Ford Sets Up Development Center for Hybrid Research
Ford Motor Company is setting up a center to spearhead the development of hybrid vehicles. The center, which will be in Gothenburg in Sweden, will develop hybrid concepts for both Ford of Europe and its Premier Automotive Group, which comprises Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Volvo. It will be staffed by a mix of 20 leading engineers from Volvo and other Ford-owned brands.
Imports on Track to Outsell U.S. Vehicles
Foreign brands are on pace to outsell the traditional domestic brands this year for the first time in the U.S. retail auto market. Through May, 52.9 percent of the new vehicles registered by retail customers were import brands and 47.1 percent were traditional domestic brands made by General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group, according to Automotive News.
Superior Industries Lays Off 225 at Arkansas Plant
Superior Industries has announced the layoff of approximately 225 employees at its chrome plating facility in Fayetteville, AR, in connection with the company’s decision to restructure this business. The plant’s bright polish operation was not affected.
Superior Industries Restructuring California Manufacturing Facility
Superior Industries International has announced plans for the restructuring of its manufacturing facility in Van Nuys, CA. Approximately 375 of the company’s 635 manufacturing employees will be laid off as a result. No corporate staff will be affected by the layoffs. Superior President and CEO Steven Borick said going forward the facility will concentrate on specialty operations.
Car Nuts at Consumer Reports Produce Influential Reviews
Likely you’re familiar with Consumer Reports magazine and its reputation for scrupulous testing of vacuum cleaners, contraceptives, cordless drills, tuna, spray paint and, of course, automobiles. Its April “annual auto issue,” released in March, is must reading not only for car buyers but for car executives. It would be overestimating the reach of Consumer Reports to say it can make or break a vehicle, but not by much. With a circulation of more than 4 million — roughly triple the world’s largest automotive publication — the magazine’s effect is enormous.