Big news began the week as Geely finally reached a deal to take Volvo off Ford's hands.
Ever cautious after what happened with Saab and Koenigsegg, we scrutinised the fine print and considered the implications and possible outcomes.
Nissan started pricing the Leaf EV for Japan and the US and immediately sparked a price war with Mitsubishi whose tiddler i-MiEV suddenly looked a little expensive.
GM announced a new 1.4-litre turbo engine for the upcoming US-spec Cruze and, on this side of the Atlantic, Opel/Vauxhall said it was hiring 250 engineers.
Some models we are already familiar with in Europe made US debuts this week. The New York show saw the debut of the Nissan Juke and the Toyota iQ which will be sold as a Scion Stateside.
Meanwhile, Ford and Microsoft said they'd be joining forces again. After the success of SYNC for infotainment, comes a new package that will help Ford EV drivers determine when and how to most efficiently and affordably recharge battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. It also should help utility companies manage the added demands of electric vehicles on the electric grid.
Bad news in California, today. Despite some serious lobbying by workers, politicians and unions, the state's last car plant - NUMMI - closes today. Just what is needed in a time of high unemployment. Pundits estimate up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will be affected. Another nice PR job in a state where you got your US start, and many of your loyal customers live, Toyota.
Easter, already, and the weather is just right for those first barbecues and giving lawns their first light trim of the season.
Yeah, right. It's raining outside and parts of the UK are still digging out from the latest snowfall.
Have a good weekend. Ours is longer than usual - we'll see you again on Tuesday.
Graeme Roberts
Deputy/News Editor
just-auto.com
Sectors: Vehicle manufacturers
Companies: Ford, Nissan, Geely, Volvo, Saab, Mitsubishi, GM, Toyota, Opel, Vauxhall, Scion
View next/previous articles
2 Apr 2010 -
1 Apr 2010 -
Currently reading -
THE WEEK THAT WAS: Swedes to the fore
1 Apr 2010 -
Related research
The last few months have underlined the importance of the OEM customer base of each supplier for medium- and long-term strategic success. This report, as a part of the Supplying OEMs series, provides guidance and insight into the OEM's strategic posi...
Intelligence set: Company profiles for the major vehicle manufacturers
This intelligence set packages together the latest 2009 editions of our company profiles covering the major vehicle manufacturers, using the latest and most up to date data available. It offers great value for money and contains essential information...
Company Financials Ford Motor Company
The Company Financials offers insights into the financial performance of the company over last five years for about 1000 leading global companies. The datapack covers wealth of financial information relating to income statement, balance sheet, and ca...
Related articles
ANALYSIS: European light vehicle output to fall in 2011
The latest forecasts from JD Power suggest that the sluggish outlook for the European economy is creating risks on the downside that could drag vehicle output in Europe down by almost 10% in 2011. JD Power's base case forecast is for a more modest 1% decline.
FIRST LOOK: One Ford strategy takes shape in C-Max
Ford's new C platform makes its first appearance on European roads next month as the basis of the five seat C-Max and seven seat Grand C-Max before underpinning the redesigned Focus early in 2011.
Read further items in this columns
Deputy/news editor Graeme Roberts' Friday wrap on the important automotive news from the week just ending.
There are currently no comments on this article
Be the first to comment on this article