Chrysler Driving Hard To Get A GM Deal Done By November

Reports emerged over the weekend saying that Chrysler was hoping to finalize a merger agreement with GM by November, preferably before Election Day, preventing the potential deal from becoming an issue in Michigan. But is GM even still in the running? As GM continues to struggle to find funding to acquire Chrysler, Cerberus is pushing ahead with negotiations with Renault-Nissan, even though the private equity firm prefers a deal with GM. More

Chinese Housing Crash and the International Steel Markets

Shanghai and Hangzhou are a long way from Detroit and Phoenix, but all suffer from the same trouble: plummeting housing prices. The Chinese cities are offering all manner of perks to try to boost their markets—larger loan limits, help with closing costs and property taxes, extended repayment periods and even guaranteed local residency permits for buyers migrating from the hinterland. None of it is working. Analysts say most potential buyers expect prices to drop 20 to 30 percent in coming months. More

Study: 4.2 Million Green Jobs by 2038?

A report prepared for the U.S. Conference of Mayors says the number of green jobs in the country could grow fivefold to 4.2 million by 2038 if aggressive steps are taken to rely more on renewable energy resources, use alternative fuels and conserve energy. The report for the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Mayors Climate Protection Center by Global Insights forecast that green job growth could account for as many as 10 percent of new jobs in the next 30 years. The study also looked at eco-friendly jobs in the U.S. today, measured how many of the estimated 750,000 green jobs are in direct and supportive positions, and determined where the jobs are located. In announcing the results of the research, the U.S. Conference of Mayors said the study establishes the first national Green Jobs Index. More

Detroit Steel Site May Produce Again

Two years after a $500 million plan to transform a rusting steel mill into a 200 acre residential village imploded, Detroit Steel may turn the old McLouth site in Trenton back to a factory, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area. The $400 million brownfield project along the Detroit River would mean 400 to 500 news jobs and a boost for the Downriver area that was once a thriving industrial corridor, Trenton’s City Administrator Bob Cady said. More

AC Gearmotors Deliver Serious Output Torque

To support growing OEM interest in designing equipment for export markets, Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., introduces its new VWDIR14 AC parallel shaft gearmotors which are designed not only as Von Weise Drop-In Replacements, but also to be compatible with most globally available AC power sources. Utilizing 1/20 HP (37.3W) AC motors which can be conveniently operated from either 115V or 230V, 60Hz or 50Hz power sources, the new gearmotors are available in 6 standard, off-the-shelf models. More

Canadian Conference Tackles Auto, Aerospace Manufacturing Challenges

Promoting greater and faster adoption of new technologies by Canada’s manufacturing sector is the motivation behind Manufacturing Optimization: The Next Generation conference being held Nov. 4 in Toronto. More than 300 automotive and aerospace engineering leaders are expected to participate in the one-day conference at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. More

Indian Steelmakers Threaten Output Cuts if No Tax Relief

Faced with falling prices, Indian steel makers said on Friday they would have to cut production by 30 percent and postpone expansion projects if import duties aren't raised and an export tax eliminated. Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told reporters after meeting producers that his ministry would study a proposal to introduce a 15 percent import duty and scrap a 15 percent export tax as any production cut or delay in expansion would hurt the economy. More