Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Italian government to lean on Fiat's Marchionne to commit to country]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/italian-government-to-lean-on-fiats-marchionne-to-commit-to-cou/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/italian-government-to-lean-on-fiats-marchionne-to-commit-to-cou/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/01/italian-government-to-lean-on-fiats-marchionne-to-commit-to-cou/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With the recent chatter that Fiat is looking to move its global headquarters to the US following a complete merger with Chrysler, the Italian government is voicing its opinion on the matter. Facing the potential job loss from the automaker leaving the country, Italy's industry minister is meeting with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne in what will likely be a plea to keep the company based in Turin rather than moving to Auburn Hills, MI - if indeed it is able to acquire the additional 41.5 per cent of Chrysler currently owned by the United Auto Workers.

According to Bloomberg, Fiat is Italy's biggest private employer and unemployment is already nearing a 20-year high. The non-car side of Fiat, Fiat Industrial, is already planning a move to the UK, so it goes without saying that Fiat moving would be a pretty big blow for the Italian economy. In the article, Fiat says that the headquarters issue is "not on its agenda now," but that statement is far from a denial.

Continue reading Italian government to lean on Fiat's Marchionne to commit to country

Italian government to lean on Fiat's Marchionne to commit to country originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerfiatfiat chrysler mergerfiat headquartersfiat hqitalysergio marchionne Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20584675/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/01/italian-government-to-lean-on-fiats-marchionne-to-commit-to-cou/20584675/article-detail.xml 20584675 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to cease Australian automaking operations after 90 years]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Falcon - front three-quarter view


Ford began manufacturing cars in Australia in 1925 with the Model T. In 2016, Ford will stop manufacturing cars Down Under, including the Falcon and the Territory SUV. Ford Australia CEO Bob Graziano has reportedly confirmed the closure of the company's Broadmeadows assembly plant and the Geelong engine plant, both in the state of Victoria. There will be 650 jobs lost at Broadmeadows, 510 sacrificed at Geelong. Of the roughly 3,000 workers the Blue Oval has in Australia, it's said it will try to retain about 1,000 of them at its R&D and product development facilities.

The writing hasn't just been on the wall, it's been a regular item in all the papers and on Ford's bottom line for years. As recently as 2003, Ford sold nearly 75,000 Falcons, but over the next four years, annual sales dropped by something like 10,000 units, and over the last two years, it has sold less than 20,000 per year. It isn't only Ford that has suffered - sales of the other large, locally produced sedan, the Holden Commodore, have also gone over the precipice, triggering the same kind of angst about Holden's continued existence. Ford is the smallest of Australia's local automakers, Holden and Toyota the others, and has posted losses of $AUD141 million last year ($141,253,000 CAD) and $AUD600 million ($601,566,000 CAD) in the past five years. Graziano said the cost of manufacturing is simply too expensive in the country, twice as high as Europe and three times as high as Asia, and there no way to make a business case for staying in the country.

In January 2012, Ford Australia announced it would stay in the country until at least 2016, but by July of the same year, most outside observers were quietly declaring that 2016 would be the last year of Ford Down Under, and even the speculation was making other observers nervous. Ford received money from the Victorian government last year to aid its refresh of the Falcon and Territory, which will continue on schedule for the 2014 model year. A front- and all-wheel-drive sedan on a global platform is predicted to replace the Falcon, with some other SUV expected to replace the Territory. The company says it still intends to expand its lineup in the country.

As for what will replace the employment hole at the factories and the supplier base, no one is quite sure. Ford has said that the employees will receive their entitlements, and workers do have three years to prepare for what's coming. As well, the state and national governments have already committed tens of millions to a fund to assist the employees. To watch a video on the topic, click through.

Gallery: Holden Hurricane Concept


Continue reading Ford to cease Australian automaking operations after 90 years

Ford to cease Australian automaking operations after 90 years originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australian manufacturingbob grazianobroadmeadowsfordford auford australiaford falconford territorygeelongmanufacturing Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20581123/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/20581123/article-detail.xml 20581123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-falcon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-falcon.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The man responsible for creating the sleek 2010 Nissan Ellure Concept you see above is now the design director for Infiniti. Alfonso Albaisa (shown at right) has been a member of the Nissan design team for 25 years, but was recently promoted to executive design director for the Infiniti brand.

