DOCSLIB.ORG

Shelby GT500 Mustang Driven by Raw Power Process to You Like a Car with a Powerful the World

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Shelby GT500 Mustang Driven by Raw Power Process to You Like a Car with a Powerful the World [email protected] ®Detroit AutoScene ® “FIRSTINTHEHEARTOFDETROIT” VOL. 87 NO. 31 Central Detroit – Macomb – North Oakland AUGUST 12, 2019 GM Flint Site Adds Hundreds of Employees Approximately 800 employees Davison Road, is triple the size of tomers coming back year after can now call the new ACDelco the facility in Burton that it is re- year.” and GM Genuine Parts process- placing. The increased capacity GM internal studies show that ing center in the Flint suburb of allows for greater efficiency and service lane loyalty is directly Burton home. output as employees unitize and correlated with purchase loyalty The state-of-the-art facility was package as many as 120 million – two areas where GM and its officially opened for business service parts a year. brands excel, Henry said. Ac- last week and will employ more “GM has the highest owner loy- cording to IHS Markit, a leading than 800 hourly and salaried em- alty of any manufacturer, and a source of global automotive in- ployees, said GM spokeswoman big part of that equation is get- dustry information, analysis and Raeven Henry. ting high-quality parts into the insight, GM has earned the high- GM now employs more than hands of trained service techni- est customer loyalty among all 9,500 people in Genesee County, cians when and where they need automakers selling in the U.S. for including the Grand Blanc head- them,” said Tim Turvey, GM glob- four consecutive years. quarters of the company’s Cus- al vice president, Customer Care General Motor’s Chevrolet, tomer Care and Aftersales busi- and Aftersales. “That’s why this Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands ness and the Flint manufacturing particular facility is so vital. FCA builds vans designed to help those who use wheelchairs. complex. Great service keeps our cus- “This new facility in Burton CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 will help us continue to deliver the industry’s best possible Diverse Abilities Network sales, service and ownership ex- perience,” said Barry Engle, GM executive vice president and Demonstrate FCA Values president, the Americas. “Strate- FCA North America has had a teer and charitable activities, gic investments in our core busi- longstanding commitment to the Johnson said. ness, and the strong U.S. econo- values of promoting diversity Last year, recognizing that my, are creating opportunities and inclusion. these groups could be a source for GM and its employees all over At the core of this commitment of competitive advantage, the the country, and especially here stand the company’s Business company charged the teams to in Michigan.” Resource Groups, said Brian broaden their focus to also pur- All of the positions in Burton Johnson, FCA chief diversity and sue projects with strategic value. support GM’s CCA business – the inclusion officer. It was at that time the Employee team responsible for supporting These employee-directed Resource Groups were renamed the service and repair needs of groups pursue projects that en- Business Resource Groups, John- millions of GM vehicle owners as hance the FCA work culture, fo- son said. well as owners of competitive cusing on networking and men- This year, the company has ex- makes around the world. toring, celebrating multicultural panded the number of Business The 1.1 million-square-foot GM opened its new parts processing center in Burton, employing 800. differences and engaging exter- plant, located on 141 acres on nal communities through volun- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 NACTOY Starts Shelby GT500 Mustang Driven by Raw Power Process to You like a car with a powerful the world. With 625 ft.-lb. of engine that kicks out horsepow- torque funneled through a Find Winners er? Then the new Ford Mustang Tremec TR-9070 DCT 7-speed by Jim Stickford Shelby GT500 just might be the dual-clutch transmission, the vehicle for you. Shelby GT500 achieves a 0-100-0 So it begins. As the most powerful street-le- in 10.6 seconds, thanks also to The process to name the best gal Ford ever built, this car har- the largest front brakes of any new sedan, truck and sport utili- nesses world-class muscle and domestic sports coupe (16.5-inch ty – to be named at the 2020 powertrain technologies to at- rotors) and available carbon North American International tain supercar levels of perform- fiber wheels, each wrapped in a Car Show, which will be held ance, said Ford spokesman Jiyan Ford Performance-spec Michelin next year for the first time in the Cadiz. Its first-in-class 7-speed Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire. month of June – has started. dual-clutch transmission, race- Beyond the raw power and ul- The North American Car, Utili- bred control strategies and ad- tra-fast shifts, Cadiz said that ad- ty and Truck