LEAVING LIVONIA - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 121

EV Channels Review

Autoline After Hours episode 121 marks the final broadcast from their Leonia, Michigan facility, with the team relocating to a new office. The discussion centers heavily on the ongoing UAW contract negotiations with GM, Ford, and Chrysler. While the GM contract was ratified, providing a positive credit rating bump, the process with Ford and Chrysler is still ongoing, marked by the unique negotiation tactics and rhetoric typical of the auto industry. A significant portion of the show is dedicated to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne's frustrations with the slow pace of negotiations and his perceived 'stand-up' by UAW President Bob King, highlighted by a strongly worded letter from Marchionne. The panel also touches upon the challenges faced by dealers with the Fiat 500 launch, the potential for a new Lincoln luxury car, and the surprising strength of new vehicle sales despite economic concerns, with a particular focus on the Ford Fusion's potential success and its possible production move to the US.