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US auto talks at ‘critical phase’ as political pressure grows
High-wire talks between striking US workers and automotive giants are in a "critical phase," Jeep-maker Stellantis said Saturday, as politicians staked out positions on a labor issue that could have national impact. Stellantis, together with fellow "Big Three" automakers General Motors and Ford, was hit Friday by a limited strike -- but one the United Auto Workers (UAW) warns could spread. Both sides issued cautious statements Saturday. "Our bargaining team continues to work days, nights and weekends" in pursuit of a "reasonable" solution, said the statement from Stellantis, which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and the French PSA Group. But the automaker warned that if talks took a bad turn, the outcome "will take us backward and endanger the long-term competitiveness of our Company, negatively impacting our workers and our communities." There was no immediate formal response from the union, but a UAW source told AFP, "we had reasonably productive conversations with Ford today." Only about 12,700 of the UAW's 150,000 members are currently on strike. But with workers at all of the Big Three coordinating strike action for the first time -- including a demand for pay increases of 40 percent over a four-year contract -- the automakers could face a far more disruptive stoppage. Underscoring the political stakes of the moment, President Joe Biden quickly lent his support to the strikers Friday, saying he understood their "frustration." Political lines And on Saturday, former president Barack Obama lent his backing, with a reference to the 2008-09 financial crisis. "When the big three automakers were struggling to stay afloat, my administration and the American people stepped in to support them," he said on social media. "So did the auto workers in the UAW who sacrificed pay and benefits to help get the companies back on their feet. "Now that our carmakers are enjoying robust profits, it’s time to do right by those same workers." But former president Donald Trump, who hopes to face Biden in next year's US presidential election, lashed out at the UAW as over-reaching. "The auto workers will not have any jobs... because all of these cars are going to be made in China -- the electric cars, automatically, are going to be made in China," he said in an interview to be aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." In its statement, Stellantis said the UAW was misrepresenting its proposals. It said its current offer would give employees a 21 percent pay raise over the term of the contract, with 10 percent coming upon ratification. General Motors upped its offer Thursday, lifting a proposed wage increase from 18 to 20 percent, according to the UAW. But hourly workers say the auto giants must produce significantly better packages to make up for what they call meager wages and benefit cuts after the 2008 financial crisis, when both GM and Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, underwent bankruptcy reorganizations. They also want pay boosts for lower-paid temporary workers. The post US auto talks at ‘critical phase’ as political pressure grows appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight
One of the world’s biggest auto shows opens in Munich on Monday, with Tesla ending a 10-year absence to jostle for the spotlight with Chinese rivals as the race for electric dominance heats up. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will officially inaugurate the IAA mobility show, held in Germany every two years, on Tuesday. But Monday’s press preview will already give carmakers a chance to show off some of the new models that will be hitting the road soon. The industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles will be front and center at this week’s fair, with Chinese carmakers out in force as they eye the European market. US electric car pioneer Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will return to the IAA for the first time since 2013 and is expected to unveil a revamped version of its mass-market Model 3. That Tesla, usually a holdout at such events, is coming to Munich shows it is taking the growing competition seriously, said Jan Burgard from the Berylls automotive consulting group. “The electric car market with its many new players will be divvied up over the next few years and people want to know: who is offering what?” Burgard told the Handelsblatt financial daily. Having captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market, Chinese upstarts are now hoping to win over European customers with cheaper electric cars. Chinese manufacturers are starting “their assault on Europe with the IAA,” said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Meantime, Chinese groups benefit from lower production costs, allowing them to offer cut-throat prices at a time when entry-level EVs are still a rarity, said industry expert Eric Kirstetter from the Roland Berger consulting firm. “The only thing they don’t have is brand credibility,” Kirstetter said. with AFP The post Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair
One of the world's biggest auto shows opens in Munich on Monday, with Tesla ending a 10-year absence to jostle for the spotlight with Chinese rivals as the race for electric dominance heats up. Chancellor Olaf Scholz will officially inaugurate the IAA mobility show, held in Germany every two years, on Tuesday. But Monday's press preview will already give carmakers a chance to show off some of the new models that will be hitting the road soon. The industry-wide shift towards electric vehicles will be front and center at this week's fair, with Chinese carmakers out in force as they eye the European market. US electric car pioneer Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will return to the IAA for the first time since 2013 and is expected to unveil a revamped version of its mass-market Model 3. That Tesla, usually a holdout at such events, is coming to Munich shows it is taking the growing competition seriously, said Jan Burgard from the Berylls automotive consulting group. "The electric car market with its many new players will be divvied up over the next few years and people want to know: who is offering what?" Burgard told the Handelsblatt financial daily. Having captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market, Chinese upstarts are now hoping to win over European customers with cheaper electric cars. Chinese manufacturers are starting "their assault on Europe with the IAA", said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. Muted European presence Chinese groups benefit from lower production costs, allowing them to offer cut-throat prices at a time when entry-level EVs are still a rarity, said industry expert Eric Kirstetter from the Roland Berger consulting firm. "The only thing they don't have is brand credibility," Kirstetter said. "They will create their brand universe by stepping up their marketing investments more than others, including through trade fairs," he added. In all, 41 percent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China, including brands such as BYD and Leapmotor. Contrary to the Asian onslaught, participation from European carmakers at the IAA will be muted. Germany's homegrown champions Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will be joined by Renault from France, but the 14-brand Stellantis Group will only be represented by Opel. BMW presented its "Neue Klasse" (New Class) generation of electric cars in Munich on Saturday, a series of six vehicles that will be manufactured from 2025. BMW and fellow European carmakers are investing heavily in the switch towards zero-emission driving as the European Union aims to end the sale of polluting engines by 2035. The historic transition however comes at a challenging time. While the supply chain problems caused by the pandemic years have eased, surging energy prices in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine and a weaker global economy are weighing on European manufacturers. Although car sales in the European Union have steadily improved over the last 12 months, they remain around 20 percent below their pre-coronavirus levels as inflation and higher interest rates dampen appetites for new vehicles. Some 700,000 visitors are expected to attend this week's IAA. Climate groups have vowed to stage protests during the fair, including acts of "civil disobedience" aimed at disrupting the IAA. The post Tesla, Chinese EV brands jostle for limelight at German fair appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM praises Toyota as ‘true’ Phl partner
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday praised Toyota Motor Corporation for its contributions to the Philippines, saying the Japanese auto makers’ unit has helped to create jobs, transfer technology, and boost the economy. In his remarks during his visit to Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Laguna, Marcos said that Toyota had been a “true partner” of the Philippines in its development. “We are very happy to have them as our partner, the Toyota Motor Corporation,” Marcos said. “They have helped us to create jobs, transfer technology, and boost our economy.” Marcos also noted that Toyota has helped to train Filipino employees in the Japanese culture of production, which has helped to make them some of the most efficient manufacturers in the world. “They have shown themselves to be one of the most if not the most efficient, when it comes to manufacturing and high volume production of products,” Marcos said. Marcos said that he looks forward to continuing the partnership between Toyota and the Philippines in the years to come. “We have always seen Toyota as being an important partner in everything in our development in the Philippines,” Marcos said. “And now especially in these difficult times, these partnerships that we think that it certainly wouldn’t be of benefit not only for the Philippines, but even for our partners in Japan,” Marcos added. 35 vehicles to gov’t Meanwhile, Toyota gave 35 cars to the Office of the President as an appreciation for the government’s long-term relationship and dedication to reviving the local auto manufacturing industry. Akio Toyoda, who is the head of Toyota Motor Corporation, gave the President the keys to the Toyota cars. These cars include 10 units of Hiace Ambulance, five units of Lite Ace 1.5L Pickup, five units of Innova 2.8J, five units of Vios 1.3 XLE CVT, five Lite Ace 1.5L Cargo, and three units of Yaris Cross 1.5. Toyota also gave two units of Coaster customized for the Lab For All program of the Office of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. When asked about where OP would use the 35 cars, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil told the reporters in a Viber message that they will make the necessary announcements on the use of the units “soon.” The post PBBM praises Toyota as ‘true’ Phl partner appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Used cars loans rising – Asialink
