Auto Industry News: UAW Expands Strike, Nissan Goes Retro, and World’s Most Beautiful Truck Crowned In Pomona

It was another tense week for the auto industry, as an additional 5,600 UAW members walked off the job at GM and Stellantis parts depots across the country. Ford avoided further stoppages for its willingness to bargain constructively, union leaders said. The news no doubt came as relief for the automaker and dovetailed nicely with the labor deal it secured in Canada.

The Engine Block has details on both, along with news on Nissan’s new Hardbody truck trim and the inaugural Grand National Truck Show’s freshly-crowned beauty. Plus, we dive into a quick-hit roundup of what you need to know about ethanol in fuel, data-sharing compliance, and the funky new Ineos Grenadier SUV.

UAW Expands Strike – But Only At GM & Stellantis

The ongoing autoworkers strike grew a bit more dramatic last Friday, with the union expanding its strike efforts from three strategic vehicle plants to 38 parts-distribution centers across 20 states. In an interesting twist, the UAW decided to spare Ford and only target GM and Stellantis, as it claimed negotiations with the Blue Oval were progressing.

Surprise Move

Many automotive analysts assumed that if union demands were not met, the strike would move to more vital factories, specifically ones that produce cash-cow vehicles like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and RAM 1500. The decision to instead strike parts operations is a savvy move, though not without its own risks.

Working in the UAW’s favor is the fact that many more eyeballs are now on the striking workers. With picket lines queueing in nearly two dozen states across the country, local news outlets can’t arrive on scene fast enough. That’s not even factoring in all the passer-by with cellphones and active social media accounts – platforms that UAW president Shawn Fain began leveraging long before the walk-outs started.

The UAW’s strike strategy also keeps automakers – and suppliers – on their toes, making it harder to pivot. However, this also means that dealerships and their service centers will struggle to obtain parts, along with new vehicles. Low-to-no inventory translates to long wait times, which we all know is not exactly something American consumers handle well.

Therein lies the risk, say industry pundits. Betting on consumer patience could be a direct path to losing public support.

Election Angling

As for political support, the UAW seems to be getting it – from both sides of the aisle.

On Friday, The White House announced that President Biden would join autoworkers on the picket line in Michigan on Tuesday, to “stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create.”

The news came shortly after the New York Times reported former president Donald Trump would be skipping the second Republican debate in favor of “wooing” striking autoworkers. While Trump has been very critical of UAW leadership, he has held back from criticizing the rank-and-file members from whom he hopes to garner votes. Additionally, he continues to court commiseration by blaming the Biden administration’s EV policy for causing the labor unrest.

While UAW president Fain has withheld endorsing Biden’s reelection campaign, citing the aggressive EV push as a main reason, he has said he would never support Donald Trump. He also made it clear he did not approve of the 2024 candidate’s upcoming visit this Wednesday.

“Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers,” he said in a statement to CNN.

Needless to say, next week’s Auto Industry News should have some very interesting sound bytes to share. Stay tuned.

In Case You Missed It

On Saturday, Canadian autoworkers voted by a slim 54% majority to ratify a deal with Ford. The 3-year contract brings some significant gains, including pay raises of up to 22%, better monthly pension benefits, and a new pension plan that would start in 2025 for some workers. The union, Unifor, represents 5,680 Ford workers and 14,000 workers at General Motors and Stellantis in Canada. It will soon announce the next target company for negotiations.

Nissan Introduces 2024 Frontier With Hardbody Edition

With American sentiment for electric vehicles feeling lukewarm at best, it’s no surprise automakers are reaching into the past in order to pull buyers into the future. Joining the recent tidal wave of resurrected nameplates, throwback styling is creeping back into vehicle design.

The latest to join the roster is Nissan’s new 2024 Frontier – Hardbody Edition.

