Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 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[VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Michael Schumacher talks about his return to F1 racing - Click above to watch the video

Let the rumors rest -- Michael Schumacher is back. As we reported earlier this morning, it appeared he was all set to sign with Mercedes-Benz, and now the deal is done. The newly named Mercedes GP Petronas team (nee Brawn GP) finally announced that they have signed the soon-to-be-41-year-old, seven-time World Champion to drive for the Silver Arrows team in 2010, and the BBC has already tracked him down for an extensive interview. Although most closely associated with Ferrari for returning that legendary marque to the winners circle following a decades-old drought, Schumacher does have a history with Mercedes having started his top level driving career via their junior program back in 1990 competing in Group C and DTM racing.

Besides being reunited with Ross Brawn - the man who brought him every one of his seven championships - Michael brings just a bit more experience to the Mercedes F1 team with his 248 starts, 91 wins, 154 podiums, and 68 pole positions. And even after a three-year layoff, the consensus seems to be that he hasn't missed a step. As you may remember, Michael almost made his comeback for Ferrari last year following Felipe Massa's unfortunate accident in Hungary, but he was sidelined due to neck problems related to a motorcycle racing crash. Schui has been tuning up with some karting action, most recently in Las Vegas, where he was competing against some of the best racers in the world, including fellow F1 pilots Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Sebastien Buemi.

MS will be joining fellow German Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, making the team an all-German affair. The F1 driving contract is said to be worth nearly $9.9 million to Schumi for 2010. Michael, for his part, says he has high hopes for returning to the podium right away and in fact plans to grab another championship trophy next year. Why else would he bother, right? It should be a fascinating season. Click through to the jump to watch the BBC interview Schumacher talking about his decision to return to racing and read the official statement from Mercedes GP.

[Sources: YouTube via BBC Sport, Brawn GP]

Continue reading VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1

VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCbenzBrawn GPBrawnGpF1F1 world championshipF1WorldChampionshipFerrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemercedesMercedes GPmercedes-benzMercedesGpMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherNico RosbergNicoRosbergRoss BrawnRossBrawnSchuischumachersilver arrowsSilverArrowsWorld ChampionWorldChampion Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford offering all 41,000 UAW workers buyout packages]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-offering-all-41-000-uaw-workers-buyout-packages/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-offering-all-41-000-uaw-workers-buyout-packages/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-offering-all-41-000-uaw-workers-buyout-packages/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to Ford spokesman Mark Truby, "Despite a strengthening in our business, we still have a surplus in employees." Union employees to be specific. As such, Ford has just announced plans to reduce its unionized workforce by offering a buyout package to all 41,000 UAW members currently employed by the automaker.

Reuters reports that Ford workers with at least one year of experience can take a payout of $50,000 plus a new car voucher worth $25,000 or an additional cash payment of $20,000. Retirement-age workers can opt to take their pensions plus the $25,000 new vehicle voucher or the $20,000 payment. Finally, skilled-trade workers that are eligible for retirement can opt for a $40,000 payout plus their pensions.

Ford says these efforts are necessary to remain competitive with foreign rivals and fellow American automakers General Motors and Chrysler, both of which recently went through government-sponsored bankruptcy proceedings and extensive reorganization. Earlier this year, Ford's UAW workers voted down a revised contract that would have essentially granted Ford the same measures that unionized auto workers had earlier extended to Chrysler and General Motors.

Workers who accept the buyout packages would leave sometime during the month of February, 2010. Any new workers hired as replacements will start at $14 per hour under the latest UAW contract, which is half of the current average wage of UAW employees being offered the buyouts.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Ford offering all 41,000 UAW workers buyout packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buyoutbuyout packageBuyout PackagesBuyoutPackageBuyoutPackagesbuyoutsfordFord Buyoutford buyout packageFord Buyoutsford uawFordBuyoutFordBuyoutPackageFordBuyoutsFordUawuaw Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[BREAKING: Ex-Microsoft CFO Chris Liddell named CFO of General Motors]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/breaking-ex-microsoft-cfo-chris-liddell-named-cfo-of-general-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/breaking-ex-microsoft-cfo-chris-liddell-named-cfo-of-general-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/breaking-ex-microsoft-cfo-chris-liddell-named-cfo-of-general-mo/#comments Filed under: ,

In the search for an auto industry outside, General Motors has announced that Chris Liddell will become the automaker's vice chairman and CFO in 2010.