of the Year (NAC- vanced drive modes deliver a car vanced control systems optimize TOYawards last week an- that performs unlike any other the capabilities of the chassis nounced a list of 46 models eligi- domestic sports coupe. and powertrain to create distinct ble for the 2020 awards that illus- Its 760-horsepower 5.2-liter V8 drive modes – or personalities – trates the intense competition engine is the most power- and and ongoing innovation among torque-dense supercharged V8 in The new engine of the Shelby Mustang GT500 provides 760 horsepower. automakers across all three vehi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 cle categories. Jurors will select up to 12 2019 Woodward models in each category in Sep- tember and then will conduct ad- Dream Cruise ditional driving evaluations dur- ing a comparison drive from Oct. Offers Activities 8-10 in Ann Arbor, said NACTOY byJim Stickford spokesman Brent Snavely. Three finalists in each category will be The 2019 Woodward Dream announced at the LA Auto Show Cruise will be officially held on in November. Saturday, Aug. 17. This year’s eligibility list in- The route goes along Wood- cludes 19 cars, 22 utilities and ward Avenue from 8 Mile to Or- five trucks that are being chard Lake Road in Pontiac. brought to market by 23 differ- But the official cruise is just ent automotive brands. The one part of a larger celebration models up for consideration of Detroit’s automotive history. range from cars with mass mar- On Friday, Aug. 16, the City of ket appeal to luxury vehicles and Berkley will be hosting a variety all-new pickup nameplates. of events from 6 to 9 p.m. at the “The competition is wide open intersection of 12 Mile and Robi- across all three categories this na in the downtown business year, with both premium and district. These events include mainstream brands duking it out the CruiseFest Classic Car Pa- in the car and utility classes and rade. There will also be a Kid’s an unusually high number of Zone. trucks,” said NACTOY Secre- The City of Birmingham will tary/Treasurer Kirk Bell. There will be plenty to see and do in all the cities that are playing host to the 2019 Woodward Dream Cruise. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 view this week’s edition at DetroitAutoScene.com PAGE 2 DETROITAUTOSCENE AUGUST 12, 2019 More Employees Detroit AutoScene ® A&W Helps Veterans with Root Beer Floats by Jim Stickford larly priced combo meals. part to help raise money for dis- Hired at 31201 Chicago Road South Shari Cook manned the count- abled veterans.This is some- Warren, Michigan 48093 Aug.6 was National Root Beer er during the promotion. thing that is close to my heart.” GM Flint Site Float Day, and A&W celebrated “I am happy to help out today,” Bayyouk said the event is pop- 586-939-6800 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 by helping disabled veterans. Cook said. “My daddy’s a veter- ular with customers and they’ve Contact us: On the restaurant chain’s Web an. His name is Alvin Miller, and been able to raise money for a wor- all consistently score at or near [email protected] page, A&W officials wrote “Aug. 6 my granddaddy, Alfred Baylor, is thy cause. It’s something A&W the top of J.D. Power’s annual Deadline: Thursday 5:00 p.m. is National Root Beer Float Day, still in the military. He’s a sur- does every year on Aug. 6 and he Customer Service Index Study, for the next edition of Monday the one day every year when we geon. So I am very glad to do my looks forward to next year. which measures satisfaction celebrate our signature treat. with service at a franchised deal- William Springer II, publisher so stop by any A&W Restaurant er or independent service facili- Lisa A. Torretta, operations on Tuesday, August 6th for a free ty for maintenance or repair Jim Stickford, editor small Root Beer Float . no pur- work among owners and lessees Detroit Auto Scene publishes chase necessary! Donations to of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles, Hen- In two forms: The Metro edition DAV (Disabled American Veter- ry said. goes back to 1933 and has its ans) are encouraged. Cheers!” “We have had tremendous roots in the New Center News; Sam Bayyouk, owner of the support from the City of Burton, The North edition was formerly A&W restaurant at the corner of including Mayor Paula Zelenko Oakland-Tech News, beginning Nine Mile and Mound, said that and the city council, UAW Local as Wide Track News in 1983. he was proud to participate in 651, the project management the event. team at NorthPoint Development Detroit Auto Scene, Oakland Tech News and New Center News are registered “This is a great way to help and the Michigan Economic De- trademarks of Springer Publishing Co.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1996 Buick Century Owner's Manual
