Cost of Ambassador Bridge shutdown is growing for automakers, workers
Many people might not know they use the “just-in-time” production method these days, which means they have to stop building when the parts run out. That method is what’s happening, and the Anderson Economic Group is estimating $51 million in lost wages so far this week because of the blockade.
Program aims to match young Detroiters with summer jobs
Before 2015, before Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent program, young adults would have to search for a summer job at each company individually to apply for a summer job. But now the city has made it real easy bringing all of the companies together with thousands of opportunities available.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer pushes tax cuts, education funding in State of the State address
Fresh off a victory with a 7 billion dollar investment from General Motors, Governor Whitmer pitches her plans as she heads into an election year. Because of COVID, Gov. Whitmer did her State of the State remotely. Breaking tradition, Whitmer took her show on the road to Detroit Diesel to give her address.
How a Metro Detroit business shifted gears, came through during a crisis
Archer Corporate Services in Belleville were already a supplier to General Motors, but early in the pandemic, the automaker called up and requested their help in manufacturing ventilators. They cleared out their lobby and went to work seven-days-a-week.
GMC raises $2.5 million for mortgage-free homes for injured veterans
The first production GMC HUMMER EV supertruck was sold at the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for $2.5 million. DETROIT – The Saturday auction of the first GMC HUMMER EV has brought in more than $2 million for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The auction fees and commissions have been waived for the $2.5 million auction sale, so the entire amount can go toward the nonprofit. It builds mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for the most catastrophically-injured veterans and provides mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families and the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. The HUMMER EV Edition 1 is the specially appointed and fully equipped launch model of GMC’s first full-electric vehicle.
GM responds to allegations of racism
DETROIT – GM is responding to allegations of racism that were printed in a full-page advertisement in Sunday’s Detroit Free Press. The advertisement accuses GM CEO Mary Barra of consistently refusing to meet with several Black-owned media companies. Detroiter Byron Allen is asking GM to allocate at least 5% of its advertising budget to go toward Black-owned media companies. The ad claims less than 1% of GM’s marketing budget goes toward Black-owned media companies. GMThe automaker cited its work with HBCUs, its partnership with National Association Of Black Owned Broadcasters and AIMM.
GM shifting groups of salaried Michigan employees, aims to maintain benefits of remote work
This image provided by General Motors shows the GM Logo. (General Motors via AP)DETROIT – General Motors plans to move around groups of salaried workers in Michigan to “increase collaboration” among its teams, the automaker announced Thursday. GM stressed its global headquarters will remain at the RenCen and it’s an “important element” of the automaker’s future. We are seeking to maintain the benefits of remote work, while also ensuring our teams get the benefit of in-person collaboration,” reads a statement from GM on Thursday. It has been more than a year now since GM asked thousands of employees to work from home, if possible, when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic swept the globe.
Jets' Douglas praises Darnold, but open to trading QB
FILE - New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)NEW YORK – Sam Darnold's time as the face of the New York Jets franchise might be nearing a disappointing end. General manager Joe Douglas has backed off that stance, though, and it could signal a major change at the position as free agency and the NFL draft approach. “I will answer the call if it's made,” Douglas said Wednesday when asked if he'd listen to offers for Darnold. AdThe Jets could also opt to stick with Darnold, for at least this year, and trade down from No.
GM extends shutdowns at several plants due to semiconductor shortage
DETROIT – General Motors is extending shutdowns at plants in Kansas, Canada and Mexico due to a semiconductor shortage. “GM has not taken downtime or reduced shifts at any of its truck plants due to the shortage. GM had to shut down its Fairfax, Kansas plant that builds the Cadillac XT4 and the Chevy Malibu. AdWhat caused the semiconductor shortage? Industry officials said semiconductor companies diverted production to consumer electronics during the worst of the COVID-19 slowdown in auto sales last spring.
Meet Telva McGruder: How one of GM’s most prominent electrical engineers is helping inspire girls
McGruder is also a Girl Scouts board chair member. It was typical NASA,” McGruder said. After her time at NASA, McGruder went to GM. “It’s pretty amazing to understand that I led through that and we had problem after problem after problem. Now, the first robotics mentor for the Girl Scouts is making sure the next generation can reach beyond the stars.