Set to replace Ray G. Young -- a 20-year veteran of GM -- Liddell, the former Chief Financial Officer for software giant Microsoft, will report to GM's chairman and acting CEO Ed Whitacre and use his financial expertise to right the General's ship after one of the worst years in the automaker's history.

Liddell, an engineering and philosophy major, oversaw Microsoft's global acquisitions, accounting and reporting while leading its financial team, and will depart from the software colossus on December 31. More details on this corporate breath of fresh air in the press release after the break.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Ex-Microsoft CFO Chris Liddell named CFO of General Motors

BREAKING: Ex-Microsoft CFO Chris Liddell named CFO of General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingbreakingnewscfochris liddellchris liddell general motorschris liddell gmChrisLiddellChrisLiddellGeneralMotorsChrisLiddellGmgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmrightvice chairmanViceChairman Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:23:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-swedish-government-to-meet-with-gm-officials-could-saa/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than a day after General Motors officially announced Saab's euthanization, it looks like the storied Swedish brand might still have the faintest whisper of a pulse. Motor Trend is reporting that there are rumors swirling that the Swedish government will hold emergency meetings this weekend to try to save Saab. At least some government officials apparently feel that Saab is too important to fail... now where have we heard that before? With such a small population, the closure of Saab could have a major impact on the nation's economy, much like the failure of GM (and Chrysler, to a lesser extent) was viewed as potentially catastrophic in the States.

Some 3,400 employees will be jobless when GM completes its planned "orderly wind down" starting in January. That estimate doesn't include workers from the 1,100 Saab dealers that will also be shuttered around the globe.

Despite the failed selloff, things look like they're picking up at The General. The automaker announced yesterday that they had paid back the first $1 billion TARP money they borrowed from us the U.S. government. BAIC, Koenigsegg, Spyker and others had attempted to jump into the Saab fire-sale, but all have come out burned. Well, BAIC at least scored tooling for the old 9-3 and current 9-5. With a new-for 2010 9-5 having taken the stage at auto shows around the globe in recent months and the 9-4X in the wings, we'd love to see all of the Saab faithful get an early Christmas gift. We're definitely not holding our breath, but we'll keep you posted through the weekend should anything materialize.


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal


[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BAICbaic saabbaic saab toolingBaicSaabBaicSaabToolingGM Saabgm saab saleGM saleGmSaabGmSaabSaleGmSalekoenigseggkoenigsegg saabKoenigseggSaabSaabsaab 9-3Saab 9-4xsaab 9-5saab gmSaab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5SaabGmspykerspyker SaabSpykerSaabswedenSwedish GovernmentSwedishGovernment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Trio of top Toyota execs to retire]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-trio-of-top-toyota-execs-to-retire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-trio-of-top-toyota-execs-to-retire/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/report-trio-of-top-toyota-execs-to-retire/#comments Filed under:

Toyota Veeps
Departing Toyota VPs Steve Sturm, Dave Danzer, Irv Miller

According to Automotive News, three of Toyota's group vice presidents will be leaving the company in less than sixty days. Steve Sturm, 28 years with the company, oversaw strategic research and planning for the Americas as well as corporate communications. Dave Danzer is a 24-year veteran and headed strategic and product planning. Environmental and public affairs were headed by Irv Miller, who's been a Toyota associate for 29 years.

Long-tenured group VPs don't generally just get up and leave, especially not in unison, so we assume their departures are not a surprise inside the company. Still, we imagine it's a blow, and there's probably more than one Toyota higher-up singing, "You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille..."

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Trio of top Toyota execs to retire originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> personnelretirementtoyota Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:08:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Michigan gives GM tax break but automaker to still halve staff at RenCen]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-michigan-gives-gm-tax-break-but-automaker-to-still-halve/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-michigan-gives-gm-tax-break-but-automaker-to-still-halve/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-michigan-gives-gm-tax-break-but-automaker-to-still-halve/#comments Filed under: , ,



There are roughly 4,000 GM employees working at the company's Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit. During the restructuring, GM has been working out how many employees to let go and where to put the remainder, and that, for the state of Michigan, meant another few thousand workers unemployed.

