Dictionary of Automotive Body Terms

Automotive Body Terms

Every automotive professional has been challenged by their lack of knowledge regarding this particular terminology.  Complications arise when the same parts and sub-assemblies are referred to with different names even if everyone speaks English.  Furthermore, every automotive technical professional has been frustrated by their lack of knowledge of automotive terminology.

Not only does terminology vary world-wide for assemblies and sub-assemblies among countries but from manufacturer to manufacturer a fact which is also evident when analyzing GM, Ford, and Chrysler that respectfully reside in Warren, Dearborn and Auburn Hills, Michigan.

• Backlight – glass in rear window opening
• Belt Line – lower boundary of the side window daylight opening (DLO)
• Black Box – a design, development, and build program that a supplier completes with almost no supervision by the car company (combined radio and sound system would be an example of this type of program).
• Body-in-White – bare metal shell of the body including doors and deck lid prior to paint and trim
• Boot – folding top storage area (convertible).
• Center Pillar – box construction used on four door bodies forming the front door body lock pillar and rear door body hinge pillar.  Also known as the “B” pillar.
• C.K.D. – completely knocked down or disassembled.
• Crease Line – discernible line in body exterior skin caused by abrupt change in surface.
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Motors Liquidation Company = The Old GM

Motors Liquidation Company

GM filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on June 1, 2009 and GM officially changed its name to Motors Liquidation Company.

On June 1, 2009 Motors Liquidation Company (formerly General Motors Corporation) and certain of its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition seeking relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

For bankruptcy court documents, please visit www.motorsliquidationdocket.com.

If you are accustomed to looking at the GM stock price you will find Motors Liquidation at MTLQQ

Some Not So Fine Print … Continue Reading

Auto Ramblings

National Automobile Dealers Association

NADA asked the Federal Government on August 19, 2009 to suspend the CARS Cash for Clunkers Program because, by their research, the $3B has been exhausted.

It is clear that the CARS program has lifted vehicle production quotas, especially for fuel efficient vehicles.  Automotive Tribune is of the opinion that winding the CARS program down will result in a long term Federal program that will encourage purchase of high mileage vehicles.

‘Old Chrysler’ Creditors Sue Daimler Over Assets

Daimler still owns 19.9% of Chrysler.  However, since the failed “Merger of Equals” things have again started to heat up.  It is clear that a great deal of discontent is evident because of the Chrysler meltdown.  Watching this litigation will definitely produce another round of very nasty automotive finger pointing.  There will be plenty of media coverage … stay tuned.

Cash For Clunkers Program

Car Allowance Rebate System = Cash For Clunkers Program

Cash for clunkers may or may not be the correct terminology for this Federal Program, depending on what you are bringing to the dealership.  However, having the opportunity to receive some Federal financial assistance to purchase a replacement vehicle has motivated many customers to come into dealerships.

What Is The Effect

US auto sales totaled 4.8 million units in the first half of the year which calculates to about 800,000 vehicles per month.  With the CARS program in place sales jumped to 1M vehicles in July.  Going from 800k to 1M represents a 25% increase in sales for the month.

$3500 to $4500

CARS Program information is pretty well explained explained and HERE is the Simple Explanation.  Or, if you want to review the complete US Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations then HERE is the 136 page Detailed Explanation.

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