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Acura and Honda are set to showcase two new vehicles during the press days at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).  

For Acura, they’ve announced that the TL and TSX as we know them – will no longer exist. In their place comes the all-new TLX. The TLX will be the middle-child to the entry-level ILX and their flagship, the RLX. This was done to create a clear hierarchy of vehicles for Acura without any confusion.

Acura will be unveiling the TLX Prototype at NAIAS, which begins on January 13th and it’s reporting that it will be a sportier option than the other current x’s. It will also have a choice of two all-new, high-performance and highly fuel-efficient direct-injected engines. These engines will be paired to an all-new advanced transmission, where you will have the choice to go with standard two-wheel drive or go for the optional all-wheel drive.

Acura is excited about their emotionally-styled exterior, describing the TLX as “the perfect blend of style and muscle with its elegant, well-proportioned exterior that cloaks the true sport sedan chassis and powertrain beneath.”

As Acura prepares for their big introduction of the TLX, Honda is gearing up to present the all-new 2015 Fit. 

This would be the third generation of the Fit and Honda will be utilizing its Earth Dreams Technology powertrain for enhanced fuel economy and performance. We are also told that that it will be equipped with Honda’s exclusive next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for enhanced safety – something Honda prides themselves in.

Honda says the new Fit will "showcase significant advancements designed to further extend Fit's status as the benchmark vehicle in the subcompact-car class." This probably means that we are going to see some new cutting-edge styling in the exterior and new technologies that fill the interior.

The Honda Fit will be produced for the first time in North American at the all-new plant in Celaya, Mexico; while the Acura TLX, when given the go ahead for production will be built at the Marysville plant in Ohio, where the current TL is being built.

We will learn a lot more about the Acura TLX Prototype and the Honda Fit come January 13th, so stay tuned for more information as it gets revealed at NAIAS.

Deal adds, preserves 1,750 jobs, as well as future Impala output, union says

The Canadian Auto Workers reached a tentative labor agreement with General Motors that the union said will secure new investment, preserve jobs and delay the shutdown of a major assembly line.

 

The settlement covering wages and benefits for about 8,200 workers followed a day of back-and-forth negotiations between the union and the U.S. automaker.

 

"In today's economy, in today's market share, it meets our goals," CAW President Ken Lewenza said following a marathon 30-hour bargaining session.

 

Rank-and-file approval of the contract would ensure continued production of such Canadian-built vehicles as the Chevrolet Equinox, Camaro and Impala.

 

In addition to the Chevrolet models, GM builds the GMC Terrain, Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS in Canada.

 

The union said the proposed four-year deal will add or maintain 1,750 jobs -- a key objective of CAW officials during labor talks this year with Detroit automakers.

 

GM has pledged to invest C$675 million in Canada over the life of the agreement, CAW officials said.

 

Lewenza said GM has agreed to add a third shift on the flex line at its Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant early next year, which will create or maintain 900 jobs.

GM will also delay the closing of a consolidated production line at a plant in Oshawa until June 2014, Lewenza said.

 

In June, GM announced plans to shutter the line in 2013, affecting about 2,000 jobs.

 

The line currently builds the Impala, which will be redesigned next year and assembled at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

 

CAW officials said GM has agreed to build the all-new Impala in Oshawa, as well.

 

Under the pact, Lewenza said GM will build the next-generation Impala on one shift, employing about 750 workers. Production could be increased to two shifts in 2014, he added.

 

The union said GM also will add or maintain another 100 jobs as part of new investments planned at its St. Catharines, Ontario, engine and powertrain manufacturing operations.

Like the UAW, which negotiated new labor pacts with Detroit's 3 automakers in 2011, the CAW has pressed for new jobs, employment security and future product commitments during the talks with the companies.

 

But Lewenza told journalists his biggest disappointment during the GM negotiations was that the union wasn't able to secure output of a new vehicle.

 

"When you're in market share decline, you can't win a product," he said.

"Needless to say the master bargaining committee entirely tried to get new product... but GM made it clear they don't need the capacity or have the products [at this time]," Lewenza said. "But, at any time during this collective agreement, if GM shows increase in market share, we have the investment there and tools to move fast."

 

"Don't waste that investment. Don't waste that floor space," Lewenza said, referring to GM.

 

Canadian bailout

 

The union represents about 21,000 workers at Ford, GM and Chrysler. Canada accounts for about 16% of all the light-vehicles the three automakers assemble in North America.

 

But the strong Canadian dollar and concessions the automakers secured a year ago from the UAW have undermined the competitiveness of Canada as a manufacturing base.

 

Lewenza said the GM pact should help maintain the automaker's fixed costs at current levels and put the union in a competitive position to win future investments.

 

"That was our goal," Lewenza said.

 

GM, which received financial support from the Canadian and Ontario governments as part of its 2009 bailout, suggested the deal addressed its competitive needs against an unfavorable macro-economic climate.

 

"This set of talks with our labor partner have been candid and constructive, reflecting the challenges facing Canadian manufacturers," David Wenner, general director of labor relations for GM of Canada, said in a statement.

 

The company declined to comment further on specifics in the plan, pending a ratification vote.

 

The union reached a tentative labor pact with Ford Motor Co. on Monday that it is using as a pattern for deals with GM and Chrysler.

 

The Ford agreement mostly eliminates cost-of-living raises for workers and retirees. Ford agreed to create about 600 jobs, including a partial third shift at a vehicle-assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, the union said.

 

Ford workers will receive C$2,000 ($2,046) lump-sum payments annually in later years, in lieu of raises, and a C$3,000 ratification bonus upon approval of the deal.

