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GET IT ONLINE ® ® ACCESS YOUR NEWSPAPER Detroit AutoScene DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK DetroitAutoScene.com ® –Online (use either address) TechCenter News TechCenterNews.com LOOK FOR US IN PRINT VOL. 88 NO. 11 We Put a Face on the American Auto Industry MARCH 23, 2020 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Huge Social Media Initiative Begun by Detroit Auto Scene The current COVID-19 crisis is changing the way a lot of businesses are operating, and Detroit Auto Scene is no exception. To better serve our readers, we are taking a deep dive into social media in order to get our content out. “Our Instagram and Facebook presence will enable our readers to better interact with the newspaper,” said Harley Nunley, the person in charge of social media at Detroit Auto Scene. “The paper can also be accessed by going to our Web site at http://detroitautoscene.com,” Nunley said. “This will open up the lines of communications.” Nunley added. “People can ask us questions and they can even post information on our Facebook page and even instant message me, and can comment on the pictures on our Instagram account.” Nunley said that accessing the pages should be easy. Simply go to Facebook or Instagram and type in “Detroit Auto Scene.” “Our new Facebook page is a business page,” Nunley said. “People shouldn’t confuse it with a personal page that is also under ‘Detroit Auto Scene.’ I would also like to say that these efforts are a work in progress and that we would really appreciate any feedback from The normally-packed parking lot at FCA’s Sterling Stamping plant was empty after FCA, like GM and Ford, shut readers on how we can build our social media efforts.” down production at all the company’s manufacturing facilities in North America. Detroit Auto Scene publisher William Springer II said that the newspaper is committed to this effort and that it will usher in a whole new era for the nation’s oldest free newspaper. “We are grateful to our loyal readers, advertisers our heritage and Virus Shuts Down Detroit 3 followers at Detroit Auto Scene - Tech Center News,” Springer said. “The newspaper will remain in print. If you are in the readership by Jim Stickford nies and the union to protect house employees at all three area of our print edition, pick up a copy of Detroit Auto Scene. workers and the public from companies. Detroit Auto Scene began in 1933 as New Center News in Detroit’s In a rapidly-changing environ- COVID-19, also known as the “Workplace health and safety uptown business district. Tech Center News” commenced in 1976. ment, Detroit automakers and Coronavirus. is a priority for us every day, all the UAW agreed to close down On Sunday,March 15, FCA, three companies have been tak- production of all facilities in Ford and General Motors issued ing steps to keep the COVID- North America – the United a joint statement declaring that 19/coronavirus out of their facili- GM and Ford Offer Expertise States, Canada and Mexico – on they had formed a COVID- ties and during this national March 18. 19/Coronavirus Task Force to im- emergency, we will do even more This decision was the latest in plement enhanced protections To Make Medical Ventilators a series of moves by the compa- for manufacturing and ware- The COVID-19 outbreak may chanical Heart, built by GM Re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 have shut down vehicle produc- search Laboratories in the public tion in North America, but it also interest and funded in part by has Ford and General Motors re- the American Heart Association. turning to their medical roots. Measuring 10 by 12 by 17 inches, Several media outlets have re- the invention looked similar to a ported that GM and Ford are in 12-cylinder engine with six sepa- talks with the White House on rate chambers. how they can help during this medical emergency. In an email to the Detroit Auto “As America’s Scene on March 19, GM spokesman Dan Flores wrote largest producer that GM’s “engineering and manufacturing expertise could help of vehicles with this issue, but no decisions and top employer have been made and we have nothing to announce.” of autoworkers, CNN received a statement Ford stands ready from Ford on March 18, declaring “As America’s largest producer to help the of vehicles and top employer of administration autoworkers, Ford stands ready to help the administration in any in any way way we can, including the possi- we can . . . .” bility of producing ventilators and other equipment. We have – Ford Motor had preliminary discussions with the U.S. government and are Company looking into the feasibility.” The is not the first time GM Gaylor points at a computer screen to show Estes where quality may be gained in the design of FCA cabins. have become involved in the de- Made of stainless steel, glass velopment of medical equip- and rubber, the mechanical heart ment. used air pressure and vacuum The GM Heritage Center noted pumps to circulate blood from FCA Employee Hard Judge of Cabin Quality in online its history of the com- the chambers through the pa- When Victor Gaylor walks into America. “Every day, we are “I am probably more critical pany that GM has made signifi- tient's body while open heart an assembly plant, he is judge striving to deliver a superior than anyone,” Gaylor says. “I like cant contributions to society ex- surgery was being performed. and jury. ownership experience for our a quiet cabin and I think our cus- tending far beyond the automo- In the fall of 1952 the heart He looks and listens and, if he customers.” tomers deserve a quiet cabin.” bile industry. One of these im- pump was first used successfully finds evidence linking a vehicle Gaylor, who has been with the But his project didn’t end with portant contributions was the during a surgery performed on a component to a customer con- company since 1998, is one of the product, Mayne said. A col- development of the first mechan- 41-year-old man. The operation cern, he holds court, said FCA two FCA employees to take home league “decided I could take it a ical heart pump in 1952. lasted 80 minutes and the me- spokesman Eric Mayne. an RT5 Leadership Award from step further,” he adds. Dr. Forest Dodrill, a surgeon at chanical heart was used for 50 “We put it on trial to see if it’s Shainin, a global engineering That colleague was Jud Estes, Wayne State University’s Harper minutes to keep the patient alive guilty,” says the veteran FCA service company specializing in a quality engineer and “Master Hospital in Detroit, believed that while his heart was repaired. quality auditor. root-cause investigation and pro- Black Belt Instructor” – the high- a machine could be developed to “We’ve come a long way since This no-nonsense, product im- fessional development. est of four certifications awarded temporarily replace the human that first heart operation by Do- provement approach recently He earned the prize by spear- through the industry-standard heart's blood-pumping function drill in 1952. Now, it’s estimated won FCA a docket full of favor- heading a project that reduced Six Sigma quality improvement and make open heart surgery that worldwide more than one able verdicts from a pair of third- cabin noise by 24 percent in the process. possible. Dr. Dodrill and his med- million open heart operations party quality watchers, Mayne popular Dodge Durango SUV and Estes challenged Gaylor not ical team called on a group of sci- are done using some form of said. in its legendary line-mate from only with reducing cabin noise, entists and engineers at the GM heart-lung machine each year,” “We’re not holding anything FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly but with training his team mem- Research Laboratories for help. said Dr. Larry Stephenson, back,” says Mark Champine, Plant, the award-winning Jeep That unique collaboration re- head of Quality, FCA – North Grand Cherokee. sulted in the Dodrill-GMR Me- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 view this week’s edition at DetroitAutoScene.com PAGE 2 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS MARCH 23, 2020 Trailer Maker Ford Celebrates the Math Needed for its AV Technology Goes to Cloud Creating the autonomous car of the future will require the power For Business of math. And Ford recognizes that Infor, a global provider of busi- fact. In fact you could say that de- ness cloud software said Dutch veloping AVs is as easy as Pi. trailer manufacturer Broshuis John Rich, chief operating offi- has gone live with Infor LN and cer, Ford Autonomous Vehicles other production solutions from LLC, wrote an article celebrating Infor to better respond to the that fact. needs of its customers and to “While Pi Day may seem like a support its new strategy. In the made-up holiday, March 14–3.14 