To lessen the damage, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) has been in talks with GM to limit the number of retrenched employees. The General had committed to maintaining a workforce of 2,500 at the RenCen in exchange for a $50 million tax break over twenty years, but the number was recently reduced to 2,000. GM simply needs to do all it can to get itself back in contention.

The company will still receive the tax break and talks are continuing, yet while there aren't many details it's an intriguing deal to strike. This could be cynical of us, but GM has white-collar workers in numerous locations in Michigan, and we wonder if the company wouldn't simply shuffle people around to keep the required number at the RenCen but get rid of all the employees it feels it needs to. And when the company gets its new CEO, well, as we've seen before, he or she might plot a very different course than the one being charted now.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Michigan gives GM tax break but automaker to still halve staff at RenCen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsGeneralMotorsgmmichiganmichigan economic growth authorityMichiganEconomicGrowthAuthorityRenaissance CenterRenaissanceCenter Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/lotus-appoints-ferrari-designer-donato-coco-as-new-design-direct/#comments Filed under: , ,

The upper echelon at Lotus continues to evolve, with today's announcement that Donato Coco has been appointed as the new director of design at the UK sports car maker and engineering consultancy. The Italian designer is moving to Hethel from Ferrari headquarters in Maranello where Coco worked on recent products like the F430 Scuderia coupe, Spider 16M, California, 599XX and the new F458 Italia. Prior to his Ferrari tenure, Coco was the chief designer at Citroen.

With Coco's hiring, Lotus hopes to bring its design expertise up to par with its engineering work for other automakers. Coco will also oversee the design of the upcoming Lotus product range which will continue to be led by current design head Russell Carr. With Coco and Carr, Lotus will be producing an Evora convertible, an all new Esprit and eventually a new Elise and Exige in the coming years.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director

Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> director of designDirectorOfDesigndonato cocoDonatoCocolotuslotus designlotus director of designLotusDesignLotusDirectorOfDesign Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST <![CDATA[McLaren's Whitmarsh reportedly elected to replace Montezemolo as FOTA chairman]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mclarens-whitmarsh-reportedly-elected-to-replace-montezemolo-as/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mclarens-whitmarsh-reportedly-elected-to-replace-montezemolo-as/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mclarens-whitmarsh-reportedly-elected-to-replace-montezemolo-as/#comments Filed under: ,



There's only so many chairs one man can sit in at once. But Luca di Montezemolo has made an art out of pushing the limits. In addition to serving as chairman of both Ferrari and the Fiat group, the hereditary nobleman was, until recently at least, also chairing the Italian Confindustria employers' federation and the FIEG editorial organization. But something's got to give, and at the end of this year he's stepping down from his role as the founding chairman of the Formula One Teams Association.

In his place, according to the latest reports, will serve one Martin Whitmarsh, recently promoted to team principal of the McLaren team after Ron Dennis went off to concentrate on the emerging road car division. Meanwhile, Red Bull chief Christian Horner was reportedly elected to chair the Sporting Working Group while Ross Brawn stays on as head of the Technical Working Group within FOTA. The meeting of the team principals took place in Monaco on the heels of the F1 Business Forum and the Formula 1 Commission meeting.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

McLaren's Whitmarsh reportedly elected to replace Montezemolo as FOTA chairman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> christian hornerChristianHornerf1formula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationfotamartin whitmarshMartinWhitmarshmclarenross brawnRossBrawnwhitmarsh Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:32:00 EST <![CDATA[2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/2010-f1-grid-comes-into-focus-as-lotus-signs-trulli-and-kovalain/#comments Filed under: , ,

The pieces to the puzzle that is the upcoming Formula One season are coming together bit by bit. In the latest development, the upstart Lotus F1 Racing team has announced the signing of two veteran drivers: Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen.

A former Monaco Grand Prix race winner, Trulli has driven for five different teams over the course of the past twelve years on the grid. Speculation was that he could switch to NASCAR following a recent test with Michael Waltrip Racing, particularly as the Toyota team for which he'd been driving for the past six years announced its withdrawal from the series. Finnish driver Kovalainen, meanwhile, is also a former race winner, left without a ride when McLaren replaced him with reigning world champion Jenson Button. Local aspirant Fairuz Fauzy, formerly of Malaysia's A1GP team, will serve as reserve/test driver.

The announcement was made by Malaysia's prime minister, whose government is backing the team. Although the outfit has no direct ties with the automaker of the same name - save for mutual patronage by Malaysia's state-run Proton - the British sportscar-maker and engineering firm could buy into the team at some point in the future as part of its comprehensive racing plan, giving Lotus the kind of operation Ferrari has run for decades.

With the Lotus drivers in place and Force India having recently confirmed the retention of Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi, the 2010 grid is rapidly taking form. The only remaining seats are with Mercedes/Brawn GP (which has yet to announce Nico Rosberg's team-mate as speculation intensifies over Michael Schumacher's return), Renault (which has yet to announce a wingman for Robert Kubica as the team's future remains in question), Sauber (which was only recently approved for next season), Toro Rosso, Campos Meta (which has announced only Bruno Senna), Virgin/Manor (which has confirmed only Timo Glock so far) and USF1.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Lotus.

[Source: Lotus F1 Team | Image: Bongarts/Getty]

Continue reading 2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen

2010 F1 grid comes into focus as Lotus signs Trulli and Kovalainen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1 malaysia1Malaysiaf1fairuz fauzyFairuzFauzyfauzyformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjarno trulliJarnoTrullikovalainenlotuslotus f1lotus f1 racingLotusF1LotusF1Racingmalaysiatrulli Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Retiring Saturn chief Lajdziak to take over Smart USA sales and marketing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/retiring-saturn-chief-to-take-over-smartusa-sales-and-marketing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/retiring-saturn-chief-to-take-over-smartusa-sales-and-marketing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/retiring-saturn-chief-to-take-over-smartusa-sales-and-marketing/#comments Filed under: , ,

Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak spent several months this summer and fall working closely with Roger Penske and his staff, trying to iron out the details of the brand's proposed purchase from General Motors. As we all know, that agreement fell apart when Renault's board of directors vetoed a deal to supply cars to a Penske-owned Saturn. When GM decided to shutter Saturn, Lajdziak promptly announced that she would retire from General Motors at the end of this month.

Apparently, in spite of the Saturn deal's collapse, Penske was impressed by Lajdziak and has now hired her to take over sales and marketing at another of his enterprises, Smart USA.

Lajdziak will become VP of Smart USA on January 1, and will have quite a challenge in front of her. Smart sales have gone into free fall of late. For the year, sales are down 38 percent, and in recent months, they've dipped as much as 70 percent. It seems that everyone who wanted one of the tiny two-seaters has now bought one.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Retiring Saturn chief Lajdziak to take over Smart USA sales and marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jill LajdziakJillLajdziakpenskePenske AutomotivePenske Automotive GroupPenskeAutomotivePenskeAutomotiveGroupsmartSmartUsa Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Star Search: Fresh talent descends on Jerez for F1 mega test]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/star-search-fresh-talent-descends-on-jerez-for-f1-mega-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/star-search-fresh-talent-descends-on-jerez-for-f1-mega-test/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/star-search-fresh-talent-descends-on-jerez-for-f1-mega-test/#comments Filed under: ,

Youngsters invade F1 test at Jerez
F1 Young Drivers Test at Jerez - Click above for high-res image gallery

The biggest football fans don't just watch the NFL. They're watching college football too. If not because they say it's a better spectacle, then simply to see the future pros who'll ultimately be drafted by NFL teams.

Formula racing works the same way. (Well, sorta.) There are countless feeder series staged every year around the world, and most of the drivers in them are hoping for their shot at the big leagues. But with championships split between so many series - from Formula Renault to GP2 and from Indy Lights to Formula 2 - it can be a bit much to follow.

Fortunately this year in the off-season, all the returning F1 teams came together for one massive test at the Jerez track in Spain. There they put the latest crop of up-and-coming talent to the test. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.