His past roles at Nissan have included design director for Nissan from 2004 to 2007, vice president of Nissan Design Europe from 2007 to 2011, vice president of Nissan Design America in 2011 and, most recently, he held the title of Nissan's global design director. Aside from Ellure, Albaisa was also responsible for designing the 2012 Nissan Xtrem Concept, "key strategic production vehicles soon to be launched" and he's even contributed to a handful of Infiniti designs.

Scroll down for the official press release.

Gallery: Nissan Juke-R Prototype 1: First Drive






Continue reading Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa

Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Alfonso AlbaisaautomotiveAutomotive designcar designdesign directorInfinitinissanvehicle design Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570111/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/20570111/article-detail.xml 20570111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144.jpg <![CDATA[Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/#comments Filed under: , ,



Five months ago, former General Motors engineer Shanshan Du and her husband, Yu Qin were convicted of stealing hybrid technology trade secrets, in attempts to sell the information to Chinese competitors.

US District Judge Marianne Battani sentenced Du to serve one year and one day in prison, a relatively lightweight sentence compared with the minimum six and a half years called for by Federal guidelines. (The minimum sentence is not mandatory, in this instance.) Qin meanwhile, who was convicted of fraud and obstruction of justice, in addition to the conspiracy and possessing trade secrets convictions he shared with his wife, was sentenced to three years in prison. Both will remain free until late this summer.

The Associated Press and ABC News report that Judge Battani took Du's health problems, as well as threat to the public, into account with the sentencing. Said Battani, "I don't think the public needs to be protected from you, but it needs to be protected from others like you," according to the AP story.

Du and Qin both admitted to being guilty of and remorseful for their crimes, claiming they made "wrong decisions."

Click through to watch a video on Canadian espionage.

Gallery: Tokyo Auto Salon 2013






Continue reading Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison

Couple found guilty of trying to sell GM hybrid tech to China sentenced to year in prison originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> espionageindustrial espionageshanshan duyu qin Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20570049/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/couple-found-guilty-of-trying-to-sell-gm-hybrid-tech-to-china-se/20570049/article-detail.xml 20570049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yu-qin-shanshan-du-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




Russian-born tennis superstar Maria Sharapova has just inked a three-year deal with Porsche to be its brand ambassador, a position that will put her on a global campaign for the German automaker. The 26-year-old athlete isn't new to the role - she previously signed a similar three-year deal with Land Rover in 2006.

"Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars," explained Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG, during the announcement. "Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation," he added.

Some consider Porsche's choice of a female tennis player as its ambassador interesting, if not surprising. The automaker has traditionally marketed its vehicles with a masculine edge - Sharapova and the sport of tennis position the brand in a different light - likely an intentional decision. Do you think Porsche's choice was a good one? If not, who would you choose as its global ambassador? Let us know in the comment section.

Click through to watch a video report of the announcement.

Gallery: Porsche 911: Amelia Island 2013







Continue reading Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador [w/video]

Porsche picks Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> athleteathletesbrand ambassadormaria sharapovamaria sharapova gallerymaria sharapova picturesmarketingporscheporsche maria sharapovasharapovatennistennis star Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549015/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/porsche-picks-maria-sharapova-as-brand-ambassador-w-video/20549015/article-detail.xml 20549015 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maria-sharapova-porsche_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maria-sharapova-porsche.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian exec named President and CEO of Ram by Chrysler Group]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/canadian-exec-named-president-and-ceo-of-ram-by-chrysler-group/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/canadian-exec-named-president-and-ceo-of-ram-by-chrysler-group/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/21/canadian-exec-named-president-and-ceo-of-ram-by-chrysler-group/#comments Filed under: , , ,




Chrysler is busy shuffling executives around in the wake of Ram head Fred Diaz's departure. The automaker has named Canadian exec Reid Bigland (pictured, right) as Diaz's successor in the role of president and CEO of Ram, though Bigland will continue his duties as the head of US sales and the president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Bigland first came to Chrysler in 2006 from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, so the guy knows a thing or two about trucks.

Meanwhile, Timothy Kuniskis will take over as president and CEO of Dodge. Previously, he served as the head of Fiat in North America and has been with Chrysler in one capacity or another since 1992. His old title now falls to Jason Stoicevich, who will also continue to work as the director of the automaker's California Business Center. Finally, Bruno Cattori will take over as the president and CEO of Chrysler Mexico.

