Today’s typical automobile features nearly 100 exterior and interior sensors, with the number likely to increase in the near future. Those located on the outside (axle load, steering angle, blind spots, air temperature, etc.) require special protection from the elements and unique production methods.

One way for a manufacturer to enter a new market is through acquisition. However, one downside of the strategy is that the manufacturing assets you acquire do not always mesh perfectly with how you like to do things.

CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen of America is going to court to block an order that it negotiate a contract with the UAW for maintenance employees at its assembly plant here. The workers voted to unionize last year.

ORION, MI—GM’s assembly plant here saves $1 million annually by using renewable energy sources and now ranks as the 8th largest user of “green power” in the United States.

SPRING HILL, TN—The UAW is claiming another victory in the southern United States, with union members voting nearly unanimously to approve a new contract with the Magna Seating assembly plant here.

BELVIDERE, IL—The tornado that touched down at an industrial park in Windsor, ON, last week has temporarily halted vehicle production at FCA’s assembly plant here. The plant receives parts from a Windsor supplier, which was severely damaged by the tornado.

TORONTO—Auto parts makers are urging the Canadian government to intervene in contract talks between the Detroit Three and Unifor by “immediately” implementing long-awaited changes to the federal Automotive Innovation Fund.

BRAMPTON, ON—Auto parts supplier Matcor Automotive Inc. has been fined $270,000 after a maintenance worker at its assembly plant here suffered a “devastating” injury involving a robot.

KANSAS CITY, MO—A suspect has been arrested for shooting and killing a worker outside Ford’s assembly plant here early on Aug. 11. Brandon G. Nunnally, 26, was shot in the parking lot outside the facility at around 4:07 am, after just having gotten off his shift.

TORONTO—A day after Unifor President Jerry Dias issued scathing remarks about General Motors Co., the Canadian auto workers union president praised bargaining teams at Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles during the official opening to their labor negotiations.