Friday, August 1, 2008

Ford Cuts Dozens of Design & Engineering Jobs from its U.S. Operations

Ford’s drastic transformation plan that includes the reduction of salaried-related costs by 15% until August 1, 2008, has claimed dozens of design and engineering positions at its U.S. facilities. According to a report from Wall Street Journal, the scene at the company’s product development center in Dearborn, Michigan on Thursday, July 31, was described as dramatic by observers with at least one engineer had to be escorted out of the building by security guards. -Continued

The reports states that the involuntary layoffs took their toll in Ford’s U.S. design operations which saw half of the company's 50 design modellers and three-quarters of its scanners (specialists that scan clay models and turn them into digital information) lose their jobs. Amongst others, Ford reportedly laid off Richard Gresens, the designer of the new Flex seven-passenger crossover.

Apparently, the layoffs in the design and engineering sectors also have to do with Ford’s recent decision to infuse its line-up with more Euro-models, meaning that its European operations will most probably get the upper hand in the company’s creative departments.

Via: WSJ

Jeep Launches New 2009 Cherokee in the UK

The all-new Jeep Cherokee has arrived in the UK where it’s offered exclusively with a 177 HP 2.8-litre diesel engine and a choice of manual and automatic gearbox. Jeep’s new SUV is available in only one equipment level – Limited – which includes standard ESP, Hill Descent Control, 17-inch alloy wheels and leather trim. Prices are set at £24,595 for the manual version and £25,595 for the automatic. Follow the jump for details on the Cherokee Limited’s standard equipment. -Continued

Cherokee Limited Standard Equipment

Safety and Security

All speed traction control
Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes
Panic Brake Assist
Child seat anchor system-latch ready
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
Enhanced Accident Response system
Locking fuel filler cap
Next generation multistage front air bags
Premium security alarm with immobiliser
Sentry key theft deterrent system
Speed sensitive power locks
Supplemental side curtain air bags
Selec-Trac® II full-time 4WD system
Hill Descent Control
Hill Start Assist
Remote keyless entry
ParkSense® rear park assist system
Compact spare tyre


Exterior

17 x 7.0 alloy wheels
235/65 R17 tyres
Automatic headlamps
Body coloured fascias with bright inserts
Bright grille
Bright side roof rails
Chrome bodyside mouldings
Front Fog Lamps
Power folding heated door mirrors


Interior

12v auxiliary power outlet
Air conditioning with automatic temperature control
AM/FM MP3 radio
Compact spare tyre
Courtesy lamps
Cruise control
Front passenger forward fold flat seat
Illuminated entry
Instrument cluster with display screen
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Luxury front & rear floor mats
Power 6-way driver seat
Power front windows, 1-touch up & down
Rear 60/40 folding split recline seat
Rear view auto dim mirror
Reversible / waterproof cargo storage
Six speakers
Steering wheel mounted audio controls
Temperature & compass gauge
Tilt steering column
Tip start ignition
Tyre pressure monitoring display
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Vehicle Information Centre
Power 6-way driver and 2-way passenger seat
Luxury door trim panel
Leather trimmed seats
Leather wrapped interior items
Leather wrapped shift knob
Bright sill scuff pads
Heated front seats
Manual driver lumbar adjust
Memory package (seats, mirror and radio)

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport: Roadster Version Revealed

Supercar collectors rejoice; the most powerful production car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is now available with a removable roof top. Set to make its first public appearance at the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance on August 16 in Pebble Beach, California, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport gets the same 1.001 HP 16-cylinder turbocharged engine as its coupe sibling. For the handful of folks interested, the first example of the open-top Grand Sport will be auctioned by “Gooding and Company” at the Equestrian Center in Pebble Beach. -One more photo after the jump

Via: Worldcarfans

 
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