Diaz left his position to take over as a divisional vice president of sales and marketing with Nissan.

You can read the full press release on the Chrysler personnel changes below for more information, then check out video footage of the Ram police truck.



Gallery: 2013 Dodge Ram 1500






Continue reading Canadian exec named President and CEO of Ram by Chrysler Group

Canadian exec named President and CEO of Ram by Chrysler Group originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerdodgefiatfred diazjason stoicevichramram trucksreid biglandtimothy kuniskis Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20542962/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/21/canadian-exec-named-president-and-ceo-of-ram-by-chrysler-group/20542962/article-detail.xml 20542962 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ram-3500-1366295104_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ram-3500-1366295104.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus ES350 confirmed for US production starting in 2015]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Following Thursday's report, Toyota has confirmed that production of the Lexus ES will move to its Georgetown, KY assembly plant starting in 2015. To accommodate the extra 50,000 units of capacity that the ES represents, Toyota will be investing US$360 million in the plant and hiring 750 new workers.

In the previous report, sources stated that the state of Kentucky had offered Toyota as much as US$146.5 million to move ES production to the Georgetown facility.

The press release, posted below, specifies that only the ES350 will be built in Kentucky, so it's likely that the ES300h hybrid will continue to be built in Japan - where all ES models have been built since the car was introduced in 1989. Toyota's Georgetown plant, which currently builds the Toyota Camry, will also be getting an expansion to its engine plant to produce more four-cylinder engines at a cost of $30 million and will create an additional 80 jobs.

Continue reading Lexus ES350 confirmed for US production starting in 2015

Lexus ES350 confirmed for US production starting in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> georgetown kentuckylexuslexus eslexus es350made in americatoyota motor manufacturing kentucky Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20545793/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/lexus-es350-confirmed-for-kentucky-production-starting-in-2015/20545793/article-detail.xml 20545793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-lexus-es-350-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoffs today [UPDATE]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The entirety of the public relations team at Fisker is about to be laid off. That's according to an email Autoblog received this morning from a credible source stating that the entire PR team, along with a large number of other Fisker employees will be furloughed at 8:00AM PST this morning.

The luxury plug-in-hybrid car startup launched with a splash with the sexy Karma sedan just a few years ago, but since then it has struggled to collect government financing, it has been battered by natural disasters, supplier solvency issues and the recent departure of its namesake, designer and founder Henrik Fisker. The company has been in talks with possible investors, but thus far that has amounted to nothing, and officials are said to be in discussions with bankruptcy experts.

UPDATE: Calling it a "necessary strategic step to... maximize the value of Fisker's core assets," Fisker has confirmed it has laid off 75 percent of its employees. Read more in the official statement by scrolling down and in the Automotive News story linked below.


Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma

Continue reading Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoffs today [UPDATE]

Fisker PR team and many other employees face layoffs today [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingfiredfiskerfisker karmafisker layoffshenrik fiskerkarmalayoff Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:16:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20532286/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/fisker-pr-team-and-many-other-employees-face-layoff-this-morning/20532286/article-detail.xml 20532286 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-fisker-karma-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-fisker-karma-3.jpg <![CDATA[How do you say 'dead VW' in Spanish? Seat needs to double its sales if it wants to survive]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Almost four years ago Seat got a new CEO, James Muir, tasked with the job of creating a sustainably profitable division out of Volkswagen's Spanish brand. Three years ago Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn publicly explained that the Spanish VW brand was getting its last chance, but Muir and a healthy shot of new investment and new product worked like a trick: 18 months later Winterkorn publicly stated his pleasure at Seat's continuing turnaround, and earlier this month Muir was talking up the brand's increased sales in the UK and Germany.

There's more to be done, though. Muir has said that last year's sales of 320,000 cars is half of what is needed for Seat to gain long-term success. It currently makes 15 models in seven model lines, and Muir believes that Seat ultimately needs to get to one million unit sales per year. The division is continuing its expansion into new segments in order to reach that target, a report in Autocar saying it has another model on the way as it seeks to "expand into every area of the crossover market."

Click through to watch how Seat cars are designed in Barcelona, Spain.

