August 10th, 2011 | The Detroit News
More than 151,000 American workers are building components for fuel-efficient vehicles and that number could grow significantly as the U.S. continues to embrace new generations of fuel-efficient cars and trucks, according to a study released Tuesday. The report, jointly produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation and the United Auto Workers, noted that Michigan is home to the most “green” auto jobs, with 38,067 workers in 97 facilities. Ohio trails Michigan with 13,753 jobs in 28 facilities.
August 9th, 2011 | The Detroit News
It may take time for the auto industry to feel the impact of economic turmoil because experts don’t expect interest rates on auto loans to increase immediately and the popularity of leasing should continue to grow. But consumer confidence, already battered, has taken another blow with a downgrade of the U.S. credit rating, and many now think U.S. auto sales will fail to reach 13 million this year, as analysts and automakers have projected.
August 9th, 2011 | Associated Press
The top executive at General Motors Co. is having doubts about whether U.S. auto sales will recover this year as expected, even as the stock market rebounded a bit Tuesday from its huge losses. Speaking to industry analysts about GM’s long-term financial plans Tuesday, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said the company is sticking with its U.S. sales forecast of around 13 million cars and trucks for the year, but he’s not certain sales will make it that high.
August 9th, 2011 | Bloomberg
Michigan has 25 percent of U.S. jobs related to “clean” car technology, the most of any state, a report by the United Auto Workers union and two environmental groups said. The state where General Motors Co. (GM), Ford Motor Co. (F) and Chrysler Group LLC are based has 38,067 of the 151,168 U.S. workers who make products that increase fuel efficiency or reduce emissions, according to a study released by the UAW, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Wildlife Federation.
August 8th, 2011 | Detroit Free Press
Winning substantial gains at the bargaining table from automakers just became more difficult for the UAW. The steep stock market declines will put pressure on UAW labor negotiators and will force hourly workers to recognize the shaky reality of the nation’s economy, said Sean McAlinden, senior economist for the Center for Automotive Research.