    a BUICK The 1996 Buick Century Owner’s Manual Seats and Restraint Systems............................................................. 1-1 This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains “SRS” system. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. 2- 1 This section explains how to start and operate your Buick. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems..................................................... 3- 1 This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. 4-1 Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and howto drive under different conditions. ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. 5-1 This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care............................................................ 6-1 Here the manual tells you how to keep your Buick running properly and looking good. Maintenanceschedule....... ...........................................................7-1 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8-1 This section tells you how to contact Buick for assistance and how to get service publications. It also gives
    [Show full text]
  • Cleanup Progresses at Former Factory Complex
    Cleanup Progresses at Former Factory Complex Buick City Site Revitalizing Auto Communities Flint, Michigan November 2018 Environmental Response Trust The former General Motors-Buick City manufacturing complex is For more information undergoing environmental cleanup that will take several years to complete. If you need more information, have Buick City includes approximately 413 acres divided into the Northend questions or would like to be added (north of Leith Street) and the Southend (south of Leith Street) – see to the mailing list about the Buick attached Site Map. Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental City site, please contact one of these Response (RACER) Trust is tasked with conducting the cleanup and individuals: marketing the property for sale and redevelopment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorizes and oversees the Christopher Black required cleanup work with the support of the Michigan Department of EPA Project Manager Environmental Quality (DEQ). RCRA Corrective Action Section 2 312-886-1451 Two parcels (one on the Northend and one on the Southend), totaling [email protected] approximately 49 acres, have been sold and successfully redeveloped for EPA toll-free: 800-621-8431 new manufacturing operations. About 364 acres are still owned by EPA Region 5 RACER Trust and are available for purchase and redevelopment. RACER 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Trust continues to work on completion of the necessary environmental Chicago, IL 60604-3590 cleanup work for the entire 413-acre site. Environmental cleanup that is necessary because of GM’s historical operations remains RACER Trust’s Kevin Lund, PE responsibility, regardless of who owns the property. MDEQ Project Coordinator Redevelopment Support Site Conditions 517-513-1846 Buick City contains soil and groundwater (water below the surface) that is [email protected] contaminated with various petroleum products and chemicals that were Jackson District Office used as part of GM’s car and truck manufacturing.
    [Show full text]
  • Michigan Auto Project Progress Report - December 2000 I Inaugural Progress Report Michigan Automotive Pollution Prevention Project
    A VOLUNTARY POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP ADMINISTERED BY: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Assistance Division DECEMBER, 2000: 1st ISSUE John Engler, Governor • Russell J. Harding, Director www.deq.state.mi.us ACKNOWLEDGMENTS DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) thank the Auto Project Stakeholder Group members for providing advice to the Auto Project partners and facilitating public information exchange. The Auto Companies and MDEQ also acknowledge the guidance and counsel provided by the US EPA Region V. CONTACTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For information regarding the Michigan Automotive Pollution Prevention Project Progress Report, contact DaimlerChrysler, Ford, or General Motors at the addresses listed below or the Environmental Assistance Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at 1-800-662-9278. DaimlerChrysler Ford Doug Orf, CIMS 482-00-51 Sue Rokosz DaimlerChrysler Corporation Ford Motor Company 800 Chrysler Drive One Parklane Blvd., Suite 1400 Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2757 Dearborn, MI 48126 [email protected] [email protected] General Motors MDEQ Sandra Brewer, 482-303-300 Anita Singh Welch General Motors Corporation Environmental Assistance Division 465 W. Milwaukee Ave. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Detroit, MI 48202 P.O. Box 30457 [email protected] Lansing, MI 48909 [email protected] Michigan Auto Project Progress Report - December 2000 i Inaugural Progress Report Michigan Automotive Pollution Prevention Project TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Foreward iv I. Executive Summary Project Overview 1 Activities and Accomplishments 4 Focus on Michigan 11 Auto Company Profiles II. DaimlerChrysler Corporation Project Status 12 Activities and Accomplishments 14 Focus on Michigan 16 III.