Magna announces $70 million EV battery facility for Michigan
Magna International is breaking ground on a $70 million manufacturing facility in St. Clair, Mich. where it plans to build complex battery enclosures for the all-new 2022 GMC Hummer EV. This investment is expected to create 304 jobs in St. Clair over the next five years. AdIn St. Clair, Magna said it plans to construct a 345,000-square-foot facility with the ability to support an expansion of up to 1,000,000 square feet. AdMeanwhile, it was announced earlier this year that the Hummer EV would be built under the GMC brand name at GM’s “Factory Zero” facility at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. That was announced right after GM said it would invest more than $2 billion in Detroit to manufacture electric vehicles.
Yzerman weighs in on Red Wings: ‘A much harder team to play against’
Yzerman on Red Wings right now: 'Playing much better collectively'DETROIT – Steve Yzerman is not one to simply talk for the sake of talking -- we’ve known this for decades. He’s optimisticSo when he does start speaking, specifically about the status of his Red Wings, we listen closely. Team PDO (shooting % + save %) is up: 99.5 through 20 games this season vs. 97.2 through 71 games last season. AdYzerman could boast a better Red Wings offense, too, but with the team failing to score in all situations -- 5-on-5 and, of course, that dismal power play -- it’s tough to say they’re any better up front. AdBoth of these players are of course expected at Red Wings training camp later this year.
GM hourly workers expected to get up to $9K profit sharing check
The year 2020 was hard, but GM left the year with impressive earnings, beating Wall Street expectations. GM made nearly $4 billion in the last quarter of 2020 and $10 billion for the entire year. Ad“It’s been absolutely remarkable how the auto industry has rebounded and how well GM has done through this,” Krebs said. READ: GM 2020 profit drops, but it makes $6.43B despite pandemicThough things looked bleak in Spring 2020, in looking at the numbers, Krebs said GM couldn’t have timed its product roll outs any better. “Everybody’s buying SUV’s and trucks and guess what, GM introduced a whole family of full size SUV’s,” Krebs said.
Despite COVID pandemic, GM bounces back with strong 4Q profit
DETROIT – GM’s strong-fourth quarter profit could mean good news for the automaker’s employees. 2020 was a hard year, but GM left the year with impressive earnings, beating Wall Street expectations. READ: GM 2020 profit drops, but it makes $6.43B despite pandemicThe automaker made $9.7 billion for the year -- $3.7 in the fourth quarter. AdIn 2018, UAW members received $10,750. The coronavirus pandemic shut down GM production for a few months, which is why Autotrader analyst and Cox Automotive automotive relations director Michelle Krebs is so impresses with what the company has accomplished.
Local 4 News at Noon -- Feb. 10, 2021
DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Despite COVID pandemic, GM bounces back with strong fourth-quarter profitUnited Auto Workers members are looking to get profit-sharing checks. The checks are estimated to be about $9,000 -- a grand more than what they received from 2019′s profit-sharing.
UAW on GM’s 2020 earnings: A testament to our membership
DETROIT – General Motors’ profit fell 4.5% in 2020, but a strong second half more than offset the effects of pandemic-related factory closures and a costly air bag recall. The Detroit automaker said Wednesday it made $6.43 billion as demand for its vehicles surged late in a year dominated by coronavirus upheaval. The United Auto Workers union called this profit a “testament” to its membership in a statement released Wednesday morning:“Despite a year of a pandemic and loss of production in 2020, General Motors reported a solid profit for North America. This is a testament to our UAW-GM Membership, who produce some of the finest and most sought-after vehicles in the world, right here in the U.S.A.”Read more here. AdLast year: GM churns out profit in 2019 despite strike, slumping sales
GM 2020 profit drops, but it makes $6.43B despite pandemic
General Motors net profit fell 4.5% in 2020, but a strong second half more than offset the effects of pandemic-related factory closures and a costly air bag recall. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)DETROIT – General Motors' profit fell 4.5% in 2020, but a strong second half more than offset the effects of pandemic-related factory closures and a costly air bag recall. GM predicted the shortage will cost it $1.5 billion to $2 billion in earnings before taxes this year due to lost production. Still, GM expects pretax income for the year of $10 billion to $11 billion, or $4.50 to $5.25 per share. Of that, $6 billion would go to electric vehicles and $1 billion would go to autonomous, Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said.
