Stronger Together: Join AIADA's 51st Annual Meeting Next Week
Join AIADA virtually on February 16-18 for our 51st Annual Meeting, where we’ll take stock of where our industry stands today, and how we can become Stronger Together as we take on the challenges of 2021.
Keep an eye on your email inbox and FirstUp on Tuesday through Thursday of next week for daily installments of video messages from AIADA’s leadership, capped by an in-depth Q&A with Toyota's Bob Carter. Or, check out AIADA.org/VirtualMeeting to find the entire lineup each day. Click here for a special message from AIADA President and CEO Cody Lusk about what to expect. See you next week!
White House Working to Address Semiconductor Shortage Hitting Auto Production
The White House said Thursday administration officials are working to address a growing shortage of semiconductor chips that has slowed auto production around the world, reports Reuters. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration is “currently identifying potential chokepoints in the supply chain and actively working alongside key stakeholders in industry and with our trading partners to do more now.” The issue is one reason Biden plans to sign an executive order in the coming weeks to direct a comprehensive review of supply chain issues for critical goods. In a Jan. 19 letter to Biden adviser Brian Deese first reported by Reuters, the United Auto Workers union and the heads of associations representing automakers, auto dealers and parts manufacturers asked the Biden administration to consider “urging major silicon wafer foundries to ramp up production of automotive grade wafers.” Read more here (Source: Reuters).
LA Auto Show Reschedules – Again
Hope springs eternal, at least with auto show organizers who have had to cope with a pandemic that is now entering its second year. The Detroit Bureau reports that if all goes according to – the latest – plan, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be back after a lengthy delay in November. As things now stand, it could become the first major U.S. auto show since February 2020. But, considering the way the pandemic has dragged on, it could yet be pushed back into 2022, as is the case with the Chicago, Geneva and Detroit auto shows. “Mark your calendar, 2021 AutoMobility LA — LA Auto Show’s press/trade event — has been rescheduled to take place November 17-18 at the Los Angeles Convention Center,” event organizers said in an e-mailed statement Thursday. Immediately following AutoMobility LA, the LA Auto Show will open its doors to the public Nov. 19-28. For the latest show news and updates, follow us on social. We look forward to seeing you in November!” Read more here (Source: The Detroit Bureau).
U.S. Court Clears Way for Extradition to Japan of Ghosn's Accused Escape Plotters
A U.S. appeals court on Thursday declined to further delay the extradition to Japan of two men charged with helping former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee the country, reports Automotive News. The order by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston clears the way for U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, to be handed over to Japan, after the U.S. State Department approved their extradition. Their lawyers had said that absent a stay of a prior ruling, the U.S. government could turn over the Taylors to Japan as early as Friday. Paul Kelly, a lawyer for the Taylors, said their defense team is "currently exploring the Taylors’ legal options." The U.S. Justice Department did not immediately comment. The Taylors were arrested in May at Japan's request. Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
Farley Calls for Settlement Between LG Chem, SK Innovation
Automotive News reports that Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley on Thursday publicly encouraged South Korea's chemicals and electric vehicle battery maker LG Chem Ltd. and SK Innovation Co. to reach a settlement on LG's battery allegations that SK stole trade secrets. The U.S. International Trade Commission on Wednesday sided with LG Chem, but permitted SK to import components for domestic production of lithium ion batteries for Ford's EV F-150 program for four years, and for Volkswagen of America's EV line for two years. "A voluntary settlement between these two suppliers is ultimately in the best interest of US manufacturers and workers," Farley wrote on Twitter, adding that "ITC ruling makes way for @Ford to bring to market our groundbreaking electric F-150." The ITC said the decision would allow the automakers to transition to new suppliers for these programs. LG Chem's wholly owned battery subsidiary, LG Energy Solution, an EV battery supplier to Tesla Inc. and General Motors, praised the ruling on Wednesday. Read more here (Source: Automotive News).
General Motors Invests $100M in Two U.S. Plants to Boost Transmission Production
General Motors announced on Thursday that it will invest $100 million in two of its U.S.-based manufacturing plants to boost production of 10-speed automatic transmissions found in two of its popular pickups, according to CNBC. The company is allocating $93 million for its plant in Romulus, Michigan, that will increase “machining capability,” according to a statement. It is also investing $7 million in a Bedford, Indiana, plant for increased die-casting metal capabilities. The investments are intended to boost production of the transmissions used for its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups, the company said. “Demand for our Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups continues to be very strong and we are taking action to increase the availability of our trucks for our dealers and customers,” Phil Kienle, vice president of GM North American Manufacturing and Labor Relations, said in a release. Read more here (Source: CNBC).
Around the Web
Stellantis Bails on Bringing Peugeot to U.S., Will Focus on Chrysler, Report Says [Road Show]
Thieves Nationwide Are Slithering Under Cars, Swiping Catalytic Converters [NY Times]
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is on Its Way to Dealers Now [Road Show]
Women at Greater Risk of Injury, Death Than Men in Car Crashes. Here's Why. [Autoblog]