    [Show full text]
  • 1996 Buick Riviera
    I The 1.996 Buick Riviera Owner9$Manual i t We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM and theGM Emblem, WE SUPPORT BUICK, the BUTCK Emblem and the name VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN RIVERA, are registered trademarksof General CERTIFICATIONTHROUGH National Institutefor Motors Corporation. AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE This manual includesthe latest information atthe.time EXCELLENCE it was printed.We reserve the right tomake changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute.thename .. “General Motorsof Canada Limited”for hick Motor For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a.. Division wheneverit appears in this manual. French Language.Manual: Please keep this manual in your Buick,so it will be there Aux propribtaires canadiens: Vous powez vous if -you ever needit when you’reon the road.If you sell procurer un exemplaire dece guide enfraqais chez the vehicle, pleaseleave this manual init so the new votre concessionaireou au: owner can use it. DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7 ’ Litho & U.S.A. CorporationMotors @CopyrightGeneral 1995 Part No. 25639453Edition A First ReservedAll Rights tj ii i b iii Durant also created a racingteam that won 500 racing Buick drew plentyof attention becauseit could chb trophies in 1909 and 1910, including successes at hills and run throughmud like no othef car. Buick's Indianapolis two years beforethe Indy 500 began. endurance and reliability were world famous. The success of Buick engines was visible not only on During World WarI, Buick built Liberty aircraft engines the race track, butin ,endurance tests acrossthe country as well'as Red Cross ambulancesso successfully that and aroundthe world.
    [Show full text]
  • Index to 1937 ‐ 1938 Buick Articles
    Index to 1937 ‐ 1938 Buick Articles Author Title Publication Month Year Volume Number Page(s) Notes 1937 Dealer Service Torque Tube, Bulletins, Page 38 37 Series 40‐60 Instrument Panel Finishing The January/February 2003 XXI 3 18‐19 Torque Tube, Ahrin, Mats Restoration of a Swedish Bodied Buick The January/February 1994 XII 3 12‐17 Torque Tube, Ahrin, Mats Technical Tips Buick ‐ Leaking Steering Gear Box The July/August 2001 XIX 6 18 Torque Tube, Alderink, Tom "Return with us now …" A Bit of Buick History The May/June 1990 VIII 7 14‐15 Torque Tube, Allen, Craig Technical Tips Buick ‐ Cleaning Buick Plastic The July/August 2000 XVIII 6 18 Torque Tube, Anderson, Bill 1937 Buicks Something Special The November/December 2003 XXII 2 8‐11 1937 Torque Tube, Anderson, Heyward On the Gunea Pig Run The July 1983 III 9 24‐25 Torque Tube, Anderson, Karl Technical Tips Buick ‐ King Pin Lubrication The July/August 2000 XVIII 6 21 Torque Tube, Anderson, Karl Technical Tips Buick ‐ Rumble Seat Drains The January/February 2001 XIX 3 14‐15 Torque Tube, Anderson, Karl Technical Tips Buick ‐ Rumble Seat Floor Mats The September/October 2001 XX 1 21 Torque Tube, Armer, Brian Our British Senior Citizen! (The Car Not Me!) The November/December 1999 XVIII 2 10 Torque Tube, Armstrong, Donald E. Mail from Canada The July 1983 III 9 3 Australian Motorist, The Victorian Buick 1938 Buick 8/90, Martin & body, Torque Tube, Sepyember 1, 1938 Built for Victorian Premier Hon. A. A. Dunstan The January/February 2004 XXII 3 11 Reprinted Automobile Digest, Torque Tube, January
    [Show full text]
  • 1994 Buick Regal Owner's Manual
    .. , .- A a; 'A Regal The 1994 Buick Regal Owner’s Manual Litho in USA @CopyrightGeneral Motors Corporation 1993 Part No, 25609786 A First Edition All Rights Reserved 4. We support voluntary technician certification. GM BmBUICK GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem, WE SUPPORT Buick, and the Buick Emblem are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE This manual includes the latest information at the time it EXCELLENCE was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a Division whenever it appears in this manual. French Language Manual: Please keep this manual in your Buick, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you Aux DroDrietaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new un exemplaire de ce guide en francais chez votre owner can use it. concessionaire ou au DGN Marketing Services Ltd., 1500 Bonhill Rd., Mississauga, Ontario L5T lC7. 2 3 innovator. Buick engineers developed the “valve-in-head” engine, a light, powerful and reliable engine which would eventually influence the entire automotive industry. William C. Durant was instrumental in promoting Buicks across the country using his Durant-Dort Carriage Co. outlets and salespeople as the nucleus of a giant distribution system. He knew the Buick as a “self-seller”. If automobiles could be this good, he thought, maybe it was time to switch from the horse and buggy business to automobiles.