Henry Ford Museum to open ‘Driven to Win’ an American auto racing exhibition presented by General Motors
DEARBORN – The first exhibition covering various forms of American auto racing will open on March 27 inside the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The exhibit covers stock car, sports car, drag racing, Indy car, hill climbing and land-speed racing. The In the Driver’s Seat Simulators presented by Brembo, allow visitors to virtually experience what it’s like to drive the world’s fastest cars on the most challenging tracks. In the Driver’s Seat does cost an extra fee. READ: Top NASCAR drivers to honor two Henry Ford nurses during Cup Series race
A look at the commercials of Super Bowl LV
After all, more than 100 million people in the United States tune in to watch the Super Bowl every year. According to statista.com, Bud Light is the most popular beer for Super Bowl Sunday, taking up more than 12% of the total beer consumed. Anheuser-Busch will forego promoting Budweiser this year, with the money reserved for its Super Bowl ad donated to coronavirus vaccine awareness efforts. I brought the chips!”This spot brings together an ensemble of Super Bowl legends. Disney had released a trailer for “Black Widow” during the 2020 Super Bowl.
Brady, improved defense keys to Bucs winning Super Bowl
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during NFL football practice, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 55. (Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers via AP)TAMPA, Fla. – Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be denied. The 43-year-old six-time Super Bowl champion may no longer be the best quarterback in the NFL, however, he’s shown in his first season with the Bucs that he’s still good enough to lead a team to the NFL title game. You want to make some moves that hopefully get your team into the Super Bowl.
Watch GM’s hilarious Super Bowl commercial starring Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell explains why he hates Norway and why General Motors is all about EVerbody In. (GM)General Motors has released its new Super Bowl ad, which features Will Ferrell seeking to surpass Norway for most electric vehicles sold. GM has launched a big campaign for its electric vehicle lineup, planning 30 EVs by 2025, and electrifying their logo. The new Super Bowl ad features Ferrell, Kenan Thompson and Awkwafina traveling to Norway, sort of, after finding out they are selling more EVs than the U.S.Watch the GM ad below:
Brady, productive drafts fuel Tampa Bay's run to Super Bowl
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs with a elastic band around his legs during an NFL football workout Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston but dared to dream of signing Brady if the six-time Super Bowl champion decided to leave New England as a free agent. Of course it was Tom Brady, not thinking he would become a free agent,” Arians added. Ad“Naturally, I think you envision every year in the offseason you want to make some moves that hopefully get your team into the Super Bowl.
General Motors aims to be carbon neutral by 2040
General Motors has set a goal of making the vast majority of the vehicles it produces electric by 2035, and the entire company carbon neutral, including operations, five years after that. The Detroit automaker's push into electric vehicles has gone into overdrive this year. By the end of 2025, 40% of its U.S. models will be battery electric vehicles. It's also working with others, including the Environmental Defense Fund, to build out the necessary infrastructure to power its electric vehicles and to promote their use. It wants to be seen as a clean vehicle company, rather than a builder of cloud-spewing gas-powered pickups and SUVs.
Michigan businesses rethink political donations after deadly riot at U.S. Capitol
If it’s money that talks in politics, then Michigan businesses are speaking loudly. On Thursday, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its political action committee (PAC) is reevaluating who it gives its money too. In 2020, the chamber gave more than $20,000 in donations to candidates on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Lisa McClain, voted to object the election results in Pennsylvania and Arizona. All of the companies rethinking their donations don’t contribute on their own, rather through action committees or other subsidiaries, but it is their voice in politics. Other major Michigan companies like Lear, Whirlpool and Kellogg’s have not said whether they’ll be suspending donations or changing how they spend their political dollars, but pressure is on.
