ieri da Autoblog.com

Letter from Chrysler to CAW employees:

Dear Employees,

Today, we are at a crossroads in the history of Chrysler. Let's take a look at what's happened in the past few weeks.

On February 17 and February 20, Chrysler submitted its Viability Plan to the U.S. Treasury and U. S. Administration; and to the Canadian governments, respectively.

On March 30, U.S. President Barack Obama stated that Chrysler's Viability Plan was unacceptable. "It's with deep reluctance but also a clear-eyed recognition of the facts that we've determined, after careful review, that Chrysler needs a partner to remain viable."

He went on to state: "I'm committed to doing all I can to see if a deal can be struck in a way that upholds the interests of American taxpayers. And that's why we'll give Chrysler and Fiat 30 days to overcome these hurdles and reach a final agreement -- and we will provide Chrysler with adequate capital to continue operating during that time. If they are able to come to a sound agreement that protects American taxpayers, we will consider lending up to $6 billion to help their plan succeed. But if they and their stakeholders are unable to reach such an agreement, and in the absence of any other viable partnership, we will not be able to justify investing additional tax dollars to keep Chrysler in business."

U.S. President Obama has made it clear that our company must attain competitive labour rates: "Now, what we're asking for is difficult. It will require hard choices by companies. It will require unions and workers who have already made extraordinarily painful concessions to do more ... It will require efforts from a whole host of other stakeholders, including dealers and suppliers."

Also on March 30, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, said, "While the restructuring plans represent progress, they do not go far enough to ensure the long-term viability of these companies. Therefore, we are not certifying their proposals. Together with our U.S. counterparts we believe that further fundamental changes are needed."

Just this week, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it clear that an alliance is contingent on the UAW and CAW meeting transplant all-in labour rates: "Absolutely, we are prepared to walk. There is no doubt in my mind," Marchionne was quoted as saying. "We cannot commit to this organization unless we see light at the end of the tunnel."

The Canadian government has been very supportive of our viability, providing a loan of $1 billion (CDN, $750 million drawn to date), with an agreement to provide additional support in proportion to the loans received from the U.S. Treasury.

On April 14, the Canadian governments, both federal and provincial, invited the CAW and Chrysler to attend a meeting in Toronto where they laid out four specific guidelines that must be met for providing further financial support. Their "asks" were:

1. That labour costs be reduced to a level equal to those of Toyota Canada. We believe that a Canadian benchmark is the appropriate one for you to achieve. We ask that you jointly demonstrate to us that the agreement you reach attains this benchmark.

2. That Chrysler complete an alliance with Fiat that, in return for equity participation gives Chrysler access to Fiat management, Fiat technology, Fiat sales and distribution outside of NAFTA, and distribution of Fiat products inside NAFTA.

3. That Chrysler and Fiat submit revised plans to Canadian governments and U.S. Treasury based on appropriate assumptions that show clearly Canadian production, product mix, capital investment and R&D.

4. That Chrysler and Fiat commit to maintain Canada's proportion of North American production and to invest over the medium term that same share of total capital investment and R&D expenditure in Canada.

Let's keep in mind, the all-in labour costs at Chrysler Canada are $76 per hour while the Toyota Canada all-in rate is approximately $57 per hour.

While we have made some progress with the CAW, it falls significantly short of closing the $19 gap. And yet, as recent as Wednesday this week, the CAW continues to ignore this clear mandate from the government stating that they will not go any further. This unwillingness to work within the government's guidelines jeopardizes the future of Chrysler and our operations in Canada.

We have made several proposals to the CAW to offset these costs, without affecting base wages and pensions. Some specific examples include:

Prescription drug dispensing fees, by eliminating the cap results in estimated savings of $2.16 per hour.

Elimination of out-of-province health care coverage (snowbirds), with employees and retirees assuming responsibility for any coverage results in a cost savings of $1.00 per hour.

The change from semi-private hospital room coverage to "ward" coverage saves an estimated $0.97 per hour.

Elimination of life insurance for current and future employees results in a cost savings of $1.54 per hour.

The reduction of shift premiums to 2.5 percent results in a cost savings of $.80 per hour.

By increasing health care premiums would save an estimated $1.04 per hour.

The elimination of non-traditional benefits such as child care, legal services, tuition reimbursement, dependant scholarships and extended health care coverage (chiropractic services, massage therapy, naturopath, orthotics, etc.) results in a cost savings of $0.73 per hour.

Unfortunately, the CAW has been opposed to these solutions – however, we are open to alternative ideas. Next week, we plan to meet with the CAW to attempt to reach an agreement that is acceptable to Fiat and the Canadian government.