Asialink Finance Corp., one of the country’s fastest-growing finance companies, has tallied record numbers for 2022 on the back of a post-Covid recovery and robust demand for used cars. Asialink said it has established a niche in terms of financing on the used car sector which was its main driver of growth for last year. Independent Ken Research observed that auto finance is an emergent market in the Philippines at a growing stage even during the pandemic. The rising demand for automobiles, positive outlook for electronic vehicles, and growing digital advancements like artificial intelligence and machine learning, are expected to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. The auto finance market is expected to see a high growth rate with a compound annual gain of 6.8 percent over the forecasted period 2021 to 2026. Positive prognosis With the positive outlook, Asialink opened additional branches, hired more sales personnel, and partnered with more car dealers, she said. In a special shareholders’ meeting, the company said its net income grew 43 percent to P2.654 billion in 2022 from a year earlier. Revenues were at P3.096 billion from P2.152 billion year-on-year. Its asset value, meanwhile, went up 39 percent to P11.369 billion. Asialink has been seeing exponential growth as the Covid-19 pandemic recedes into the background, allowing many industries to get back on track and seek financing to reinforce or expand their operations, the company’s general manager Eileen Mangubat said in her report. The post Used cars loans rising – Asialink appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TRUE TO ITS NAME
At first blush, Jetour Dashing is that futuristic car you see in the movies screeching to a halt. Stirring up a cloud of dust and dropping off the action hero out to save the world. But in reality, it is the mid-size SUV that’s the star of the show. At least that’s how it is in Jetour Alabang, owned by Rachel Villanueva. [caption id="attachment_155574" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ALL of Jetour’s lineup can be found in its Alabang dealership.[/caption] “People are naturally attracted to the Dashing,” said sales manager Kris de Jesus. “Maybe it’s because of its appearance. It’s every inch dashing.” Its huge, macho grille and futuristic headlights never fail to turn heads. Add that to the 2,720 wheelbase and low-profile ground clearance, then you have an exciting ride that could take on the roughest of weather and road conditions. “Filipinos love good-looking cars,” added De Jesus. “That’s why when they come here, they would first look at Dashing.” The 1.5 Turbo-engine, gas-fed five-seater car is the answer to such popular brands as Tucson and CRV. But what gives Dashing the edge is the P1.329 million price tag that is easily P200,000 lower than that of its rivals. Dashing's features include an intelligent lighting interactive system, a multi-function external rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof and a hidden-sensing door handle. It also has a smart Rubik's Cube key, soft-touch dashboard, all-in-one sports seats, four-way steering wheel adjustment, and middle-seat armrest, among others. They come in black, white, blue, grey and red. Just two months in operation, Jetour Alabang — located at Phase 1, Block 7 Spectrum District Drive, Filinvest Alabang, Muntinlupa — is the first car dealership for Villanueva who also owns Estetika and Auto Flare. But Villanueva’s partner, Dexter Co, already has several other car distributorships and dealerships. And from De Jesus’ perspective, Jetour’s entry into the Alabang area is such an auspicious event. “We can say that the market is ripe for Chinese cars,” De Jesus said. “The public confidence is there already. That’s why I think we are doing well.” That explains the rise in popularity of the likes of Geely, Foton, MG and Changan which have been giving well-established Western brands a run for their money, so to speak. For Jetour, the key is its engine which Dashing shares with Jetour X70s. It is also very popular among the Jetour lineup, primarily because of its fuel efficiency. Based on after-sales, the Jetour X70 runs 12 kilometers per liter of gasoline. On city-driving at that. “Our X70 is one of the most efficient in fuel economy,” said De Jesus, who added that the 1.5 turbo-engine is just the right balance of fuel efficiency and power. Jetour Alabang offers all four variants of X70 with entry-level selling at P1.09 million, or roughly P100,000 more affordable than other cars in that segment. Yet De Jesus said Jetour Alabang has more: They are offering a P100,000 discount for Jetour X70 as part of their introductory promos. That means a customer can bring home an X70 for only P999,000. Not bad, right? Of course, Jetour Alabang has got more: The wildly popular Ice Cream EV. Jetour’s answer to the call for the environment is steadily making a niche. Thanks to its famous endorsers, the Kramer Family. Ice Cream EV boasts 170 kilometers in one full charge of eight hours. It can be plugged in in regular 220-volt sockets at home. “It comes with a charger that can safely be plugged in at home,” according to De Jesus. “One charge lasting eight hours is equivalent to just P150. That is its main selling point.” That sure is comparable to an ordinary household appliance. The only difference is that Jetour Ice Cream EV takes you places. The colors on offer for the Jetour Ice Cream EV come on, well, ice cream flavors. Namely Strawberry, Blueberry, Matcha and Vanilla. The post TRUE TO ITS NAME appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Auto industry welcomes extension of CARS program
The country’s automotive industry welcomed President Marcos’ approval of the five-year extension of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program......»»