Washington hires Martin Mayhew as general manager
FILE - In this March 11, 2015, file photo, then-Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew speaks during a news conference in Allen Park, Mich. Washington has hired Martin Mayhew to be its new general manager. The hiring of Mayhew makes Washington the only team in the NFL with a Black team president and GM. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)Ron Rivera bulked up his front office Friday, hiring Martin Mayhew to be Washington's general manager and Marty Hurney to serve as executive vice president of football and player personnel. Mayhew joins Washington after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Marty has a proven track record as a successful scout and general manager and will be a vital part of shaping our roster."
Jags hire ex-49ers exec Baalke as GM, removing interim tag
The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Trent Baalke as general manager Thursday, removing the interim tag from his title and pairing him with new coach Urban Meyer. Khan interviewed five minority candidates and Baalke for the team’s open GM job. Baalke spent a dozen years with the 49ers, half as GM. Before moving to Jacksonville, Baalke spent three years (2017-19) working as an operations consultant for the NFL. Adding to the appeal: Khan, a billionaire businessman, has shown a penchant for patience and a willingness to spend big.
MDOT grant to create 2,200 new jobs in Detroit for road improvements near Hamtramck border
DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded a grant that will create 2,200 new jobs in Detroit as part of a plan to improve the road conditions near the Hamtramck border. MDOT’s state transportation economic development grant will help fund infrastructure improvements around General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, according to state officials. “General Motors appreciates the support from MDOT and the City of Detroit for these much-needed road improvements,” said Jim Quick, plant director at Factory ZERO, Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. Hamtramck Drive from East Grand Boulevard north to the Detroit city limit. The TEDF Category A share of the project is $6,000,000, with the city of Detroit providing $5,686,313 in matching funds.
Report: Detroit Lions to hire Rams scouting director Brad Holmes as next general manager
The Detroit Lions are planning to hire Los Angeles Rams Director of College Scouting Brad Holmes as their new general manager, according to reports. The #Lions have agreed to terms on a 5-year deal with #Rams Director of College Scouting Brad Holmes as their new GM, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2021Lions expected to hire Los Angeles Rams' director of college scouting Brad Holmes as their new general manager, per source. He began as a public relations intern in 2003 and moved into scouting the following year as a scouting assistant. Holmes worked as a national combine scout, area scout and national scout before becoming the director of college scouting in 2013 and one of Rams GM Les Snead’s most trusted members of the front office.
New GM logo debuts atop Ren Cen in Detroit
DETROIT – General Motors has a new logo atop the Renaissance Center in Detroit. Read more: New campaign, and logo, for GM in a bid to electrify imageGeneral Motors is changing its corporate logo and launching an electric vehicle marketing campaign to reshape its image as clean vehicle company, rather than a builder of gas-powered pickups and SUVs. GM said the industry has reached a history-changing inflection point for mass adoption of electric vehicles. The campaign comes as stock market investors are enthralled with companies that make electric vehicles. Related: From the vault: 1973 special on Detroit Renaissance CenterAutomotive topic pages
General Motors CEO Mary Barra calls for peace: ‘It’s imperative that we come together’
FILE - In this July 16, 2019 file photo, General Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra speaks during the opening of their contract talks with the United Auto Workers in Detroit. General Motors says it will no longer support the Trump administration in legal efforts to end California's right to set its own clean-air standards. Barra said in a letter Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 to environmental groups that GM will pull out of the lawsuit, and it urges other automakers to do so. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Wall falls at GM stamping plant in Indiana, killing worker
FILE - This Jan. 27, 2020, file photo shows a General Motors logo at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Hamtramck, Mich. General Motors has effectively canceled a $2 billion agreement with truck maker Nikola, scuttling plans for the startup's electric and hydrogen-powered Badger project. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)A worker at a General Motors plant in northeastern Indiana died after he was hit by a metal wall that toppled onto him when it was struck by a forklift, police said. The Marion Police Department said Mark McKnight of Gas City died Wednesday morning at GM's stamping and sheet metal plant in Marion, WANE-TV reported. The wall, which was not secured to the floor or a connecting wall beam, then fell over and McKnight was unable to avoid being struck by it, police said. Marion is located about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis.