MICHIGAN

Ford Investment Gives Donald Trump Something to Crow About…or Not

April 28, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Ford gears up to produce new 10-speed automatic transmissions.

Earlier this week, the Ford Motor Company announced a $1.6 billion investment in its Livonia Transmission (Michigan) and Ohio Assembly plants, representing just one part of a $9 billion expenditure in US facilities over the next four years. Ford’s immediate investment will retain or add jobs at the two plants with 8,500 jobs created or retained overall.

Trump on Ford: Absolute Disgrace

The news follows Ford’s announcement earlier this month when the automaker stated it would lay out $1.6 billion to build small cars in Mexico. That decision was lambasted by GOP presidential contender and business mogul, Donald Trump, who said Ford’s decision was an “absolute disgrace.”

Trump has been shedding light on American job loss since he announced his candidacy, a topic that attracts voter attention. And rightly so. Unfortunately, he doesn’t always provide a context in his criticism and panders to his constituency. Other candidates, including Hillary Clinton, do the same. But Trump is the only one who has had Ford in his crosshairs.

The candidate also claimed he forced Ford’s hand last fall by saying he made Ford return some jobs to Ohio from Mexico. Trouble is, those jobs at its Avon Lake, Ohio, plant were scheduled to shift all the way back in 2011. Production of F-650/F-750 medium-duty commercial trucks began last August, but Ford says it hadn’t spoken with Mr. Trump and that its decision was announced nearly four years earlier.

Earmarking Investment Funds

As for the most recent $1.6 billion investment, Ford says $1.4 billion is earmarked for its Livonia Transmission Plant and the remaining $200 million will go to the Ohio Assembly Plant. These funds represent part of a $9 billion guarantee Ford made in the 2015 UAW-Ford collective bargaining contract to continue investing in its U.S. plants.

The current four-year allocation follows a five-year, $12 billion investment in US plants, a move that created 28,000 US jobs. As for the future of American manufacturing, Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas said, “We are committed to manufacturing in the United States, as we have been for more than 100 years.”

GM-Ford Collaboration

Ford’s Michigan investment follows a special collaborative agreement it made a few years back with its arch-rival, the General Motors Company. In 2013, Ford and GM agreed to jointly develop an all-new generation of 9- and 10-speed automatic transmissions. Designed to be built in both front- and rear-wheel drive variants, the arrangement provides hardware commonality and enables the two automakers to scale costs.

And this wasn’t the first time to two companies have developed transmissions. In 2002, GM and Ford came together to build 6-speed automatic transmissions, used in numerous products and to this day.

The first Ford product to get the 10-speed automatic will be the F-150 Raptor. The Livonia plant currently builds a 6-speed transmission for several Ford products and will begin production of the new transmission in June. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 will, by the way, become the first GM recipient of the new gearbox.

Following the insourcing of jobs from Mexico last year, the Ohio Assembly Plant began building F-350, F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab configurations earlier this year. The plant is also tasked with producing Ford E-Series cutaway vans and stripped chassis.

Political Theater Extraordinaire

As for Trump, he may find yet another reason to poke Ford as well as GM and Fiat Chrysler as the campaign attacks strengthen. No, I’m not playing favorites here (after all, I am a Libertarian). Instead, I’m doing my part to present some balance as well as sensibility into the often heated and exaggerated political process.

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Painless at the Pump: Falling Gas Prices Thrill Consumers

January 21, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Much lower fuel prices means “pain at the pump” is now a thing of the past. How low will gas prices go? Will prices stay low for the foreseeable future?

2015 Ford Expedition. — SUVs such as this Ford Expedition are increasingly cheaper to refuel.

Gas prices are tumbling and in some areas of the country are the lowest we’ve seen this century. As of this writing, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline sits at $1.861, according to Gas Buddy, the fuel price tracking website.

Driving the lower prices has everything to do with supply and demand. Domestic production has nearly doubled over the past few years and countries such as Canada and Iraq are producing more oil year after year. And despite feeling the squeeze from the west, Russia continues to pump oil. Thus, with the US essentially not needing much fuel from abroad, its former suppliers are looking for new markets. Those markets aren’t as lucrative as North America and Europe, therefore prices have fallen accordingly.

A Price War in Michigan

The new, lower prices are still above the $1.592 average reached on December 29, 2008. However, prices in some areas of the country are much lower as gas price wars have erupted. Notably, one station in northern Michigan dropped its price to 47 cents per gallon for regular gasoline earlier this week. Prices around Houghton Lake later rebounded, but one station is still charging $1.30 per gallon this morning.