Gallery: 2012 SEAT Concepts






Continue reading How do you say 'dead VW' in Spanish? Seat needs to double its sales if it wants to survive

How do you say 'dead VW' in Spanish? Seat needs to double its sales if it wants to survive originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> james muirmartin winterkornseatspainspainish economyspanish carspanish carsvolkswagenvw Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20518176/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/30/vws-seat-unit-needs-to-double-its-sales-if-it-wants-to-survive/20518176/article-detail.xml 20518176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc-1364225650_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-seat-leon-sc-1364225650.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Remember when, during the Grand Prix of the Americas weekend last November, we told you that Sebastian Vettel had worked with Infiniti on the new G Coupe and that there'd be more of that kind of involvement on the way? It's been made official with the three-time Formula One World Champion being named Infiniti's Director of Performance.

Although the announcement is fresh, Vettel's time on the job isn't, Infiniti saying that Vettel went to Japan, the Nürburgring and the Circuit de Catalunya to assist in the development of the Q50 sedan.

When we spoke to Andreas Sigl, the man in charge of Infiniti's F1 collaboration with Red Bull, about the tie-up he had also said, "Like Mercedes has AMG and BMW has M - whether it's called IPL or not - we want to have something in that space." If the brand is still serious about that, Vettel's chops could help them deliver the kind of performance they'd need as upstarts to challenge the ringleaders of that particular hi-po circus.

We might find out soon enough if Vettel's s better at taking team orders from Infiniti than Red Bull. There's a press release and video below with the officially sanctioned paragraphs outlining his new role.


Gallery: Infiniti Sebastian Vettel Edition FX

Continue reading Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance

Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> director of performancef1infinitiinfiniti q50sebastian vettel Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20521025/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/20521025/article-detail.xml 20521025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebastianvettelinfinitiperf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebastianvettelinfinitiperf.jpg <![CDATA[Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ford Figo India cartoon ad with Paris Hilton driving bound and gagged Kardashian family in trunk

You will probably remember the ads for the Ford Figo hatchback in India, the ones that showcased the extra large boot of the little hatchback by joking that you can fit three of your enemies in the trunk. One of the ads had Michael Schumacher in the front seat, obviously pleased about having Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back. But the other two had Paris Hilton and ex-Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi up front and three bound and gagged women in the back - in Hilton's case (shown above), it was the Kardashians.

This did not go over well, and Reuters reports that certain employees at JWT India have been fired over the matter. It is also reported that the images weren't actual advertisements, nor were they part of an actual campaign; JWT said they "were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client." A JWT rep said the employees who created the ads did so on their own, Ford commented to Automotive News that the ads were "part of a creative exercise intended to test concepts for an advertising competition."

The problem, if the story is to be believed, is that the employees skipped the regular review protocols and uploaded their work to an ad industry site - they were found on Ads of the World. That page, like the employees, has been removed.


Gallery: Human Motorcycle

Continue reading Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency

Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adsindiajwtkardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconi Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20520423/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/20520423/article-detail.xml 20520423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad.jpg <![CDATA[Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



With Mastretta and its home-cooked MXT-R already softening the beachhead for Mexican-made sports cars, a new company called VŪHL - an acronym that stands for "Vehicles of Ultra-lightweight and High-performance"­ - is coming to the scene.

The teaser image that you see above shows the VŪHL 05, which is tantalizingly described as a "road-legal lightweight supercar." The details are pretty scarce beyond that, save that we will witness the launch of the 05 at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

VŪHL itself was started by brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, who claim to have picked up their love of high performance cars from their GT and formula car-racing father, Guillermo Echeverria Sr. It is the Echeverria brothers' design firm, Etxe, that has penned the lines for the 05, while the production (of the bodies, at least) will take place in Canada and final assembly will happen in Mexico City. A report by Skiddmark.com indicates that big name suppliers like Magna Steyr, Mutimatic and Ford have a hand in the car, and some funding has come from the Mexican Government, as well. Consider our interest piqued.