Gallery: F1 Young Driver Test, Jerez, December 2009

Continue reading Star Search: Fresh talent descends on Jerez for F1 mega test

Star Search: Fresh talent descends on Jerez for F1 mega test originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Alexander RossiAlexanderRossiAndy SoucekAndySoucekBertrand BaguetteBertrandBaguetteBrendon HartleyBrendonHartleycircuito jerezCircuitoJerezDaniel RicciardoDaniel ZampieriDanielRicciardoDanielZampieriEsteban GutierrezEstebanGutierrezf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneGary PaffettGaryPaffettHo-Pin TungHo-pinTungjerezJR HildebrandJrHildebrandJules BianchiJulesBianchiLucas Di GrassiLucasDiGrassiMarco ZipoliMarcoZipoliMarcus EricssonMarcusEricssonMike ConwayMikeConwayMirko BortolottiMirkoBortolottiNico HulkenbergNicoHulkenbergOliver TurveyOliverTurveyPablo Sanchez LopezPabloSanchezLopezPaul Di RestaPaulDiRestayoung driver testyoung driversYoungDriversYoungDriverTest Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nine days ago, we posted about Michael Richards getting Susan Docherty's old post at General Motors, brand manager for Buick-GMC. Today, he walked away. According to The Detroit News, the official (yet still unofficial) reason is that Richards' previous employer - Trinity Automotive in Austin, TX - made him a very strong counter offer. Though it seems to us that Trinity would have made the counter offer before Richards packed up and moved north, and we've also heard rumblings from Detroit insiders that there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Whatever the actual reason for Richards' abrupt departure, Buick-GMC is currently without a leader. Chevrolet is in a bit of a better position, even though just yesterday its vice president and 31-year company vet Brent Dewar suddenly retired. Dewar was appointed to his position in July by ex-CEO Fritz Henderson, who just resigned/was outsted from GM... nine days ago. Dewar was immediately replaced by Jim Campbell, Chevy's Fleet and Commercial Operations manager.

It seems mostly obvious to us, that both Richards and Dewar's sudden departures have to do with Henderson leaving. Because honestly, it sure as hell ain't the weather outside the Renaissance Center. As for Richards specifically, it must have been odd and unsettling to start a new career on the very same day that the guy that hired you exits stage left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Brent DewarBrentDewarBuickBuick-GMCChevroletchevyFritz HendersonFritzHendersonGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGMCMichael RichardsMichaelRichards Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Chevrolet Vice President Brent Dewar retires from GM]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chevrolet-vice-president-brent-dewar-retires-from-gm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chevrolet-vice-president-brent-dewar-retires-from-gm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/chevrolet-vice-president-brent-dewar-retires-from-gm/#comments Filed under: ,



In yet another "that didn't take long" moment from General Motors, Chevrolet's vice president, Brent Dewar, has retired after being appointed in July by recently-ousted CEO Fritz Henderson.

GM's vice president of Sales, Service and Marketing, Susan Docherty, made the announcement late today, with Dewar being replaced by Jim Campbell, the General's former Fleet and Commercial Operations manager, effective immediately.

Unlike the recent push to find an outsider to fill Fritz' vacancy, Campbell, 45, has been with the automaker since 1988 -- effectively making him another GM-lifer. Let's hope Campbell serves a longer stint as vice president than his predecessor -- a total of five months. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Chevrolet Vice President Brent Dewar retires from GM

Chevrolet Vice President Brent Dewar retires from GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brett dewarBrettDewarchevroletjim campbellJimCampbell Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:47:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Mad Money</i> host Jim Cramer calls Whitacre 'assassin of the bad']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/i-mad-money-i-host-jim-cramer-calls-whitacre-assassin-of-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/i-mad-money-i-host-jim-cramer-calls-whitacre-assassin-of-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/i-mad-money-i-host-jim-cramer-calls-whitacre-assassin-of-the/#comments Filed under:



We've spilled some ink about CNBC Mad Money host Jim Cramer before, the financial expert who - as The Daily Show pointed out - missed the whole Great Depression 2.0 thing. Of course, it's not fair to single out Mr. Cramer, as 99 out of 100 economists thought credit default swaps based upon ill-conceived home loans to people with lousy credit was a sure-fired, long-term money-making bonanza.

Regardless, Jim Cramer is very bullish on General Motors' new interim CEO and former Southwestern Bell exec, Ed Whitacre. Says Cramer of Ed, "He was fierce and proud and was going to do whatever was necessary to rebuild the greatness of this once amazing company." Sounds good to us. Especially if Mr. Whitacre applies that devil-may-care acumen to doing-better-but-still-ailing General Motors. GM's problem is, for every Cadillac CTS-V, there's a Chevrolet Aveo.

