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UAW Member Perks Slashed

Tough times obviously cripple Detroit’s Big Three consisting of General Motors Corp., the Ford Motor Co., and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group. This is why the Big Three, along with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, is forced to slash worker programs from job training to education.

The new program will result to steep production cuts and limited working schedules. The said programs are funded by Detroit automakers and by a portion of the workers’ salaries based on straight time and overtime, both of which have fallen due to plant closures, job cuts and production cutbacks.

GM, Ford, and Chrysler have all revised the courses they partly subsidize, removing or freezing a bunch of programs that are not directly related to workers’ jobs. In March, a governing body composed of five union members and five Ford representatives decided to cut a plethora of skill-enhancement programs given to workers, retirees and spouses.

“The reduction in hours worked, and particularly the decrease in overtime hours worked, has reduced revenue to the point where Joint Programs is in an unsustainable financial condition,” said the UAW-Ford National Programs Center in a letter disseminated to union officials, plant managers and plant human resource managers last month. “Unless significant program reductions are made immediately, the UAW-Ford National Programs will be in a deficit situation before the end of 2007.”

Moreover, the new program no longer offers tutoring for college classes, math enrichment sessions, computer software training and English as a second language. The General Educational Development classes also were slashed. The said classes are designed to allow students to earn the equivalent of a high-school diploma. In addition, educational and training programs which were offered to retirees and personal finance courses have been temporarily suspended.

But automakers said that many programs are still available. “There is still very important job-related training and educational services that are continuing for employees,” said Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans. For instance, employees will still be reimbursed for the costs incurred in earning certain degrees from accredited colleges.

According to company and union officials, “The automakers and unions are concentrating on maintaining programs on health and safety, job security, quality improvement, and plant-operating efficiency.”

But employees are deeply affected by the cuts. The swift process comes like the uncontrollable acceleration that even the might of the EBC greenstuff could not stand. “They closed the Rouge Academy completely. They closed all of that,” said Ron Turner who has been a worker at Rouge plant in Dearborn paint shop plant for more than 30 years until accepting a buyout several weeks ago.

Turner had planned to apply for a grant through the UAW-Ford National Programs Center to study broadcasting at the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts in Detroit. “They were supposed to fund up to $4,600 toward my course but when I went to apply, they said that all self-improvement programs have been cut,” Turner said. “I’m going to have to come up with some other way to fund my class.”

GM, Ford and Chrysler are restructuring their businesses and, as a result, cutting the hourly work force that contributes to the funding for these programs. Chrysler workers are also feeling the pinch. Previously, the gym at Warren Stamping was open five days a week until “the wee hours of the morning,” said Mike Tremain, a skilled trade worker at the factory. “The hours were cut right in half.”

Unions are obliged to make harsh choices with limited budgets. “The locals don’t have money to do things they used to,” said Chris Sherwood, the president of the Local 652 in Lansing that represents workers at GM’s Cadillac plant. Sherwood has watched the local membership fall from 14,000 people in 1980 to 3,300 today. He stressed, “All that money is lost. And it’s hurting everybody. It’s a sad situation.”

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Ford Responds To Climate Change Concerns

The Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally said last Monday that global warming is real, manmade and caused in part by auto emissions. “The vast majority of data indicates that the temperature has increased, and I believe the correlation and the analysis says that is mainly because of the greenhouse gases keeping the heat in. You can just plot it with the Industrial Revolution and the use of all of our resources,” he said during a telephone press conference.

The conference was called to announce the promotion of Susan Cischke to the newly created post of senior vice president which is responsible for the company’s sustainability, environment and safety engineering. The move, according to Mulally, was meant to underscore the importance of this issue to Ford’s corporate strategy. “It’s about sustainability, it’s about mobility, it’s about safety, it’s about (being) stewards of our environment,” he said. “This is the biggest agenda we have at Ford. I think it’s going to be one of the most important considerations to the customers that buy our products and services going forward.”

Detroit automakers have recognized that climate change is a serious issue that must be addressed. But Mulally’s statement was one of the clearest. “I’m just gratified that it seems like, in the court of public opinion, we have moved to the place where we all are starting to appreciate and agree that this really is an issue, and that we all want to do something about it,” he said. The statement was reiterated last Monday afternoon in an e-mail addressed to Ford employees.

The letter said, “I firmly believe we are at an inflection point in the world’s history as it relates to climate change and energy security. The time for debating whether climate change is real has past. It is time for a conversation about what we, as a society, intend to do to address it.”