past, Broshuis mainly supplied – actually provides us with an op- tailor-made trailers and worked portunity to recognize the impor- according to the engineer-to- tant role mathematics plays in order principle. The company is just about everything we do or now working according to the interact with on a daily basis. For configure-to-order method to me, Pi Day also serves as an op- create a better connection with portunity to appreciate the peo- its e-commerce activities. ple who helped me understand After using Infor VISUAL enter- and get excited about numbers prise resource planning (ERP) and formulas,” Rich wrote. for 20 years, Broshuis was look- “As a kid, we don’t always see ing for new functionalities, in- the profound impact our parents, cluding better and integrated teachers and role models are production planning, barcode having on the person we ulti- scanning in the warehouse, more mately become and the subjects standardized automation and we find most interesting. Hope- tighter logistics control. fully, we have all had one or two Broshuis is constantly innovat- people we can point to who posi- ing and monitoring the market to tively shaped our lives.” Ford COO Rich credits Pi, 3.1415 etc., as the foundation of the math that will make the company’s AVs possible. improve its products and cus- Rich said for him, it was his fa- tomer service. A few years ago, it ther. An astrophysicist and direc- volve a series of tolerance and to be converted into data that will take a moment to look at introduced a product configura- tor of engineering for the Hubble precise mathematical models. can be digested by algorithms. everyday things a little different- tor that allows customers to con- Space Telescope, Rich said that Before a sheet of metal is ever With all of this data fused into ly,” Rich wrote. “Instead of seeing figure a trailer. The online tool he learned to appreciate the im- even bent, the most basic ele- mathematical equations, algo- a car traversing the street, provides direct insight into the portance of mathematics from ments of a car are represented as rithms help a self-driving car de- maybe you will think of the vehi- target prices, which facilitates him. a mathematical model.” termine where it is on a street in cle as a physical representation the selection process. After “My dad would take me to ob- Rich went on to write that relation to everything else, in- of millions of lines of code in ac- starting the automated parts fac- servatories and explain in incred- without math, self-driving cars cluding pedestrians, cyclists and tion, detecting and deciphering tory, the next step toward the ible detail how telescopes wouldn’t be conceivable, as num- other cars, Rich wrote. The next the world around it. trailer factory of the future was worked, what we were looking at bers and formulas play a critical step is to decide what action “Or maybe you will take a mo- taken by choosing a new ERP so- when we saw stars in the sky and role in how an autonomous vehi- needs to be taken – does the car ment, like I will, to just think lution. how far away other planets were. cle analyzes the world. need to accelerate, change lanes, about and thank that person in The Broshuis family business Without realizing it, these con- A series of sophisticated equa- come to a stop, etc. All of this is your life who helped you under- was founded Holland, and is the versations were capturing my tions are required for the vehicle driven by an entirely different set stand algebra, translate oldest manufacturer of trailers imagination and steering me to understand its environment, of math-based tools. trigonometry or decode calculus. for special transport and con- down a career path heavily re- estimate its location and make “So on this Pi Day, maybe you Thanks, Dad.” tainer chassis. In 1965, Broshuis liant on math. driving decisions, which it can launched the first extendable se- “Since I started working at do by calculating distance, mi-low loader in the world. Ford, math has played a critical speed, velocity and other vari- Broshuis customers include the role in everything I do. Cars work ables. Amazon Keeps on Running Royal Netherlands Navy and the because of how we deploy math; All the input a self-driving car As a global company, we’re are working to ensure that no U.S. Army Tank Automotive and even the fundamentals of how a gets from its sensors – its cam- closely monitoring the impact of one artificially raises prices on Armaments Command (TACOM). car door opens and closes in- eras, LiDAR and radar units – has COVID-19. basic need products during this In addition to those who are af- pandemic and have blocked or fected by the illness, many more removed tens of thousands of are indirectly dealing with items, in line with our long-stand- changes in their work, school, ing policy. Amazon actively mon- and community environments. itors its store and remove offers Here are some of the ways Ama- that violate policy. zon is supporting customers, Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, and communities, and employees Whole Foods Market delivery during this difficult time. customers always have the op- In a statement to the public on tion to select “unattended deliv- its Amazon blog site, officials ery” during checkout if they pre- wrote that the company believes fer not to come into contact with “our role serving customers and others. Orders not containing al- the community during this time cohol are eligible for unattended is a critical one, and we want to delivery, and will be left in a loca- make sure our customers can get tion specified by the customer. the items they need, when they In addition to serving its retail need them. customers, Amazon is making “As COVID-19 has spread, sure Amazon Web Services cus- we've recently seen an increase tomers have the tools and sup- in people shopping online which port they need to keep their has had an impact on how we businesses and organizations serve our customers. So in the moving forward safely and effi- short term, we are making the ciently. decision to temporarily prioritize AWS is collaborating with pub- household staples, medical sup- lic health organizations, govern- plies and other high-demand ment agencies, and businesses products coming into our fulfill- around the globe to support ment centers so we can more their efforts resulting from the quickly receive, restock and ship ripple effect of COVID-19. This in- these products to customers. cludes providing customers in Products already on its way to the most affected regions with our fulfillment centers will be ac- technical support and AWS cred- cepted. This does not impact its that help cover costs, while products being delivered to cus- enabling organizations to quickly tomers, or products currently in stand up and scale their tools stock in our store. Customers and infrastructure to keep busi- can continue to buy any in-stock nesses running, and speed product in our store, and we will COVID-19 research projects. continue to deliver them. March More details to be shared in com- 17, 2020.” ing days. The blog also stated that while Amazon is opening 100,000 Amazon will continue taking or- new full and part-time positions LOCATIONS SERVING YOU NEAR THE GM TECH CENTER ders and shipping items from across the U.S. in our fulfillment across our store, customers or- centers and delivery network to 31205 Mound Rd 33720 Van Dyke Ave. 13665 12 Mile Rd (at Schoenherr) dering items they don’t need im- meet the surge in demand from Warren, MI 48092 Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Warren, MI 48088 mediately have the opportunity people relying on Amazon’s serv- Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm Hours: Mon-Sat: 7am-7pm Hours: Mon-Sat: 7am-7pm to help others by choosing No- ice during this stressful time, Sunday: 8am-6pm Sunday: 8am-6pm Sunday: 8am-6pm Rush Shipping when this ship op- particularly those most vulnera- tion is available. Selecting the ble to being out in public. 11 LOCATIONS SERVING METRO DETROIT AREA No-Rush option enables us to In the U.S., Amazon is adding consolidate orders and make an additional $2 USD per hour Eastpointe • Warren • Sterling Heights • Royal Oak fewer stops in neighborhoods worked through April from our Southfield • Farmington Hills • Commerce Township • Walled Lake throughout the week, and most current rate of $15/hour or more importantly, serve customers depending on the region, C$2 in Visit www.supercarwash.net For More Information with the most critical needs first. Canada, £2 per hour in the UK, Headquarters Phone: (248) 549-6770 March 17, 2020. and approximately €2 per hour Officials also stated that they in many EU countries. William Springer II, publisher [email protected] Lisa A. Torretta, operations www.DetroitAutoScene.com Jim Stickford, editor 586-939-6800 Detroit Auto Scene and Tech Center News ® ® are registered trademark and property of TechCenter News Deadline: Thursday 5:00 p.m. Springer Publishing Co., a Mich. corporation. for the next edition of Monday MARCH 23, 2020 DETROIT AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES PAGE 3 GM’s Homegrown EV Technology Coming Soon

