There will be a CAP Committee meeting today between shifts at the Union Hall. There will also be a Civil Rights Committee meeting Monday, Dec. 17 at 3 pm at the Union Hall. In both cases, all are welcome.
A total of $914 was raised with the Pre-trim bake sale for Adopt-A-Child. This year employees have “adopted” 155 children. Thanks to everyone who has supported this great cause.
For 2nd shift VAP drivers, Pat Workman will be working a split shift this week to help you get signed up for your overnight drive vehicle. See Pat at the suggestions office through 7:30 p.m. to fill out your driver’s pass.
The annual Chassis Christmas Party will be this Friday, Dec. 14 after first shift at Maggie Malones (990 Wentzville Pkwy, Wentzville). There will be free food from 4 pm – 6 pm, drink specials, prizes, live music and a visit from Santa! All are welcome. For more info contact Susan Daniel (Picou) at column F43.
From the International Union UAW: More than 17,000 Michigan residents from all walks of life rallied Tuesday outside the State Capitol building as anti-worker legislators heeded Gov. Rick Snyder’s call to divide Michigan by ramming through a so-called “right-to-work” bill which promises to kill jobs, lower wages, crush workers’ rights and unravel the middle class. Snyder, who seemingly misled the public by announcing he would sign the bill Wednesday, waited until the thousands who had gathered outside the capital returned home before calling a last-minute press conference and bill signing on Tuesday night. Earlier this year, Snyder called the legislation “divisive” and “not part of his agenda.” Now, after his party lost seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, Snyder rushed the bill through in just six days, with no public hearing. The bill reverse decades of balanced labor law in Michigan, which has yielded stable industrial relations, good middle-class jobs, and broadly shared prosperity. Studies have shown that workers in so-called “right to work” states earn an average of $1,500 less annually. Continued citizen protests are expected throughout the state in coming days and months. Workers are weighing political, legal and legislative options as well, including putting the measure on the ballot in 2014 (the same year that Snyder is up for re-election), a move similar to what Ohio voters did in 2011 when they overturned an anti-worker law championed by their governor.
Wards Auto has named their 10 Best Engines for 2013. This year’s winners:
- 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S5)
- 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW328i)
- 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 135is coupe)
- 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Ram 1500)
- 2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (FordFocus ST/Taurus)
- 5.8L Supercharged DOHC V-8 (Ford Shelby GT500)
- 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Cadillac ATS)
- 2.4L DOHC I-4 (HondaAccord Sport)
- 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Honda Accord)
- 2.0L FA DOHC H-4 Boxer (Subaru BRZ)
Here’s what they had to say about the Cadillace 2.0L : Another stout 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged 4-cyl. that muscles its way back into the winners’ circle with a remarkable 136 hp/L comes from General Motors, in the all-new rear-wheel-drive Cadillac ATS. This engine replaces a similar 2.0L Ecotec turbo that won a Ward’s 10 Best Engines award last year in the front-wheel-drive Buick Regal GS. But the new version reduces engine friction some 16%; incorporates a more-active continuously variable valve timing system for better breathing; boosts highway fuel economy 4 mpg (1.7 km/L); and positions the ATS to compete head-on with well-established German brands. GM developed the 2.0L turbo alongside a new naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cyl., which also was a contender, and the two engines share some componentry, which makes both engines more profitable than those they replace. That’s smart engineering. Installation volumes also will be higher for both engines, which power the ATS and new Chevrolet Malibu.
From Automotive News: Ram will appoint more dealerships to handle a growing lineup of commercial pickups, chassis cabs and vans, brand chief Fred Diaz says.
About one quarter of Chrysler Group's 2,400 U.S. dealerships have the BusinessLink designation. They can sell and service Ram's commercial vehicles and promise to give service priority to commercial customers. Dealerships must "have next-available-bay service, because if something's wrong, you have to be able to get [commercial customers] in and get them out," Diaz said last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Ram is preparing a re-engineered lineup of heavy-duty pickups and chassis cabs in early 2013 as well as a rebadged Fiat Ducato full-sized van that it will call the Ram ProMaster later in the year. The van will allow Ram to compete for commercial customers who need pickups and vans. Chrysler Group hasn't had a full-sized commercial van since the Sprinter went to Mercedes in January 2010 after Chrysler's trip through Bankruptcy Court in 2009.
When the Ram ProMaster van is introduced in the third quarter of 2013, it will be the only full-sized commercial van in its segment with front-wheel drive. This will give it a lower load floor than competitors but could reduce traction if the van's load is placed at the extreme rear of the vehicle. Diaz said fwd is an advantage, especially in snowy climates. "I think it's something that we're going to tout, particularly in those northern states and snow states where front-wheel drive is far more acceptable than it is in other parts of the world." At least one other commercial van is in the works. In September, Chrysler trademarked the name ProMaster City for potential use on a smaller commercial van from Fiat, the Doblo. Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
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