fuzzymoomoo

Because we are about to start building the Continental in a few months

No. FRAP isn't building the MKZ. We are tentatively supposed to build the next-gen model starting around 2019.

To be fair, a lack of marketing didn't do C-Max any favors either. What little marketing was out there was poor at best.

Factory defects aren't necessarily a good gauge either. If a car has a defect off the line, it is repaired and sometimes they do a batch hold to check things with a fine tooth comb. Other than attendance and stuff the supervisors can physically see, there really is no good metric as it pertains to the value of a person on an assembly line. Edit- or what Richard said

The influx of TPTs who have no hope in hell of ever being hired permanently has begun. Meanwhile I'm still waiting for some kind of permanent posting that I actually have a chance of getting. I didn't sign for the most recent one because it wasn't worth the gas to drive up to MAP labor relations for the very slim chance of being 1 out of 30 to successfully bid to a plant that I'm not sure I want to be at. So you know, the usual.

Indeed. What we're concluding here is there are more relative measures than absolute ones.

That's not always a good judge of things. Speaking from experience (with the mustang at least), some parts can be very difficult to install. That weather strip above the window is a bitch. I hate training people on that job because it is such a PITA to seat properly. And don't get me started on the a-pillar moldings. I'm fixing those all night long because if they aren't, I can't get the weather strip to seat properly. I could go on but I think you can get the picture.

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As a FRAP employee, I thank you for the kind words. Enjoy the new ride!

I thought it was simply an interesting breakdown on how it all goes together. Nowhere did anyone on this site say it was groundbreaking or revolutionary.

According to the UAW overlords, yes

I know that. I'm well aware of the cyclical nature of the auto industry. My entire family is in it, but I'm the first one who works on the line. When it inevitably contracts again, I'm just going to have to hope that the UAW (ugh...) has my back and helps me keep working somewhere.

Here's a cool little article from CNet on how GM constructed the powertrain for the 2017 Chevy Bolt http://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/deep-dive-2017-chevrolet-bolt-electric-powertrain/#ftag=YHF7b05e9f

I have no problem with this, so long as they can find a way to keep the plants running if/when the market contracts again with hopefully minimal job losses.

You're going to start to see that change real soon. The 2015 contract opened up expanded use of TPT (temporary part-time) workers. It's already starting at some plants. Chrysler has been using contracted workers in their plants for years now.

Depends on what you do. I'm pretty sure the maximum for production workers is just under $30. Skilled trades make more.

There are certain things, particularly when it comes to final assembly, that will never be able to be replaced by automation. No matter how advanced the robotics get. Mercedes is learning that lesson the hard way in Germany right now. They tried replacing people with robots and are now having major issues with that plan, and bringing back people to do the jobs the robots replaced them with.

I understand that you're a sadist. Or is it masochist? I always get those two confused.

Really? Wow, that's odd. I didn't think there was any luxury cars sold without leather.

I've known about this for a bit, but I didn't want to be the first to say it. Word is sometime in October from what I've heard. Timing fits with winding down Focus production to switch over to Ranger (or whatever is going in).

No Thinking about what Donald Trump says for more than 6 seconds makes my brain hurt.

I'm not really sure what your argument is here, we are in agreement on this one.

True, but they still pay wages that are higher than what they pay at the Mexican plants

the parts plants (Rawsonville, Sterling and the new Hot Metal Forming department at Woodhaven Stamping) still have the old 2nd tier scale, and once people start transferring/retiring out of there, it will only be those lower paid workers. Good luck with another tier, especially at the Assembly plants. Most people hired before the beginning of the 2015 contract are still upset about the whole 2 tier thing. A third one won't pass.

Tell that to Donald Trump..... He conveniently ignores that fact.