The clock is running. Without labour concessions, Chrysler Canada's manufacturing operations will not survive long-term. Thousands of good-paying jobs are in jeopardy, as well as the economic health of communities such as Windsor and Brampton.

Canada has always been an important manufacturing and sales market for Chrysler LLC. It represents the largest vehicle sales market for Chrysler outside of the U.S. and no other vehicle manufacturer has a larger portion of its total manufacturing in Canada than Chrysler.

However, these are not normal business circumstances and all Chrysler constituents have been asked to "break pattern" – employees, retirees, dealers, suppliers and others.

Time is very short. We have only two weeks before a final decision must be made. Let me be clear, our negotiations are about saving Chrysler Canada. We are coming down to the wire in the fight for our company's survival – and we need your support.

Bob Nardelli

Tom LaSorda

Modificato 19 Aprile 200916 anni fa da simonepietro

FIAT: «Settimana decisiva per intesa con Chrysler; Giovedì i conti.»

Più vicino l'accordo tra azienda e sindacati Usa.

Roma, 19 apr. (Apcom) - Settimana cruciale per l'accordo tra Fiat e Chrysler. Il Lingotto riunirà giovedì il consiglio di amministrazione per l'esame dei conti del primo trimestre e potrebbe essere proprio quella l'occasione per l'annuncio dell'intesa con i sindacati Usa, senza la quale l'amministratore delegato, Sergio Marchionne, non intende procedere con il piano per Chrysler. L'accordo con le organizzazioni sindacali statunitensi, secondo indiscrezioni trapelate nei giorni scorsi, sembra più vicino: i lavoratori della United Auto Workers entrerebbero nel capitale della Chrysler con la conversione in azioni dei crediti sanitari che vantano sull'azienda. Inoltre dovrebbero accettare anche una riduzione del costo del lavoro che allinei le retribuzioni a quelle di altri stabilimenti a guida giapponese o tedesca. E che l'intesa possa essere ad un passo sembra trovare una conferma anche nel fatto che l'altro colosso Usa a rischio fallimento, la General Motors, stia per adottare una soluzione analoga a quella Chrysler. Convertire in azioni i debiti che l'azienda ha sia nei confronti dei dipendenti sia degli obbligazionisti. Al lavoro anche la task force governativa guidata da Steve Ratter cui spetta il compito di convincere le banche , Jp Morgan, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley e Goldman Sachs, a una maggiore flessibilità nei rimborsi. Dalla sua il governo ha gli svariati miliardi di dollari concessi alle banche per sostenerle nella crisi. Il tempo stringe e a Detroit mancano solo 10 giorni per chiudere: o Chrysler trova un accordo con la Fiat o saranno avviate le procedure di fallimento. A rischio ci sono 180mila posti di lavoro. Un allarme anche per l'altra potente organizzazione sindacale in Chrysler, quella canadese, la Canadian Auto Workers che domani tornerà a discutere dell'accordo con la Fiat e delle condizioni poste per il salvataggio della loro azienda.

Modificato 19 Aprile 200916 anni fa da EC2277

:faccinaterrorizzatacheperòmanca:

intendevate questo ?

• 
  

Mi sarebbe bastato qualcosa come ma avete afferrato il concetto.

Modificato 19 Aprile 200916 anni fa da EC2277

Spero che non avverra' mai,se partecipano ad una azienda allo stesso modo di come proteggono il lavoro,prevedo guai a frotte...

Automotive News

Windsor plant may build small Fiats

Minivans could go to Toledo, ending quarter-century run

LUCA CIFERRI

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

APRIL 20, 2009 - 12:01 AM ET

TURIN, Italy -- Chrysler may shift minivan production out of its Windsor, Ontario, plant, where it has built the iconic vehicles for a quarter century, and produce small Fiat models there instead.

As Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler LLC try to forge an alliance this month, three Chrysler plants are being considered for Fiat-based vehicles: Windsor; Toluca, Mexico; and Belvidere, Ill. That's according to a person familiar with negotiations between the two automakers.

Production would begin in the first half of 2011. By 2013, the plan calls for Chrysler to make 500,000 to 600,000 units a year based on Fiat platforms. The vehicles would carry both Fiat and Chrysler LLC badges.

The Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are produced at Windsor, along with the Volkswagen Routan. But the plant could be retooled for vehicles based on Fiat's B platform, according to the source. Those include the Alfa Romeo MiTo subcompact and a model for Chrysler derived from the next generation of the Fiat Grande Punto five-door hatchback.

Minivan production would be transferred elsewhere. One option under consideration is Chrysler's plant in Toledo, Ohio, the source said.

Rick LaPorte, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 444 in Windsor, said Fiat officials have visited Windsor but he did not know the purpose.

"I would be concerned if they would take the minivan out of Windsor," he said. "It has been a long-standing product in Windsor. I think it saved the plant."

