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 company's 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.
Kia's European Surge
Credit Kia with setting records. In sales, that is. According to
Motoring Life, Kia's 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.
Kia's 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
doesn't fit the division's branding.