General Motors today presented an updated Viability Plan designed
to speed the reinvention of GM's U.S. operations into a leaner, more
customer-focused and more cost-competitive automaker.
Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, MI,
today reported a first quarter net loss of $1.4 billion, or $0.60 per share.
This compares with net income of $70 million, or $0.03 per share, in the first
quarter of 2008.
The Associated Press reports that sources within General Motors
have revealed that the automaker plans to close most of its U.S. manufacturing plants for as
long as nine weeks this summer because of declining sales and a surplus of
unsold vehicles.
The Associated Press reports that General Motors will eliminate
1,600 white-collar jobs over the next few days as part of a cost-cutting
strategy to qualify for additional government aid.
The Associated Press reports that Italian automaker Fiat Group
SpA will pass up the opportunity to take a 20% stake in Chrysler if the U.S. automaker’s
unions do not agree to major cost cuts.
MAPEI, a world leader in the production of adhesives
for the building sector, has acquired the assets of All-Purpose Adhesive Company (APAC)
of Dalton, GA.