The Auto Writer, Part I
DaimlerChrysler Nets $3.3 Billion Profit
DaimlerChrysler has reported a profit of $3.3 billion for 2005 based on the strength of its Chrysler Group and commercial truck divisions. The companys Mercedes division actually lost money in 2005 as it undergoes an extensive overhaul of its operations.
Competing automakers GM lost $8.6 billion while the Ford Motor Company turned a $2 billion profit on the strength of strong profits outside of the North American market.
Ford vs. Chevy: The Winner
Ford and Chevrolet are locked in an annual battle for sales leadership in the U.S. Despite the insurgency of foreign brands, Ford and Chevrolet continue to rule the roost.
Winning the battle of yearly sales is something neither automaker takes lightly. For years, Chevrolet was the clear winner before Ford rallied and started to beat out Chevy in the 1980s. According to Automotive News, the winner for 2005 is Chevrolet by just over 17,000 units. The totals include cars and light duty trucks, however if medium and heavy duty trucks are included, then the winner is Ford by approximately 5,000 units.
Kias European Surge
Credit Kia with setting records. In sales, that is. According to Motoring Life, Kias sales in the Western European market rose nearly 40% in 2005. For the third consecutive year, Kia registered the biggest gains in year to year sales in the market which covers 18 nations.
Kias growth has stemmed from intense marketing efforts and the popularity of its Rio compact car and Sportage compact SUV. Although overall market share is very small at 1.6%, the trend for further growth is in place as the Korean automaker introduces European versions of its Optima sedan, Sedona minivan, and other models. Kia will be opening a new plant in Slovakia later this year to handle the increased demand for its vehicles.
Jeep Supplier Jobs Opening Up
Although GM and Ford are shedding jobs, one American automaker is holding steady. Jeep, a division of DaimlerChrysler, is experiencing robust demand for its Liberty and Wrangler vehicles as well as for the Dodge Nitro, a rebadged Liberty. Thus, as many as 1,000 supplier jobs paying in the neighborhood of $11-$13 per hour are springing up to supply the Toledo plant.
The Ohio News Network is reporting that as many as 200 laid off Jeep workers will be called back too as they provide third shift work to help build the Nitro.
G5 For Pontiac
Autoweek is reporting that Pontiac will soon get its own version of the Chevrolet Cobalt. Dubbed the G5, the car will fill a void that has been in the Pontiac line up ever since the Sunbird exited the scene a few years back. The G5 is expected to debut this fall as a 2007 model.
In addition to bringing in the G5, Pontiac is planning on getting rid of the Montana SV6 minivan, citing that the vehicle doesnt fit the divisions branding.
