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Strike looms for FCA workers as soon as Wednesday night

A strike is on the very near horizon for at least some United Auto Workers members at FCA US. On October 6, the union sent a letter to the automaker that officially announced the termination of its agreements with the company as of 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 7. Assuming that a deal or extension hasn't happened by that time, workers could hit the picket line. While neither side is talking much publicly, it does appear that negotiations are still underway. In a very brief statement, the automaker simply says: "FCA US confirms that it has received strike notification from the UAW. The Company continues to work with the UAW in a constructive manner to reach a new agreement." The UAW seems equally receptive, and it says in a post on Facebook: "Negotiations with FCA continue. Your bargaining team is hard at work and we will continue to post updates when there is more to report." If a strike happens, it could put a serious financial burden on FCA US. Economist Sean McAlinden from the Center for Automotive Research estimates the cost at as much as $40 million per week, according to Reuters. The union hasn't clarified at this time whether all of its workers with the automaker would stop working or if the picket lines would only be at specific plants. The first tentative agreement posted to UAW members working with FCA US utterly failed in voting. Raises and a healthcare co-op would have been among the new benefits. However, the employees were upset that the proposed deal retained a two-tier wage structure, and they also didn't like the lack of details about rumors of major production changes.

2013.5 Chrysler 200 S Special Edition is a Sebring swan song

The world is set to get an all-new Chrysler 200 next year, thereby finally putting the bones of the long-serving Sebring to rest. To tide us all over until then, the automaker has released the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition. As a collaboration between Chrysler and the Imported from Detroit clothing line, the sedan features plenty of aesthetic tweaks to give it a bit more attitude. Those include tinted headlamp and taillamp housings, body-color door sills and 18-inch gloss black wheels. There's also a revised front fascia with a black mesh grille, while the tail end gets a decklid spoiler and a revised valance.
Indoors, the seats are clad in black, water-resistant fabric courtesy of Carhartt. Expect to see the 2013.5 200 S Special Edition in dealers soon with a price tag of $28,870. While there are plenty of questions to be asked here, one is more nagging than the others. Why bother buying the special edition when an all-new model is mere months away? It's an age-old question, but it still bears asking. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Samsung might buy Magneti Marelli, FCA's parts supplier

Automotive manufacturing is quickly changing as companies like Google and Apple move into the sector with new products and services. It should be no surprise that other tech companies are making moves to grab a piece of the pie. According to Bloomberg, Korean tech conglomerate Samsung is in talks to purchase major automotive parts supplier Magneti Marelli from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Bloomberg reports that the deal could be worth more than $3 billion. It seems that Samsung is interested in Magneti Marelli's lighting, in-car entertainment, and telematics businesses, but a full purchase of the company isn't off the table. The move would be Samsung's largest-ever purchase outside of South Korea. FCA has already started to branch out and partner with tech firms. The automaker is working with Google to build an autonomous version of the new Pacifica minivan. They hope to have the first batch on the road by the end of the year. Magneti Marelli currently supplies everything from lighting and instrument clusters for passenger vehicles to high-end electronic components for Formula One and MotoGP teams. The company, founded in Italy in 1919, employs around 38,000 workers. Although it's currently owned by FCA, in the past Magneti Marelli has worked with companies like Ford and Microsoft. The purchase could help further diversify Samsung and reduce its dependence on consumer electronics like phones and televisions. Samsung is the world's largest supplier of memory chips and TVs, but the company has taken a hit lately as sales of its smartphones have faltered. In order to keep up with rivals like Apple, the company will need to venture into new markets. Perhaps Samsung's phone expertise would translate to improved vehicle infotainment systems. FCA, on the other hand, is on an aggressive five-year plan aimed at doubling net income. CEO Sergio Marchionne is attempting to eliminate the company's debt, and selling off a major subsidiary could greatly help. A recent attempt at a merger with General Motors failed and further hurt the company's finances. FCA's stock price rose in response to the rumors of the Magneti Marelli sale. Both Samsung and FCA have declined to comment on the move. Related Video: News Source: Bloomberg Technology Rumormill Chrysler Fiat Technology FCA Samsung magnetti marelli