Challenger to be built at Brampton, unveiled in Chicago...

[xs29j8Bullitt]

Finally, some news...

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/181357

Feb 13, 2007 07:09 PM
Gary Norris
Canadian Press
TORONTO — DaimlerChrysler Canada has confirmed that the new Dodge Challenger muscle car will be assembled at its Brampton plant west of Toronto.
Production of the two-door sports coupe is to begin in the spring of 2008 as the Challenger is added to the plant's existing production of Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans and Dodge Magnum station wagons.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2007/13/c7883.html

Riding a wave of fan anticipation, a new clock will be on display along with the Dodge Challenger concept car to count down to the unveiling of the production version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show next year. Today, the count-down clock shows 358 days.
    "Our speed to market means that Challenger production is now measured in only days," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The ability to quickly react to ever-changing consumer tastes is a competitive advantage for the company."

XS

[RD]

Finally, some news...

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/181357

Feb 13, 2007 07:09 PM
Gary Norris
Canadian Press
TORONTO — DaimlerChrysler Canada has confirmed that the new Dodge Challenger muscle car will be assembled at its Brampton plant west of Toronto.
Production of the two-door sports coupe is to begin in the spring of 2008 as the Challenger is added to the plant's existing production of Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans and Dodge Magnum station wagons.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2007/13/c7883.html

Riding a wave of fan anticipation, a new clock will be on display along with the Dodge Challenger concept car to count down to the unveiling of the production version of the car at the Chicago Auto Show next year. Today, the count-down clock shows 358 days.
    "Our speed to market means that Challenger production is now measured in only days," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "The ability to quickly react to ever-changing consumer tastes is a competitive advantage for the company."

XS

so its going to be an '09... hmmm disappointing... i thought it was to come out this year.

they can do the viper, the prowler and the dodge truck in a little over a year, but they cant do this huh?  whats up with that supposed high quality german engineering we are always hearing about... BS

[ChargerST]

"Industry observers forecast the Challenger probably will move about 30,000 units annually, said Canadian Auto Workers communications director Jim Pare"

30,000 units per year??? Can you image what the price tag will be when they only expect 30k sales per year (given the Mustang's success)...

[Shakey]

I think there will be more news later today from Daimler and it won't be such good news.   

As far as when it will be built and the price tag - well, I guess we got what we wanted, a RWD V-8 2 door, but from the sounds of it, that's not good enough eh!   

I guess you can't please everyone all the time.

[Chatt69chgr]

I'am worried by that "30,000" number.  It sounds like they are going to keep it a low volume, high priced car.  They may price regular folks out of the market.  If it is priced comparably to the Mustang, they will sell zillions of them.  If it is $10,000 more, they won't.  Lets face it; the market for a car like this may make it's last appearance around the time this car comes out.  I think fuel costs will eventually kill cars like this.  We will all be forced to drive 4-cylinder jelly mould cars with no pizazz or personality.  Simply grocery getters (tuners)----kind of like throw away cigarette lighters and transistor radios-----probably made by Chery in China.  I predict these will cost $36-$38k for the 5.7 Hemi version.  They will probably have a limited 6.1 liter version for $$48-$52k.  They may make an entry version with 4.7 liter for $31k.  I doubt they will have trouble selling 30,000----that 5% of the population that has 90% of the money will buy those no problem.  I am not one of those unfortunately.  But my wife will be in the market for a car then.  I am working, even now, to convince her that she NEEDS a Challenger.  So I will keep my fingers crossed and hope they don't price us out of the market.

[hemi68charger]

Thanks Allen !!!!!

When you buying yours?

[Brock Samson]

today is when the official chrysler layoffs and new downsizing are to be announced... 11,000 jobs according to allpar...

[Shakey]

today is when the official chrysler layoffs and new downsizing are to be announced... 11,000 jobs according to allpar...

I heard 13,000 a few minutes ago on the news.

[DC_1]

today is when the official chrysler layoffs and new downsizing are to be announced... 11,000 jobs according to allpar...

I heard 13,000 a few minutes ago on the news.

Chrysler to cut 13,000 jobs, idle 1 assembly plant
By TOM KRISHER
AP Business Writer


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- In the next three years, 13,000 Chrysler workers will lose their jobs under a wrenching restructuring announced Wednesday that eventually may lead to a DaimlerChrysler divorce.

The Chrysler unit of the German-American automaker announced its long-awaited plan at its Auburn Hills headquarters, saying it would cut 16 percent of the U.S. division's worldwide work force, a move it hoped would return its U.S. operations to profitability by next year.


Here is the link if you want the rest of the story 
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MI_CHRYSLER_RESTRUCTURING_MIOL-?SITE=MIDTF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[RD]

today is when the official chrysler layoffs and new downsizing are to be announced... 11,000 jobs according to allpar...

I heard 13,000 a few minutes ago on the news.

Chrysler to cut 13,000 jobs, idle 1 assembly plant
By TOM KRISHER
AP Business Writer


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- In the next three years, 13,000 Chrysler workers will lose their jobs under a wrenching restructuring announced Wednesday that eventually may lead to a DaimlerChrysler divorce.