To that end, the CEO said that Cischke will oversee a company-wide effort to create a greener Ford. “It’s the product development side, it’s the manufacturing piece, it’s the supplier community – it’s a lot of things. It also includes the working conditions aspect, the human rights issue. It’s balancing the people side of it as well as the economic side and the environmental side and trying to figure out how it fits together,” said Cischke, Ford’s former vice president of environmental and safety engineering. “While we have a clear picture of where we’d like to be in the next five to seven years, I’ve got to look beyond that.”

While environmentalists are positive about Mulally’s openness on global warming, some criticized his choice to lead Ford’s environmental efforts. “We’re a little concerned. Sue Cischke has been Ford’s public face for fighting a lot of things that would help stop global warming,” said the Sierra Club’s Brendan Bell. “Clearly, there is a desire at certain levels of Ford’s management to promote sustainability. But they’re much better at creating new positions than new policies.” Some analysts think that Ford should have the efficiency of its EBC brake rotors in order to be good at braking and avoiding empty promises that have ruined enthusiasts’ trust in the past.

Also Monday, General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said that the U.S. government needs to take a Manhattan Project-like approach to creating a national energy policy, bringing the best minds in the country to bear on the issue of energy sustainability and independence.

Mulally added increasing those regulations only makes sense as part of a broader solution to global warming, one that includes sacrifices by other industries. “We’re only going to make the progress we all want to make if we move this up to include the generation of all energy, as well as the use of the energy.”

While GM has suggested more research needs to be done into the causes of global warming, the company said it is not waiting for the answer. “We’re not waiting for the scientific community to finish its discussion on the specifics of climate change,” said GM spokesman Greg Martin. “As we’ve said from L.A. to Capitol Hill, we see it as both a business necessity and as our obligation to society to develop advanced technologies that run on diverse sources of energy to lessen the automobile’s impact on the environment.”

Read more: Ford Responds To Climate Change Concerns

New York Auto Show Showcases Taxi Cabs

It is not a secret that taxi cabs are one of the most used and most popular means of commuting and of transportation at present. And this year, it would be best if everybody would be joining in the celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the taxi cabs which we know today.

The celebrations would be part of the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The international auto show would be having an exhibit which is called the Design Trust for Public Space and it would be showcasing some of the best and the most innovative prototypes of this popular means of traveler. There would be a display of the most striking taxi cabs ever dreamed of while there would also be some that would be coming holding the most simple parts and features like the Volvo timing belt to those bright headlights. The exhibit would surely be an eye-opener for we mostly do recognize a taxi cab as that yellow vehicle you flag down to take you to your destination.

The president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, Mark Schienberg, did express, “The New York Auto Show always strives to create unique and memorable experiences for visitors. We’re pleased to host this groundbreaking taxi exhibit with the Design Trust, as it promises to be a distinctly New York encounter for showgoers, and an opportunity to educate them about innovations to come.”

Schienberg is not the only person who is excited about this upcoming event. In behalf of the Design Trust for Public Space, Deborah Marton, its executive director, does not hesitate to state, “Stepping off the curb and hailing a cab is the quintessential New York act, symbolizing the power and freedom of our city. We’re excited to join with the New York Auto Show and others to bring sustainable mobility, access for all, and good design to the New York City taxi.”

But this is not the only activity which would be giving laud and honor to the taxi cab. New York City’s Mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg, has already set out April 6th up until the 15th as “Taxi Week”.

Read more: New York Auto Show Showcases Taxi Cabs

Mercedes-Benz C-Class made even Classier

Mercedes-Benz has recently launched its all new C-Class saloon in Germany and will be presenting the same C-Class in South Africa in August this year. The C-Class emphasizes three elements and these are comfort, agility, and safety.

Each of the Avantgarde, Elegance, and Classic lines emphasize a unique characteristic but share the same technologies such as the “Agility Control” package which includes a situation-sensor shock absorber control, an Intelligent Light System with five distinct functions and the Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system. The new C-Class range is also equipped with the same quality auto components such as Mercedes Benz heater core. The Mercedes heater core is a small radiator that helps the primary radiator in cooling the coolant to prevent the possible overheating of the car.

The local specs are to be announced at a later stage and some options may differ from overseas markets. For the overseas there’s a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than the previous model coupled with a six percent lower fuel consumption.

The C-Class Saloon has a length measuring 4581mm and approximately 55mm longer than its predecessor. The body width has also increased by 42mm to 1770mm while the wheelbase has an additional 45mm to 2760mm. these dimensions have enabled the front shoulder room to grow by 40mm.

The design of the new C-Class was derived from the modern Mercedes-Benz approach that includes “taut lines, and large tranquil surfaces” with the front end highlighting a pronounced wedge-shape. And for the first time in Mercedes Saloon, the radiator grille was used as a distinctive feature to make the model variants more visible in the market.