Kwiatkowski is excited to help lead the charge toward EV cars. by Jim Stickford Part of GM’s strategy in developing its own EVs is keep design GM’s recent unveiling of the and engineering in-house, company’s plan to spend $20 bil- Kwitakowski said. That allows lion in EV development and the company to be flexible in the launch several new EV models in creation of new vehicles and the next few years as been a long even allow the Ultium battery time coming. technology it develops to be GM has been developing new EV battery technology for the better part of a decade. “We’ve been in the electric ve- leased out to other companies as hicle business for 25 years, be- a way to generate additional rev- switched to EV in 2016. The most tween the development of batter- enue. exciting part of my work is seeing ies and propulsion systems,” said And the first new EV to be in- just how fast the technology Adam Kwiatkowski, executive troduced will be the GMC HUM- we’re working on is being devel- chief engineer for Electric Vehi- MER EV, which will be revealed oped and produced.” cles at GM. “We’ve been working on May 20 of this year and built Kwiatakowski said that the very hard to knock down the dol- in Michigan at General Motors’ company’s new modular archi- lar per kilowatt barrier and work- Detroit-Hamtramck assembly tecture delivers for customers. ing hard to reduce the amount of plant. precious metals in our batteries. And that is just the beginning, Important facts to remember We’ve enjoyed success doing Kwiatkowski said. Chevrolet, include: that. We’ve reduced the amount Cadillac, GMC and Buick will • The same platform and of cobalt that goes into our Ul- all be launching new EVs start- propulsion system can pow- tium batteries by 70 percent.” ing this year. The next new er affordable transportation, Additionally, the EV reveal Chevrolet EV will be a new ver- luxury vehicles, work trucks held at the Tech Center in early sion of the Bolt EV, launching and high-performance ma- March also emphasized the mod- in late 2020, followed by the chines. ularity of GM’s new EV designs, 2022 Bolt EUV, launching Sum- • Vehicles built on this modu- Kwiatkowski said. mer 2021. lar platform will offer a GM- “We’re talking about one motor The Bolt EUV will be the first estimated driving range of GM’s Brownstown facility is making the company’s batteries for EVs. family that is capable of propel- vehicle outside of the Cadillac up to 400 miles or more on a ing front-wheel drive (FWD), all- brand to feature Super Cruise, full charge, 0 to 60 mph ac- wheel drive (AWD) and rear- the industry's first true hands- celeration as low as 3.0 sec- wheel drive (RWD) vehicle con- free driving technology for the onds, and a battery energy figurations,” Kwiatkowski said. highway, which GM will expand storage ranging from 50 to “These flexible architectures ac- to 22 vehicles by 2023, including 200 kWh. tually let these vehicles be built 10 by next year. • GM plans 19 different battery like something akin to toy brick The Cruise Origin, a self-dri- and drive unit configura- cars. One configuration might ving, electric shared vehicle, tions initially, including hori- need, say six batteries, so we shown to the public in January zontal and vertical stacks, to plug in six. Another might need 2020 in San Francisco, was the power vehicles ranging from eight, so we plug in eight.” first product revealed using GM’s affordable cars and The batteries themselves have third generation EV platform and crossovers to luxury SUVs been constructed so that they Ultium batteries. Next will be the and pickup trucks. can fit into the different architec- Cadillac Lyriq luxury SUV in • Motors designed in-house tures. April. Details about its launch will support FWD, That makes manufacturing will be shared then. RWD, AWD and much easier and allows General The reveal of the Ultium-pow- performance AWD applica- Motors to really ramp up produc- ered GMC HUMMER EV will fol- tions. tion by taking advantage of the low on May 20. Production is ex- • Space-efficient packaging ability to increase the scale of pected to begin in Fall 2021 at that maximizes room for By making the batteries modular, GM can fit them in many platforms. production, Kwiatkowski said. GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assem- passengers and cargo. This is possible because of bly plant, GM’s first assembly • In North America, GM EVs • Our battery management • The joint venture is expected GM’s joint battery manufacturing plant 100 percent dedicated to will be powered by rectangu- system is built in, which to create more than 1,100 venture with LG Chem allows EV production. lar, pouch-style battery eliminates 80 percent of the new, good-paying jobs. them to make the batteries the This aggressive launch of EVs packs that are simple, light battery pack’s wiring com- • New technologies under de- size and shape they need just for will let GM take advantage of ris- weight and space-efficient. pared to the Bolt EV. velopment to improve their vehicles and it also gives ing customer acceptance, • GM’s ability to stack batter- • GM’s joint venture with LG charging, cycling, range, them leverage in the global sup- Kwiatkowski said. Third-party ies vertically is unique in the Chem to develop and mass cost and battery life include: ply chain, Kwiatkowski said. forecasters expect U.S. EV vol- industry and it allows for a produce battery cells will • Zero cobalt and zero nickel “We have people around he umes to more than double from flat cabin floor and more in- drive cell costs below $100 cathodes. world looking to purchase sup- 2025 to 2030 to about 3 million terior room than compara- per kWh. Ongoing techno- • The use of electrolyte addi- plies,” Kwiatkowski said. “Right units on average. GM believes ble EVs that use cylindrical logical and manufacturing tives to heal cell “scratches” now the sky’s the limit because volumes could be materially battery packs. breakthroughs will drive that reduce cycling. we’re making our own battery higher as more EVs are launched • The pack also allows engi- costs even lower. • Solid state batteries. cells. They buy the mines needed in popular segments, charging neers to deliver vehicles • GM’s EV battery cells will be When the GMC HUMMER EV for precious metals, they can buy networks grow and the total cost with an optimized weight mass produced at a $2.3 bil- truck is finally introduced to the chemical factories if that’s the of ownership to consumers con- distribution and a lower cen- lion joint venture plant that public for viewing, the vehicle best move.” tinues to fall. ter of gravity to improve ride GM and LG Chem Chem plan will showcase the GMC brand’s And just as GM, in the Internal “This is an exciting time to be and handling. to build in Lordstown, Ohio. design and engineering potential, Combustion Engine (ICE) space working for GM,” Kwiatakowski • A unique, low cost battery • The plant, which will be and will feature, among other makes a lot of the parts for its ve- said. “I got my engineering de- chemistry and easy to manu- about the size of 30 football things: hicles. The company can do the gree from Cornell and have been facture design. fields, will have annual ca- • 1,000 horsepower; same for its EV production, working for GM since I graduated • GM’s new Ultium batteries pacity of more than 30 gi- • 11,500 lb-ft of torque; Kwiatkowski said. Right now GM in 1997. I grew up on the New Jer- will have the highest nickel gawatt hours and room for • 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. casts 100,000 tons of parts for its sey Shore. But my family has al- and lowest cobalt content in expansion. “GMC builds premium and ca- vehicles every year. ways been a GM family since my a large format pouch cell. • Site assessments and the pable trucks and SUVs and the “We maintain a strong footprint grandfather Jim bought his first • Large format pouch cells re- permitting process are un- GMC HUMMER EV takes this to in manufacturing ICE vehicle,” Chevrolet in 1927. I always want- quire less wiring and plumb derway, and groundbreaking new heights,” said Duncan Al- Kwitakowski said. “We will do the ed to work here, and now I am. I ing than small cylindrical is expected to occur in the dred, vice president of Global same when it comes to EVs.” started onICE designs and cells. spring of 2020. Buick and GMC. PAGE 4 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS MARCH 23, 2020 Toughest Judge Virus Closes Detroit 3 Manufacturing Of