Scroll down to watch the Mastretta's German competition in action.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT: LA 2011






Continue reading Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too

Mexico set to get second automaker, and it's a sports car company, too originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 05echevarriamexican carmexican sports carmexicosupercarteaservuhlvuhl 05 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20507890/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/24/mexico-set-to-get-second-automaker-and-its-a-sports-car-compan/20507890/article-detail.xml 20507890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vuhl-05-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vuhl-05-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford paying $770 million to close plant because of slowing economy]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/ford-paying-750-million-just-to-close-plant-in-belgium/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/ford-paying-750-million-just-to-close-plant-in-belgium/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/ford-paying-750-million-just-to-close-plant-in-belgium/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Workers at Ford's Genk facility in Belgium

According to a report from Reuters, Ford is shelling out $770 million in a severance deal that will see the automaker close its facility in Genk, Belgium. The automaker reached this deal with the 4,000 hourly workers employed at the plant last week, which means the company will pay out an average of $192,000 per worker.

Ford is still negotiating with the 300 salaried workers at the factory, which currently produces the Mondeo sedan. All told, Ford expects to lose around $2 billion in Europe thanks in no small part to the region's ongoing economic downturn, and two more plants are scheduled to be shut down in Europe this year. The company will log its $770 million payout under "special items" for this quarter.

As you may recall, Ford took a similar path in the US back in 2009 when the domestic market took a spill. Back then, the company shelled out around US$50,000 per employee with at least one year of experience, plus either US$25,000 toward a new car or an extra cash payment of US$20,000. It would seem the cost of closing plants in Belgium is a much harder pill to swallow than in the States...

Click through to watch a video showing robots at work at a Ford plant.

Gallery: Vaughn Gittin Jr. Drifts Flat Rock Ford Plant






Continue reading Ford paying $770 million to close plant because of slowing economy

Ford paying $770 million to close plant because of slowing economy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> belgiumdepressioneconomic depresioneconomic recessioneconomyeuroeuropeeuropean economyfordford buyoutsgenklayofflayoffsplant closingrecession Sat, 23 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20512874/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/23/ford-paying-750-million-just-to-close-plant-in-belgium/20512874/article-detail.xml 20512874 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/genk-workers-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/genk-workers-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep sales are strong - Chrysler adding 200 jobs at Jeep Wrangler plant]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 - orange - front three-quarter view, muddy

Canadians love their Jeeps. So it comes as good news that sales are strong in North America since strong sales equate to a long future for the vehicle. Chrysler is betting that the Jeep Wrangler will continue its strong sales surge as it continues to push the legendary brand out across the globe. The Auburn Hills automaker is reportedly adding 200 workers at the Toledo, Ohio plant that builds the Wrangler. What's more, those new hires will be at their posts quickly - they'll be on the job by April 1. Of those 200 workers, 130 employees will be there to relieve those who need breaks.

Why do they need so many relief workers? The Toledo Jeep Complex is currently working at a torrid pace with two ten-hour shifts. A third shift has been ruled out for the moment because of a production botttleneck - the plant's paint shop is already maxed out. According to Reuters, Wrangler production in 2012 cleared 200,000 units, and US sales were up by 16 per cent.

Another part of the Toledo plant is presently down as Chrysler retools the line to build Jeep's divisively styled Liberty replacement, the Cherokee. Production for the new model is scheduled to begin toward the end of May.

Gallery: 2014 Jeep Cherokee leaked







To watch a video of the Jeep Wrangler in its natural habitat, scroll down.

Continue reading Jeep sales are strong - Chrysler adding 200 jobs at Jeep Wrangler plant

Jeep sales are strong - Chrysler adding 200 jobs at Jeep Wrangler plant originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 jeep wrangler2014 jeep cherokeecherokeejeeptoledotoledo jeep complextoledo ohiowrangler Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20505892/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/20505892/article-detail.xml 20505892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bus drivers fired for illegal street racing with students on board]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bus-drivers-fired-for-illegal-street-racing-with-students-on-boa/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bus-drivers-fired-for-illegal-street-racing-with-students-on-boa/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/bus-drivers-fired-for-illegal-street-racing-with-students-on-boa/#comments Filed under: , ,

School bus drivers fired for racing

Move over street racing taxi drivers, looks like these two school bus drivers have stolen the spotlight when it comes to dangerous driving antics on public roads. Both bus drivers in Iowa had to learn the hard way that street racing school buses with elementary school children on board "is never a good idea," losing their jobs in the process.

