The head of the United Auto Workers union expressed hope that a bipartisan deal to help floundering auto makers can be reached Thursday, despite skepticism among some lawmakers that Senate leaders would agree to a pact.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger revealed news of the proposed deal during a previously-arranged news conference in Detroit, sending shares of Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. sharply higher.

The office of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said an agreement had been reached, with lawmakers due to brief reporters at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Thursday. …click here to read more

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Chrysler has revealed that the pricing for its 2009 model vehicles will be increased by an average of $500, with rising raw material and labor costs. In addition, Chrysler will also be raising the price for destination charges by about $50 per vehicle, reflecting the increased cost of transportation due to high fuel prices, resulting in what is likely to be even less customer demand during a slowing economy. …click here to read more

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Chrysler LLC revealed three all-electric prototype vehicles at its world headquarters in Auburn Hills, the Dodge EV, Jeep EV and Chrysler EV, promising to have one of them available in the North American markets as soon as 2010 followed shortly after by Europe. Speaking at the presentation, Chrysler LLC’s CEO Bob Nardelli had this to say:

“The introduction of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicles provide a glimpse of the very near future, and demonstrates that we are serious and well along in the development of bringing EVs to market.”

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Chrysler’s Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) began rolling off the assembly line this week at its Newark (Delaware) Assembly Plant. Chrysler is offering the two-mode hybrid powertrain on both vehicles built at the plant, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen.

In order to smoothly add one of the automotive industry’s most advanced technologies into their established build process, cross-functional launch teams conducted highly accurate, cost-effective computer simulation of new assembly processes. Similar efforts were conducted at tooling suppliers. …click here to read more

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Brake manufacturer Brembo is looking to transform itself into more of a OEM brake supplier by taking over North America - most importantly Detroit. With the of acquisition of Hayes-Lemmerz International, Brembo is looking to make nice with Detroit automakers but isn’t giving out any forecast as how it could improve the company’s financial of the brake component division of U.S. supplier.

Brembos current plans for North America include a new manufacturing facility, set to target upscale and middle-market vehicles and pitching its reduced weight with advanced engineering to Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Chrysler.

Brembo will continue to supply high-end rotors and complete braking systems to exclusive automakers like Ferrari and Porsche and will also try to be more visible with brands like Hyundai and Nissan.

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