FCA Cabins Most importantly, all three com- actions today and will continue cease production at FCA plants CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 panies have agreed to review and to work with them on health and across North America, starting Works There working together,” said Gamble, implement the rotating partial safety plans to be implemented progressively from today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 who convened the leaders of all shutdown of facilities, extensive when we resume production.” through the end of March. three companies. “We are fo- deep cleaning of facility and Ford stated that following the While production is paused, bers to achieve “Black Belt” prob- cused on doing the right thing for equipment between shifts, ex- evening shifts of March 19, the the company will put actions into lem-solver status. Through similar our people, their families, our tended periods between shifts, company would temporarily sus- place to facilitate the steps initiatives spanning four decades communities and the country. All and extensive plans to avoid pend production at its manufac- agreed to through the joint task- of refining everything from seat options related to protecting member contact.” turing sites in North America to force set up between the UAW cushions to Formula One pistons, against exposure to the virus are By the end of Wednesday, March 30 to thoroughly clean its and the automakers. Through Estes estimates he has helped in- on the table.” March 18, all three Detroit au- facilities to protect its workforce this period, which the company crease the world’s population of But events soon overtook tomakers revealed plans to shut and boost containment efforts will re-evaluate at the end of this Black Belts by 10,000. these actions. On Tuesday, down production at all their facil- for the COVID-19 coronavirus. month, FCA will work to enhance But Estes doesn’t just go by March 17, it was confirmed that a ities until the end of March. “We’re continuing to work its manufacturing operations to the book when it comes to quali- GM employee working out the GM stated the suspension will closely with union leaders, espe- facilitate the changes agreed ty improvement processes, Cole building in the Warren Tech last until at least March 30. Pro- cially the United Auto Workers, with the UAW including shift tim- Mayne said. He goes by several Center was confirmed to have duction status will be reevaluat- to find ways to help keep our ings, structures and enhanced books, from Shainin and Six Sig- contracted the virus. ed week-to-week after that. workforce healthy and safe – cleaning protocols. ma, to Kepner-Tregoe. Later that day, a Ford employ- “GM and the UAW have always even as we look at solutions for Commenting on this action, “The assembly of these tools ee working out of the company’s put the health and safety of the continuing to provide the vehi- FCA CEO, Mike Manley said: into the FCA system is unique,” Building 5 in Dearborn was also people entering GM plants first, cles customers really want and “Working with the UAW, and hav- Estes says, himself the winner of confirmed to have contracted and we have agreed to a system- need,” said Kumar Galhotra, ing visited many of our plants the 2019 Shainin Medal, present- the disease. atic, orderly suspension of pro- Ford’s president of North Ameri- yesterday, we need to ensure ed by the American Society for On Wednesday, March 18, FCA duction to aid in fighting COVID- ca. “In these unprecedented employees feel safe at work and Quality (ASQ). confirmed that an employee at 19/coronavirus,” said GM CEO times, we’re exploring unique that we are taking every step The honor stems from his de- the company’s Sterling Heights Mary Barra. “We have been tak- and creative solutions to support possible to protect them. We velopment of “Reverse Group Assembly Plant (SHAP) had con- ing extraordinary precautions our workforce, customers, deal- will continue to do what is right Comparison,” which decon- tracted the virus. around the world to keep our ers, suppliers and communities.” for our people through this peri- structs a system – component by As a result, the three automak- plant environments safe and re- The media release further stat- od of uncertainty.” component – and measures the ers and the UAW again got to- cent developments in North ed that UAW and Ford leaders incremental benefits of each. gether to discuss the best way to America make it clear this is the will work together in the coming Estes says it seeks to answer handle the crisis. The union stat- right thing to do now. I appreci- weeks on plant restart plans as New Ventilators the question: “What are the in- ed that leadership “has strongly ate the teamwork of UAW Presi- well as exploring additional pro- gredients I could put into the requested that the Big 3 au- dent Rory Gamble, UAW Vice tocols and procedures for help- From GM, Ford? recipe to make it better?” tomakers cease production for President Terry Dittes and local ing prevent the spread of the Joining Gaylor as a 2019 RT5 the next two weeks to safeguard leadership as we take this un- virus. Chief among them: finding CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Leadership Award winner is Ro- our members, the workforce that precedented step.” ways to maximize social distanc- Wayne State University cardio- drigo Espinoza, who led a train- makes their products and our “UAW members, their families ing among plant workers – both thoracic surgeon and medical ing and certification initiative for communities. and our communities will benefit during work hours and at shift historian, in a press release in FCA in Mexico. FCA’s body engi- “We spent hours tonight from today’s announcement with change, when large numbers of 2002. “Without some form of neering group earned Shainin’s (March 17) in talks with the lead- the certainty that we are doing people typically gather at entry blood pump or heart-lung ma- Bottom Line Improvement Excel- ership of the Big 3, demanding all that we can to protect our and exit points and maximizing chine, many of the heart opera- lence Award for its work on en- that they do the right thing for health and safety during this pan- cleaning times between shift tions we routinely do would not hanced headlamp performance. our members. All three compa- demic,” said UAW President Rory changes. be possible.” This effort helped the 2020 nies have agreed to new meas- Gamble. “This will give us time to FCA’s media statement said The success of the Dodrill- Ram 1500 become the first pick- ures that will increase adherence review best practices and to pre- working with the UAW and listen- GMR Mechanical Heart began a up truck to get a rating of Top to CDC recommendations on so- vent the spread of this disease. ing to the concerns of our peo- wave of research and medical Safety Pick+ from the Insurance cial distancing in the workplace. We appreciate General Motors' ple, the company has agreed to advances that still continue. Institute for Highway Safety. COVID-19 Virus Keeps Detroit Automakers, UAW Jumping by Jim Stickford in addition to our extensive cur- 19/coronavirus,” said GM Chair- rent protocols to protect our em- man and CEO Mary Barra. Thursday, March 12. The wire ployees, FCA will implement a se- FCA was the final Detroit au- service Reuthers reported that ries of shift pattern and produc- tomaker to shut down produc- FCA officials confirmed that an tion changes across our manu- tion. In a statement to the media, employee at the company’s facturing plants in the United FCA declared “Working with the Kokomo transmission facility in States.” UAW and listening to the con- Indiana had the COVID-19 virus. Ford announces that the com- cerns of our people, we have The automaker stated that the pany will be shutting down all its agreed to cease production at employee was receiving medical European manufacturing opera- our plants across North America, care and his immediate co-work- tons. This idles facilities in Spain, starting progressively from today ers and anyone else who may Romania, Germany and Croatia. through the end of March. While have come into contact with him Wednesday, March 18. FCA production is paused, the com- were placed in home quarantine. shuts down production at the pany will put actions into place This was first confirmed case of company’s SHAP facility, after an to facilitate the steps agreed to an employee of FCA, GM and employee is confirmed to have through the joint task-force set Ford being confirmed as having the virus. up between the UAW and the au- the virus, but it wasn’t the last. The Detroit News reported Fiat tomakers.” Sunday, March 15. In a joint Chrysler Automobiles on March Local media reported that a statement, the UAW, FCA, GM and The COVID-19 virus 18 suspended production at its