Today’s fuel prices are part of a downward trend that began about 18 months ago when prices were averaging $3.58 per gallon. The international price for crude oil, once above $100 per barrel, is now below $30 per barrel and is expected to continue to fall. As a matter of fact, Iran is expected to produce upwards of 500,000 barrels of oil daily as economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic have been lifted. As long as supply outstrips demand, lower prices at the pump should continue.

Toyota Camry Hybrid. — Demand for electrified vehicles such as this Toyota Camry Hybrid continues to fall.

Consumers are, of course, elated with the lower prices. Refueling a large SUV once cost more than $125, a painful price point that had people avoiding models such as the Chevrolet Suburban and the Ford Expedition. That same Suburban with a 31-gallon fuel tank might now set the owner back by approximately $50 with the tank nearly empty.

Greater Demand for SUVs

Falling fuel prices continue to spark greater interest in pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. In 2015, US consumers purchased 17,470,499 new vehicles, setting an all-time record. Of that number, 9,729,587 were classified as light trucks, leaving 7,740,912 passenger cars, according to Motor Intelligence by Autodata Corp. Thus, 55.69 percent of all new consumer vehicles purchased last year were either SUVs or pickup trucks.

A scan of fuel prices across the nation this morning reveals sharply divergent prices and those prices are not always dependent on the region. Oklahoma currently holds the distinction of offering the lowest gas prices, averaging $1.539 across the Sooner State. Prices are averaging even lower in the northeast corner of the state, reaching $1.392 per gallon this morning.

On the other end of the pricing spectrum is California with prices averaging $2.72 per gallon or about a dime higher than the second most expensive state, Hawaii. For the most part, prices in the Golden State are tracking below $3 per gallon, although motorists in Mono County are still paying $3.502 per gallon on average. If you live in Yuba County, you’re saving more than a dollar per gallon as average prices there are coming in at $2.335 per gallon.

>Pickups, such as this GMC Sierra 2500 Denali are in great demand.

Looking Ahead

Fuel prices are not likely to rebound in the immediate future. Even as oil production is lowered, demand remains flat in many countries. As long as oil production outstrips consumption, we’ll see lower prices maintained. That also means consumers will continue to gravitate to larger and heavier vehicles with sedans and especially electric vehicles left in the dust.

See Also — Production Reality: 2018 Lexus LC 500

Refreshed Nissan Altima Poised to Move Up

November 12, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

Updated Jan. 14, 2016 to reflect IIHS crashworthiness results.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima SL grade (photo copyright Christopher Brewer).

These certainly are heady days for Nissan, Japan’s second largest car manufacturer. The automaker is poised to overtake Honda in the US, the lone major market where its smaller competitor maintains a sales advantage.

To take Nissan to the next level, the manufacturer has been updating its product line at a stepped up pace by introducing such models as a new Murano crossover SUV in 2015 and the next generation Maxima sedan in 2016.

Mid Product Cycle Update

Just two years after replacing its most popular model, the midsize Altima sedan, Nissan has rolled out a substantial update, one that arrives ahead of schedule. Indeed, as far as product cycles go, this one achieves two important things:

1), It moves the customary fourth year mid product cycle update forward by one year. This effort keeps the Altima fresh as a new Chevrolet Malibu arrives on the market and as competing manufacturers make less substantial changes year after year, and

2), The update keeps the Nissan Altima on a trajectory to overtake the Honda Accord as the second best-selling midsize model in America. Through the first 10 months of 2015, Altima sales are up 1.0 percent, while the Accord’s sales are down by 3.1 percent. Although it doesn’t seem likely that Altima will close the current 11,500 unit gap between the two models before the year’s end, an updated model may do that in 2016. If so, only the Toyota Camry would remain in front of the Altima.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima SL grade (photo copyright Christopher Brewer).

New for 2016: Altima SR Edition

Nissan entertained journalists in Michigan last week and another group in California this week to familiarize them with the refreshed model. I spent several hours driving a pair of models around the Michigan countryside — SL and SR editions, the latter bringing in the most significant changes to the model line.

And those changes go beyond the typical nip/tuck common to such updates. Notably, the 2016 Altima brings in exterior changes to align the sedan with the brand’s “energetic flow” design language, including the v-motion grille seen on other products such as the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder SUVs as well as on the Maxima sedan.