The sporty Avantgarde model features three extended, horizontal louvers and a big centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. The Elegance for its part gets a three-dimensional, louvered radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish which accentuates comfort and luxury. The Classic model as the name suggests has designed that is traditional despite the fact that it is similar to the other two C-Class models in terms of ride and technical specs.

The engines of the C-Class have been increased by around 18 percent in torque while the four and six cylinder units also feature an improved smoothness. Great attention was also given to the further development of the four-cylinder mills. In the petrol range output of the entry-level C 180 Kompressor has been increased from 105kW to 115kW with maximum torque improved 4.5 percent from the previous 220 to 230 Nm, while the C 200 Kompressor develops 15kW more than before.

It also delivers an output of 135kW and revs up a maximum torque of 250 Nm from 2800rpm. It can sprint from 0 to 100km/h by 0.5 seconds faster that any of the previous models. The new C-Class were also made more economical, the C 180 Kompressor consumes 0.31/100km less than the before. On the other hand the combined fuel consumption of the C 200 Kompressor has been reduced by 0.51/100km.

The C-Class diesel option will focus on enhancement of the four-cylinder unit. There are already several improvements done to the engine, turbocharger and common rail direct injection altering more than 90 components in the process. The said modifications were done by engineers at Stuttgart. And as result of the conducted modification is a new C 220 CDI with a peak output of 125kW from the 110kW previously and delivers a potent torque of 400Nm from the previous 2000rpm—again an 18 percent increase power than before. Similarly fuel consumption has been further reduced by up to 0.31/100km and according to Mercedes Benz the C 220 CDI is capable of traveling 100 km on just 6.1 liters of fuel.

The C-Class offered in Europe remains unchanged with a choice of three petrol units developing 200kW, 170kW, and 150 kW. The new C 320 CDI with its six-cylinder engine has an output of 165 kW. All models in the new C-Class except for the C 350 are equipped with a six-sped transmission featuring Agility Control gearshift as standard. Instead the C350 will get a 7G –Tronic—the world’s only 7-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. This feature is also available for the rest of the six-cylinder C-Class models on request.

Read more: Mercedes-Benz C-Class made even Classier

The Brabus C-Class

The new C-class was only recently been introduced in Germany and already the tuning giant Brabus is set to give the new C-Class some engine upgrades and a modified bodykit with some accessories.

If Mercedes-Benz would like to keep its latest AMG-fettled creation under wraps until the New York Show then it’s entirely a different story for the people in Brabus since they simply just can’t wait to showoff what they did with the new W204 C-Class.

Brabus installs a special crankshaft together with some large pistons which increase the displacement to 4.0 liters. The four-valve cylinder heads were optimized for gas flow and were fitted with special camshafts. The other modification done includes a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts together with some newly programmed engine electronics. This conversion has resulted in a maximum power output of 244 kW and a peak torque of 420 Nm at 4200 r/min making the petrol-powered Brabus model capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in a matter of 5.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 275 km/h.

Every detail and component of the C-class was not exempted from the attention of the Brabus from the Mercedes ignition coil to the oil burners; etc.—all received the company’s PowerXtra performance kit for the C200 CDI. The first stage of modification D2 (III) includes increasing the power of the 2.0 liter common-rail diesel by 29 kW while the torque soars to 450 Nm.

The Barbus D3 (III) kit increased the power stakes for the C200 CDI by delivering 143 kW while the torque remains the same as the D2 (III). The top of the range C320 CDI gets the D6 (III) kit which revs out an additional 36 kW and boosts the torque to a seismometer-tripping 590 Nm which according to Brabus will allow the C320 CDI to reach 0 to 100 km/h in as short as 6.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.

The Brabus stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system is offered for all engine variants together with a pair of performance braking systems, custom-made alloys of up to 20 inches in diameter, lowering kits and sway bars.

The Brabus will also offer a striking body kit with time in the wind tunnel that has resulted in a mean looking vent front spoiler, three-piece rear spoiler and a utilitarian rear apron. There are also carbon-fiber mirror covers and an optional LED entrance lights which adds to the attractive styling of the Brabus C-Class.

The remarkable interior features of the Brabus C-Class are handcrafted with Mastik leather upholstery complete with Alcantara accents that is aside from the numerous carbon-fiber and wood trim kits. Accessories that include a sculpted sports steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals and an optimistic 330 km/h speedometer are also available as option.

It must be reassuring on the part of Mercedes-Benz knowing that there are companies like the Brabus that make use of their vehicles to compete head-to-head with the mighty BMW Series.