Vehicle sales remain weak
Automobile industry sales dropped 16.9 percent last April, compared to sales posted in the previous month this year. A report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association said total vehicular sales in April 2023 stood at 30,643, falling short in comparison with the 36,880 sales in March 2023. For passenger cars, the total sold in April 2023 declined 88 percent to 7,317 units versus 10,058 units sold in March. Commercial vehicle sales were also down by 13 percent at 23,326 from 26,822 last March. Likewise, AUV sales decreased by 11.2 percent, posting April 2023 sales of 4,621 from 5,205 in March 2023. Remain on track Despite this, the groups remained positive that sales remain on track to exceed pre-pandemic sales growth for the full year 2023 “The improving economic indicators, which in fact, remain favorable until the end of the year, according to a government report is an essential metric for the continued growth of the auto industry. At the same time, this is perfectly timed with the market availability of a wider range of motor vehicle models being offered by our members, responding to customers’ growing needs,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez. Optimistic Further, he said that as the economic outlook remains favorable, the auto industry is optimistic to attain full recovery from the pandemic-induced challenges — well-positioned to grow to significant levels, even higher than the pre-pandemic figures. “It is worth noting that the industry has already recorded this growth trajectory in the past four months compared with 2019 levels,” Gutierrez added. CAMPI-TMA sold 127,927 units year-to-date, equivalent to 28.1 percent growth compared with the same period a year ago. The post Vehicle sales remain weak appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Battery-powered planes soaring soon?
SHANGHAI (AFP) — China’s CATL said Wednesday it was working with partners to develop electric passenger planes as they unveiled a condensed matter battery it said was strong enough to power such an aircraft. The world’s biggest maker of batteries for electrical vehicles made the announcement at the Shanghai Auto Show and said it would also launch a version for cars that would go into mass production this year. “The launch of this cutting-edge technology breaks the limits that have long restricted the development of the battery sector and will open up a new scenario of electrification centering on a high level of safety and lightweight,” the company said in a news release. CATL did not specify its airline partners were but said it was practicing aviation-level standards and testing in accordance with industry requirements. “We believe that condensed batteries will have a positive and far-reaching impact on achieving carbon neutrality,” CATL’s chief scientist Wu Kai told a media conference. The company announced on Tuesday that its core operations would be carbon neutral by 2025, with the rest following in 2035. Its Yibin factory in the southwestern province of Sichuan was certified as the world’s first zero-carbon battery factory last year. “We think carbon neutrality is a good thing for the whole of human society,” a CATL specialist told AFP. The specialist said he thought other Chinese companies would soon follow suit and that China itself has pledged to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. China is by far the largest emitter, responsible for roughly a quarter of all current carbon pollution. The post Battery-powered planes soaring soon? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scrapping safeguard measures supports auto recovery — AVID
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. said the government’s move not to impose safeguard measures on imported cars would support the automotive industry’s recovery and benefit consumers......»»
Auto firms struggle to meet CARS targets
Automotive firms Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. need to produce over 120,000 units of their respective entry model to meet the volume requirement under the government’s incentive program for motor vehicle manufacturing, the Board of Investments said......»»
Racing cars to the sky
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — General Motors (GM) on Tuesday joined the race for flying cars, unveiling its concept for an autonomous air taxi at the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show. The US auto giant offered few details, releasing only a video of the Cadillac brand electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) on its digital […] The post Racing cars to the sky appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TNT s Chris Javier starts new business
The 27-year-old Javier opened the “Top Boss Auto Garage” — an auto shop that specializes in repair and upgrade of suspension for Sports Utility Vehicles or SUV cars in Biñan, Laguna......»»
Suspek sa paglungkab sa meat shop mihimakak
Suspek sa paglungkab sa meat shop mihimakak.....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
Six presumed dead after ship destroys major US bridge
Authorities on Tuesday suspended their search for six people missing after a packed cargo ship slammed into a Baltimore bridge, causing it to collapse and blocking one of the busiest US commercial harbors......»»
TikTok Shop Launches TikTok Shop Business School to Help Digitize Filipino Entrepreneurs
TikTok Shop launched TikTok Shop Business School, a comprehensive one-day program for Filipino entrepreneurs that aims to equip them with the skills to grow their businesses in the digital sphere. The full-day program, which 50 TikTok Shop entrepreneurs attended, was comprised of master classes on Corporate Strategy and Business Model with Kim Lato, Founder and […].....»»
‘Senate rules on Cha-cha on the right track’
The Senate rules on amending the 1987 Constitution are “on the right track” and ready even before the sub-committee wraps up its discourse on the Resolution of Both Houses 6 pushing Charter change, a senator said......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 25 March 2024
Senate eyes probe of resorts within the slopes of Mt. Apo Following the controversy involving the establishment of a resort reportedly within the famed Chocolate Hills in Bohol province, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Energy and Migrant Workers, is setting his sights on the resorts located on the slopes of Mt. […].....»»
Whole-of-government approach to protect Mt. Apo from destructive fires
COLLABORATIVE efforts from local government units, national government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders are put in place to protect Mt. Apo against fire amid El Niño......»»