Other exterior refinements include LED projector headlamps, signature daytime running lights, changes to the front and rear fascia, a sculpted bumper, and both hood and front fender changes. The changes have helped in the coefficient of drag category as the new model measures 0.26 Cd, due largely to changes to the front and rear fascia, the windshield, and the inclusion of active grille shutters.

Nissan Altima SR

Nissan Altima SR grade (photo copyright Nissan).

Interior Design Changes

Inside, the Altima gains what Nissan describes as an “information-centric” interior with a change to the layout of the center console. Specifically, Nissan applied its “gliding wing” design to the horizontal console and added a higher-end look with silver and satin black accents.

All editions except for the base grade are equipped with a 5-inch color display. It doubles as a rear view monitor and also integrates with NissanConnect telematics to its Mobile Apps system. A USB port with iPod connectivity is included, and new for 2016 is Siri Eyes Free Voice Recognition — allowing for hands-free voice connection to Siri commands.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima interior (photo copyright Nissan).

Refined Transmission Introduced

The 2016 Altima continues with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder and optional 3.5-liter, V-6 engines as before and pairs these with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Say “CVT” to some people and they’ll quickly head for the door. Such transmissions dispense with gears and use a pulley to move through an infinite number of gear ratios. While CVTs offer improved fuel economy and performance, the noise and feel contributed by such transmissions is simply unacceptable to some.

For 2016, Nissan rectified its nagging CVT issue, essentially eliminating the long stretch feel such transmissions give during wide open throttle. Step on the accelerator and the engine revs push up, but then pull back just when the stretching sensation usually appears.

Its a more natural feel and one that most CVTs don’t offer. Nissan engineered this feature in with the product update and also reduced the cabin noise by using new engine mounts and by adding noise mitigation materials such as an acoustic glass windshield and a high density mass barrier. That’s the area covering the floor pan and firewall, an important part in winning the NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness battle.

Another benefit of the powertrain improvement is a corresponding increase in fuel economy. The 2016 edition now makes a segment-leading 39 mpg, up one mpg over last year. Importantly, as Nissan has made refinements to the car over the past decade, performance has increased slightly from 175 horsepower to 182 horsepower, while fuel economy has surged dramatically, up from 29 mpg 10 years earlier.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima interior (photo copyright Nissan).

Nissan Altima SR Grade

For 2016, the all-new SR edition brings in a number of chassis upgrades that lead to better overall performance.

To wit, the sedan receives its first-ever 18-inch wheel tire package on a 2.5 model. The uniquely styled wheels are shod within Dunlop tires, but they aren’t of the low rolling resistance variety — Nissan wanted to ensure excellent handling, something they’ve achieved with its latest Altima model.

The SR edition also brings in new shocks, springs and stabilizer bars, including much stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars. Nissan says that the Altima benefits from more lateral grip and improved vehicle response. The SR’s chassis has been optimized — I detected none of the torque steer such models typically present.

By the way, if you like the special blue finish seen in one of the pictures here, it is exclusive to the SR grade (edition). Nissan calls it Storm Blue and I think you might like it.

Keeping You Safe

Nissan also presented information about its latest safety technologies. Known as “safety shield technologies,” sensors detect the traffic in front of the car and maintain an even space between the vehicles. If you get too close, light braking is applied, warning beeps are emitted, and a notice appears on the dashboard. Nissan’s predictive forward collision can detect a possible collision up to two cars ahead. The system also includes rear cross traffic alert.

The changes to the Nissan Altima also mean it has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top award — Top Safety Pick+. That’s the highest recognition given by the IIHS for safety.

See Also — 2019 Nissan Altima Adds All-Wheel Drive

Mcity Provides a Testing Ground for Autonomous Vehicles

July 21, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Autonomous driving test facilities are few in number. The University of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Transportation have partnered to build Mcity, a facility where connected cars and autonomous driving can be put through the paces.

It is understood that driverless vehicles will eventually become commonplace on America’s roads. What is not yet clear is when this will happen. Indeed, there are obstacles that may slow down the process, including state and federal regulations, insurance industry oversight, and consumer acceptance. The technology is there, but the barriers must be removed.

On Monday, the University of Michigan launched Mcity, its 32-acre controlled environment designed to advance connected car and autonomous vehicle technologies. The city within the city of Ann Arbor will provide a unique environment for manufacturers, regulators, suppliers and insurance companies to help make autonomous driving a reality.

