Ford. Editor-in-Chief's Note: In an effort that began at the end of last year, Ford is deleting 7,000 salaried jobs globally by September, a plan designed to save the company $600 million annually. "Ford is a family company and saying goodbye to colleagues is difficult and emotional," Hackett wrote in an email. "We have moved away from past practices in some regions where team members who were separated had to leave immediately with their belongings, instead giving people the choice to stay for a few days to wrap up and say goodbye." Gee, that's special. Let's see, the bottom line in all of this is that Ford - for all of Jim Hackett's management speak about creating Ford "fitness" - is doing what auto companies in this business have resorted to throughout its history. It's called "cutting your way to prosperity" and it is nothing more than a blatant, vainglorious attempt by Hackett at salvaging his "vision" for the company to placate Ford's outside critics. Well, I'm not buying it. At all. It is what it is, and it well and truly sucks. -PMD
(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz will expand the GLE model range with the introduction of the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC. The top line GLE features a 483HP biturbo V8 with 516 lb-ft of torque, a 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter generator. In addition, the GLE 580 4MATIC is capable of producing an extra 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 horsepower through EQ Boost over short periods. The integrated starter generator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost and energy recuperation, resulting in fuel savings previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. The innovative ISG eliminates the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length. The slim design of the engine, together with the physical separation of the intake/exhaust, creates space for a close-coupled exhaust after treatment. The 48V on-board electrical system serves not only high power consumers, such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also the integrated starter-generator (ISG), which also supplies energy to the battery by means of highly efficient energy recuperation. The GLE 580 4MATIC also features an extensive list of standard equipment including AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping, leather upholstery, exterior AMG Line, and it is optionally available with 22” wheels. The GLE 580 4MATIC starts at $76,800 and will be available late this year.
AE Music Lyrics of the Week:
Now I'm hiding in Honduras
I'm a desperate man
Send lawyers, guns and money
The shit has hit the fan
"Lawyers, Guns and Money"
- Warren Zevon