Pablo di Si unexpectedly stepped down as head of the Volkswagen Group of America and will be replaced by Rivian executive Kjell Gruner, the automaker announced Tuesday. The move comes at a critical time for VW which has been struggling to move its all-electric models in the U.S., even as it prepares to launch the all-new, all-electric Scout brand.
Union
Trump Election Crimps UAW Political Influence
The 2024 election cost organized labor — especially the UAW — influence in Washington, D.C. It also handed an old foe, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, more sway over industry and labor in the new administration. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec
After scoring a major win in the election this week, President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs. That presents some significant opportunities for manufacturers, but also poses quite a few risks, said a senior Toyota executive who spoke to Headlight.News shortly after Trump’s victory was confirmed.
Stellantis Reports 27% Decline in Q3 Revenue, Confirms Full-Year Guidance
Stellantis reported its net revenue dropped 27% compared to third-quarter results from a year ago. The company pointed to lower sales and an “unfavorable mix” and the primary reasons for the decline. Get details at Headlight.News.
Decision in Tesla Case Plays Out Well for UAW
United Auto Workers Union chief Shawn Fain has ripped Elon Musk’s efforts to buy elections and change the law for his personal benefit. The UAW has no choice but to participate in politics, Fain said, adding that the union campaign against Trump in swing states is...
Stellantis Lays Off 1,100 at Truck Plant, Closing Arizona Proving Grounds
In August, Stellantis warned it would lay off as many as 2,450 hourly workers. The first batch got their walking papers as 1,100 employees at its Warren Truck Plant, just north of Detroit. However, the cost cutting doesn’t stop there as the company revealed plans to shut down its Arizona Proving Grounds as well. Headlight.News has details.
Stellantis Goes to Court to Block UAW Strike Vote
Stellantis is again squaring off with the United Auto Workers in a critical battle over the company’s efforts to trim costs and cut production, charging in a lawsuit the UAW is violating its contract with the company by filing what its lawyers describe as sham grievances.
Dock Strike Poses Problems for Carmakers, Car Buyers
A strike by longshoreman called in dispute over wages and use of automation threatens to choke off shipments to ports on the East and Gulf coasts, threatening to delay deliveries of everything from groceries to autos and auto parts.
Stellantis Set to Launch Layoffs Next Month — Even as it Faces Strike Threat
Stellantis Plans to lay off hundreds of full-time and seasonal employees starting October 1 as it enters “full execution mode” aimed at coping with slumping sales and earnings. But the cuts could lead to further friction even as members of the United Auto Workers Union vote on whether to authorize a strike at the Euro-American automaker.
Ford, Stellantis Move Closer to Strikes
Barely a year after wrapping up a “stand-up strike” against Detroit’s Big Three automakers the the United Auto Workers Union appears ready to launch another series of walkouts. First in line: a Ford unit producing critical tooling for parts plants and assembly lines could face a strike at midnight Wednesday after talks broke down. Stellantis could be next.
Stellantis, UAW Square Off Over Commitments Made During Strike
Stellantis product plans are in flux, leading to an increasingly bitter dispute with the United Auto Workers. The union is demanding the company honor commitments made during contract negotiations last year. The dispute could threaten in launch of the Ramcharger planned for early next year. Find out more at Headlight.News.
UAW Chief Threatens Strike at Stellantis
UAW President Shawn Fain used a prime-time speech during the opening of the Democratic National Convention to warn of a possible strike against Stellantis. Speaking out against what he described as “corporate greed,” Fain accused the Euro-American automaker of reneging on investments promised as part of a settlement union and management reached during contract talks last autumn.