According to reports, one driver decided to pass the one in front on a snowy day in February while schlepping the kids back from a Valentine's Day activity. The kids cheered, for a little while at least, until they realized that the other driver wasn't slowing down to let their bus overtake.

"Even Mitchell knows, racing a school bus full of kids is never a good idea," says the newscaster. And Mitchell Brennan is only seven years old.

School officials say the bus driver who attempted the errant pass on wintry roads was fired immediately, while the other driver was given time to explain his actions - claiming that he had the bus in cruise control and simply didn't slow down - before being fired a short time later.

Scroll down below for a video from the local NBC affiliate and be sure to hit "expand" to watch it in full size.

Continue reading Bus drivers fired for illegal street racing with students on board

Bus drivers fired for illegal street racing with students on board originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> iowaschool busschool bus driversschool bus drivers firedschool bus racingvideo Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20489338/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/bus-drivers-fired-for-illegal-street-racing-with-students-on-boa/20489338/article-detail.xml 20489338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/racing-bus-drivers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/racing-bus-drivers.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche to lead Mercedes-Benz charge through 2016]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-to-lead-mercedes-benz-charge-through/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-to-lead-mercedes-benz-charge-through/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-to-lead-mercedes-benz-charge-through/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



There appear to be two takes on Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche having his contract extended for three more years, to 2016. A report in The Detroit News quotes the chairman of Daimler's supervisory board, Manfred Bischoff, talking up the stability at the top, "With today's extensions of the contracts of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber, we are maintaining the important continuity at the top executive level." Bischoff also stated that Zetsche has a plan to "further enhance Daimler's overall performance."

Over at Reuters, though, the three-year extension was seen as a lack of complete confidence in Zetsche's plans, since his contract was supposedly meant to be extended by five years. For the juicy auto-exec gossip, hit the jump.

Continue reading Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche to lead Mercedes-Benz charge through 2016

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche to lead Mercedes-Benz charge through 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto executiveauto executive payceodaimlerdaimler ceodieter zetscheexecutive paymercedes-benz Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20476622/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/03/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-to-lead-mercedes-benz-charge-through/20476622/article-detail.xml 20476622 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-smiling_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/daimler-ceo-dieter-zetsche-smiling.jpg <![CDATA[Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/#comments Filed under: , ,



The increasing sales success of Honda North America (HNA) has led to Honda brass in Japan reorganizing regional operations here. The management shuffling here and in Japan is intended to both streamline and confer more responsibility on HNA "as the region assumes a larger role in shaping Honda's global business," and as Honda builds more facilities that serve several roles in the product development pipeline.

Honda's executive vice president and president of HNA Tetsuo Iwamura was named COO of automotive operations, taking over a position that had been handled by company president Takanobu Ito. Iwamura's new role puts him in charge of anything Honda makes that has four wheels, which Automotive News says equates to 78 per cent of the company's global revenue.

The current company CFO, Fumihiko Ike, will fill the now-vacant role of company chairman and Kohei Takeuchi will take his place. Takeuchi is presently the operating officer, general manager of the accounting division. The executive swaps take effect April 1, 2013.

Beyond that, a company called Honda North America Services (HNAS) will integrate IT systems, human resources and other responsibilities and streamline operations such as purchasing and manufacturing. It will pluck 50 employees from Honda's offices in Torrance, California, the new company being based in Honda's offices in Marysville, Ohio.

Honda wants to "deliver high quality products to the consumer more quickly and efficiently," and HNA is also expected to have more input into product development. Honda won't confirm it, but that could mean that the next Honda Accord is developed here. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy

Honda overhauls North American operations with eye towards more autonomy originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accordhnahnashondahonda north americahonda north america servicestakanobu itoTetsuo Iwamura Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20476143/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/honda-overhauls-north-american-operations-with-eye-towards-more/20476143/article-detail.xml 20476143 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/honda-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[Snow plow driver fired after intentionally covering cars and posting YouTube video]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/mass-plow-driver-fired-after-intentionally-covering-cars-posti/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/mass-plow-driver-fired-after-intentionally-covering-cars-posti/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/mass-plow-driver-fired-after-intentionally-covering-cars-posti/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Just over two feet of snow fell on the Boston area during a massive Nor'easter earlier this month, and while many citizens relied on public services to dig out of the snow, one snow plow driver apparently had a different idea about how to handle the situation.