Read more: The Brabus C-Class

All-new Jeep Wrangler to debut in the Middle East

The 1941 Willis MB which is very popular in India is a direct descendant of the original Jeep® and the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the result of 65 years of legendary 4×4 leadership evolution. And speaking of evolution the Jeep, Wrangler was built based on the original Jeep formula with an all-new frame, engine, exterior and interior design, safety and convenience features. It was later improved to provide more comfort, refinement, power and open-air fun, more capability and interior space.

And for 2007 the Jeep designers have take this classic vehicle one step further by creating the first ever four-door Wrangler Unlimited. Sporting a one-of-a-kind, 4-door open-air design takes the Jeep experience to another dimension. The Wrangler Unlimited has enough room to accommodate five adult passengers and enough cargo space which is a first for Wrangler. The Wrangler Unlimited combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality.

The two and four door 2007 Wranglers are to be offered in dozens of different top, door and windshield combinations, nine unique exterior colours and with wheels that range from 16, 17 or 18-inch for customers who may want to customize the appearance of their Wrangler.

The introduction of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sees this iconic vehicle growing to mid-size SUV proportions, providing more comfort and space, more versatility, more open-air options, more off-road capability, more on-road refinement, more convenience, more safety features, more power and above all more fuel efficient.

Starting from ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep engineers focused on more than 50 functional objectives during the development of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler. And all their efforts were not in vain since they were able to come up with an ultimate “out of the box” offroad vehicle with all the features that allows it to go anywhere the driver’s hearts desire.

Improvement in the legendary 4×4 capability of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited is not the only exciting thing about these Jeep models. They will also offer enhanced on-road comfort which is attributed to its new 100% stiffer frame in bending, 50% stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension and a much improved shock tuning. Plus their new steering and suspension geometry will also provide accurate handling and ride characteristics. Their new sound-deadening techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20%. They also have Jeep hitch step which is amazingly strong that comes with non-slip surface that provides an easy but secure grip for a lift or a hitch.

In addition, a new 3.8 litre overhead valve V6 engine that delivers 205hp and 240 lb-ft of torque is equipped on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models as replacement for the 4.0 litre Power-Tech in-line six engine. The Jeep Wrangler will also come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8 litre V6 engine that is equipped on the Wrangler is said to provide even more horsepower and torque than its predecessor. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler carries on the legacy of Wrangler as the icon of the Jeep brand.

Read more: All-new Jeep Wrangler to debut in the Middle East

The Caliber: Chrysler’s streak of hope

Drastic times calls for drastic measures. With the future of the Chrysler Group on the brink, all analysts agree that the best thing that could happen to the 3,600 workers at the DaimlerChrysler assembly plant is for their three models to become hits in the market. This may sound like a shot on the moon but its better to have one inconceivable plan than nothing.

According to John Wolknowicz, senior analyst at Massachusetts-based Global Automotive Group, the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass have been disappointments so far.

It is no secret that starting from the launching of the Compass all it has received were criticisms. The more rounded look that is far from the traditional boxy Jeep style has gained so much disapproval. On the other hand, where the Compass failed is where the Caliber excelled. The general feel of the Caliber was considered a successful new look in the compact car market.

It only took 10 months for the Caliber to sell more than 92,000 Calibers in the United States. In 2005, dealers were also able to sell 119,000 Neons that is despite the fact that the supply ceases due to the halting of its production. Wolkonowicz said that Global Automotive is predicting that Caliber sales will grow to 100,000 in United States by 2009 before declining back.

Last February, Calibers were selling on average in 50 days and to think that the average time for a compact car was 54 days. The competition of the Calibers in the compact car segment includes big names such as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3. And through March 18, the Caliber’s time on lots has reduced to 49 days compared with the 55 days segment average.

Libby said, “The Chrysler Group is up around 100 and 110” average days on lots. Chrysler has lots of models doing very poorly. The Caliber is one of its success stories.”

If there’s one thing that Wolkonowicz and Libby agree on, it’s their comment on the Jeep’s Compass. Since the Compass hit dealerships last June, its time on lots has been steadily increasing and through March 18, the poor Compass has taken 85 days to sell against the crossover SUV average of 69 days. In fairness to the Compass its failure is not in terms of quality since Jeep has loaded it with remarkable features and make used of quality car components such as Jeep hood in building it. Unfortunately the Compass is short in appeal that’s why it didn’t meet up with the styling preference of buyers.

