Automaker News

“We'd like to work something out with these guys, sure”

The lead equity investor in a plan to bring auto parts maker Delphi Corp. out of bankruptcy protection says he's still interested in working out a deal, even though his private equity fund pulled out earlier ... via Grand Rapids Press

“We're just waiting for a response”

The United Auto Workers gave American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. a proposal dealing with economic issues Wednesday as a six-week strike against the company continued. via WHAS-TV Louisville

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 539,500 Corolla and Matrix passenger cars in the United States because the bolts in the power window system can become loose and ultimately cause a window to shatter.

Toyota said Wednesday it had received reports of 143 cases in which the bolts at the bottom of the power window assembly became loose, caused the window to rattle or led to the window breaking.

Toyota spokesman Joe Tetherow said there had been one minor accident and 15 injuries reported. He said he did not know how many complaints Toyota had received of windows shattering. Read more

TOKYO : Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will recall 628,239 minivans in Japan due to an installation flaw that could lead to cracks in the fuel tank. via International Herald Tribune

Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday it had posted a 47 percent gain in first-quarter sales through affiliates in China, with 90,791 vehicles sold. via BNET

“It's obviously something in the direction of being customer-focused. I think that makes a lot of sense.”

For most drivers there's a lingering doubt when changing lanes on the freeway: Did I miss a car in the blind spot?

Starting early next year, Ford Motor Co. will try to eliminate that doubt. It will begin installing side-view mirrors on its vehicles that show the blind spots in the outside upper corners.

The Dearborn-based automaker and several industry analysts say they know of no other automaker that currently offers such a feature, although some are considering it and auto parts stores sell small mirrors that focus on blind spots. Read more

“We're thrilled that more than 1,000 Best Western hotels are 'rider-friendly,' and we will add to this total throughout the year.”

More than 1,000 Best Western hotels in the United States and Canada have been identified as "rider-friendly," the company announced today, offering motorcycle riders wipe-down towels at check in and access to a ... via Motorcycle USA

Italian auto maker Fiat will begin selling its Alfa Romeo sports cars in the United States after the summer, ending the brand's 13-year absence from the US market, Ansa news agency reports. via The New Zealand Herald

“Our respondents are lying through their teeth”

When Tom Weatherbee swapped his minivan for a Toyota Prius hybrid two years ago, he was mostly hoping to save money at the gas pump. via Scientific American

TRW Automotive says it will add 200 jobs and plans to take over space in a new facility being constructed south of Lafayette. via IndyStar.com

Commonwealth Bank of Australia , the nation's largest lender, raised 107.1 billion yen offering investors in Japan more than double the yield margin over benchmark rates that it paid five months ago. via Bloomberg.com - Asia

Wall Street reacted favorably Monday to Greenbrier Cos. ' announcement that it acquired nearly all the assets of Roller Bearing Industries Inc., from SKF USA Inc. via The Business Journal of Portland

Nissan Motor Co. says it will build and sell light commercial vehicles in the U.S., using its existing work force and factories. via NewsCenter 25

Modine Manufacturing Co. of Racine said Monday that it agreed to sell its Thermacore Inc. via The Business Journal of Milwaukee

A top labor official and the top executive of Michigan-based American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings are planning to meet to end a nearly six-week-old strike at the auto parks maker. via NBC24.com

Hyundai Motor Co. is satisfied with sales levels in the United States and has no plans to cut production at its factory there, a top executive said.

'U.S. sales results for March were good,' Hyundai Vice Chairman Kim Dong-jin was quoted Monday by the carmaker as saying. 'The situation is very favorable and encouraging.'

He said that 'there is no such plan' to lower output.

Kim made the comments in response to questions from reporters Friday on the sidelines of a meeting sponsored by the Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Read more

“Earlier this year we made the strategic decision to make our fund management available to UK investors and we are very pleased to be doing so in partnership with New Star”

London : British fund manager New Star Asset Management has entered into a joint venture with the Tata Group that will see the two companies launch an Indian equity fund for UK investors later this year. via The Hindu

“When he had time to reflect, Trooper Conrad reconsidered his resignation and decided that he wanted to retain his employment until he could retire after 20 years”

CONRAD James A. Conrad, 49, of Concord, who worked in the major crimes unit, was fired March 18. via UnionLeader.com

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced March 2008 sales of 19,587 units, a 12.9 percent increase over the March 2007 sales of 17,355 vehicles. via The VW Gazette

“This new venture allows us to extend our business model to new segments of the RV market. We are energized by the opportunities for Entegra Coach and we look forward to the synergies associated with this new venture.”

A new subsidiary to manufacture and market products for the luxury segments of the recreational vehicle market has been established by Jayco Inc. via Goshen News, Goshen, IN