Trade Group: Auto Suppliers Face Crisis
from CNN Money
 Hundreds of U.S. auto suppliers are in danger of running out of cash by March 1, when they will begin to sustain losses caused by production slowdowns in December and January, according to a trade group representing 400 parts makers. In making a case for $25.5 billion in federal aid for the reeling supplier industry, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association said parts makers face an imminent "cash crisis" without government aid. More
Buy American Provision Worries Caterpillar
from The Indianapolis Star
The "Buy American" provision contained in the federal economic stimulus package has become a political football that Caterpillar Inc. would like to see kicked completely out of the legislation. Without a change, the world's largest mining and construction equipment manufacturer fears its operations -- including the Large Engine Center in Lafayette -- could be severely and negatively impacted. "Our position is that, while 'Buy American' may sound good, in fact we're very concerned that if this stimulus legislation contains the 'Buy American' provision, other nations and regions of the world would follow our lead and pass similar provisions," said spokesman Jim Dugan. More
Tilting Toward Wind off Virginia’s Coast
from The Hampton Roads Pilot
Despite today's stormy economy, the timing probably couldn't be better for proceeding with an experimental wind farm about 12 miles off Virginia Beach's shoreline. After years of ignoring or downplaying the nation's energy problems and the significance of global warming, more Americans than ever - including public officials - seem to recognize the urgency of investing in clean, renewable energy resources. More
Cash for Clunkers Plan Revives Trade Fight
from Auto Week
Import brand automakers and dealers warned on Thursday that a vehicle scrappage proposal before the Senate would violate trade agreements and could weaken the economy. The Senate could vote on the plan on Thursday, which would offer $10,000 to any moderate- or low-income consumer who trades in a car or truck that is at least 10 years old and buys a new one that is more fuel-efficient and "assembled in the United States." The trade-ins would be scrapped rather than resold. More
Nissan to Cut 20,000 Jobs Amid Stormy Forecasts
from The International Herald Tribune
Nissan Motor on Monday joined its Japanese carmaking rivals in forecasting a big loss for the current financial year, and said it would eliminate 20,000 jobs, in one of the most aggressive cuts announced by any Japanese company since the start of the global downturn. France is set to announce a plan to support its car industry ahead of expected weak results from PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault, which owns a 44 percent stake in Nissan. More
High Strength, Lightweight Aluminum Alloy by Metal Injection Molding
from Powder Injection Moulding Magazine
Aluminum metal injection molding (MIM) is considered to have great potential to successfully compete with aluminum die casting because of the ability of the injection molding process to produce parts more economically and with much thinner walled sections and more intricate shapes. However, many MIM aluminum parts, such as heat sinks, already in production do not have adequate mechanical properties for load bearing applications because they are made from pure rather than alloyed powder. Aluminum alloy MIM parts would offer mechanical properties approaching those of conventionally processed Al alloys and open up prospective applications in consumer electronic products, office equipment, hand tools and even automotive parts. More
GM Reportedly In Talks Over Delphi Plants
from The Associated Press via Manufacturing.net
General Motors Corp. is in talks with its former parts arm Delphi Corp. about taking back some Delphi factories that make key parts for GM vehicles, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. Troy, Mich.-based Delphi has been operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for more than three years, and like many suppliers is struggling with the shrinking U.S. auto market. The person said GM is worried that the plants could shut down if Delphi runs short of cash, crippling GM's production. More
Billionaires Still Buying
from Aviation Week
A solid sector of the aviation aftermarket not slipping is buoyed by money, and lots of it. Narrowbody and widebody VIP/VVIP aircraft completions seem to be sheltered from the economic turbulence, sheltered because of the owners and operators of these large luxury jets. More
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