What could have been, the Synergy 2010

Time travel back to January 1, 1996, Ford unveiled the Synergy 2010. A concept car the size of a Ford Taurus that weighed 2200 lbs and promised fuel economy triple the current standard. It used aluminum construction and a hybrid powertrain. Ford has been the leader in bloat since then. The new F150 is up to 800 lbs heavier than the old F150. (Runner up goes to Chrysler for the Jeep Liberty which is about 800 lbs heavier than the old Jeep Cherokee.)


Ford unveils Synergy 2010 concept: "The car weighs in at 2,200 lbs. (1,000kg) -- about a third lighter and 40% more aerodynamic than today's sleekest Ford, the Taurus. An all-aluminum unibody construction is the primary contributor to weight savings -- about 400 lbs. (180 kg)"

Average US Car now weighs 4000 lbs.

What we've been suspecting is true. Our light vehicles have become porkers. The average US car (incl. light trucks, minivans & SUVs) weighs more than 4000 lbs. This is about 1,000 lbs more than a mid 90's midsize car, and about 700 lbs more than a midsized car of today. This shows the impact of SUVs on the market. I find the "bigger is safer" reasoning to be circular. It's kind of like an arms race. "My neighbor got a Suburban, so I have to get a Hummer . . . "



The New York Times > Business > Average U.S. Car Is Tipping Scales at 4,000 Pounds

Handgun found in congressman's briefcase
It's almost worth going through all that security to know that there is a good chance that our alert security guards will foil a plot by a terrorist congressman.


TheIndyChannel.com - News - Handgun Found In Indiana Congressman's Briefcase

Columbia Teaching Assistants Walk Out - fight for the right to Unionize.

Their union: the UAW.



The New York Times > New York Region > Graduate Students Walk Out at Columbia

Columbia Teaching Assistants Walk Out - fight for the right to Unionize.

Their union: the UAW.



The New York Times > New York Region > Graduate Students Walk Out at Columbia

McDonalds CEO Jim Cantalupo dead of an apparent heart attack.

In the link below from a Wall Street Journal interview distributed to Franchisees, Cantalupo talks about his favorite meal:

"WSJ: Is the double-cheeseburger still your favorite meal at McDonald's?
Mr. Cantalupo: I just had one. It only cost me $1."

I think it cost you a little bit more than that Jimbo.





CEO Cantalupo's Focus On Improving Food, Service Sparks a Turnaround:

McDonalds CEO Jim Cantalupo dead of an apparent heart attack.

In the link below from a Wall Street Journal interview distributed to Franchisees, Cantalupo talks about his favorite meal:

"WSJ: Is the double-cheeseburger still your favorite meal at McDonald's?
Mr. Cantalupo: I just had one. It only cost me $1."

I think it cost you a little bit more than that Jimbo.





CEO Cantalupo's Focus On Improving Food, Service Sparks a Turnaround:

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour

This is more like what I was looking for regarding the Ford Rouge Factory tour in Dearborn.

This tells about the history of the plant. It was a massive beast, 100,000 workers at its peak. If you are going to Detroit for negotiations (or whatever) I would recommend checking this out.


The Henry Ford: Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Ford River Rouge and the UAW organizing movement - a history lesson from Socialist Action
While looking for a site to give further details on Plant tours for the revitalized Ford River Rouge Michigan plant, I stumbled upon this article from the online newspaper Socialist Action. This describes the turmoil at the plant in the course of UAW organizing in 1941.

when anybody asks you why autoworkers make so much money with so little (average) education, just point them here and to other sites which show what the current workers forefathers went through to get good wages and working conditions. And this is at Ford! Even before Ford was unionized, Henry Ford was outspoken about a fair wage for a fair day's work. It was important to him that his workers could afford to buy the products that he produced. How many global companies that hire workers in the lowest wage countries give a hoot about whether their workers can afford what they make?

By the way, I don't know beans about Socialist Action. I don't necessarily agree with what they have to say.

1941: Ford River Rouge

Have you driven to watch a Ford being built lately?

According to the New York Times article below (free subscription required), Ford has begun public tours of one of its Dearborn Michigan factories. The tour is part of the entire Ford Museum experience. It seems very interesting for adults and kids. I can't wait to give it a try.


The New York Times > Automobiles > Driving: History Bows at a Ford Plant