worker at Binson’s Medical Ford stated that are “are forming Sterling Heights Assembly Plant Equipment and Supplies in Cen- a COVID-19/Coronavirus Task terday that an employee who medical attention. There was no a second time in less than 12 ter Line near the GM Tech Center Force to implement enhanced works at the Cole Engineering risk of exposure in any Ford facil- hours after an employee there in Warren has tested positive for protections for manufacturing Center in Warren has tested posi- ity.” tested positive for coronavirus. COVID-19 (coronavirus), the and warehouse employees at all tive for the virus. After these revelations, the The shutdowns came after a company said in a statement to three companies. “We have been in contact with UAW issued a statement to its task force made of officials with the public. “UAW President Rory Gamble, the family and put our emer- members and the media stating the United Auto Workers and De- Thursday, March 19. Ford Mo- GM Chairman and CEO Mary Bar- gency response plan into action, that the union “has strongly re- troit’s three automakers met into tor Company is offering eligible ra, Ford Executive Chairman Bill which builds on the preventive quested that the Big 3 automak- the evening of March 17 about new car buyers up to six months Ford and President and CEO Jim measures we have already taken, ers cease production for the next how to continue production of payment relief under a new Hackett, and FCA CEO Michael which include directing employ- two weeks to safeguard our mem- amid the pandemic. “Built to Lend a Hand” program Manley will lead the task force. ees at the Cole Technical Center bers, the workforce that makes Ford announces in the after- developed with its dealers. “They will be supported by and other sites to work remotely their products and our communi- noon that following March 18 This week, Ford met with deal- Terry Dittes, vice president; if possible. ties. evening shifts, “Ford is temporar- ers throughout the country, ask- UAW-GM Department; Gerald “In addition, our medical team “We spent hours tonight ily suspending production at its ing what they and their cus- Kariem, vice president, UAW- will be contacting individuals (March 17) in talks with the lead- manufacturing sites in North tomers need most. The answer Ford Department; Cindy Estrada, who may have had direct contact ership of the Big 3, demanding America through March 30 to was clear – payment support for vice president, UAW-FCA Depart- at work with the affected employ- that they do the right thing for thoroughly clean its facilities to existing and new customers af- ment. The medical staffs, and the ee. They will be directed to self- our members. All three compa- protect its workforce and boost fected by coronavirus, plus tools manufacturing and labor leader- quarantine for 14 days and the nies have agreed to new meas- containment efforts for the to help serve their customers re- ship teams at all three compa- GM medical team will help them ures that will increase adherence COVID-19 coronavirus.” motely. nies.” coordinate care if they develop to CDC recommendations on so- Shortly after Ford’s announce- Under the new program, Ford Tuesday, March 17. Media out- symptoms.” cial distancing in the workplace. ment, GM confirmed “confirmed is offering up to six months of lets reported that an employee That same day, Ford reported Most importantly, all three com- it will begin a systematic orderly payment relief for eligible new working out of GM’s Cole build- that an employee who works in panies have agreed to review and suspension of manufacturing op- car customers who finance ing (formerly known at VEC) in the company’s Building 5 in Dear- implement the rotating partial erations in North America due to through Ford Credit. Ford will Warren Tech Center was con- born had tested positive for the shutdown of facilities, extensive market conditions, to deep clean pay for three months and cus- firmed to have the COVID-19 Coronavirus. deep cleaning of facility and facilities and continue to protect tomers can defer for up to three virus. Ford spokesman T.R. Reid said equipment between shifts, ex- people. The suspension will last months for a total of up to six In a statement to the media, that the company learned of the tended periods between shifts, until at least March 30. Produc- months. GM officials wrote “Since Janu- situation late on Monday, March and extensive plans to avoid tion status will be reevaluated The program is for those pur- ary, we have been taking decisive 16, and that this “person was ex- member contact.” week-to-week after that.” chasing new 2019 and 2020 mod- action around the world to pre- posed after having left the office FCA, in a statement to the me- “GM and the UAW have always el year vehicles, excluding 2020 vent the spread of coronavirus several days ago and was diag- dia, said “ Following several days put the health and safety of the F-Series Super Duty. because the health and safety of nosed before returning," Reid of proactive discussions with our people entering GM plants first, “Our dealers are incredibly our employees and everyone said. "The person was working UAW partners focused on provid- and we have agreed to a system- connected to their communi- who enters our facilities is our remotely, coincidentally. The per- ing a safe environment for our atic, orderly suspension of pro- ties,” said Kumar Galhotra, presi- top priority. We learned late yes- son is in quarantine and getting employees, we have agreed that duction to aid in fighting COVID- dent, North America. MARCH 23, 2020 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS PAGE 5 Society of Automotive Engineers Cancels 2020 Congress The 2020 Ford by Jim Stickford strictions on travel. Employees 15 percent. It also announced a HEALTHCARE: Humana is Expedition Gets need to secure leadership team hiring freeze and is offering em- waiving out-of-pocket costs asso- The Coronavirus has come to approval. And we have asked ployees voluntary leave. ciated with COVID-19 testing for Family Honors Michigan, and that has affected that the limit travel to essential United Airlines, Delta Air Lines patients who meet CDC guide- U.S. News & World Report has how major employers in the auto business. and American Airlines are allow- lines at approved labs. The named the 2020 Ford Expedition industry are doing business. Michelle Collins, a spokes- ing passengers to rebook tickets Louisville, Kentucky, health in- as the Best Large SUV in its “2020 In an email to the Detroit Auto woman for BorgWarner, wrote in through April 30 without paying surer also said it would increase Best Cars for Families” report. Scene, GM spokesman Dave Bar- an email that “BorgWarner’s fees. the availability of telemedicine to The publication stated that nas wrote, “Please know the Auburn Hills offices are open. We Finnair continues to alter its cut down on potential exposure families today look a lot different health and safety of our employ- continue to monitor the situation flight schedules. Finland’s nation- for those it insures. Telemedicine than they did 20 or 30 years ago, ees is the highest priority. The to ensure the health and safety of al carrier this month announced costs for all urgent care needs is and so do family cars. following information below pro- our employees. Travel is restrict- temporary layoffs of between 14 being waived for the next 90 “Today you can choose from vides the latest guidance on our ed to level 3 countries as identi- days up to one month for its en- days. The company says it will al- spacious hybrids, SUVs, sedans, corporate travel (air) policy, fied by the CDC.” tire staff based in country, affect- low early prescription refills for and vans filled with safety fea- along with our revised visitor According to the Associated ing more than 6,000 employees. the next 30 days so members tures, and tech to keep everyone guidelines. Additionally, we are Press, the auto industry isn’t the The carrier, which as cancelled could stock up for extended peri- connected and entertained. providing employees with regu- only American industry affected 1,400 flights, said Tuesday that it ods. Humana is opening up a sup- “Of course, with all those op- lar guidance to outline the steps by the spread of the Coronavirus. would cancel flights to and from port hotline for members to call tions, it can be tough to find the each of us can take to help to They reported: Bologna, Stuttgart, Split, Umea in with specific questions about right family car for your house- protect our own health and safe- TURBULENCE IN THE AIR: Eu- Sweden, and Venice for the en- coronavirus, telemedicine op- hold. The Best Cars for Families ty and slow the spread of COVID rope’s airports say they expect tirety of April. tions and other questions. awards cover nine different auto- 19. 