 

The union said cost-of-living adjustments would be suspended until June 2016.

 

Voting on the Ford deal is scheduled for this weekend and the results are expected late Sunday, the union says.

 

Chrysler negotiations continue

 

Negotiations between the CAW and Chrysler Group LLC are continuing.

 

Chrysler is the smallest of Detroit's automakers but has one of the largest active payrolls and manufacturing footprints in Canada, where it builds minivans and large sedans.

 

Lewenza on Thursday warned the union would provide strike notice against Chrysler if a deal can't be reached.

 

"To the Chrysler workers we represent in Canada: Be patient. I hope the patterns established will give Chrysler the confidence," Lewenza said. "We're not fearful of providing a strike notice. If Chrysler is going to resist that pattern we may have to use that tool."

 

 

 

HANOVER, Germany – Nissan today unveiled the all-new 100% electric Panel Van version e-NV200 Concept, decorated with Nissan and FedEx graphics and logos, at the 64th IAA Commercial Vehicle International Motor Show in Hanover.

Nissan is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle, the e-NV200 compact van. Electric vehicles are ideal for urban delivery applications, and this vehicle is envisaged for use as a delivery van that offers a breakthrough type of mobility for entrepreneurs, featuring efficiency and green consciousness. The company has been working with FedEx Express since December 2011 to test the e-NV200 in real world operations to help shape development of the 100% electric compact delivery vehicle. FedEx Express currently operates 130 all-electric vehicles worldwide, making the company an ideal collaborator for this research and development initiative.

FedEx Express is strongly committed to improving the environmental impact of its global vehicle fleet. The FedEx Express fleet is managed through a holistic approach to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions; the company has already achieved more than 80% of its goal to increase the fuel efficiency of its global vehicle fleet 20% by 2020. This collaborative initiative with Nissan will assist FedEx with developing best practices for managing its electric vehicle fleet in urban environments, while supporting the development of innovative technologies for overall industry improvement in efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Nissan and FedEx Express engineers started working together in December 2011 by co-testing the e-NV200 prototype on the streets of London, UK. The test recently expanded to Yokohama, Japan, in order to obtain additional real-world driving feedback. The feedback will help Nissan to meet customer requirements in advance of the start of production, expected to commence in fiscal year (FY) 2013. Going forward, the proving tests will be newly expanded to countries such as Singapore, the USA and Brazil.

In addition to the cooperative testing, both companies have decided to continue their participation in the research and development of the urban parcel delivery vehicle and related software.

Nissan plans to roll out zero emission technologies into its LCV line-up. The e-NV200 will be the second of four electric vehicles (EV) announced by Nissan to reach mass production, underlining Nissan's leadership in the EV segment. The e-NV200 combines the advanced powertrain of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF with all the spaciousness, versatility, and practicality of the base vehicle-the NV200 multi-purpose compact van.

The e-NV200 will provide exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness (driving characteristics are unique to electric vehicles) while keeping CO2 emissions zero at the point of use. Additionally, the model will be unique in offering new features, such as quick charging, and an innovative power outlet that enables the driver to plug in any electric device and work anywhere. Its advanced telematics system, combined with class-leading cargo volume in a compact body, will help the e-NV200 strive to reach its goal to become the industry benchmark. Additionally, the model's enviable running costs - a priority for many companies - offer additional energy cost savings compared to fuel cost and lower maintenance costs.

"As a global fleet operator, FedEx Express is always looking for measures to improve the efficiency of its vehicles," said Russell Musgrove, managing director Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "Through the development and deployment of innovative technologies, FedEx Express has continually improved the energy efficiency and reduced the environmental impact of its fleet. We are delighted to collaborate with a global player like Nissan in the development of an urban all-electric delivery van."

With zero emissions, no tailpipe, and energy-recycling regenerative braking, e-NV200 will be particularly well-suited for urban environments. Regenerative braking affords the advantage of reclaiming energy in the start and stop of city traffic, reducing the wasteful loss of energy and increasing the efficiency of the vehicle's driveline. Battery charging options include a complete recharge overnight or up to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger.

"The e-NV200 will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditional diesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point of use. What's more, it will provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EVs. e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer," said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan aims to be the leader in zero emissions vehicles. In addition to carrying out the development of electric vehicles, the company is engaged in comprehensive efforts to expand the use of electric vehicles and promote sustainable mobility. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has already concluded more than 100 partnerships related to zero emission mobility with national and local governments, and corporations, throughout the world. Nissan is also engaged in related efforts such as producing lithium ion batteries; developing the EV charging infrastructure and proprietary speed charging equipment; and the recycling and reuse of batteries.

OAKVILLE, ON – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) have reached a tentative agreement on a four-year national labour contract covering approximately 4,500 Ford unionized employees in Canada.

The agreement is subject to ratification by Ford CAW members. To respect the ratification process, Ford of Canada will not discuss the specifics of the tentative agreement until it is approved. We believe that the tentative agreement offers unique-to-Canada solutions that will improve the competitiveness of the Canadian operations while providing employees the opportunity to earn a good living. 

Ford of Canada recognizes and respects the significant contributions made by our employees every day – contributions which help us deliver high quality vehicles that people want and value. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank CAW president Ken Lewenza and the entire CAW national bargaining committee for all of their hard work and professionalism during negotiations.  I would also like to thank the Ford of Canada bargaining team for its skill and dedication during this complex and challenging set of talks. Without the unrelenting commitment of all parties, this innovative agreement could not have been reached.