Automotive Industry Articles and Resources

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Open Question: What waste product from the automotive industry can harm the environment if not disposed properly?

Open Question: Will Solar Power Panel Manufacturing Have Long Term Profitability?

In Northwest Ohio (Toledo Is the largest city) the Toledo Blade is chastising the state government for not offering solar power manufacturers tax abatements to move here, http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100307/NEWS16/3070301 . Those of us who had the money bought new cars every 3-4 years. I spent money maintaining my car. The automotive industry was good for Toledo for 90 years. I do not see such profitability in solar power. Am I wrong? Will the solar power industry have the same long term profitability as the automotive industry, or will the industry dwindle to a few companies as happened to the furnace industry for homes. more

Resolved Question: How can international producers BENEFIT from subsidies?

"the ministry was invstigating us automotive product imports following compaints from local industries that some of these products are being dumped in the chinese market or are benefiting from subsidies" isn't this exactly what subsidies DONT do? i'm confused. The whole point of a subsidy is to benefit domestic products and hinder international ones... So how can international products benefit from subsidies? more

Voting Question: help me choose my career path. i aspire to be big some day, but im not sure if this will work?

Basically i am a 3.5gpa student and a senior in a fairly good highschool in tucson. Iv always wanted to work in the automotive industry, such as helping design parts for performance cars such as bmw, or toyota. I have decided i want to either go to U of a in tucson because of their stellar mechanical engineering program, or go to school in houston because my parents live there, i want to be with my family you know. I would love to just go straight to an automotive school like in detroit, but all those schools are over east in Georgia, and Pennsylvania n what not. To sum it all up, im either going to houston, or staying in tucson. I was planning on going to the community college for 2 years because of their great automotive program here, it will help me get ASE certified. Then i was going to go to UofA for another 4 years to get my mechanical engineering degree, i was hoping with the entry level experience of automotive, but long term engineering experience, i could get a career with GM or something of that category. Do you think this would work? Please help me out here. Thanks. I was planning on going to rice, in houston, but i later found out how hard it is to get into that school. So i starting thinking of HU. Let me know what you think.to the second guy, i understand ase will not get me into the BIG auto industry, but it will get me a job as a part time mechanic while i go to school, and will certainly help me get a career in automotive with the mechanical engineering degree. it tells them, i know my stuff when it comes to car work. and as i stated earlier, i cannot consider schools not in houston or Tucson ie UofA. i understand im thinking too big with the gpa, but i can say this. Im willing to do what ever it takes to get my degree in mechanical engineering more

Open Question: Is software safe ?

<Although a careful search has revealed no publicised cases of software being directly to blame for a serious automotive mishap, the current “state of the art” of software development in the automotive domain leaves car manufacturers very vulnerable to litigation. According to Chrysler Group President Tom LaSorda, it has been estimated that the cost of litigation already exceeds $500 US per car in the USA. Unlike avionics, where there are industry safety standards and techniques for software development (DO-178B) and formal proof of correctness required in key areas, no professional expert witness could say under oath that automotive software is being developed in accordance with safety-critical software “best practices”. It is not enough to be actually safe, the software must be seen to be safe, otherwise the manufacturers may be held partially liable even if entirely blameless, as noted in the San Francisco Chronicle as early as 1988 Fear of litigation has already caused a “split” in features offered within the USA as opposed to Japan and Europe. As the New York Times recently reported : Fear of legal action has also stopped Toyota from offering its Intelligent Parking Assist feature, which is now available on the hybrid gaselectric Prius model sold in Japan.... And from today's AutoGuide.com : Toyota has announced that it has received subpoenas from both the U.S. Grand Jury and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over documents related to “unintended acceleration” issues with millions or cars, as well as the braking system on the Prius. From Gizmodo a fortnight ago: Toyota just announced a recall of its 2010 hybrid cars. Four hundred thousand worth. The reason? A change in "brake feeling" caused by faulty antilock braking software. There is no fix for cars on the road yet. This problem, unrelated to the sticky gas pedal issue that other drivers complained about. But I'm still wondering what exactly is bothering our Prius-loving friend Woz, who claims he has a faulty cruise control issue that is software related, not mechanical. Remember that old joke about if cars were as crash prone as computers? Yeah, not funny in 2010. Some important things to note: That this was the situation 4 years ago. It may have improved since then. That NONE of the car-makers were any better at the time. They were all as bad as each other. However... the AutoCRC decided that this effort wasn't important in an Australian context. The local automotive electronics maker had just ceased trading, and any such research would be best conducted overseas. I wonder if Toyota would be interested in re-starting the project? Or for that matter, anyone else? The thing is, that all the auto manufacturers keep such research a closely guarded trade secret. For all I know, it may already have been done. From Breitbart: Toyota Motor said Thursday it was staring at a two-billion-dollar hit from a global safety recall that has now spread to Britain and battered the credibility of the world's biggest carmaker. Accelerator problems with its vehicles have tarnished Toyota's vaunted reliability record, raising questions about whether it sacrificed quality in its successful drive to overtake General Motors as the world's number one. ... Members of the US Congress have scheduled hearings into Toyota's recall crisis, and want proof that the problems with the accelerator pedal are mechanical and not a more complex one related to electronics or software. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said this week he believed Toyota's troubles with the defective accelerator might be linked to "some bad software" after his Prius sped up while in cruise-control. Related article: Toyota may have software trouble Now new concerns are being raised about the brakes on the Prius, Toyota's flagship hybrid car which is in the vanguard of the company's push to produce a new generation of greener vehicles. If they haven't... maybe they should, hmm? 3 comments: Zimbel said... Interesting... I'm in the software side of medical devices (which is regulated), and we've taken a lot of ideas from the automotive industry... but we've taken more from their assembly line software, electronics, etc. (which is again regulated, if the regulations are mostly different) than their actual products. Maybe they should do the same. Anonymous said... The problem with Toyota is not the obvious electronic problem but their refuseal to admit it. Fixing 8 million computers will bankrupt them. Big companies use government regulation to force out the smaller competition. I hope that they are not considered too big to fail. PJC Zoe Brain said... Zimbel - I once participated in a safety review of a new LASIK device. I'm familiar with the various regulations involving medical devices here. The requirements for formal proof of correctness, for example. I don't think enough emphasis is put on failure modes of operation, bu more