187 million fewer passengers this THE FED AND BIG BANKS: THE WORKPLACE: A worker motive classes and shine the This includes: year due to the virus outbreak, The Federal Reserve and other at Boeing’s Everett, Wash., facili- spotlight on the cars, SUVs, and • Making antibacterial hand which is “turning into a shock of regulatory agencies are encour- ty has tested positive for COVID- vans that truly make family life a soap, wipes and hand sani- unprecedented proportions for aging financial institutions to 19. The employee is in quaran- little easier.” tizer available, and our industry.’’ The ACI Europe, meet the needs of customers af- tine and co-workers who’ve been In the review of the 2020 Expe- • Utilizing virtual tools to help which represents the sector, esti- fected by coronavirus. They in close contact with the individ- dition, U.S. News editors and facilitate larger group meet- mated Tuesday that the outbreak vowed to give them the regulato- ual have been asked to self-quar- judges wrote that “Yes, the Ford ings and keep us working will mean a 13.5 percent drop in ry leeway to do so. “Prudent ef- antine and self-monitor, the com- Expedition is a great large SUV. efficiently. airport passengers in the first forts that are consistent with pany said. The company previ- It’s pretty much the entire pack- He further stated that new GM quarter alone. That translates to safe and sound lending practices ously told employees in the age. visitor guidelines have been initi- 1.32 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in should not be subject to examin- Puget Sound area to work from “Under the hood is a muscular ated. lost revenue. Airports in Italy, er criticism,’’ the Fed said in a home. Washington state at one turbocharged V6 engine that ri- “We are implementing new visi- where a nationwide quarantine prepared statement along with point had the highest number of vals the horsepower of competi- tor protocols at all GM sites to was put in place Tuesday, are the Federal Deposit Insurance people infected with the coron- tors’ V8s, and well-rounded per- keep our employees and all those most affected. Some 9,172 people Corporation and the Office of the avirus, prompting the tech indus- formance includes balanced han- who visit our locations safe. As have been infected in Italy, and Comptroller General. try that is heavy in the area to dling and a pleasing ride. Inside, the coronavirus disease outbreak 463 have died. THE FED AND THE PRESI- roll out travel and work restric- the Expedition has one of the continues to evolve and spreads “What they are now bracing for DENT: President Donald Trump tions. most spacious cargo holds in the globally, GM Medical and Securi- is a total collapse in air connec- has repeatedly demanded that The Florida Department of class, as well as three rows of ty are monitoring the situation tivity and the prospect of losing the Federal Reserve do more to Health says three employees of a roomy, comfortable seating. Info- closely and will periodically up- most of their revenues,’’ said aid the economy, especially in company that greets cruise ship tainment features are user- date guidance based on the rec- Olivier Jankovec, Director Gener- the face of the coronavirus out- passengers have tested positive friendly, and the cabin is full of ommendations from the CDC and al of ACI Europe. He called on the break. On March 10, Trump for the new coronavirus. Offi- quality materials. Because it has WHO. The latest information re- Italian government to provide called the Fed “pathetic’’ and cials are urging anyone who re- the best combination of cargo garding these new procedures emergency financial support, and “slow moving’’ in a tweet for not cently traveled through Port and passenger space, safety and can be found at GM.com/coron- said that might be necessary cutting interest rates as low as Everglades to isolate themselves reliability ratings, positive re- avirus.” across the EU if more authorities other central banks have. He as- for 14 days if they start experi- views from automotive journal- Company Guidance Regarding clamp down on travel. serted that its failure to do so encing symptoms. A 69-year-old ists, and available family-friendly Travel: Airlines continue to slash ca- has put the United States at a Broward County woman tested features in its class, we named • We are monitoring the situa- pacity as travelers cancel flights competitive disadvantage. “The positive for COVID-19, the third the Expedition our 2020 Best tion closely and periodically or avoid them all together. Ameri- Federal Reserve must be a employee of Metro Cruise Servic- Large SUV for Families. updating company guidance can Airlines cut international ca- leader, not a very late follower, es to become infected. The advi- “Anyone shopping for a full- regarding travel restrictions. pacity by 10 percent for the sum- which it has been!’’ Trump said in sory asks anyone who passed size SUV will want to take a look Based on current recommen- mer Tuesday and will trim do- a second tweet. through the port recently and at the Expedition. It’s one of the dations from the Center for Dis- mestic capacity by 7.5 percent The Fed slashed its benchmark begins to experience symptoms most spacious and modern vehi- ease Control and the World next month as millions second rate by a half-point last week -- the such as coughing, fever and cles in the class, but with a start- Health Organization, GM recently guess vacations or business trav- largest cut since the 2008 finan- shortness of breath to isolate ing price of almost $53,000, it’s implemented the following travel el. The airline is suspending cial crisis -- to a very low range of themselves and call their health also one of the most expensive. changes: Travel Bans (no travel flights between Los Angeles and 1 percent to 1.25 percent. And care providers. Ford also offers the Expedition to these locations unless it is an mainland China and Hong Kong most Fed watchers expect further Santander, Spain’s largest Max, an extended-wheelbase employee’s primary work loca- for the entire summer. It suspend- rate cuts in coming weeks. In con- bank, ordered its employees in model that boasts a larger cargo tion) – China, South Korea, Italy ed flights between Philadelphia trast to Trump, most economists Madrid to work from home for hold. and Japan. and Rome immediately Tuesday. say rate cuts aren’t likely to do the next two weeks on Tuesday Editors said for those looking “All additional domestic and That hold will remain in place much to stem the economic dam- and told shareholders to partici- to spend a little less money but non-domestic air travel requires through the end of April.: Delta age from the spreading coron- pate remotely, or vote before- want similar passenger and car- senior leader approval.” Air Lines on Tuesday cut interna- avirus, which has disrupted facto- hand, in the April 3 annual share- go space, consider the Chevrolet FCA spokesman Mike Palese, tional capacity by 20 percent to ry supply chains and pummeled holders’ meeting on April 3. Tahoe and GMC Yukon. in an email to the Detroit Auto 25 percent and will reduce do- service industries like airlines and Scene, stated that FCA placed re- mestic capacity by 10 percent to tourism companies. Ford Creates New Financial Aid Packages RED WINGS Building on years of helping the option to delay their first port food programs for children communities during times of payment for 90 days. no longer in school. It also is need, Ford is working to help Ford Credit has also launched launching an emergency aid pro- • Safety Toes Where Fit customers affected by the devel- an ad campaign beginning on gram with the UNCF (United Ne- Comes oping coronavirus outbreak. March 16 to raise awareness of gro College Fund) to help stu- • Professional “Ford is committed to lending the new program. dents with financial difficulties at Fitting First… a hand to the people who rely on “We want to make sure that historically black colleges and us,” said Mark LaNeve, v. p., U.S. anyone who needs assistance universities get home following •WideWidths marketing, sales and service. knows it’s available,” said Marion the sudden closure of some of In Stock “The peace of mind of our Ford Harris, chief executive officer, these institutions. and Lincoln customers is our top Ford Motor Credit Company. “We are immediately targeting The Preferred priority as we work through the In addition, the Ford Motor resources to ensure that the RED WING SHOE STORE developments of this outbreak.” Company Fund, Ford’s philan- most vulnerable people are being M-F 10-8; Sat. 10-5; Sun. 12-4 Brand Ford Credit has long helped thropic arm, is providing assis- cared for during this unprece- 33289 Mound Rd. of Detroit’s Just North of 14 Mile Rd. in Stober Plaza – on the west side of the street customers