State and Industry Cooperation

Mcity was founded by the University of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Together, the two invested more than $10 million in the test facility and 15 companies, including automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, technology companies and industry suppliers are contributing $1 million over the first three years. An additional 33 companies are contributing $150,000 over that span.

“We believe that this transformation to connected and automated mobility will be a game changer for safety, for efficiency, for energy, and for accessibility,” said Peter Sweatman, director of the U-M Mobility Transformation Center. “Our cities will be much better to live in, our suburbs will be much better to live in. These technologies truly open the door to 21st century mobility.”

Michigan remains the top state for producing cars as well as for research and development. The Wolverine State has also been at the forefront of connected vehicle technologies, something that Mcity is designed to advance.

“We’ve been a world leader in innovation, especially in terms of mobility,” said Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. “We put the world on wheels. We transformed how the world moved. Michigan is uniquely positioned to continue to be a leader in mobility, and the University of Michigan’s new Mcity will play a critical role in that future.”

Real World Surroundings

Mcity was designed to mimic real world conditions. Thus, the environment includes a carefully designed network of roads along with traffic signs and signals, street lights, construction obstacles, sidewalks and, yes, building facades. The initiative was designed to provide surroundings that will allow emerging technologies to be tested in a controlled environment.

“There are many challenges ahead as automated vehicles are increasingly deployed on real roadways,” Sweatman said. “Mcity is a safe, controlled, and realistic environment where we are going to figure out how the incredible potential of connected and automated vehicles can be realized quickly, efficiently and safely.”

Mcity: Vehicle to Vehicle Communication

Mcity will permit vehicles to talk with each other, even around blind corners, as well as to the infrastructure. The locale will help vehicles determine when a person crosses the road in front of a car as well as detecting when a dog does likewise.

As important as Mcity is for building an autonomous vehicle network, it is only the first step that the University of Michigan, the UDOT and its partners will take. Real world deployment will expand to Ann Arbor proper where connected cars are already traversing the city’s streets. From there, the entire southeast region of the state will become the testing ground, simulating driving conditions throughout the country.

Thus, from a controlled environment with just scores of vehicles at work, the deployment will expand to as many as 9,000 vehicles in Ann Arbor to 20,000 vehicles in the southeast Michigan region. Further, a 2,000-vehicle mobility service of connected and automated vehicles will be deployed in Ann Arbor.

For more information, check out the U-M Mobility Transformation Center.

Brembo Expands Michigan Plant, Seeks North American Leadership

May 28, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Brembo seeks a boost in market share.

If you are an automotive enthusiast, then you are familiar with the Brembo name. The Italian company is one of the world’s largest brake manufacturers, with its red, black or silver painted brake calipers supplying high-end OEMs including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Citroën.

This Porsche Cayman S features cant miss Brembo brake calipers.

Expanded Michigan Facility

Brembo has a strong presence in the North American market and recently expanded its Homer, Michigan, facility in a bid to increase its market share. Indeed, the facility is known for its brake, disc, caliper and corner module manufacturing, what should help Brembo reach its ultimate goal of making North America its lead market by the end of 2014.

With additional manufacturing facilities in Avenel, New Jersey, and Monterey, Mexico, the company says that it will be better positioned to serve its clients. Daniel Sandberg, president and CEO of Brembo North America said, “The investment in the Homer facility will allow us to expand our product offerings not only in North America, but also for customers across the globe.”

The Michigan plant was acquired in 2007 when Brembo purchased the Hayes-Lemmerz brakes discs division that same year. Brembo immediately set out to expand the plant in 2008, completing the second phase of that expansion in 2012 and 2013. The company also built a separate caliper and corner module manufacturing facility next to its disc plant, now offering 47 processing lines and 12 painting lines.

Brembo brakes.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT relies on Brembo brakes.

Acquisition and OEM Demand

With added production capacity, Brembo expects to increase its discs output from 10 million discs in 2013 to 12.5 million in 2014. The company is also on track to boost calipers and corners modules production by one-third to 400,000 units this year.

Brembo credits two changes in recent years that have expanded the company’s already strong presence in the North America. The first was its 2007 acquisition of the Hayes-Lemmerz Automotive Brake Component division. The second follows much stronger demand for the US-based OEMs that use Brembo products.