    [Show full text]
  • Genesee and General Motors' Outsourcing
    New Automotive Markets: Genesee and General Motors' Outsourcing Prepared by: Michael S. Flynn and David J. Andrea of the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation Transportation Research Institute The University of Michigan January 1990 Under a Sub-contract from the Industrial Technology Institute for a Contract from The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction This report seeks to identify potential market opportunities for Genesee County within the automotive economy, but external to General Motors. Through a combination of interview, survey, and archival data, it identifies product markets with three characteristics. First, demand from suppliers is likely to increase due to increased sourcing rather than manufacturing by the automotive assemblers. Second, capacity levels in the independent supplier sector are unlikely to be adequate to meet those demands. Third, the skills and product-experience of the GM labor force in Genesee constitute an available, trained workforce. The report also identifies companies, including domestic and transplant suppliers, that are likely beneficiaries of the increased outsourcing by the manufacturers; are likely to be capacity- constrained; and are likely to seek new locations. The ultimate goal of the study is to provide some direction to Genesee's efforts to find near-term replacement activity and jobs for expected losses at General Motors. The strategy reflects a recognition that Genesee's immediate attractions are its location with respect to the automotive facilities of the manufacturers, and a workforce both acclimated to the industrial culture of the automotive industry and experienced and skilled in its work requirements. In the final analysis, Genesee must diversify away from its heavy reliance on the automotive economy, but diversification within that economy is an important step, both to alleviate the impacts of the coming losses at GM and to achieve a diversified economy.
    [Show full text]
  • FROM the PRESIDENT Signal Crossing Incidents BUSINESS
    Fall 2019 Photo Courtesy of Mike Mishler - Lincat Photography FROM THE PRESIDENT Signal Crossing Incidents BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Customer Updates SAFETY Operation Lifesaver Train Event From the President... n the rail industry, there is Most of the signal devices are specifically designed for the I nothing more important crossing they are protecting which means that replacing a than safety! Lake State Railway damaged signal can be a lengthy process. Railroads are re- Company (LSRC) puts safety first quired by law to stop and provide crossing protection to and foremost to ensure that our cover for any signal equipment when it is not functioning as employees and general public designed. In some cases, this protection, known as “stop remain safe. Our goal is to have and flag”, may go on for months and can cause significant each and every em- train delays. ployee return home “STOP, LOOK, every workday in Part of our safety initiative is continuous involve- the same healthy LISTEN AND ment with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) and Rail condition they arrived in. When it comes to the LIVE” Safety Week. The training and awareness educa- general public, we strive to educate and make tion that Michigan’s Operation Lifesaver team - Operation Lifesaver them aware of the importance to respect cross- provides to the public is an important piece to ing signals, crossing signs and the private right- keeping people safe around trains and railroads. of-ways on which we operate. LSRC will continue to work alongside and support OLI’s efforts to help provide a safe environment for the public as LSRC has seen many accidents caused by just plain well as railroad employees.
    [Show full text]
  • 1995 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual
    Park Avenue @ The 1995 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. 1-1 This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains "SRS" system. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. 2- 1 This section explains how to start and operate your Buick. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... 3- 1 This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your sound system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. 4- 1 Here ycyu'll find helpful information and tips about the road and hc .)w to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road .................................... .............................. 5- 1 This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a f'1at tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care............................................................ 6- 1 Here the manual tells you how to keep your- Buick running properly and looking good. Maintenanceschedule .................................................................. 7- 1 This section tells ~OLIwhen to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to LW. Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8- 1 This section tells you how to contact Buick for- assistance and how to get service
    [Show full text]
  • 1994 Buick Skylark Owner’S Manual
    The 1994 Buick Skylark Owner’s Manual Litho in U.S.A. @Copyright General Motors Corporation1993 Part No. 25609785 A First Edition All Rights Reserved 1 We support voluntary technician certification. EAE‘ RS, GM and the GM Emblem, WESUPPhT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN BUICK, and the BUICK Emblemare registered CERTIFICATON THROUGH trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “GeneralMotors of CanadaLimited” for Buick Motor For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a Division whenever it appears in this manual. French Language Manual: Please keep this manual in your Buick,so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If AUX DrO!X&iireS canadiens: VOUS POUVeZ VOUS procurer sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in soit the new . un exemplaire de ce guide en francais’chez vOtre owner can use it. concessionaire ou au DGN MarketingDGNServices concessionaire au it.ou use can owner Ltd., 1500 Banhill Rd., Mississauga, OntarioL5T 1C7. 2 3 Durant also created a racing team that won500 racing Buick drew plentyof attention becauseit could elimb trophies in 1909 and19 10, including successes at hills and run through mud like no othercs. Buick's Indianapolis two years beforethe Indy 500 began. endurance and reliability wereworld famous. The success of Buick engines was visible not onlyon During World War I, Buick built Liberty aircraft engines the race track, but in endurance tests acrossthe country as well as Red Cross ambulancesso successful thatone and aroundthe world.
