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UAW ratifies FCA contract

The second time was apparently the charm for the proposed contract between the United Auto Workers and FCA US as 77 percent of union members have ratified the four-year deal, it was announced Thursday. "This agreement represents an investment in our US workforce and recognizes its contributions to the company's growth over the past six years." the automaker said in a statement. Now, the UAW must move forward on new arrangements with Ford and General Motors. After members rejected the original offer, UAW president Dennis Williams (pictured above, right) was positive about the new deal's acceptance. "The resolve of our membership and the dedication of our negotiating team has produced an agreement that affords UAW members a strong wage package and job security while still allowing the company to competitively produce high quality vehicles for our customers," he said in a statement. In contrast to the last offer, the new contract largely eliminates the two-tier wage system, and it's now it's possible to attain the same $29 per hour pay over eight years of employment. According to the Detroit Free Press, the deal also no longer limits FCA US from hiring entry-level workers. The original plan for a healthcare co-op across the Detroit automakers is also axed from the latest arrangement. While the strategy was supposed to lower costs, the potential changes weren't explained well to union members, and they rejected it. UAW FCA MEMBERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT Featured / Negotiations / October 22, 2015 DETROIT – The members have voted to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with FCA by a 77% majority. The results of the voting are as follows: • Production workers – 77% • Skilled Trades – 72% • Salaried Bargaining Unit – 87% President Williams stated, "The recent bargaining process that took place on behalf of our members at FCA is a testament to the UAW's democratic values and commitment to our members. The resolve of our membership and the dedication of our negotiating team has produced an agreement that affords UAW members a strong wage package and job security while still allowing the company to competitively produce high quality vehicles for our customers." "UAW members at FCA have obtained a strong agreement that provides substantial wage gains, fairness in the workplace, and job security.

Abarth 595 50th Anniversary Edition is a birthday present worth waiting for [w/video]

Props must be paid to the people at Abarth, who could've celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 595 - the model that put this performance brand on the map back in the 1960s - with a special edition appearance package and called it a day. But no, that's not how Abarth does things. Instead, it is producing 299 units of this 595 50th Anniversary Edition model that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, and it's received much more than a new suit for its big 5-0 celebration.
In addition to the matte white finish and historical livery that reinterprets the original car's look, this progeny of the original 595 also receives a substantial bump in power - an increase of 20 horsepower over the standard 500 Abarth for a new total of 180. The upgraded engine is paired with an "Abarth Competizione" transmission, and the sizzling hatchback rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that hide larger Brembo brakes sized 12 inches in diameter. Not that the standard 500 Abarth sounds wimpy (quite the contrary, actually), but the 595 receives a new "Record Monza" variable back-pressure dual-mode exhaust for an even more stirring soundtrack above 3,000 rpm. The interior, meanwhile, is adorned with red leather seats featuring white inserts and red stitching, and a black leather steering wheel with red inserts, as well as its own assortment of historical logos.
The 595 50th Anniversary Edition will be available to order on September 15th, though we expect the entire lot to go quickly and haven't been told yet if any are earmarked for sale in the US. Our fingers are crossed.

Classic Fiat 500 Abarth, a one-of-a-kind creation, goes on show in Milan

It’s a little car with a big name: the Fiat Abarth Classiche 500 Record Monza '58. Based on the much-revered Fiat 500, specifically the 1970 edition of the “Cinquecento,” this one-off model was assembled by the Stellantis Heritage team to celebrate the centenary of the Autodromo di Monza, the Formula 1 track located in a park just outside of Milan, It was Carlo Abarth who, in 1958, shattered six records at Monza in Abarth's first-ever tuned 500. This miniature classic, colored in a subtle shade of grey/green, was displayed earlier this month at the 12th Milano AutoClassica motor show, an event focusing on classic and sports cars. The two-cylinder engine has been tuned, with displacement increased to 595cc thanks to the Abarth Classiche 595 Tuning Kit. The company says this is inspired by the original kit offered by Abarth in the 1960s. There are several cosmetic applications as well to the car: cream-colored door trim and the single racing seat — another nod to the original — trimmed in a light cream upholstery. An elegant wooden steering wheel and Jaeger dials dominate the dashboard. Besides the display in Milan, Fiat also took to the stage last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing the CinquecentoÂ’s return to the United States in an updated package: powered by battery. The electric 500e hatchback, which will apparently stay true to the CinquecentoÂ’s essence of cute, will likely be powered by a 117-hp electric motor. The U.S. version will be similar to a setup already on sale in Europe, where it carries a driving range estimate of up to 199 miles per charge. Its expected in North America in early 2024. There will even be an electric Abarth version, but whether the U.S. will get that remains to be seen.