The Chrysler unit of the German-American automaker announced its long-awaited plan at its Auburn Hills headquarters, saying it would cut 16 percent of the U.S. division's worldwide work force, a move it hoped would return its U.S. operations to profitability by next year.


Here is the link if you want the rest of the story 
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MI_CHRYSLER_RESTRUCTURING_MIOL-?SITE=MIDTF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

okay this is not good for the people who work there, and I do feel sympathy for them, BUT I have to ask this question:

"how much exactly does a line worker in an automotive factory make? (base, average, new employee)"

Once I get an answer to that, I will reply.

[Shakey]

I don't know the hourly rate but a friend of mine who works on the line in Brampton, ON made around $80,000.00 CDN last year including a premium for working steady nights and a ton of overtime.

[DC_1]

THREAD HIGH JACK IN PROGRESS

I think they are over paid for what they do......and my whole family works for Chrysler in Windsor. I have many arguments at Xmas time over the issue. Gravy train is coming to an end. They are not high skill type jobs and require little talent or thought......in fact i would argue that the auto worker from years ago needed more skill since now they design the jobs to be "idiot proof". And before someone jumps all over me about not knowing what its like, I worked at both Windsor Assembly and Bramalea (before its demise) on the line. It is a repetitive job that deserves more than a Walmart worker but in general the wages and benefits are not in line with the job skill level.

Just my opinion 

[RD]

THREAD HIGH JACK IN PROGRESS

I think they are over paid for what they do......and my whole family works for Chrysler in Windsor. I have many arguments at Xmas time over the issue. Gravy train is coming to an end. They are not high skill type jobs and require little talent or thought......in fact i would argue that the auto worker from years ago needed more skill since now they design the jobs to be "idiot proof". And before someone jumps all over me about not knowing what its like, I worked at both Windsor Assembly and Bramalea (before its demise) on the line. It is a repetitive job that deserves more than a Walmart worker but in general the wages and benefits are not in line with the job skill level.

Just my opinion 

I could not agree more.  I do not mean any disrespect to the auto worker, they are doing a job that gets paid well... I just get tired of hearing how rough they got it when they make 25-30K more than I do in one year, yet I have a Master's degree.

Granted I could have received a business degree and attempted to make my millions, but I did not.

I just do not feel as empathetic for guys making $50-60K a year with a high school diploma whining about how they got screwed from the auto-manufacturers.  Excuse me, the history of layoffs in the auto industry is as common as the earth rotates.  You know it will happen, put money aside.  You make enough of it.

[xs29j8Bullitt]

Thanks Allen !!!!!

When you buying yours?

When a dealer will sell me one for list price... NO MARKET ADJUSTMENT!... In other words, about a year after they come out! 

Also will have to see if the rumored 'Cuda is produced... and how it is styled.

Ideally I would like both... 2008 Challenger T/A, 5.7 MDS for a daily driver... 2009 Hemi Cuda, 7.0 NO MDS for a weekend driver!

Notice that I said driver on both cars... I have enough cars sitting in the garage! 

XS

[RDR-838]

Anybody who says union workers don't earn thier money is a frigin' idiot, plain and simple. If that offends anyone here, tough shit. Read a history book and learn how management treated workers before they organized. Ever hear of Rouge River?
 

[xs29j8Bullitt]

Well, I can see my attempt to get this thread back on topic did not work too well! 

XS

[RD]

Anybody who says union workers don't earn thier money is a frigin' idiot, plain and simple. If that offends anyone here, tough shit. Read a history book and learn how management treated workers before they organized. Ever hear of Rouge River?

name calling, nice... anyway... that is not what we are saying, you do make a good paycheck, that is fine, this is america. 

the unions of today are nothing like the unions of yesteryear, let alone the industries that here today.  yesteryear had no federal or state regulation of factories/businesses, now they do.

you are comparing apples to oranges when you bring up rouge river.

Henry Ford was a boss who knew how to alternate the carrot and the stick. He introduced a $5 a day minimum wage in 1914, before others in auto and put out countless publications filled with paternalistic advice.

On the other hand, starting in 1919, he set up the Ford Service, the largest private police force in the world-around 3000 gangsters, ex-convicts, prize fighters, wrestlers, and others. They didn't wear uniforms or I.D.s and some worked in the plants. They engaged in spying, intimidation, and violence against Ford workers interested in unionization or radical ideas. Between 1937 and 1941, some 4000 workers were fired from Ford plants.

http://www.geocities.com/mnsocialist/ford1941.html

Does Ford have that same "Ford Service" today?  nope, so your point is moot.

What we are saying is that you get paid TOO WELL for a position that if were in any other factory may bring you 12-15 bux an hour tops.  You ever wonder why the automotive manufacturers are sending plants and jobs and positions and car lines and more jobs and all their money to preindustrial nations?  It's because unions make making cars in America not as profitable as anywhere else.

So... in closing, both the auto manufacturer with their desire to earn the almighty dollar at a higher premium and the union worker who believes his $28 dollar an hour job that requires minimal skill and aptitude is ruing the automotive market and manufacturing base in America.

I said it, and I will standfast with my belief, because it is my belief. Tough Shit.  Dont just read history, understand it, apply it, and realize the difference between then and now. Then and only then will you learn from it and not get stuck in what was instead of what is. Welcome back to reality.