According to reports on the Lowell Sun and Boston.com, a plow driver named Mark Hussey posted a profanity-laced video on YouTube showing him laughing and expressing his enjoyment as he intentionally buries cars and blocks driveways.

In parts of the video, some cars are already just white lumps along the side of the street, but Hussey does his best to make sure they are even harder to get to. He even starts off by pushing back snow as one person attempts to clear their sidewalk and can do nothing but watch his Mack truck rumble by.

Reports claim Hussey was not an employee of the city, but worked for company contracted by the city to clear the snow, and, according to his statements, he made quite a bit of money doing so. We're not sure he's laughing as loud now, though, as it appears he's been fired for his transgressions.

Hussey's video and a related news reported are embedded down below, but before you fire them up to watch, note that he uses a lot of explicit, Not Safe For Work (NSFW) language to describe his activities.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Lamborghini Aventador Loses Control in Snow

Continue reading Snow plow driver fired after intentionally covering cars and posting YouTube video

Snow plow driver fired after intentionally covering cars and posting YouTube video originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> boston snow stormfired snow plow drivermark husseynoreasternot safe for worknsfwplow driversnow plowsnow plow drivervideo Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20476338/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/mass-plow-driver-fired-after-intentionally-covering-cars-posti/20476338/article-detail.xml 20476338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/snow-plow-dash-cam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/snow-plow-dash-cam.jpg <![CDATA[Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Assembly line at Peugeot plant with worker and sign

As Europe's economy continues to suffer, so do automakers. One of the latest pieces of bad news comes from French carmaker Peugeot which says it will write down its assets by US$5.53 billion. The figure represents almost 29 per cent of the company's property, valued at US$19.4 billion in June. Peugeot says it will also take a second-half charge of US$325 million for "onerous contracts." Speaking of onerous, The Detroit News notes the "write-downs are more than double Peugeot's current market value." Yipes.

"This calculus results from cautious assumptions about the European economic environment," Chief Financial Officer Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon is quoted as saying in the article. "We think that this European car market will remain affected by the crisis for a long time."

With European auto sales falling the most in almost 20 years, Peugeot executives see little chance of improvement. Peugeot's sales dropped 13 per cent in 2012 and Chatillon said markets could fall another 5 per cent this year.

Efforts to right the ship include cutting 17 per cent of its French workforce, closing a factory near Paris and selling off assets. The French government has offered US$9.3 billion in bond guarantees that await European Union review. In addition, an alliance between General Motors and Peugeot authored last year was meant to save the two companies US$2 billion in annual cost savings and sales improvements over 5 years, but it's currently under review.

Continue reading Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets

Ailing Peugeot writes-down over US$5.5B in assets originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailouteuropean financial crisisfinancial crisisgeneral motorsjean-baptiste de chatillonpeugeot Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20457018/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/18/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-us-5-5b-in-assets/20457018/article-detail.xml 20457018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot-plant-line-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/peugeot-plant-line-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan to build Golf-fighter in Spain]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/nissan-to-build-golf-fighter-in-spain/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/nissan-to-build-golf-fighter-in-spain/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/nissan-to-build-golf-fighter-in-spain/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Nissan hasn't had a proper European entry in the ridiculously popular compact hatchback segment since it stopped offering its somewhat staid and uninspiring Almera (above) in 2006. According to Automotive News Europe, the new machine, which will not be called Almera, will be marketed against the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus - two extremely popular models in Europe. Production is slated to begin in July of 2014.

The new compact will be built in Barcelona, Spain, at the factory that currently builds the Pathfinder, Navara pickup and NV200 commercial van. An investment of US$178 million will be made to assemble the compact car, and an additional US$27 million will go to the plant to create more trucks and transmissions for electric vehicles.

The decision to invest in Spain comes after the automaker successfully renegotiated contracts with local unions. Similar talks are underway in France, where Nissan partner Renault is based, but as of yet no new agreements have been struck. Feel free to browse through the official press release below.

Continue reading Nissan to build Golf-fighter in Spain

Nissan to build Golf-fighter in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> almerabarcelonacompact hatchbacknissannissan hatchbacknissan spainspain Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20449936/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/nissan-to-build-golf-fighter-in-spain/20449936/article-detail.xml 20449936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissan-almera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nissan-almera.jpg -1 2