM said, which in turn can lead to a short circuit or windshield wiper problems.
Ward’s Reports Estimated Production
Vehicle production last week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico was expected to hit an estimated 339,878 units, up 15 percent from the 295,481 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward’s Automotive Reports.