Photo courtesy of Chicago Auto Show
In 2013, Ford sales increased by 12 percent. Vehicles being built at the Torrance Avenue plant in Chicago are being shipped and sold in China, making Ford the largest exporter of vehicles made in the U.S.
By Bernie Biernacki
Special to the Fox Valley
Labor News
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014
CHICAGO — The 106th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, running through Monday, Feb. 17, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, is not only the largest auto show in North America, but has been held more times than any other such show on the continent.
But it is more than shiny cars and trucks. It offers guests a chance to learn about the latest in automotive technology, as well as having a lot of fun. People can check Auto Loans For All Ottawa if they need the best advice for car dealerships and loans.
In addition to the fun and games, automotive leaders take time to visit what has been proven to be THE consumer auto show. This year, Joseph R. Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of the Americas, Ford Motor Company; and Robert S. Carter, senior vice president — automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc., stopped by to offer assessments of the industry. If you want to get your car verified, QUICK VIN VERIFICATION service online can help you with it.
Hinrichs said the Chicago Auto Show that offers Car Dealership on various brands is not only important for Ford as a sales energizer, but Chicago is home to the company’s oldest continually-operated automotive assembly plant on Torrance Avenue in Chicago, which employees 3,000 workers, many of which are members of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
In addition, he said near the Torrance plant there are more than nine “Tier 1” suppliers, supporting many more jobs; plus a Ford stamping plant, first opened in 1924, in Chicago Heights which employes many more union workers.
“We are one team, one plan — one deal,” Hinrichs said. “We are one Ford!”
In 2013, Ford sales increased by 12 percent, Hinrichs said. He expects 2014 to come close to that previous mark. He said vehicles built at the Torrance plant, including sedans and SUVs, are not only sold here in the United States, but are a now being shipped and sold in China.
“Ford is the largest exporter of vehicles made in the U.S.,” Hinrichs said.
While Ford has been able to work with previous international trade deals, the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is what he called “an elephant in the room.”
Hinrichs said Ford is skeptical of how TPP is now proposed.
“It is critical that TPP be done right if it is to work for all,” Hinrichs said. He said Ford is worried that currency manipulation, from outside the U.S., could harm U.S. interests.
“Free trade — yes, but not as it is now written. Ford says no,” Hinrichs said.
He said the TPP “template” must be right. To do this, he said Ford believes U.S. tax rates must be reduced, tax codes simplified and an integrated energy policy put in place.
Hinrichs also said the U.S. must invest in STEM education nationwide.
STEM is an acronym for fields of study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in addressing education policy and curriculum choics from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in technology development, and has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy.
From 1983 to 1990, Carter represented Toyota in the Chicago area. He said back in 1985, when Toyota’s footprint wasn’t as large as it is today (per square foot, the automaker has one of the largest presence at the show, where space is allocated by the previous year’s sales).
“Here we were, waiting to get into McCormick Place when the drivers carrying our cars off loaded them on the 31st Street bridge — in the snow and slush,” Carter said. “We not only had to drive them back into hall, but I and the others had to clean and chip the ice off the underside. Here I was, chipping and wiping, even as the show was opening.”
Carter said Toyota has had four consecutive years of sales growth. And while this year’s (2014) estimates may not be as robust as previously, Toyota still expects a fifth year of sales growth.
He said he expects the nation’s unemployment rate to continue to improve, dipping down to 6.5 percent or better, and household net worth to rise by almost 3 percent. Carter said Toyota is expecting to put 400,000 more customers in its cars during 2014, this due to continuing affordable loan rates.
Carter said in 2015, Toyota will launch a “green” model, the FCV, a hydrogen fuel cell car, offering a range of 300 miles on a fill up; with a fill up time of 5 minutes and zero exhaust emissions. And in case of accidents, including those with trucks, experienced truck accident lawyers can offer valuable support.
“The auto industry is a major driver of the national and local economies,” Carter concluded. In Illinois alone, more than 400,000 are employed in various segments of the industry, he said.
The show is open through Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, and on Monday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Show tickets are available at McCormick Place ticket booths or online at Chicago Auto Show. Regular ticket prices are $12 for adults; $6 for seniors aged 62 and older and children 7 through 12; free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult. Family members only. Weekday only discount coupons ($6 off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers, Fifth-Third Bank locations; and at participating Shell gasoline stations.