impacted by local and tance to nonprofit organizations dented situation,” said Mary Auto Industry federal disasters, said LaNeve. meeting critical community Culler, president, Ford Fund. 586-264-4500 Now, existing Ford Credit cus- needs, said Mellott. As an initial tomers in the U.S. affected by step, Ford Fund is directing more COVID-19 who purchased or are than $500,000 to help nonprofit leasing vehicles are encouraged groups in southeast Michigan to contact Ford Credit to discuss and will support delivery of food options if they are having pay- to senior citizens and to thou- ment difficulty. For example, they sands of children who do not may be able to change a payment have access to school meals due date or delay a payment. while schools are not in session. We Handle All Of Your Vehicles Repair Needs Customers are encouraged to The two Ford Resource and En- Collision • Mechanical • Windshields • Detailing • Etc. access their Account Manager gagement Centers in Detroit are Collision • Mechanical • Windshields • Detailing • Etc. profile either online at account- serving as drive-up food pantry Showcase would like to extend to the manager.ford.com or through the distribution centers. Ford Fund Tech Center & UAW employees… FordPass app; visit also is supporting Detroit-area http://www.fordcreditsupport.co nonprofits that provide shelter 10% OFF 10% OFF m/ or call a special hotline – 1- to families and other at-risk peo- Out-of-Pocket 800-723-4016 – to discuss op- ple. In addition, Ford Fund is ex- Mechanical Repairs except Collision Repairs tions, said Ford spokeswoman ploring how employee volun- already discounted items (Not Insurance) Collision Repair Margaret Mellott. teers can assist nonprofits that In addition, Ford Credit is of- are short-staffed, Mellott said. Please Call For Details 586-979-6450 Loaner Car fering a program giving cus- In other parts of the U.S., Ford – BODY SHOP – – AUTO REPAIR – or Deductible tomers who buy new vehicles Fund is redirecting funds to sup- 6330 14 Mile, Warren, MI 48092 6311 14 Mile, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Assistance PAGE 6 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS MARCH 23, 2020 GM’s Making Executive Changes While the COVID-19 virus and its effects on the automotive industry recently, it wasn’t the only news being generated by GM. The company made some changes to the company’s senior executive staff. The new appoint- ments are effective April 1, said GM spokesman Pat Morrissey. Matt Tsien, currently executive vice president and president, GM China, is appointed to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, replacing Jon Lauckner, who has elected to retire effective July 1, Morrissey said. In his new role, Tsien will report to GM President Mark Reuss. #2 IN METRO DETROIT Tsien has led GM’s operations Matt Tsien Craig Buchholz in China since Jan. 1, 2014. Dur- ing his time in China, GM mobile Group (the former Wuling #5 NATIONALLY achieved unprecedented growth Motors), in 2009. He was a mem- of business and brought in the ber of the joint venture’s Execu- technologies that would enable tive Committee and managed the the company’s long-term growth company’s Purchasing and Sup- THE BEST DEALS! in China, especially in electrifica- ply Chain Management organization and connectivity. tion in addition to Information AND Tsien began his professional ca- Technology and its Technical De- reer at Delco Electronics in 1976 velopment Center. as an electrical engineer, where Tsien has a bachelor’s degree CUSTOMER CARE he designed and released embed- in electrical engineering from the ded software for automotive ap- General Motors Institute (now plications and led advanced work Kettering University), a master’s MUST BE THE REASON! in navigation and telematics. degree in electrical engineering Between 1995 and 2000, Tsien from Stanford University and a Please call with the vehicle you desire worked in Australia and China in master’s degree in management and you will be delighted with the payment. various technical, program man- from the Massachusetts Institute CALL agement and planning assign- of Technology. BRUCE LITVIN CELL # 1-586-405-5175 ments. In China, he was chief Craig Buchholz, currently chief – 24/7 & 365 – technology officer and director communications officer, Procter Julian Blissett OVER 40 YEARS [email protected] of Business Planning. & Gamble, joins GM as Senior OF QUALITY SERVICE In 2001, he moved to GM North Vice President, Global Communi- In his new role, Blissett will re- America Product Development cations, replacing Tony Cervone, port to GM President Mark 1-888-665-5438 as executive director of Vehicle who has elected to retire effec- Reuss. Systems. Tsien joined General tive July 1, 2020. Buchholz will re- Blissett was appointed GM Motors Global Engineering in port to GM Chairman and CEO senior vice president Interna- 2005 as executive director of Mary Barra. tional Operations, in April Global Technology Engineering. Buchholz’s biography on the 2019. He is responsible for GM’s Tsien became executive vice Proctor & Gamble Web site stat- operations outside the Americas president of SAIC-GM-Wuling, GM ed “Craig is charged with build- and China, including Korea, #44296 #42333 #21552 China’s manufacturing joint ven- ing and protecting the reputation Australia, Southeast Asia, India 475 SUMMIT DRIVE • 248-292-2502 • 5825 HIGHLAND RD. (M59) • WATERFORD ture with SAIC and Guangxi Auto- of P&G and the company’s port- and the Middle East, and reports folio of iconic brands. Under his to Steve Kiefer. leadership, the Global Communi- Prior to taking on his current cations team contributes to the position, Blissett served since Thanks for making Buff Whelan Chevrolet the P&G growth strategy by deliver- 2014 as executive vice president ing communications superiority of SAIC-GM and a member of the aimed at framing the company’s SAIC-GM Executive Committee. #1 DEALER IN THE U.S.A. 3 years in a row! narrative with consumers and A native of the United King- OVER 1,000 CALL key stakeholders. dom, Blissett began his GM ca- New Chevrolets JEFF CAUL Buchholz joins GM with exten- reer in 1996 with Central Engi- sive experience managing com- neering at Opel Polska. in Stock! 586-274-0396 plex communications environ- Before joining GM, Blissett ments in multi-brand organiza- worked at Nissan Motor Manu- 2020 2020 tions. For the past six years, facturing U.K. Ltd. in manufactur- TRAX LS EQUINOX 2FL Buchholz has led P&G communi- ing, engineering and production • Touch Screen DRIVER CONFIDENCE PKG • Back Up Camera • Enhanced Safety Features cations through a variety of chal- management in the U.K. and • Aluminum Wheel • 7” Color Touch Screen MyLink • Deep Tinted Glass • Radio with XM Satelite Radio lenging product and corporate is- Japan. • Cruise Control • OnStar w/4G LTE with sues. Blissett holds a bachelor’s de- • & More •Built In WifFi Hotspot • 1.5 Turbo Engine Prior to P&G, he spent 20 years gree in engineering and business • Aluminum Wheels in the pharmaceutical world studies from Sheffield Hallam • Keyless Entry • Deep Tinted Glass working in both agency and cor- University in the U.K. porate environments, including Steve Kiefer, senior vice presi- with Merck, Johnson & Johnson dent and president, GM Interna- and what is now Pfizer. In those tional, will continue in his cur- 36 MTH LEASE • 10,000 MILES 36 MTH LEASE • 10,000 MILES companies, he held multiple rent role and assume the day-to- +TAX, +TAX, leadership positions in corpo- day operations of GM’s interna- TOTAL TITLE TOTAL TITLE $ $ $ $ DUE & PLATE +TAX rate, internal and executive com- tional markets currently handled DUE & PLATE +TAX 275 213 189 *SAVE EVEN MORE IF YOU ARE TERMINATING AN EQUINOX,251 MALIBU, OR CRUZE munications. He holds a law de- by Blissett. Kiefer will continue gree from Drexel University and to report to Reuss, Morrissey 2020 2020 DBL DOOR CUSTOM bachelor’s degree in Journalism said. BLAZER FWD 2LT SILVERADO and Public Relations from Tem- “I’d like to thank Jon and Tony • V6 • Aluminum Wheels • Power Locks/Power Windows 4X4 • Remote Start • Cruise ple University. Buchholz is also for their decades-long service to • Power Drivers Seat • Remote Start • Bluetooth • 20” Rims an Aspen Institute Fellow. Craig GM, and for the outstanding con- • Back Up Camera • Trailer Package Buchholz bio tributions they’ve made to the • Xm Radio • & more • OnStar Julian Blissett, currently senior company,” said Barra. “They’ve • & more vice president, International Op- both played significant roles in erations, is appointed Executive positioning the company for Vice President and President, GM long-term success, and I wish China, succeeding Tsien. them all the best in retirement.” 36 MTH LEASE • 10,000 MILES 36 MTH LEASE • 10,000 MILES +TAX, +TAX, Volvo Orders Recall of 736,000 Cars TITLE TOTAL $ TITLE $ TOTAL $ $ DETROIT (AP) – Volvo is recall- way Traffic Safety Administration DUE 292 & PLATE +TAX DUE & PLATE +TAX *SAVE EVEN MORE IF YOU ARE TERMINATING AN268 EQUINOX, MALIBU, OR CRUZE 321 297 ing more than 736,000 vehicles Web site. worldwide because the automat- The company says it has no re- Free shuttle service to home, office or shopping. 18 MILE RD. ic emergency braking system ports of crashes or injuries. In a buff whelan chevrolet # may not detect obstacles and statement March 18, Volvo says WHERE THE DEALS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE, EVERY DAY SINCE 1970! stop the vehicles as designed. forward collision warning sys- Van Dyke • South of18 Mile • Sterling Heights The recall covers certain 2019 tems will work as designed, but SCHOENHERR