Put another way, for every Ed Whitacre, there's a Fritz Henderson. Or ten. Still, if Jim Cramer is to be believed, Whitacre is an "assassin of the bad." Unions? Watch your butts, as "he's going to take it to them." Senior management might even be in worse trouble, as Cramer says, "He doesn't need you. He likes to run the place with a shoestring administration." Again, we hope Cramer's right. But we also know that those ten Fritz Hendersons are dug into GM's corporate structure like Alabama ticks.

[Source: Blogging Stocks | Image: Rusty Jarrett/Getty]

Mad Money host Jim Cramer calls Whitacre 'assassin of the bad' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CNBCEd WhitacreEdWhitacreFritz HendersonFritzHendersonGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMJim CramerJimCramerMad moneyMadMoney Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Spencer Stuart tasked with finding new GM CEO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-spencer-stuart-tasked-with-finding-new-gm-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-spencer-stuart-tasked-with-finding-new-gm-ceo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-spencer-stuart-tasked-with-finding-new-gm-ceo/#comments Filed under: ,

Headhunting firm Spencer Stuart is without doubt on the speed-dial lists of bailed-out firms, having placed chairmen, CEOs, Chrysler Group LLC, and board members for AIG, Citigroup Inc., Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and GMAC. Then they flew over General Motors so that Ed Whitacre, Jr. could heli-drop in. Now, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that GM has chosen Spencer Stuart to assist it in locating a permanent CEO to take up the position from Whitacre.

GM's list of requirements makes it clear they're looking for someone bionic, having "extensive global, manufacturing and turnaround experience." The new person should also have solid credentials working with Asia, since GM believes it will move more metal over there than in the U.S. next year, and the prospective bigwig doesn't need to come from within the auto industry'sranks.

No national preference has been put forth for the new CEO, only that he or she be "global minded." Perhaps the most important proven attribute they can bring: the ability to restore morale. It's an impressive list, but that's frankly the kind of CEO we would expect GM to require anyway, regardless of its economic and market position. And it does kind of make us wonder if Alan Mulally could simultaneously run two carmakers...

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: Spencer Stuart tasked with finding new GM CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ceoexecutive headhuntingExecutiveHeadhuntingFritzFritz HendersonFritzHendersongeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmGM CEOGmCeoheadhunterheadhuntersspencer stuartSpencerStuart Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/#comments Filed under: , ,



Back in May, General Motors announced plans to close down a large portion of its dealership network. Since then, a number of those franchisees have lodged complaints to both the automaker itself and appropriate policymakers, leading to possible legislation on how GM is allowed to handle the closing of dealerships. This being the case, The General is proactively drafting a new set of rules as to how it will deal with these to-be-shuttered dealerships, and it promises that some are likely to be reinstated after the process.

Specific details can be seen in the press release pasted after the break, but it seems that the new plan basically will allow these affected dealerships to get some real-life face time with the automaker to hear exactly whey they were targeted for closure. If the dealer still isn't happy with the outcome, it can elect to enter binding arbitration. If that arbiter finds that GM chose to shutter the dealership for anything other than sound business reasons, the franchise stands to be reinstated.

There's plenty more detailed in the plan, including a provision for GM to help service technicians and dealership employees find new placement, after the break. This plan will go into effect by mid-January "provided that legislation related to GM's dealer restructuring does not move forward."

[Source: General Motors | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

Continue reading Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints

Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dealer closingdealer closingsdealer franchisedealer relationsDealerClosingDealerClosingsDealerFranchiseDealerRelationsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmGM dealergm dealersgm dealershipgm dealership closingsgm dealershipsGmDealerGmDealersGmDealershipGmDealershipClosingsGmDealerships Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST <![CDATA[Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


The French and the Japanese have gotten together to form a magic partnership once already with Carlos Ghosn at the helm. The question is, then, can that success be replicated? PSA Peugeot-Citroën seems to hope so, and it is reportedly on the verge of purchasing a controlling stake (somewhere between 30 and 53 percent, depending on the report) in Mitsubishi Motors.

The total price for the acquisition would cost the European automaker over $3 billion and the deal would also include Mitsubishi acquiring a somewhat smaller stake in PSA Peugeot-Citroën - again, similar to the situation between France's Renault and Japan's Nissan.

