Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Asia

SsangYong Strike Turns Violent

By Richard ReadRichard Read, June 30th, 2009

Violence erupted at a SsangYong plant in Pyongtaek, South Korea, when a group of over 900 striking union members took control of the facility over the weekend. Police had offered some protection for the 4,000 non-striking workers who remained inside, but officers had withdrawn by Saturday night. When the 4,000 began abandoning the plant, fighting broke out, and approximately 70 people were sent to the hospital. The factory is now occupied by the union members, who were fired from the company due to a court-ordered restructuring program. We're pretty sure this isn't going to get their jobs back.

[WardsAuto via Autoblog]

Violence erupted at a SsangYong plant in Pyongtaek, South Korea, when a group of over 900 striking union members took control of the facility over the weekend. Police had offered some protection for the 4,000 non-striking workers who remained inside, but officers had withdrawn by Saturday night. When the 4,000 began abandoning the plant, fighting broke out, and approximately 70 people were sent to the hospital. The factory is now occupied by the union members, who were fired from the company due to a court-ordered restructuring program. We're pretty sure this isn't going to get their jobs back. [WardsAuto via Autoblog] Read More

Tags: Asia, South Korea, unions, News

New Audi Terminal in Tokyo Launches Brand's Sales Offensive

By Colin MathewsColin Mathews, November 4th, 2008

Audi recently made its goals crystal clear: a 50 percent sales increase in seven years, which would total 1.5 million cars sold yearly by 2015. Toward this end, the company today announced the launch of Audi's "first terminal" (dealership) in Japan's capital city of Tokyo. Audi (and parent company VW AG) already have a highly diverse lineup and broad sales channels, but they intend to further increase both as evidenced by this push into Asia. Audi plans to expand its lineup to include a total of 40 models, and hopes mainly to attract younger buyers in the Asian market. The Audi "terminal" is said to embody visionary architecture,... Audi recently made its goals crystal clear: a 50 percent sales increase in seven years, which would total 1.5 million cars sold yearly by 2015. Toward this end, the company today announced the launch of Audi's "first terminal" (dealership) in Japan's capital city of Tokyo. Audi (and parent company VW AG) already have a highly diverse lineup and broad sales channels, but they intend to further increase both as evidenced by this push into Asia. Audi plans to expand its lineup to include a total of 40 models, and hopes mainly to attract younger buyers in the Asian market. The Audi "terminal" is said to embody visionary architecture,... Read More

Tags: Asia, Marketing, Industry, Enthusiasts, Shoppers, Cars We Love

Posted in: Audi, Luxury

The Week in Reverse

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, March 2nd, 2007

And the winner is…Tupelo, Miss. For all the states that missed on Toyota’s latest plant—don’t worry, they’re like trains, there’s another one coming in six months. Is Ford finally getting its act together? Some sales are getting stronger, and a subcompact is coming, thanks to Mazda. Plus, Dearborn finally got a Target. Magna and FAW are on the short list of those who might want Chrysler. We’d take any of the personnel we know – but that Sebring? Whuff. Speaking of whuffs, we’re kind of glad the revamped Jaguar XJ is a short-term prospect. BMW and DaimlerChrysler building hybrid... And the winner is…Tupelo, Miss. For all the states that missed on Toyota’s latest plant—don’t worry, they’re like trains, there’s another one coming in six months. Is Ford finally getting its act together? Some sales are getting stronger, and a subcompact is coming, thanks to Mazda. Plus, Dearborn finally got a Target. Magna and FAW are on the short list of those who might want Chrysler. We’d take any of the personnel we know – but that Sebring? Whuff. Speaking of whuffs, we’re kind of glad the revamped Jaguar XJ is a short-term prospect. BMW and DaimlerChrysler building hybrid... Read More

Tags: Fun, Asia, Europe, North America, Marketing, Industry, Manufacturing, China, Japan, Styling, Geneva Motor Show, Shoppers