Jeff Caul MOUND and 2020 S60, V60, S90L and V90 there's a very small risk in cer- VAN DYKE models. tain environments and tempera- 586-274-0396 METRO PKWY. PEP QUOTES BY PHONE OR EMAIL: JEFF CAUL AT [email protected] The company says in govern- tures that the automatic braking ment documents that a software- system won't function properly. CONVENIENT HOURS: MON. & THURS. 8:30AM-9PM / TUES., WED. & FRI. 8:30AM-6:30PM / hardware incompatibility glitch Volvo will notify owners and causes the problem. If the sys- dealers will update the software *See dealer for details. Photos may not represent actual sale vehicle. All rebates and incentives, including GM loyalty & Conquest incentives have been deductedfromthe price andare includedinthe lease payments ,andare subject to change by the tem doesn't work as intended, it at no cost to customers. The re- manufacturer without notice. Leases are through GM Financial andare basedon A1 approval. There is a $395 dispositionfee, if you donot release or purchase thru can increase the risk of a crash, call is expected to start May 1 in GM Financial at lease termination. GM Employee discount is required unless otherwise noted. All leases are for 10k miles per year. GM Lease Loyalty requires a Buick, GMC or Chevrolet lease in the house hold. Silverado or Sierra loyalty requires a 2014 Silverado or Sierra lease in the house hold. Those leases do not have to Volvo said in documents posted the U.S., according to govern- terminate. 1st payment, tax, title, plate fee and $24 CVR fee are due at signing. See dealer for complete details on all incentives and offers. All deal only good while March 18 on the National High- ment documents. supplies last. Deals are goodthrough 03/31/2020 MARCH 23, 2020 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS PAGE 7 GM Financial Department Helps During Virus Crisis The spread of the Coronavirus serve social distancing practices, has changed the way people are we have limited the number of interacting. phone agents in our servicing Schools have been closed in centers. Hold times may be Michigan and restaurants will longer than usual. The good take-out only starting March 16. news -- we still have many experi- Even the casinos have been or- enced customer advocates dered closed for two weeks. standing by ready to help you That will have an affect on peo- through our secure messaging ple’s incomes, so GM Financial channels. has issued some new rules to “It may be easier and faster to help with that situation. reach us one of the following GM Financial has created a ways: special Web page to cover the • Sign in to MyAccount and situation. It is at gmfinancial.com send a secure message. Go /en-us/coronavirus.html. about your day, and we’ll re- The page states that GM Finan- spond during normal busi- cial believes the “safety and well- ness hours. being of our communities during • Download and log in to the COVID-19 is our top priority. Our GM Financial Mobile app thoughts go out to anyone who and message us just as you has been negatively impacted by would in MyAccount. this situation. We stand with you • Text ASSIST to 53721 to start and are ready to help. a text message with us. “The first step you can take is “Need to discuss payment to make sure you have access to arrangements? Each customer’s manage your account online situation is unique and we’re 24/7. Register for MyAccount here to help. Please contact us to (gmfinancial.com/en-us/myac- discuss your options. Message count/login.html) or download us or call 800-284-2271. the GM Financial Mobile app “You can always find more in- (gmfinancial.com/en-us/mobile. formation about managing your html). You can make payments account by visiting our FAQs online, view your due date or (gmfinancial.com/en-us/re- payment amount, enroll in Auto sources/faq. html).” Pay, sign up for paperless billing Support hours are Monday and more.” through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., The page goes on to state “To Central Time. Saturday hours are help prevent the spread of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Time. COVID-19, and in an effort to ob- Sunday hours are closed. New Federal AV Safety Regs by TOM KRISHER regulatory safeguards for a tech- AP Auto Writer nology that is not proven “and in fact may be unsafe.’’ He said in a DETROIT (AP) – The U.S. gov- statement that the government ernment is coming out with new should focus on existing safety regulations aimed at changing measures “not corporate give- automotive passenger safety aways desired by lobbyists and standards that could be barriers questioned by experts.’’ to autonomous vehicles. The public has about 60 days The National Highway Traffic to comment on the proposal. Safety Administration says it’s Based on the comments, NHTSA seeking comment on proposed would then put the rule into ef- updated standards to account fect, the agency said. for vehicles that don’t have man- The regulation is aimed at au- ual controls such as steering tonomous vehicles and does not wheels or brake pedals. Au- address multiple recommenda- tonomous vehicles also may not tions from the National Trans- have drivers sitting in the tradi- portation Safety Board made last tional driver’s seat. month about partially automated The proposal would revise re- vehicles with driver assist sys- quirements and test procedures, tems. the agency said in a statement After several fatal crashes in- Tuesday. It also would clarify volving Tesla electric vehicles that passenger protection stan- operating on the company’s Au- dard standards don’t apply to ve- topilot driver-assist system, the hicles made specifically to carry NTSB recommended that NHTSA goods and not people. expand testing to make sure par- “We do not want regulations tially automated systems can enacted long before the develop- avoid running into common ob- ment of automated technologies stacles such as a freeway barrier. to present an unintended and un- The board also asked that NHT- necessary barrier against inno- SA evaluate Autopilot to deter- vation and improved highway mine where it can safely operate, safety,’’ NHTSA Acting Adminis- and to develop and enforce stan- trator James Owens said in the dards for monitoring drivers so statement. they pay attention while using The proposed regulation the systems. would apply front passenger seat NHTSA said at the time it will protection standards to the tra- review the NTSB’s report and ditional driver’s seat of an au- that all commercially available tonomous vehicle, rather than vehicles require human drivers safety requirements that are spe- to stay in control at all times. cific to the driver’s seat, the agency said. “The rationale dis- Police Don’t Find Cause cussed in this notice is that an occupant should not need pro- For Supplier Explosion tection from a steering control OGDEN, Utah (AP) – Investiga- system if none exists in the vehi- tors say they don’t know what cle,’’ the regulation said. triggered an explosion that killed The regulations would account a man at an engineering business for vehicles that operate au- in northern Utah. tonomously but also can be con- The Standard-Examiner in Og- trolled by a human in the driver’s den reported March 16 that po- seat, NHTSA said. lice in Brigham City have com- NHTSA says in the regulation pleted their investigation into that much of the safety potential the March 10 blast at auto sup- of automated driving systems is plier HyPerComp Engineering “unsubstantiated and the im- but were unable to pinpoint a pacts unknown,’’ but it still because. Lt. Tony Ferderber says lieves the best path forward is to 33-year-old Alex Stoddard, who remove barriers. was the only one in the building Jason Levine, executive direc- at the time, was transferring oxy- tor of the nonprofit Center for gen from a larger tank to a small- Auto Safety, an advocacy group, er tank when something caused said NHTSA shouldn’t remove the explosion. PAGE 8 DETROITAUTOSCENE-TECHCENTERNEWS MARCH 23, 2020

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