EnerDel lands $118 million stimulus grant
EnerDel, an Indianapolis-based producer of automotive lithium-ion batteries, will receive $118.5 million in a matching grant
from the federal government.
Auto Industry
Articles
125 workers at Indianapolis GM plant take buyout offer
More than 125 people at General Motors Corp.’s metal-stamping plant in Indianapolis have signed up for buyouts or early-retirement
packages that are worth as much as $115,000 in cash per worker, a union official said this morning.
Automotive industry’s fall dilutes manufacturing jobs
The fact that Indiana is shedding manufacturing jobs is well-known, but you can thank a neighbor to the north for keeping track of every last one. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported recently that Wisconsin had taken the top spot, ahead of Indiana, in terms of the portion of employment in manufacturing—15.6 percent, versus Hoosiers’ 15.4 percent.
LIPPERT: GM woes strike close to home
As someone who grew up in Michigan during the 1960s and 1970s, watching General Motors Corp. self-destruct was like seeing a loved one make bad decisions then watching him suffer the consequences.
Natural-gas car proposal could boost Greensburg Honda plant
Hoping to spur alternative vehicles, lawmakers want to double the size of tax breaks on cars that run on natural gas. That
could be good news for Indiana, where Honda Motor Corp. produces the natural-gas-powered Civic GX in Greensburg.
Boomtown on hold: Recession delays Honda’s full impact on Greensburg
Jobs created by the new manufacturing plant have been offset by losses elsewhere in the community, and related development
remains scarce. But local officials remain optimistic about Honda’s long-term impact.
Chrysler challenge was right call for Mourdock
State Treasurer Richard Mourdock’s attempt to stand up for the rule of law in the Chrysler bankruptcy appears to have been
futile, but we applaud the treasurer for trying. Mourdock went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve the rights
of secured creditors in bankruptcy cases.
Powerway finds its Waypoint
Back when the automakers were on a roll, Powerway Inc. looked so promising that a public offering seemed around the bend.
Now Powerway itself is gone—at least in name.
Prolonged woes reshape Connersville, city once known as ‘Little Detroit’
With economists predicting the statewide unemployment average will reach 10 percent this year, the experience of a hard-hit
city like Connersville offers a glimpse of what lies ahead for other manufacturing-reliant Hoosier communities.
Quality-control firm launches after key player folds
Entrepreneur Steven J. Cage has launched a new quality-control business after the one he built into an industry leader shuttered suddenly.
Indy Power drops electric-car focus for more lucrative control boxes
After a stint making parts for electric cars, Symphony Motors recently became Indy Power Systems, changing course to make power control boxes for a variety of vehicles and also industrial and military applications.
Subaru plant ushered in new era
Indiana’s $86M incentive package to establish the Subaru plant in Lafayette was initially controversial.
Struggling contractors hope for sale of factory
Contractors struggling under the weight of an unfinished factory in Tipton are hoping for a quick sale to recover at least
some of the $44 million they say they’re owed by Getrag Transmission Manufacturing.
CAFE standards not as effective as gasoline tax
The Obama administration recently reversed a Bush-era policy that prevented states from imposing some of their own environmental policies with respect to corporate average fuel efficiency, or CAFE, standards.
Advanced energy next focus for economic development
The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership—the parent of the BioCrossroads, TechPoint and Conexus industry cluster initiatives—let it be known last month that there would be a fourth leg to its economic development stool: clean technology.
IRL may delay engine switch
The Indy Racing League is considering delaying adoption of its new engine formula by a year—to 2012—so teams
can afford to make the switch.
UAW in tough spot as automakers seek concessions
A federal bailout for automakers Chrysler and General Motors won’t fix their problems. I think a bankruptcy of these companies is nearly inevitable.
It might also spell the demise of the UAW.
City government should shop locally
Good luck getting people to buy from local vendors or manufacturers.
Indian truck maker Mahindra making inroads at local dealers
Indianapolis Ford dealers John Pearson and Ray Skillman will be among the 300 domestic dealers
of Mahindra trucks and SUVs when the company makes its U.S. passenger car debut as early as next summer.
Indiana should brace for auto fallout
The Big Three and the United Auto Workers do not appear to be serious about making the concessions and changes that are necessary
to make them a viable entity for the long haul.