Read more: The Caliber: Chrysler’s streak of hope

Asian Brands to Step up Luxury Vehicle Production

Asian brands, as far as we can remember, are known for their economy vehicles. Even Toyota and Honda are known to produce vehicles that are at par with the Big Three’s vehicles in performance but these car makers from Asia seem to hold the upper hand when it comes to pricing. They are also known for the reliability of their non-luxury vehicles which rivals that of luxury brands.

In recent years though, Japanese and Korean automakers have invested in the luxury segment. Honda and Toyota each created a luxury division and they come in the form of the brands Acura and Lexus respectively. These luxury brands have become popular among American car buyers for their reliability and the luxurious features that they bring to the table and to the road.

This year, Asian brands are set to strengthen their hold on the luxury segment of the American auto market. Aside from the Acura and Lexus, another Asian luxury car brand has made its presence felt in the U.S. auto scene. Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan which is Japan’s third largest car manufacturer, has shown that they have what it takes to compete in the U.S. luxury car market.

At the upcoming New York International Auto Show, Infiniti will showcase the all new G37 coupe which is aimed to showcase the brands capability in luxury car design and production. The new coupe is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine with high performance engine parts like Nissan body parts to give it an output of about 330 horsepower.

Aside from Infiniti, Toyota’s Lexus division will also unveil a new luxury car at the upcoming motor show. The Lexus 570 as the new model is named will be replacing the Lexus 460 on the division’s lineup. Detroit News reported that the new luxury car from the most reliable brand will have increased interior space compared to the 460 that it will replace.

Toyota’s expansion of the 2008 Highlander’s interior space is seen to be the precursor to the increased interior room of future vehicles from Toyota. Acura, of course, will have to compete once again with their Asian rival and to date, no word was yet heard from Honda as to what Acura will be showcasing at the motor show.

Another Asian brand, this time from Korea, is also set to showcase their capabilities in producing a luxury car that can compete with the best in its class. Hyundai, the largest Korean car maker, will be unveiling the Genesis Concept at the largest motor show in the United States. The concept vehicle will showcase Hyundai’s capacity to compete in the U.S. luxury car market.

The Hyundai Genesis is the first luxury sedan from Hyundai to sport a rear-wheel drive configuration. The unveiling of the Genesis concept shows that Hyundai is dedicated to make their presence felt in the United States and give their reputation for producing economy cars a facelift.

Read more: Asian Brands to Step up Luxury Vehicle Production

Hyundai Receives Excellent Safety Ratings

Car manufacturers have always been concerned with the safety that their vehicles offer to their consumers. The government is likewise involved in making sure that vehicles released into the market offer good protection.

To inform car buyers of the relative safety of mass produced vehicles, a government agency tests the safety of cars in the market. Testing these vehicles falls under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) jurisdiction. Recently, the government agency performed safety tests on 2007 model year vehicles. Sixty-three vehicles from different car manufacturers were tested and among the models which received favorable ratings are three vehicles from the Korean brand Hyundai.

The NHTSA awarded the 2007 model year version of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Veracruz five star ratings and these are for both in frontal and side impact crash tests. Another Hyundai model for 2007 that received a favorable rating is the Hyundai Elantra which was awarded a five star rating for frontal crash protection. The Veracruz is also awarded a four star rating in rollover tests.

These results show that Hyundai not only produce economy and high performance vehicles but it shows that these cars that they create are safe.

The tests conducted by the government agency involve the testing of different types of body styles of vehicles. SUVs, passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans and small cars are tested under the agency’s New Car Assessment Program which aims to inform customers of the protection that new car offers.

The Hyundai Veracruz got its five-star ratings for both front and side crash tests, thanks to its advanced safety systems. The full size crossover utility vehicle has the following standard safety features: Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, head restraints, and airbags. The ABS with EBD provides good stopping power for the huge vehicle while the head restraint prevents severe injuries to the head in cases of crashes.

Airbags cover pretty much every area of the interior of the vehicles. The five star rating shows that the front bumper with the billet grille does not only look good but it also absorbs impact efficiently.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, the midsize crossover utility vehicle, is also equipped with standard safety features like a complete lineup of airbags and head restraints. Due to its ESP or electronic stability program, it achieved a four-star rating for rollover protection. The Hyundai Elantra outperformed the Toyota Prius in terms of safety when it achieved a five-star frontal and four-star side impact protection from the government agency.

Like the Veracruz and the Santa Fe, the Elantra is also equipped with a full lineup of airbags and there are six of them to be exact. This consists of two advanced front airbags, two side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags. This complete lineup of airbags protects every occupant of the vehicle in cases of collisions.

Read more: Hyundai Receives Excellent Safety Ratings