Category: Manufacturers/End Users

General Motors is temporarily stopping production at a plant in Michigan and one in Texas due to supply-chain fallout from Hurricane Helene.

Netherlands-based automaker Stellantis has lowered its guidance for 2024 due to woes in the North American market and weakening worldwide industry dynamics.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative labor agreement with Ford, averting a potential strike at a truck plant in Dearborn, Mich.

Galvanized steel buyers on Tuesday discussed the eerie stability in sheet prices of late. Expectations are for the murky market to persist in the short term, while glimmers of hope continue for prices pushing higher.

Former President Donald Trump has said he will place a 200% tariff on John Deere products imported into the US if the company makes good on previously announced plans to move some production to Mexico.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has threatened to strike at Stellantis and at Ford’s Dearborn, Mich., truck plant.

General Motors and Hyundai Motor Co. announced they will be linking up to explore collaborating across a variety of areas, including their sourcing of steel.

Automaker Stellantis said it will invest more than $406 million in three Michigan facilities.

US light-vehicle (LV) sales improved to an unadjusted 1.42 million units in August, up 7.6% from a year ago, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported.

Commercial planning momentum continues to drive the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) higher, pushing August up to a 21-month high.

SMU Steel Summit 2024 speakers weighed in on an array of topics surrounding the electric vehicle movement, including advancements in technology and infrastructure, consumer adaptation, and regulatory challenges

The United Autoworkers (UAW) union said that several locals are preparing to file grievances against Stellantis, which could lead to a national strike against the automaker.

North American auto assemblies slumped by more than 14% from June, falling to a 20-month low in July. Assemblies were also down 1.5% year on year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data.

US light-vehicle (LV) sales slipped to an unadjusted 1.273 million units in July, down 2% vs. a year-ago, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported. The year-on-year (y/y) decline in domestic LV sales came despite a 4.2% month-on-month (m/m) rise.

Shipments of heating and cooling equipment moved higher in June, according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). June shipments increased 10% month on month (m/m) to 2.16 million units. This was a 7% boost over the same month last year. June represents the best monthly shipment rate year-to-date, […]

The latest figures show a 17% surge over year-ago levels and the best mark since December 2022.

Construction spending in the US in June was slightly lower, declining for the second straight month. Despite the decline it increased notably year on year (y/y).

US light-vehicle (LV) sales fell to an unadjusted 1.32 million units in June, down 3.4% vs. year-ago levels, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported. The year-on-year (y/y) dip in domestic LV sales came in with a 4% month-on-month (m/m) decline.

North American auto assemblies ticked down by nearly 6% in June after reaching a nine-month high in May, according to LMC Automotive data. Assemblies were also down 1.4% year on year (y/y).

Stellantis announced temporary layoffs at its Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan and its Toledo South Assembly Complex in Ohio. The Netherlands-based automaker is adjusting the operating schedule at the plants to better align production with sales, a spokesperson told SMU in an email.

A record 60.6 million people are expected to travel by car for the Fourth of July holiday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). And a recent survey by The Vacationer said 75% of Americans intend to take at least one road trip this summer. In short, Americans are hitting the road this season and probably crossing a short-span steel bridge on their travels.

The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) has lauded Canada’s decision to launch an investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in electric vehicles (EVs). However, the association hopes the government will go even further and extend the investigation into other sectors.

A cyberattack on CDK Global has shut down the systems at automotive dealerships and slowed down sales across the US.

Galvanized prices have tumbled from a month ago, and many market participants expect that trend to continue in July.

North American auto assemblies ticked higher in May, moving up for the second straight month and reaching a nine-month high, according to LMC Automotive data. While assemblies were up month on month (m/m), they are still 1.7% lower year on year (y/y).

Shipments of heating and cooling equipment receded from March to April according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

US light-vehicle (LV) sales rose to an unadjusted 1.43 million units in May, up 4.8% vs. year-ago levels, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported. The year-on-year (y/y) growth in domestic LV sales came in with a 7.6% month-on-month (m/m) boost.

Nucor Corp. is adding another commercial door manufacturer to its growing portfolio of downstream companies. Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor announced on Monday that it has agreed to purchase Rytec Corp. for $565 million in cash. Rytec produces high-speed, high-performance commercial doors at its two Wisconsin manufacturing facilities. The company’s rolling doors are used in warehouses, manufacturing […]

As the US slides further into protectionism as the solution for our trade problems, a solution that will put us in a position to succeed in the growing economic battle with China is yet to be discovered. The tariffs on China, which President Biden doubled down on, are not working—at least if the goal to out-compete China and other growing economies. China is not our only problem. But it is our No. 1 challenge right now, in geopolitics, potential hostilities, and economics. EVs are a sign of this challenge.

Prices for galvanized products have fallen from last month, and many market participants expect tags to continue their descent or at best remain flat in the month ahead.