Introduced in 1985, the original Hardbody is one of the most significant trucks in Nissan’s U.S. history. Compact, rugged, and easy-to-use, it embodied a reliable can-do spirit that modern pickups struggle to convey with all their luxurious bloat. The Hardbody enjoyed a long and storied run too, racking up sales alongside victories in races like the Baja 1000 and Mint 400.

Replaced by the Frontier in 1998, the Hardbody makes a nostalgic return in 2024 as a special edition package. Merging ‘80s vibes with today’s tech and engineering, the retro-themed package pays homage mostly with its classic styling – which includes three-spoke, heritage-styled 17-inch alloy wheels that closely replicate the look of those on the original truck.

An aluminum skid plate, black over-fenders, a black side rail, mud flaps and a bed-mounted sport bar contribute to the retro-rugged look. Like its namesake, the Hardbody Edition is trimmed in black and features a cut-out “Nissan” logo, replacing the truck’s typical Nissan tailgate emblem.

The limited-edition package has an MSRP of $3890. Prices for the 2024 Frontier start just under $30,000.

Inaugural Grand National Truck Show Crowns World’s Most Beautiful Truck

Speaking of throwback pickups… The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show hosted more than 400 trucks, vans and SUVs last week, presenting awards in more than 65 judged classes during its inaugural event.

Only one vehicle could take home the title of “The World’s Most Beautiful Truck” though, and that honor went to Greg Tidwell for his 1940 Ford pickup.

Built by South City Rod and Custom, this beautiful truck is powered by a vintage-styled 450-hp stroker 383 from Smeding Performance. With custom sheet metal work throughout, the truck features a 1.5-inch chop, louvered hood and bed panels, sectioned front fenders, reshaped rear fenders and a raised bed fitted with Claro Walnut wood, event officials said.

Finished in a stunning glass-like coat of Glasurit Ornament Green paint by Compani Color, the 83-year-old pickup turns heads fast enough to cause a neck cramp. Tidwell’s beauty bested 17 other impressive custom trucks to claim the event’s $12,500 prize and custom trophy presented by ARP Fasteners.

“It’s clear that people love these trucks, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off this new show,” said Rod Shows owner and Grand National Truck Show producer John Buck. “I’m already excited for next year.”

What Else You Need to Know This Week

Ethanol, Shmethanol

Nearly two decades after Congress mandated the increase of corn-based ethanol in motor vehicle fuel, government scientists are questioning whether it actually produces any climate benefits. On Sept. 21, the EPA’s Science Advisory Board drafted a report stating the EPA should do “more extensive research” on the issue and factor the results into its future biofuel-blending quotas, a disappointing blow for ethanol advocates.

Compliance Defiance

On Friday, the auto industry group Alliance for Automotive Innovation said carmakers would not immediately comply with a new Massachusetts data repair law requiring them to share vehicle diagnostics information with independent repair shops.

Citing hacking concerns as their reason for refusal, the carmakers’ stance initially had NHTSA’s support. In June, the federal safety agency told automakers to ignore the state law but then reversed course by August, saying as long as data was shared via short-range wireless technology, it would be safe.

However, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is still resisting, claiming that because a compliance option is not immediately available, they will instead abide by NHTSA’s earlier guidance in June. According to Reuters, the group said it would work with NHTSA and the Massachusetts Attorney General “to discuss in more detail a potential future compliance methodology that would not be preempted by federal law.”

Ineos Grenadier Readies for Launch

Ineos, the privately held chemical firm squeezing onto the automaking scene, announced on Friday that its Defender-inspired Grenadier SUV will be landing on American shores soon. In fact, the first U.S.-bound models began rolling off French assembly lines on Thursday. The rugged, body-on-frame adventure vehicle can be purchased online or at one of Ineos’ newly-established dealers in major cities on each coast and in the South. Owners will also be able to obtain routine maintenance through a company contract with BMW.

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Check back Wednesday for a list of questions to ask when buying a tonneau cover. Then, come back Friday for Competition Corner, our monthly round-up of can’t-miss automotive events.