Sitting under the hood of every new car—and many older cars made since 1990—is the engine control module (ECM). Often referred to as “the car’s computer,” it usually employs the most powerful and expensive microcontroller in the vehi-cle.
Back in July 2008, we were thrilled when Volkswagen announced it was building a new assembly plant in Chattanooga, TN. Of course, any new assembly plant is big news to us, but a new automotive plant? Well, that’s peaches and cream, as a British friend likes to say.
WARREN, MI—A 61-year-old worker was found dead Saturday while working at Chrysler’s truck assembly plant here. The man, who is not being identified, was working on the line performing a weld-check when he was discovered at 10:30 a.m. slumped over.
WASHINGTON—Orders for airplanes, computers and other long-lasting durable goods rose more than expected in May—3.6 percent—the third increase in four months and a sign of strengthening in the vital manufacturing sector.
EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation has received a multiyear contract from a Tier 1 automotive supplier to provide six custom assembly and test systems that will simplify the production of automobile steering assemblies.
WEST POINT, GA—Four people who unsuccessfully applied for jobs at the Kia Motors assembly plant here are suing the company, claiming they were discriminated against because they had belonged to a union.