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    Hyundai CEO Asks Union to Resume Contract Talks

    Despite seeking resumption of bargaining, a union source says Yoon Gap-han does not indicate the auto maker is willing to meet any of the union’s demands.

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 16, 2013
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    BMW Unveils M4 Coupe Concept

    The reveal of the high-performance model follows the German auto maker’s forthcoming launch of its 4-Series coupe, which debuted at the Detroit auto show earlier this year.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 16, 2013
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from WardsAuto

    Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.

    By WardsAuto staff
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    Spartanburg Plant Anchors BMW’s Growing Range of CUVs

    A $900 million expansion, raising cumulative investment at the facility to nearly $6 billion, will boost capacity once again to 350,000 units in 2015. And with it will be the addition of the new X4 reportedly due out in early 2014.

    By Roger Schreffler • Aug. 16, 2013
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    Cadillac Elmiraj Concept Signals New Range for GM Luxury Brand

    The concept’s dimensions, which include a long dash-to-axle aspect to hint at its V-8 power, would suggest GM’s plans for a range-topping touring car remain on the table.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 15, 2013
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    Mazda-Backed ‛Deep Orange’ Concept Developed by Millennials for Millennials

    Deep Orange concept features a body-in-white that was created by folding aluminum sheet using an innovative industrial-origami method.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 15, 2013
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    Redesigned Skoda Yeti to Debut in Frankfurt

    For the first time, Skoda will make available two distinctive exterior treatments, a city look and a more rugged outdoor design, with the main differentiation the front and rear bumpers.

    By Peter Homola • Aug. 15, 2013
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    Mercedes to Debut Tiny GLA CUV in Frankfurt

    The new model, scheduled to arrive in fall 2014 as a ’15, joins a growing segment of compact luxury sport and cross/utility vehicles, including the Buick Encore and BMW X1.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 14, 2013
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    Durango, Wrangler Production New Challenges for Chrysler

    Demand outpacing production can be a good problem to have, but it’s also a challenge for executives who must figure out how to squeeze more volume out of existing resources.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 14, 2013
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    Hyundai, Kia Workers Authorize Strikes as Talks Stall

    In addition to the breakdown of talks, a management document outlining a scheme for “demolition” of the Hyundai union has surfaced, infuriating members who plan a major demonstration at the auto maker’s headquarters.

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 13, 2013
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    5 Millionth Jeep Grand Cherokee Rolls Off Line

    The milestone SUV will be donated to the USO and used to transport returning military home to their families, highlighting a partnership featured in the brand’s Super Bowl advertising this year.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 13, 2013
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    Adam to Be First With New Opel 1.0L 3-Cyl.

    The powerplant delivers 115 hp and 122 lb.-ft. of peak torque all the way from 1,800 to 4,700 rpm, generating more torque throughout its operating range than equally powerful, higher-displacement engines, the auto maker says.

    By Peter Homola • Aug. 12, 2013
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    Union Calls News Leak GM Korea Ploy to Curtail Wages

    Union officials see the auto maker’s veiled threat to ease its way out of South Korea as a tactic to force a compromise on back pay for workers if it loses lawsuits demanding compensation for unpaid overtime.

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 12, 2013
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    BMW Sees U.S., China Leading EV Sales

    Market leadership for China will depend on how quickly the government provides the necessary infrastructure, global sales chief Peter Schwarzenbauer says.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Aug. 12, 2013
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    Kia KED-10 Concept Car to Be Unveiled at Frankfurt Show

    The Korean auto makersays the “dramatic new European concept hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.”

    By Vince Courtenay • Aug. 9, 2013
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    Hyundai Ups Ante in City Car Segment With New i10

    Standard equipment includes cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring and emergency-stop signal, “bringing new and higher levels of features and functionality to the segment,” the auto maker says.

    By Giancarlo Perini • Aug. 9, 2013
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    Infiniti Ready With Q30 Concept for Frankfurt

    The show car is an advanced look at a sporty 4-door coupe that is set to bolster the entry end of the brand’s lineup.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Aug. 8, 2013
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    With Scion Dealers, Less May Be More, Toyota Says

    A top Toyota official concedes Scion “probably has a few too many (dealers) at this point.”

    Aug. 8, 2013
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    Chattanooga Plant to Serve as Benchmark for Upcoming VW Factories

    The U.S. factory captures rainwater to cool equipment and flush toilets. It is surrounded by buffalo grass, which doesn’t need watering, and ponds developed during construction are retained for their environmental benefits. Outdoor LEDs light the night.

    By William Diem • Aug. 7, 2013
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    Honda Focuses on People Power, More NA Localization

    The Japanese auto maker continues to work toward a 2014 goal of locally assembling 95% of the vehicles it sells in North America, and bringing more components stateside.

    Aug. 7, 2013
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    GM’s Economist: Young Not Necessarily Losing Interest in Cars

    Younger consumers face barriers such as higher unemployment, lower income, stiffer insurance rates and the fact new cars and trucks cost more as content and regulations add to sticker prices, Mustafa Mohatarem says.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 7, 2013
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    Chrysler Taking Gradual Steps Toward 2025

    Chrysler’s top powertrain engineer says buyers of two of the auto maker’s most popular vehicles rate the importance of fuel economy ninth and 19th.

    Aug. 7, 2013
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    GM Puts Laser Focus on Improving Supplier Relations

    With suppliers on board early in the design process, GM benefits from their valuable input and best practices and is privy to their latest technologies, says the auto maker’s top purchasing executive.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 6, 2013
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    Ford Bulking Up Purchasing Staff to Maintain Quality as Volumes Rise

    Ford’s addition of 400,000 units of vehicle-production capacity in 2012 and 200,000 more this year has strained the supply base, purchasing chief Birgit Behrendt says.

    By William Diem • Aug. 6, 2013
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    GM Ups Investment in Spring Hill Plant to Increase Vehicle Output

    A WardsAuto forecast shows the auto maker adding production of the Cadillac SRX 5-passenger luxury cross/utility vehicle and GMC Acadia 7-passenger CUV to the site in 2016.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 6, 2013
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    VW Chattanooga Anxiously Awaits CrossBlue Decision

    VW has been promising for months that a decision whether to green-light the vehicle and determine its sourcing strategy is near, with Chattanooga considered the leading candidate for the project.

    By Aug. 5, 2013