Resolved Question: What are some careers that dont care about criminal records (several felony drug charges)?

Hello I hope you can help me if you are reading this. I got a tuition waiver from my state Unemployment office so that I can go to school for any one-year or less program that gives a certification at the end. I cant go for a degree or any thing like that, this is only for programs that focuses specifically on one subject and getting a person certified in that subject such as MRI Technician, Secretary, etc. So please do not suggest carreers that you need a degree, i wont be getting a degree only a certification, It is similar to if you go to a trade school for automotive tech, etc only the unemployment will not cover a trade school. My problem is I have a criminal felony record and all my 3 convictions was in the past 18 months, the most recent one was only 4 mos ago so I cant say "it was as long time ago I am a differnet person now." And it makes a employer paranoid of hiring me. I hope that if I go to school and get a education that it will give me a better chance at getting work. I have no idea the class that I should take with my tuition voucher, though. I need to pick a career that would not care if I got a record or not. If i go for the wrong thing It will be pointless becuz I will get the certificate and still not be able to work becuz the employer wont hire me b/c my record. I need to find a list of some good careers for felons to work in, where background checks is uncommon, or they dont consider it a big deal if you are a felon. I know that the construction industry and restaurant industry is good for this but there is not 1 year certificate programs offered by the school that I can go to. I know that I am banned from the medical field, but I dont know the other type of jobs that refuse people with records. If you could suggest to me any career field you know of that is good for Felons and dont care about criminal background please make some suggestions to me. Also if you have any ideas of who i could contact to ask this to please reply. I called a college counselor and they did not really know a good field for me to enter. Even if you dont know a good career for a felon , if you do know a good person or orginazation I could talk to, to find out , that would also be helpful too. Thank you in advance. more

Voting Question: I recently got a job with a temp agency-- how long can I stay as a "temp"?

I'm not sure how this works exactly. I know I'm technically employed by the temp company, but is there a limit on how long I can be considered "temp"? The job seems like it will be a permanent position and the last woman who had my job was there for 20 years (automotive industry and she was laid off). I know I'm cheaper than what she was getting paid per hour but also the company has to pay the temp agency a premium for me, so when do they usually decide if it's worth it for them to just put me on their payroll instead of paying the temp agency for me? I've never had a job like this before (through a temp agency). Any info would be appreciated! more

Resolved Question: Opinion on obama and his party..? http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/p…?

The irony of this article appearing in the English edition of Pravda (Russian on-line newspaper) defies description. American Capitalism Gone With A Whimper It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American descent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people. True, the situation has been well prepared on and off for the past century, especially the past twenty years. The initial testing grounds was conducted upon our Holy Russia and a bloody test it was. But we Russians would not just roll over and give up our freedoms and our souls, no matter how much money Wall Street poured into the fists of the Marxists. Those lessons were taken and used to properly prepare the American populace for the surrender of their freedoms and souls, to the whims of their elites and betters. First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics... Americans know more about their favorite TV dramas than the drama in DC that directly affects their lives. They care more for their "right" to choke down a McDonalds burger or a Burger King burger than for their constitutional rights. Then they turn around and lecture us about our rights and about our "democracy". Pride blind the foolish.. Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different "branches and denominations" were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the "winning" side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the "winning" side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America . The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record setting, not just in America 's short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more then another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Weimar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe. These past two weeks have been the most breath taking of all. First came the announcement of a planned redesign of the American Byzantine tax system, by the very thieves who used it to bankroll their thefts, losses, and swindles of hundreds of billions of dollars. These make our Russian oligarchs look little more then ordinary street thugs, in comparison. Yes, the Americans have beat our own thieves in the shear volumes. Should we congratulate them? These men, of course, are not an elected panel but made up of appointees picked from the very financial oligarchs and their henchmen who are now gorging themselves on trillions of American dollars, in one bailout after another. They are also usurping the rights, duties, and powers of the American congress (parliament). Again, congress has put up little more than a whimper to their masters. Then came Barack Obama's command that GM's (General Motors) president step down from leadership of his company. That is correct, dear reader, in the land of "pure" free markets, the American president now has the power, the self-given power, to fire CEOs and we can assume other employees of private companies, at will. Come hither, go dither, the centurion commands his minions. So it should be no surprise, that the American president has followed this up with a "bold" move of declaring that he and another group of unelected, chosen stooges will now redesign the entire automotive industry and will even be the guarantee of automobile policies. I am sure that if given the chance, they would happily try and redesign it for the whole of the world, too. Prime Minister Putin, less then two months ago, warned Obama and UK 's Blair, not to follow the path to Marxism, it only leads to disaster. Apparently, even though we suffered 70 years of this Western sponsored horror show, we know nothing, as foolish, drunken Russians, so let our "wise" Anglo-Saxon fools find out the folly of their own pride. Again, the American public has taken this with barely a whimper....but a "free man" whimper. So, should it be any surprise to discover that the Democratically controlled Congress of America is working on passing a new regulation that would give the American Treasury department the power to set "fair" maximum salaries, evaluate performance, and control how private companies give out pay raises and bonuses? Senator Barney Frank, a social more

Resolved Question: How would i make an automotive resume with no experience?