Besides supplying the likes of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, Fiat Chrysler is an important partner for Brembo too. Fiat Racing uses Brembo and Chrysler products, including its minivans and select Jeep products, are also outfitted with Brembo brakes.

Brembo: Formula 1 and NASCAR

Brembo is not, of course, the only supplier of high performance brake products. Earlier this year, Motor Trend provided an excellent overview of the company and its influence on the market.

Brembo is also involved in Formula 1 racing, first getting involved in motorsports in 1975. The company operates a facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, conveniently located near the headquarters of several racing teams. The company has supplied brakes for many NASCAR winners and claims Jimmy Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday, Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Clint Boyer as champions that have relied on its products to race to the winner’s circle.

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GM Provides $449 Million for Next Chevrolet Volt

April 11, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

The second-generation Chevrolet Volt to debut for 2016 model year.

Sales of the Chevrolet Volt fell by 1.6 percent in 2013 to 23,094 units, but that isn’t stopping General Motors from pressing forward with its plans to bring the second generation of its unique hybrid-electric car to the market. Sales of the Volt are far below the 45,000 annual units the automaker had initially projected for calendar year 2012, a model that has also spawned Opel/Vauxhall, Holden and Cadillac variants.

Vehicle Electrification Investment

This week, GM announced that it would invest $449 million to upgrade the processes at two of its manufacturing plants Detroit-Hamtramck ($384 million) and Brownstown Battery Assembly ($65 million) as it prepares to introduce its updated PHEV models. The investment made in Hamtramck since 2009 will now top $1 billion, part of a $2.8 billion technology expenditure the automaker has made over the past five years in Michigan alone.

Detroit-Hamtramck will receive equipment upgrades, new body shop tooling, and other improvements to build the second generation Chevy Volt and two other products. Its Brownstown investment will support the next generation of lithium-ion battery production and other battery systems.

The Chevrolet Volt and like models are known as extended-range vehicles, powered by an electric propulsion system. The current models run on electric-fed power for upwards of 38 miles before a 1.4-liter gasoline generator kicks in. That generator sends energy to the propulsion system to turn its wheels. At present, Detroit-Hamtramck produces PHEVs for markets in 33 countries; additional production capacity is reserved for building the midsize Chevrolet Malibu and large Chevrolet Impala sedans.

Brownstown Battery is located south of Detroit and is the sole plant producing lithium-ion batteries for GMs PHEVs. GM says that it is a landfill-free plant, one made possible in part by a US Department of Energy grant. It is also the first high-volume battery plant of its kind operated by a major car manufacturer.

Next Generation Chevrolet Volt

What GM will do to improve upon its Voltec platform is not clear although the automaker would like to extend its electric-only range, perhaps to somewhere between 50 and 60 miles. The automaker may also produce a lower cost base edition with a smaller battery pack, one with a range somewhat closer to the current 11-mile range for the 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in. That would allow GM to cut the Volts base price, even pushing it below the $30,000 threshold. However, any reduction in range will also reduce the federal tax credit many customers receive, currently pegged at $7,500. The Prius PHEV is assisted by a $2,500 tax credit as per the EPA.

Beyond the Chevrolet Volt and its current variant, GM may bring out a crossover version, possibly reserving that model for Buick or GMC. What GM also wants is a model better suited to take on the Tesla Model S, a long-range electric-only vehicle. If GM goes with such a model, it could replace the Cadillac ELR and compete wheel-to-wheel with Tesla. Full vehicle electrification and a 200-mile range? We’ll see.

GM Recall Challenge

GMs electrification news comes as the company is embroiled in an ignition safety recall for six retired vehicles 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5; 2003 to 2007 Saturn Ion; 2006 to 2011 Chevrolet HHR; 2006 to 2010 Pontiac Solstice; and 2007 to 2010 Saturn Sky. GM CEO Mary Barra has provided testimony before Congress and dealers have begun making repairs to the more than 2.6 million affected vehicles.

Ford Recruiters on Hand at Detroit Auto Show

January 22, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Automaker is recruiting from the auto show floor.

If you have still haven’t visited the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, there is still time to take in Detroit,s most significant event of the season. The weather outside may be frightful, but the models inside are certainly delightful. As are the Ford recruiters standing nearby to speak to you about a possible job opening.