    [Show full text]
  • Nber Working Paper Series Management Practices
    NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, RELATIONAL CONTRACTS, AND THE DECLINE OF GENERAL MOTORS Susan Helper Rebecca Henderson Working Paper 19867 http://www.nber.org/papers/w19867 NATIONAL BUREAU OF ECONOMIC RESEARCH 1050 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 January 2014 The authors would like to thank the editors of this journal for their comments and suggestions, and would also like to thank Robert Gibbons, Casey Ichniowski, Mari Sako, Jeff Liker, Michael Wasser, Paul Adler, Brad Markell, and Jeffrey Morrow. Susan Helper is Chief Economist at the Department of Commerce and AT&T Professor of Economics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Rebecca Henderson is the John and Natty McArthur University Professor, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Funding for this paper came from the Harvard Business School Division of Research. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research. NBER working papers are circulated for discussion and comment purposes. They have not been peer- reviewed or been subject to the review by the NBER Board of Directors that accompanies official NBER publications. © 2014 by Susan Helper and Rebecca Henderson. All rights reserved. Short sections of text, not to exceed two paragraphs, may be quoted without explicit permission provided that full credit, including © notice, is given to the source. Management Practices, Relational Contracts, and the Decline of General Motors Susan Helper and Rebecca Henderson NBER Working Paper No. 19867 January 2014 JEL No. J24,L2,L21,L23 ABSTRACT General Motors was once regarded as one of the best managed and most successful firms in the world, but between 1980 and 2009 its share of the US market fell from 62.6 to 19.8 percent, and in 2009 the firm went bankrupt.
    [Show full text]
  • Elimination of Mercury Switches in Underhood and Trunk Lamps
    General Motors Midsize & Luxury Car Group ELIMINATION OF MERCURY SWITCHES IN UNDERHOOD AND TRUNK LAMPS ______________________________________________________________________________ The (MLCG): Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Orion Assembly and Buick City Assembly located in Michigan, assemble the Cadillac Eldorado, Cadillac Deville, Cadillac Seville, Cadillac Concour, Buick Rivieria, Buick Le Sabre, Buick Park Avenue, Oldsmobile 88, Oldsmobile 98, Oldsmobile Aurora and Pontiac Bonneville. The three plants combined contain approximately 16.5 million square feet of floor space on 1,407 acres of land and employ approximately 21,750 people. Historically, mercury has been the material-of-choice for use in tilt switches for underhood and trunk lamp activation. It has been estimated that the mercury contained in underhood and trunk lamp switches accounts for 87% of mercury usage in automotive applications. This amounts to 12.2 million mercury switches containing a total of 8.5 metric tons of mercury per year. Clearly a reduction of mercury in this application would have a significant impact on automotive mercury usage. Through environmentally conscious design and manufacturing principles, the MLCG facilities will replace mercury switches with ball-type switches used in underhood lamp activation in their 1998 Cadillac and Buick models. Since the early 1990s, MLCG has eliminated all mercury switches in the trunk lamp activation and replaced these with trunk-ajar switches. Substance(s)Targeted: Mercury Targeted Elimination(s): 100% elimination from underhood and trunk lamps of MLCG vehicles Results and Advantages: The implementation of an alternative non-mercury switch for underhood lamps, a ball-type switch, will eliminate approximately 500,000 mercury switches in 1998 Cadillac and Buick models.
    [Show full text]