I tried to apply for a job but instead of an application i was told to submit a resume. I don't have any work experience at all. Ive been taking courses in automotive technology thats about the only experience i have when it comes to the automotive industry or doing oil changes at home. Is it possible to even make a resume to submit to this auto shop? And if it is how would i make it and what to include etc.? more

Resolved Question: will i have trouble finding a job?

im currently at job corps and ill be here for about another year learning breaks and electrical in the automotive industry. i will be ASE certified when i complete but my question is will i have trouble finding a job in michigan. and what is the average anual pay rate for an ASE certified technician in the state of michigan? more

Resolved Question: How would i make an automotive resume?

Resolved Question: automotive career choice?

I'm a starting to choose what i want as a career. i have came down to something in automotive industry but i want help with it. I want to repair cars, rebuild cars, and make good money on the lines of something like that. i need to know if someone can point me in the right direction? Any help would be good. Thank you! more

Voting Question: How do I become most marketable for entry into the HVAC/MEP design field?

I have a BSME with just under 3 years of experience as a test engineer for an automotive company. I basically took this job because it was there when I graduated and I wasn't really sure what direction I wanted to take for a career path anyways. After some months of consideration, I want to head into the building industry - HVAC/R, MEP design, and 2d/3d drafting of building mechanical systems. I have the right degree, but I don't have any experience in the field so I'm assuming I should approach my job search as entry level. I'm very motivated to do what I need to be more marketable so that I can possibly land a job that does require some related experience, but I am on limited funds and time to do everything right now. Here are the options I'm considering at the moment: 1. Get certified through Autodesk cert program ( I have 13 month access to student version of AutoCAD, Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, etc.) 2. Focus on EIT exam 3. Take a fundamentals of HVAC course online through ASHRAE, or try to come up with the money to take a college course in it. So my question is which do you think would be highest priority and of most importance to make my resume pop the most when employers read it. If my list doesn't contain anything you think should be #1, please share your thoughts on that as well. I am also willing to start my job search now and see if companies would be willing to take someone on of my level, I do have engineering experience after all, just not exactly what they do. Should I go to the companies and inquire? call them? etc... I am interested to hear what you think the best job search approach is in this situation. Hopefully I've been clear enough without rambling too much. Thanks in advance for your answers! more

Resolved Question: Mommy's I am in a Dilemmia and I need your advice! Thank you!?

I am a stay at home mom and I LOVE it. My husband works in the Automotive Industry here in Michigan as a Master Mechanic. He was making good money till the economy fell. So now we are needing some assistance. I want to get a Job and get wic. But If I get a Job and help out my husband I would make too much for wic (I would make like 50 overs the "income guidelines") My husband has always been the Proud Father and Husband beliving you should never get things for free and if you have a child, it's your job to provide for them, not the government. However, I can't bare seeing my husband struggle trying to provide for our child. There have been weeks where, We would have to Buy our Child food, over paying our Heat bill and it KILLS ME! I feel horrible. My husband and I both worked VERY hard to get through college and to get our Careers started. I am trying to find a job myself, either working the weekend or nights so someone is home with our child. Advice. What would you do?Were diffently not poor but I admit there are weeks we have struggled. But because my husband is Flat Rate incomed (sorta like commisioned based), some weeks are great, were fine and other weeks, were not. more

Resolved Question: Can I get a Job even if I Use WIC?

I have been a Stay at home mom since my child was born. It's has been tough since my husband works in the Automotive industry here in Michigan. We were doing ok, but his work has gone down hill. I am looking for a weekend job or evening job so someone is always home..However I am going to Apply for wic but I am wondering if I apply for Wic, Can I still get a job. On job applications, they always ask "Do your or anyone in your household, recieve government assistance? SO I am wondering, If I apply for wic, will it prevent me from getting a job? more

Resolved Question: what music or automotive job should i have?

im 17 and i know i want a job in the music or automobile industry i dont mean like a singer or anything but like a composer or producer im very creative and can work long hours i want a for shure job i dont want one that will change the amount of pay i make depending on others i want one that will pay good. what should i be in the music industry? and what should i become in the automotive industry? thanks more

Voting Question: Infared light to dry paint?

i have sprayed a plaster cast model with a primer and a metalic paint but after 3/4 days the paint still feels very slightly sticky after handling few a few minutes , could anyone tell me if a infared lamp would help in drying or cureing the paint , like they use in the automotive industry, thanks more

Resolved Question: How do i go about getting an entry level job in Auto body, or Auto repair?

Im looking to get into the automotive industry, but dont have the time or money to go to school. Ive heard about apprenticeships but not sure how you go abouts getting one. im going to a local garage later this morning that my friend told me about. do i just talk to the manager/owner and see if he would be willing to hire me as an apprentice? any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated. more

Resolved Question: For those in the Automotive industry whats it like?

I'm 16 and never really been interested in cars but it's something I think I wouldn't mind doing. I'm doing multi trades at school which is a class where you do building, metal work and automotive and which ever one you like the most you break off into different classes to get your certificate more

Resolved Question: how do i get out of casino business back into normal business careers?

I have a back ground in Home Health Care, Automotive Retail and now Casino. I have averages of a minimum of 3 years at these businesses. I need to get out of the Casino and back into a normal working business industry. I am not afraid to try new employments, but I do like the longevity of being secured in my employer. more

Resolved Question: Can someone proof read this essay for me?

This is a persuavive essay for a scholarship 250 words or less so I'm just looking for someone to proof read it and feel free to change sentance structure or anything else that you feel should be different. I have recently been accepted to attend Universal Technical Institute in Orlando Florida. My first day will be September 13, 2010. This has always been a long term goal. I have had a passion for the automotive industry since I first got my license. I have made the decision to turn this passion and hobby into a career. I currently own 2 vehicle that I have modded for performance and apperance and always get compliments on them. I take pride in the fact that I have done all the work myself. Its a wonderful feeling to be able to completely change the apperance or performance of a automobile. I plan on attending UTI to get the experience that I need and then moving on to one of the major dealerships. It is great to know that even in todays economy that the automotive field will always be in demand. I'm completely confident in myself and know that I will not have any problems accomplishing this goal. I have a self-drive and eagerness to succeed especially whenever it is something that I'm passionate about about. more

Voting Question: help needed in my further career.... please read. REALLY IMPORTANT?

i am a univ. under - graduate student and this is my first year. my past student qualification: i have done my high school studies in Indian national study board that is CBSE(central board of secondary education) its a little similar to A and O levels. what students do in O levels i do in my 10th grade or 10th standard as we call it. after 10th grade i have to decide the subjects that i have to take in coordination with what i will take in my further career. and in the final exam of 10th grade we have papers that are prepared by the government of india under supervision of expertised teachers. now most traditional CBSE school offer you three bases 1) science field (math, phy., chem., eng. and then an option of chossing bio. or comp. sciences) bio is for students who want to go for meds. and comp for engi. 2)commerce (eco., busi. studies, accounts. eng. and informatics) 3) arts(subjects chosen in this field are varified based on schools.) i had got 78% overall avg. in my 10th grade (maybe equivalent to a B Grade in 0 levels maybe) i chose science stream with comp. now 11th is a normal grade of school. but the 12th grade is again a government exam in whatever stream u have chosen.( i guess similar to A levels forgive me if i am wrong.) i got overall 57% in five subjects (it was a medical reason i got stitches on my leg due to an injury and could not fare well in my phy. and eng. exam.) i decided to join a UK university thinking its much more valued than the indian univs. i was getting admission in. i joined university of Bolton for mechanical engineering(hons.) because its been my childhood passion with machines and all. but they told me they would give me admission only if i do a foundation year because i did have the entry qualifications. so they offered me a BTEC diploma of edxcel in engineering which i am currently doing. after this i would be in a 3year undergraduate course of mech. engg. in university of bolton which is constituted of 3 years. now the problem is after 1 semester of my time in Edxcel i have gone through course material and its exactly the same thing i had done in my 11th grade(in fact 11th grade had a higher level of studies i feel) and my friends who are studying in the first year of bolton told me that the 1st year is same as what i am studying atm in edxcel. now i am worried that my first 2 years of engg. i know and have studied the material long back but i dont seem to find a relation of that to mech. engg. as i have not seen the practical field and weather in the reast 2 years time will i be taught well enough to be a qualified mech. engg. having a certified UK degree??? i have already invested a lot in it financially and now there is no way back. i want to specialize further by doing my masters in robotics or automotive industry. have i made the wrong decision or have I taken a bad university and now is my career ruined. if anybody could advise me further now what is the solution or any important steps are to be taken. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME OUT ITS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MY LIFE. I KNOW THE QUESTION IS LONG BUT IF YOU COULD HELP ME OUT IT WOULD SAVE MY CAREER AND LIFE. YOU CAN POST LINK TO YOUR QUESTIONS AND I WOULD ANSWER IT WITH ATMOST CARE AND TRY TO GET AN EXACT AND APT ANSWER FOR YOUR QUESTION.ALSO FOR MY MASTERS IN ROBOTICS OR AUTOMOTIVE I WANTED TO JOIN MIT BUT I HAVE HEARD THAT YOU NEED STRONG QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTERING IT. MY 12TH GRADE WAS DISASTROUS AND NOW I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF MY CHANCES OF GETTING INTO IT IS OVER OR IF ANY ALTERNATE SOLUTION IS STILL AVAILABLE( LIKE IF I GET GOOD GRADES IN MY EDXCEL AND UNDERGRADUATE EXAMS) ??? more

Resolved Question: Major sources in Canada..?

Out of these 13 sources of revenue: Wheat Oil Foresty Fishing Tourism Gold mining Cattle ranching Potatoes Dairy farming Automotive industry Coap minung Hydro-electric power Minerals Which of these belong to the provinces and territories in Canada? I have to include this in a map i'm making right now so help would be very appreciated !! Thanks guys <333 :)*Mistake!!* ---> Coap minung ---> Coal mining. Thanks ;) more

Resolved Question: Whats the deal with "metric" vs US "inches" system.?

I thought America was failing in the automotive Industry. Sure can't tell at the Auto Part Stores. I have an import car, a very very used import, and leaking everywhere, and then some. When I try too fix this problem. Most these auto part stores, will try too sell you anything, or order it, if not in stock, Domestic or Import. Then when you get the thing, and just spent 6-days and 6-nights. dropping the rear end, taking out the fuel tank or whatever, it still leaks WHY? They don't stock Metric.No Metric clamps, no metric fuel lines or vacumn. We have metric tools, we have metric pumps(dia.outlets)(oem/mfg.) But no Hose. Why is that????, so it's either too tight, or too loose,when you convert over, Sometimes I feel I'm counting atoms, due too fuel line importance, so i can determine, how many atoms, are too loose vs too tight, my margin of safety during conversion. Why thats even legal is beyond my scope of understanding. If I was buying chemicals, they'd say you can buy this, and this and this, but if you include that. it's a BOMB. Ok!, so whats my car, with a metric flange, and a under/over size, hose and clamp. It's a forever fuel leaky import. I thought America went metric in mid- 80's., it was a better system for measuring smaller units, and as a last comment, I got 86 for thirty days from Kohlweiss Auto, on this very subject, because he could'nt speak ENGLISH, figure that one out. Last'ly in regards too global warmng and emmisions, they build a better hose, but lose it in the fit and clamp. WOW!!!!!! Sincerely, Blame it on the damn screwdriver, and I no longer Smoke. more

Resolved Question: Have you had Sudden Unintended Acceleration with a Hyundai? Similar to the current Toyota problems.?

Last year our Hyundai Santa Fe took off like a Formula One car from a near standstill whilst being parked, crashing through a closed garage door and into the rear wall, doing extensive damage to vehicle and property, and causing some personal injury. Luckily no-one was killed, but if someone had been opening the garage door ...... they would have been history. Despite an independent engineer's opinion that it was a Hyundai manufacturing and/or service failure they just don't want to know, and worse still they denied that they had ever heard of a similar situation occurring before. Now that the whole Toyota debacle is out in the open the subject of Sudden Unintended Acceleration is getting proper attention - seems it has been the subject of an automotive industry cover up for decades. Unethical doesn't even come close to covering their behaviour and they should be found guilty of manslaughter where fatalities occur, and liable to punitive damages also. There can be a whole range of causes and there is a lot of information published, but it is NOT driver error in the vast majority of cases. The only thing that is certain is that if it occurs there is nothing the driver can do about it. The manufacturers, not just Toyota, must be held accountable for safety. We know of a number of Hyundai incidents but would like to hear more. more

Resolved Question: Would this fix our economy? I think it would.?

Ok instead of bailout money for banks and the automotive company. The gov't create a program to give people close to retirement or past their retirement year, so Americans 55 to 65 the bailouts. With certain conditions of course, they buy a new house and a new car. Probably have to be an American made car to fix our auto industry anyways. It would free up jobs for younger works and companies to save inflated salaries and retirement payments. Save the house industry by buying millions of new houses, setting up guaranteed credit for banks saving the bank industry because all of these retired people will have good credit savings and increase their spending power. The auto industry would be saved in millions of new car sales. Just an idea. See any pros and cons?Well the house and car would be paid off by the gov't funds more

Resolved Question: i need help with this ethical question?

You are a buyer for a major manufacturer of automotive parts and have control over multi-million dollar contracts. You were recently talking with one of your suppliers and mentioned you were planning a pleasure trip to Los Angeles with your family and were not sure yet where you would be staying. The supplier said that he has contacts in L.A. in the hotel industry, and that he would not only make the reservation for you, but would pay for the hotel stay for you and your family. Your company’s policy regarding “gifts” from suppliers is not entirely clear. Tangible gifts with a value over $50 are not to be accepted. Other things such as dinners, and other intangibles are to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and acceptance is left up to the discretion of the employee. Any employee who violates the policy could face severe penalties including dismissal. Is this an ethical dilemma? Why or why not? What ethical issues are involved? Is there a question of “legal versus ethical”? What would you do? more

Voting Question: I need some ideas... Politically and concerning business.?

First, I hate politics, but i cant just stand by and say someone else will fix it. If everybody says that, nothing gets done. I live in a big city but not like Chicago or Indianapolis big, and i have not college education (cant afford it) and my work experience is in the automotive industry. I have my OWN ideas on how to get into politics BUT through my 20 years of living, i have found it wise to get other peoples ideas and perspectives. So any suggestions on how i could become active in the political world would be much appreciated. Second, my tax return is going o be between $800-1,000 (im not done yet) and i would like to start my own business (started working when i was 16, got to stop working for managers making $10.00 and hour, bunch of brainless morons. Does anybody have any ideas? Agian, i have some but i dont know everything. Thanks Alex more

Voting Question: What Engineering Major deals more directly with the automotive industry?

Currently I'm in civil engineering. In my 2nd year at penn state univ. but have to declare major soon. I dont think Civil is for me as I have a love for automotive/cars.. Would mechanical engineering be the way to go for me? or Electrical? or neither. Thanks alot for your help. more

Resolved Question: can you find any mistakes in this translation?

this is a translation from italian to english. can you tell me if there are any mistakes, please? (Sorry if it is long) 4- Institute computerized joint training courses, putting to use in project the knowledge and the means to develop them, making the most of the mutual excellences of people operating in the same professional field. 5- Nowadays the English is used like an International communication language, forcing people from different country to speak a language not their own, creating discomforts, practical mistakes and troubles of understanding and speaking. So, we propose to create cultural exchanges directly from language to language, avoiding the obstacle – otherwise required – to speak a third language. So, everybody can speak and listen to in his mother language. 6- Facilitate the search of a qualified translator both the institutions and privates, creating a network of professionalism based on our acquaintances and experts operating in the specialized translation field. The above-mentioned goals become doable through some proposes about the organizational, management and strategic activities of our company. The propose, that we expect to complete within a very short time, can be summarized as follows: 1- Development and strengthening of the website: we think that a valid support on the web, accessible to all, enabling the data storage and the intuitive search of video lessons and training aid, can be a decisive step forward for our project. The service, that the students who are not part of the association will access only on payment, will be available in different languages, depending on the members and relationships. All this is aimed not only to financial gain, but also to an increase in the prestige of the institutions involved. 2- Creation of a database: thus the users can register autonomously, and insert their curriculum vitae, which will be translated into several languages and will be organized systematically by sector and area of responsibility. Creazione di un database: in questo modo gli utenti potranno registrarsi autonomamente, ed inserire i loro curricula vitae, che saranno tradotti in più lingue e verranno organizzati sistematicamente per settore e ambito di competenza. The database can be accessed easily by businesses looking for staff in order to encourage the exchange and the mobility of International professionals. In this way companies may have provided the most competent people to perform a particular activity, setting the search according their most functional criterions. 3- Huge possibilities for the use of associated: we can handle a very large number of translations (the language groups are: (Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Slovak, Spanish, Ukrainian, on the rise) on many areas in which we are competent, such as: - telecommunication - tourism - hospitality industry - food - fashion - automotive industry - field of art and literature As a matter of fact people who already have work experience in these areas are part of our association – split into language groups led by native speakers – and who have accumulated a considerable background of knowledge in the field mentioned above. One of the beliefs of our association is the necessity and the opportunity to think big, opportunity – how our work will demonstrate – don’t have to be denied to anyone, especially when, behind a project, big dreams and estimated life are hidden. The peculiarity of GRADg is that, unlike other associations of mediators with similar purposes, it doesn’t work only “from” and “to” the country of origin, but it intends to put in touch different countries, sometimes with little connection between them. more

Resolved Question: Can anyone suggest a reliable provider?

We manufacture car components for leading car companies in U.K. We require a V&V provider in the embedded space for automotive industries. more

Resolved Question: What is the break down of responcibility in the American auto industry failure?

The truth is, Detroit has made anything we really want to buy for a Very long time, like the 70's. The quality and styling of those Box's, then roundy rounds. No power, ugly and pour mileage. Remember the quality of the paint job from the factory? The crap they used didn't bound right and peeled off in a few years. Face it, American cars from 1980 to mid-late 1990's Suck. They allowed Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Nissan, to take over the market with Quality vehicles that aren't Ugly. One of my first car's was a 1972 Datsun 1200 fastback. 40 miles to the gallon all day long, 45 mpg at 60 mph. That was 1972 tech!!! My current vehicles include; Daily driver; 1975 Mercedes 280C (These things go for 500,000 miles easy) Utility vehicle; 1973 Suburban 4x4 (I live in the Cascades and use this ride for what it was intended for.) Pick-up; 1972 F250 4x4 Sometimes you need a big bad truck. Restoring; 1974 Pontiac Ventura 2dr coupe, Been in my family since 1979, took drivers test in this car. PS. All these vehicles are very eco friendly as there hasn't been a single natural resource used to build them since the 70's, 35+ years ago and they don't leak. So, who/where is responsible and by what percentage, for the down fall of the American automotive industry? I would like to add that a single neglagent idiot on the assembly line who either doesn't give a hoot or is upset at the company/management for some reason and does thing's to effect the quality of the vehicle line they are working on. But these are few and far between. So what's the percentage of blame? Top Management (designers/engineers, materials purchasers, CEo's CFO's COO's,etc . . .) =%? Middle Management (Line supervisor's, Quality Assurance, materials managers, etc . . .) =%? The Employee's who assemble the part's and componant's purchased by the above mentioned =%? (Please leave Union's out of your answer's. I know they protect the individual Puke who screw's it up, the lazy who don't care and are only there for a paycheck. They only make up 1% of the total employee count. This percentage rappidly increases the farther up the management ladder you go.)Yes American car's of the 80's to mid 90's are Ugly. (beside's a Very few select modles.) And I would add the Bonus's those top 3 executive officers got were equal to that wages/bennifits of 100's union employee's during these last few decades regaurdless of how well the company did. And that's just the top 3's bonus and not counting the yealy Bonus's of every other V.P. manager, supervisor that end up equaling a solid 10% of payroll. Why is no one who has answered addressed that Hidden Cost?Japanese auto makers don't have the "Bonus" issue of the American companies as well. But again, no one wants to address this issue in the True cost of any product.Hey "Block Me" did ya read the Whole question or just go off? So I'm elitist for Driving a 35 year old German made car? Or a 37 year old American made war wagon? Or the Legend . . .'72 F250 4x4 390 4spd 4:10 gears riding on 35" Toyo MT's? What about my 96k original miles '74 Ventura that I took my Drivers test in?Their Financial Fialure is due to Designing Crap! more

Resolved Question: What went wrong with DeLorean Moter Company?

Every Friday in Auto-shop we have to bring an article on the Automotive industry; I went home and decided to watch Back to the Future. And then it came across me that why don't we see any "Deloreans" on the streets anymore or at all?? Then I went on their site and found out they produced only one design! (Oh and an upcoming design of another one which I didn't see any updates on it yet) Help! I want to find out more on why did Delorean became an Epic fail? http://www.delorean.com/ http://www.newdelorean.com/ more

Resolved Question: Should I study engineering or science at university?

I am currently in year 12 (sixth form) and will be looking to make my university applications this year. I have two degree ideas in mind but I would like some information/advice from any current students or people working within the relevant industry. Firstly I was considering Automotive Engineering/Mechanical Engineering specializing in Automotive - I have a love of cars and motorbikes as well as physics so would be looking to work in the research/design/development department of a car/motorbike company or even better get involved with a race team (f1 motogp etc) Secondly I was considering Physics with Astronomy/Astrophysics as this is my favourite subject at school and I have a real interest in it. In this instance I would be looking to become a professor, study for a phd, become a lecturer - you know a job where I could continue to research. Any insights anyone could give me would be very helpful. If it helps I am studying the three science and maths and am hoping to achieve at least ABB. Thanks, Katie :) more

Resolved Question: I have primary placement of my son in a child custody case is my job required to work with me to carry it out?

I work in the automotive manufacturing Industry. I was working from 5/6am -3:30pm. I was able to pick my son up after school, feed him, do homework, spend time, etc... Then I would drop him off with his father at night because I had to be at work so early in the morning. Now, because of layoffs, I had to start working 2nd shift. I don't see my son during the week so in the past ( I started out full-time on 2nd shift before I began working 1st shift) I asked Managers if I could have every other weekend off even if it's mandatory. They always worked with me-no problem. Now we have a new attendance policy and if you miss work on a mandatory Saturday u will receive a point. It's an 8 point system. I'm afraid that now I may get fired if things 'pick up' at work and we begin working on Saturdays. Does my custody case have any weight at work? With the economy the way it is I don't want to quit and be on unemployment. I've been trying to ride the 'wave' until I could get back on 1st shift. I'm enrolling in school so that I can get a 9 to 5 and not have to worry about this!!! more

Resolved Question: Do you truly understand the advancements the automotive industry has made in the last 50 years?

I think you may find this very interesting? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_xRZSwO9wMthis is basically what NASCAR has done with the introduction of the COT more

Resolved Question: What was the impact of the japanese bubble economy(1896-1990) on the automotive industry?

I meant 1986 sorry LOLI mean many cars like the 91 civic might have become more popular because of it, but why? more

Voting Question: Best paying Mechanic job? (aviation,automotive,etc...)?

i Also like computers alot websites, forums, games Would i get more money in the computer industry?I really love being a mechanic, im young and im about to get out of high school and im looking for a carrer, i wish to stay close to mechanics some how, But ofcorse here comes the good part, i would like to have a nice paying job, If i like mechanics i must like cars, i have a project car, and i wish to make it a very nice project car, But back to buisness.... i would like a mechanic based job, with a good or high paying salary, But if this is not possible i do not mind changing to something that is..... Thank you for your time, and help this teen get ready for his life ahead :PSo what would be the best paying job thats based on mechanics? aviation? or manager of some automotive shop? more

Resolved Question: Metal Forming Processes used in Automotive Industry?

Hi, Can anyone inform me about the various types of sheet metal forming processes used in the automotive industry, e.g. a list of the types of metal forming used for building car, etc., if you can, even the details on these types. Thanks, Jorawar. more

Voting Question: How to stop my evil step mother?

I had another argument with my parents today, and it was all because my step mom has to be right about everything because she believes she is perfect in every aspect. Don't try to tell me I'm a stubborn child who is on the edge of losing it, because I will gladly shoot you down to a level lower than George Bush himself. It would be great to get advice on how to explain to my dad what she does, and who she really is. Here's some examples of my step mom. 1. She gets mad at her sister for bloating about her new Iphone and her boyfriends (mad enough to not go to her parents if her sister is there), but my step mom bloats about our house and pictures, and knickknacks, all the time. EX. "Our house is so pretty, it's better than all the other houses in our neighborhood". 2. She changes rules and stories to always be in her favor to win an argument. This always gets me into trouble over things that I am not even aware of, or things that aren't even my responsibility. 3. She manipulates my dad against me and others, when he should be smart enough to know what's really going on, trust me, he's a smart man. But I believe he just wants to stay out of the doghouse. 4. She tries to get people to feel sorry for her. EX. She "moaned in agony" every time I walked past her when she was "sleeping on the couch" to cure her "massive headache" that she gets all the time. 5. She believes my dad is the hardest worker of all time, harder than anybody else. He mows the lawn and she treats him like a king, and if our neighbors do something bigger like build a fence, she just states that he could of done it better. 6. She only appreciates her parents, my dad, and her closest friends. I have gotten zero congratulations from her about what I have truly worked hard for. I am not over-exaggerating one flipping bit, but I have over 300 hours invested in trying to restore my 73 Plymouth, and 100+ hours of learning about the automotive industry ON MY OWN TIME, and that doesn't count towards the schooling I'm taking over it, which I'm on the honor roll (which isn't too hard, but it's something). And I haven't even gotten a simple "good job" from her. ZERO, ZIP, NONE, NADA! You get the point. 7. And for the people who she doesn't give usual credit to, like myself for example, she only appreciates tasks that benefit her. EX. She praises me for spending a whole 20 seconds of my life to take out the trash. Or the whole 3 minutes to unload the dish washer. But doesn't say one thing if I help solve another persons problem, or achieve something that doesn't benefit her. 8. Along with #6, she also appreciates herself too much. She always talks about how hard her life at school is, and how she thinks she is the only good teacher at the school, and thinks she does such goods deeds everyday for the kids she teaches. 9. She doesn't care about others feelings during situations where either she bites it, or somebody else bites it. For example, before they were married, we got a family cat. And at the same time, she had a cat as well. Soon after they were married, we found out her cat was sick, diseased, dying, and contagious. And our cat was completely healthy. She convinced my dad to get rid of the healthy cat, and keep the sick dying cat, in order to spend a little more time with her "precious baby". Even though my sister and I (and possibly my dad) strongly felt it was wrong. What can I do to help explain to my dad that he should not take her words seriously, and show him who she really is? It is sooooo sickening to me, and I get chewed up by her monstrous ways. Thanks for your time. more

Resolved Question: 2010 Camaro, Challenger price expensive?

Whats with the expensive price tag on these new cars in an economy that is seeing 4-5 dollar a gallon gas prices? And why would they limit production and raise the price? I thought the dealers would be giving away cars at rock bottom prices since the automotive industry is falling apart and we are in a recession. When can we expect to find these cars reduced down to 13-16 k? more

Resolved Question: I want to know how to get into the car industry (involuntary question mark at the end) -->?

Do any of you have advice on how to get into the automotive industry? Specifically, I want to get a job in research and development as the guy who makes concept cars for auto shows. If anybody can give me some pointers, I will be very grateful. Richard D. more

Resolved Question: why don't engineers make cars more efficient?

if seems that the only ideas there actually use are aerodynamics and recharging the battery with brakes and shocks. here are somethings they could do to increase efficiency 1.replace the radiator with heat exchanger to generate electricity for battery 2.use heat exchanger to take heat out of waste gases those would save tons. do you have any ideas to increase effencity or know anybody who works in the automotive industry. if you have an idea how to increases efficiency do so. if you have a friend in the automotive industy send them these ideas maybe they will fix these inefficiency's more

Resolved Question: Why can't I land a job in Detroit with General Motors?

Through YEARS of dedication to GM!!! YEARS!!!!! There is NOTHING more fueling than the power of Michigan's automotive industry. It always drove Michigan's future :( It always drove Michigan's future :(I decided I want to make a career in auto manufacturing, but I still wanted an academic education. So I went to a Visual arts academy in Michigan and then I envisioned working in Detroit because it's a fascinating industrial city with good pay. I want to make automobiles for General Motors and to protect my lifelong position, I am grateful for the Auto Workers Union (AWU) which can help me improve our factory wages. The AWU promised me that we auto union workers would have stability the rest of our lives in making cars in the Motor City of Detroit with handsome hourly wages of $22.50 per hour, plus a PPO Healthcare Plan and an Employer-provided Pension plan for retirement. Why is my dream not coming true?So why can't the United States Government take over the operation of General Motors? Then we can continue to operate GM if we raise Federal Tax Revenues so the Congress can budget a GM Fund to continue General Motors auto manufacturing?General Motors is a USA past-time, AMERICANS always made caddys more

Resolved Question: I NEED HELP PLEASE ASAP?

1.One serious problem with this type of business organization is that the owners sometimes tend to disagree, and then are inclined to separate. 2.In the U.S. economy today, the vast bulk of the producing capability is owned by what type of business organization? 3.An industry/market which is noted by control by one company. 4.An industry/market noted by control of a very few, often large, companies. 5.A monopoly permitted by and regulated by the government for its greater social good such as a telephone company. 6.The automotive manufacturing business in the U.S. Is an example of what type of market? 7.What index measures the general change in prices over time? 8. Inflation is: 9.This is a measure of growth and is often used as a point of analysis in macroeconomics 10.Recurring booms and busts in a free market economy. 11.When a country buys goods that it needs from another country, it is called: 12.The Industrial Revolution of the 1850s centered, or, began, in what country? 13.Who invented the cotton gin? 14. What exchange rate system depended on precious metals as “backing” for the nations' currency? 15.It is very important for an individual to work hard to keep this business item “clean”. 16.Very bad credit, such as that noted by a bankruptcy, can take very often how long to clear? 17.This is what a bank charges you for your use of its money under a loan. 18.A person/business organization selling a product 19.A scarce commodity used in an economic system. 20.When one actually buys the product rather than just desiring the product. 21.Of the 4 components of demand, which of the following is(are) included? more

Resolved Question: Michigan Economy???????????????

why are Michigan losers, or as I call them "gray people" have such a difficult time adjusting to the decrease in automotive industry jobs? Why can't they reeducate themselves and change for a changing economy? Considering that a majority of them are high school dropouts, why do they see it as impossible to go back to school? more

Resolved Question: macroeconomics, please help?

how could you relate macroeconomics to the automotive industry? more

Voting Question: I have to write an Economic Forecast paper....help!!!!?

The paper needs to include Production, Spending, Resources, Automotive Industry, Fiscal Policy, Global Trade,and my predictions......Any help or examples are appreciated! more

Voting Question: Software engineering problems of producing a wide range of up to date generic software for automotive industry?

Now, to all of you software engineers in the automobile industry or free thinkers, suppose you are presenting your knowledge and findings to managers to break into software market for automobile software industry, what are the challenges based on your own perspectives of producing software (embedded or not) for automotive industry? Addressing aspects in SE as well as project management SE issues (E.g. requirements engineering, quality specifications, safety critical oriented). Thanks. more

Resolved Question: How much is car insurance on a new 911 gt2 Porsche?

I am a 25 year old who recently became very successful in the automotive industry and I decided I wanted to get a Porsche. Now i know about how much it is to keep a Porsche maintained because i have worked on them but i am not sure on the insurance. Please help anyway you can. And for the record i am not getting a quote from any website because i do not feel comfortable giving away personal information to an insurance company before i decide to use them. more