Public Display

In an usual recruiting move, the Ford Motor Company has assigned recruiters to the auto show floor for the entire public display, which runs through Jan. 27. Earlier this month, Ford announced that it would hire 2,200 salaried employees this year as reported by Auto Trends on Jan. 11. A number of those opportunities will be in Michigan, not far from Cobo Hall, the venue for the 2013 NAIAS. The current recruiting effort builds on the 8,100 hourly and salaried positions that were added in 2012.

target Said Fords recruiting manager, Laura Kurtz, about the company’s unusual recruiter effort, We see this as an opportunity to find great people in unexpected places.

Where Kurtz and her people are likely to find the bulk of prospective Ford people is right around the Ford Atlas display, a much talked about concept pickup truck that is giving us a strong indication where the F-Series line is heading. Then again, Ford brought its entire showroom to the NAIAS this year with vehicles ranging from the tiny Fiesta to largest SUVs and everything in between.

Ford Career

If you are looking for an opportunity to speak with a recruiter, just ask and you’ll be pointed in the right direction. Do not bring a copy of your resume with you as they’re not being accepted on site but do ask questions and if you’re someone that Ford is interested in speaking with further, you’ll be directed to the Ford corporate careers website to make application.

You can also follow Ford Careers on Facebook and on Twitter. On Twitter, for example, @FordCareers has posted, Were hiring! From finance to product development, to manufacturing and more, check out Fords exciting career opportunities. Those tweets are being shared by Emilie Mecklenborg (@EmilieMeck) a communications and social media coordinator for the Ford Motor Company.

Job Opportunities

The Ford Motor Company is one several Michigan-based employers looking to beef up their staffs this year. If you’re still in college, we shared a list of Michigan Automotive Engineering Internships this month too. Elsewhere, companies such as Nissan, Honda and Volkswagen have announced that they are hiring, but to our knowledge, no other company has taken to the auto show floor as Ford has done at this years Detroit auto show.

Michigan Automotive Engineering Internships

January 11, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The state of Michigan remains a strong location for U.S. automotive industry jobs as the Great Lake State is home to General Motors, the Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group. Other OEMs have a presence in the state and numerous automotive suppliers have manufacturing facilities or offices in Michigan.

Student Interns

smile man face College students majoring in automotive engineering must gain hands-on experience before they finish their education. An automotive engineering internship can provide much experience with numerous opportunities available in Michigan.

Please note that the following companies have posted information about internship opportunities, details that are correct as of publication. Visit the link provided for more information and to apply:

Company: Chrysler Group LLC

Position: Automotive Design Intern Job No. 1001004

Location: Auburn Hills, Mich. at the Design Office Studios

Summary: College students pursuing a bachelors degree in automotive, product or industrial design, who have completed their sophomore year and have at least a 3.0 GPA are invited to apply. Students must be skilled in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Alias or similar software programs and demonstrate leadership skills and initiative. Students will work in on-site design including clay sculpting, computer support, engineering and fabrication.

Company: Nexteer Automotive

Position: Summer Intern

Location: Saginaw, Mich.

Summary: Nexteer Automotive is a developer of steering and driveline systems. The company offers numerous internship and co-op opportunities for college students, with specific opportunities for students related to their area of study. Students pursuing a degree in computer, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering as well as computer science, supply chain management and business management are invited to apply. Applicants must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.0. Opportunities in various departments are available.

Company: U.S. Steel Corporation

Position: Intern Product Technology

Location: Troy, Mich.

Summary: Full-time college students majoring in mechanical engineering, metallurgy or material science are invited to apply. Students must be computer literate and possess excellent communication skills. This job entails working on various projects testing steel, lab operations and sample preparation. Students will also be introduced to sheet formality projects.

Company: Nissan North America

Position: Student Intern Virtual Garage

Location: Farmington Hills, Mich.

Summary: Interns will research current and future technologies to discover what digital technologies can benefit Nissan. This position is open to college students pursuing a degree in 3D design, architectural design, computer design, automotive design, mechanical engineering or other related field. Interns will work on projects involving upcoming models, make 3D models using applied technologies, and interact with vendors and Nissan departments.

Company: Volkswagen Group of America

Position: Environmental Materials Intern Job No. EEO000012

Location: Auburn Hills, Mich.

Summary: College students possessing strong technical research skills and having knowledge of government agencies and rule-making, are desired for this position. Interns will identify current legal requirements and log upcoming laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and other substances. Students will work within Volkswagen and with outside groups including Canadian and American government agencies and various non-governmental groups.

Job Opportunities

Prospective interns should apply as soon as possible for available positions. Follow each company’s application process to apply.