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Fitch Ratings: US automakers well positioned for weak demand in 2012; estimates break-even for Detroit 3 at 10.5M units

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rapidly weakening worldwide economy causes the global auto market to collapse, much as it. did in 2009, resulting in a significant decline in vehicle production, Fitch could switch the rating to Negative. Fitch estimates that the break-even industry sales level for the Detroit Three and major parts suppliers is now about 10.5

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Ceres: national fuel economy and emissions standards can increase viability of domestic automakers and suppliers

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The pent-up demand from the 2007-2009 Great Recession, and record 2015 and 2016 sales, has been largely satisfied. Even so, current auto sales and profits remain strong. In 1985, more than two-thirds of Detroit Three unit sales were in North America. Innovation and market disruption. The analysis, “ What’s Driving the U.S

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University of Michigan Report Finds Focus on Fuel Economy Would Be Very Profitable for Detroit 3; Says Rapid, Wide-Reaching Change in Business Models Required for Turnaround

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According to the study, higher fuel economy standards would benefit the Detroit 3 automakers the most. According to the report, “Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?” mpg) would increase Detroit automakers’ gross profits by roughly $3 billion per year and increase sales by the equivalent of two large assembly plans.

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Report: Cadillac Converj EREV Headed for Production

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The Detroit News reported that GM has decided to produce the Cadillac Converj, an extended range electric vehicle derived from the Voltec platform. Cadillac included the Converj concept car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Cadillac Converj Concept Introduction at 2009 NAIAS. Earlier post.)

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Ford CEO: Ford to focus on 5 key areas of innovation: mobility, autonomy, connectivity, customer experience and performance

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and Verizon Telematics, were supporting the launch of “Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit”—a startup business accelerator program sited in downtown Detroit. Focus RS, which builds on a pedigree of driving excellence dating to the first Ford RS in 1968, was last introduced in 2009. Earlier post.). Power and General Motors.

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China, Two Chinese Firms to Buy Delphis Brakes and Suspension Businesses

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Detroit Free Press. s remaining brakes and suspension businesses—the most high-profile acquisition yet by the Chinese in the US auto industry. The Chinese auto supplier Tempo Group, which has its US research and development operations in Canton, will acquire a 24% stake in the Delphi businesses.

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A 100 m.p.g. truck? A Bright IDEA | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

WEBSTER • FREE PRESS AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR• April 21, 2009 Print this page E-mail this article Share this article Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine More evidence that we are approaching an exciting new frontier in the automotive industry will be on display today on Capitol Hill. See instructions for fixing the problem.

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