So, what does Mitsubishi have that Peugeot wants? Three things, apparently: A presence in the States, SUV expertise and, perhaps most importantly, electric vehicle technology. If a deal does indeed take place, the resulting entity would be the sixth largest automaker by sales in the world.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroenmergermitsubishiMitsubishi MotorsMitsubishiMotorspeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenpsa peugeot citroen mitsubishiPsaPeugeotCitroenPsaPeugeotCitroenMitsubishitie-up Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning <b>[UPDATE: Confirmed]</b>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/#comments Filed under: , ,

Having just been appointed interim CEO at General Motors earlier this week, ex-AT&T man Ed Whitacre isn't wasting any time in exercising his newfound authority. According to The Wall Street Journal, Whitacre is to announce a number of management changes this morning, including moving Vice Chairman Bob Lutz from his role in marketing to a more product planning-focused role. Whitacre is also expected to promote some of the company's younger managers to new positions, although it has not yet been revealed who is targeted.

According to the WSJ, Whitacre "drew up the new management blueprint in a matter of four hours," suggesting to us that he already had a number of changes in mind. Further, he is also expected to combine GM's sales and marketing divisions

While Whitacre has only been on the job since Tuesday and he is technically only considered an interim appointment at this time, the search for a new CEO is thought likely to take months, if not a year. From the looks of things, Whitacre isn't looking at himself as simply a placeholder, though, and we wouldn't be surprised to see more changes as the weeks and months roll by.

*UPDATE: Changes confirmed: GM has issued a press release (viewable after the jump). Among the moves, Bob Lutz will be an 'advisor' on design and global product - he will retain his title of vice chairman. Other changes include Mark Reuss named as president of GM North America, Susan Docherty appointed VP, vehicle sales, service, and marketing operations. For a full list of changes, click past the jump for the release.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal I Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning [UPDATE: Confirmed]

BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning [UPDATE: Confirmed] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Bob LutzBobLutzbreakingbreakingnewsEd WhitacreEdWhitacreGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM CEOGmCeomanagement changesmanagement shakeupManagementChangesManagementShakeupmark reussMarkReusssusan dochertySusanDochertyWhitacre Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Fifth Gear</i>: Hope yet for Britain's other car show?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Our heart goes out to the crew at Fifth Gear. It really does. Because it's got to be tough living in the shadow of the BBC show that spawned it. We're talking about Top Gear, of course, and by any other yardstick, Fifth Gear is a fantastic car show. But its popularity has never approached what Clarkson and company enjoy, which has reportedly led to UK's Channel 5 decision to cancel the show. Which is really a shame.

All hope may not be lost, however, as reports indicate that Channel 5's decision isn't final just yet. But if it is, the show's lead host Tiff Needell has hinted that it could very well get picked up by another network altogether. Alternatively, Needell could get a show of his own. If he does, we hope he takes some of his co-hosts with him. Because short of Jezza, Hampster, Captain Slow and the Stig, Fifth Gear's ensemble is one of the best - on the airwaves or off. Thanks for the tip, Paul T!

[Source: Tiff Needell on Twitter via iCars Singapore]

Fifth Gear: Hope yet for Britain's other car show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 5th gear5thGearchannel 5channel fiveChannel5ChannelFivefifth gearFifthGeartiff needellTiffNeedellTop GearTopGear Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately, with the automaker looking from outside the company to fill the roll. Richards replaces Susan Docherty, who was named Vice President of US Sales in October. Richards joins GM after a short stint at Trilogy Automotive in Austin, Texas, where he led the use of digital and Internet-based solutions. Richards also worked as a consultant for JD Power where he launched tools for improved vehicle launch profitability and customer satisfaction.

The bulk of Richards' experience comes from cross-town rival Ford where he worked from 1981-2008. Richards was most recently the marketing brand manager for Lincoln Mercury from 2006-2008. Prior to that he worked as the general sales manager for Ford Customer Service from 2002-2006.

Regardless of where Richards received his management chops, Vice Chairman and Marketing and Communications chief Bob Lutz likes what he has with the long-time Ford man. "We are pleased to have Mike as a member of the GM family. His vast sales and marketing experience will be invaluable in his new role, as he leads the team building the Buick and GMC brands."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzBobLutzbuick gmc general managerBuickGmcGeneralManagergmmichael richardsMichaelRichardssusan dochertySusanDocherty Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST