Sunday, August 28, 2005

Business Insider

UAW leader blown away by hybrid

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UAW President Ron Gettelfinger has a well-cultivated reputation as a no-frills, uncomplicated guy. So a gaggle of automotive reporters were a little surprised Friday during a UAW media breakfast when Gettelfinger revealed that he drives a Ford Escape hybrid and launched into a detailed explanation of how the Escape's 300-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery works together with gas engine to propel the fuel-efficient SUV. "It's a complex piece of equipment," he said, adding that the Escape even has power outlet that could allow his wife, Judy, to use a blow dryer while they were driving. But when asked if she'd ever tried such a feat, Gettelfinger reverted to form: "Well no, I haven't figured out how to do that yet."

A frustrated CEO gets his wish

David Thursfield, the tough-guy exec with the perma-tan and ever-present Montecristo cigar, left Ford Motor Co. last year after it became clear he would never become CEO. But the Brit resurfaced this month as head of GDX Automotive, a Farmington Hills-based supplier of automotive sealing systems. Thursfield will remain chairman of Cerberus Automotive Group, the investment group that purchased GDX. It may not be glamourous, but at least he'll be in charge.

If you want a job done right ...

In the early hours of the Northwest Airlines mechanics' strike on Aug. 20 at Detroit Metro Airport, things were a bit chaotic. The mechanics' contract gave its members the only authority to taxi planes from the hanger area to the gates. And Northwest couldn't find anyone to move a Boeing 757. Finally, the pilot of the flight, worried the plane would depart late, jumped into a small truck and was driven to the hanger. He moved the aircraft to the gate and the flight departed on time. The Northwest pilots union has continued to work despite the mechanics' picket lines. An internal memo to Northwest executives outlining the deed was titled "At-a-boy!"

For charity's sake, cover yourself

Decisions, decisions: Would I rather try to soak an auto executive or a politician? It's a tough choice, but one that only 30 Chrysler Group employees will face Wednesday at the carmaker's kick-off for a United Way fund-raising drive. Both incoming Chrysler CEO Tom Lasorda and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson will climb into the dunk tank, with 15 workers getting a shot at each. The goal is to raise $6,500. An e-mail to employees promotingthe event includes a caveat: "Note to Tom and Brooks: No Speedos, please."

Contributors: Mark Truby, Brian O'Connor and Joel J. Smith