A Chrysler source declined to comment on future manufacturing plans.

Talk of taking minivans out of Windsor sets the table for even tougher negotiations between Chrysler and the Canadian Auto Workers. Last week Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne called for concessions from the CAW in the run-up to contract talks that broke off in March and were scheduled to resume today, April 20.

Here come the Fiats

Fiat and Chrysler officials are looking at 3 Chrysler plants where Fiat-based vehicles could be built.

1. Windsor, Ontario

Now builds: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Volkswagen Routan

Could build: Alfa Romeo MiTo subcompact and a small Chrysler derived from the next Fiat Grande Punto

2. Toluca, Mexico

Now builds: Dodge Journey and Chrysler PT Cruiser (until summer)

Could build: Fiat 500 and small Jeep derived from the next Fiat Panda Cross minicar

3. Belvidere, Ill.

Now builds: Dodge Caliberand Jeep Compass and Patriot

Could build: Fiat-based replacements for Caliber, Compass, Patriot, Jeep Liberty, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger; Alfa Romeo Milano and Giulia; Alfa version of Liberty

Marchionne, who graduated from the University of Windsor, last week told The Globe and Mail newspaper in Toronto that Chrysler workers in the United States and Canada have to make sacrifices. But he said the CAW has taken "more rigid positions."

"I think they need to see what state the industry is in," Marchionne said.

Chrysler has asked the union to cut hourly wages by $19 Canadian, to $55, or about $45 U.S. at current exchange rates. But the CAW has committed to a cut of only $7 Canadian.

The Toluca plant could be retooled for vehicles based on Fiat's A platform, including the Fiat 500 minicar and an entry-level Jeep based on the next generation of the Fiat Panda Cross minicar.

The Dodge Journey crossover and Chrysler PT Cruiser are now built in Toluca. The PT Cruiser will be discontinued this summer.

Belvidere, which makes the Dodge Caliber and the Jeep Compass and Patriot compact models, could be retooled for a wide range of replacement vehicles based on Fiat's C-Evo platform. Belvidere also might build the Alfa Romeo Milano compact car for North America and Latin America.

In addition, Belvidere could build a more upscale compact SUV that would replace the Jeep Liberty. An Alfa Romeo version also might be built there.

Chrysler also could build successors for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger in Belvidere, as well as the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a sleek mid-sized sedan that will replace the Alfa 159. Those vehicles would be based on Fiat's larger D-Evo platform. The Sebring and Avenger are now made in Sterling Heights, Mich.

James Harbour, chairman of the Harbour-Felax Group, a Detroit area manufacturing consulting firm, said Chrysler needs $200 million to $500 million to retool a plant.

So far, Chrysler has received $4 billion from the federal government. If Chrysler can complete an alliance with Fiat by the April 30 deadline, the Obama administration has said it will consider an additional $6 billion.

pratticamente per stabilimento e piattaforma

Toluca,Mexico: (pianale Mini) Fiat 500 & Mini Jeep basato su futura Panda Cross

Windsor,Ontario,Canada: (pianale Small) Alfa Romeo MiTo & un seg.B 5porte con marchio Chrysler oppure Dodge

Belvidere,Illinois,USA: (pianale C-Evo) Alfa Romeo Milano,erede Jeep Compass,erede Jeep Patriot,erede Dodge Caliber tutto su base C-Evo

Belvidere,Illinois,USA: (pianale D-Evo) Alfa Romeo Giulia,Alfa Romeo Sportxover,erede Jeep Liberty* posizionato piu' in alto,erede Chrysler Sebring, erede Dodge Avenger tutto su pianale D-Evo

*Liberty e' la nostra Cherokee, il nuovo modello dovrebbe essere piu' SUV e posizionato piu' in alto per coprire il vuoto creato dallo spostamento della Grand Cherokee piu' in alto, piu' vicina come concetto e dimensioni alle prime due generazioni di Grand Cherokee

Modificato 20 Aprile 200916 anni fa da T a u r u s

e cos'è il D-evo , il premium resuscitato?

e cos'è il D-evo , il premium resuscitato?

Molto più semplicemente, mi sembra di interpretalo come il pianale EVO a passo lungo, mentre il C-Evo è quello a passo corto.

Molto più semplicemente, mi sembra di interpretalo come il pianale EVO a passo lungo, mentre il C-Evo è quello a passo corto.

appunto la versione corta del nuovo pianale destinata alle applicazioni del seg.C /Compatte e' C-Evo, la versione standard chiamata anche "X-Over" dal nome del modello per cui e' stato originariamente sviluppato (e possibili varianti passo lungo) ora viene identificato come D-Evo ed e' destinato ovviamente alle medie, il segmento D....