Tracy Samilton
Tracy Samilton covers the auto beat for Michigan Radio. She has worked for the station for 12 years, and started out as an intern before becoming a part-time and, later, a full-time reporter. Tracy's reports on the auto industry can frequently be heard on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as on Michigan Radio. She considers her coverage of the landmark lawsuit against the University of Michigan for its use of affirmative action a highlight of her reporting career.
Tracy graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature. Before beginning her journalism career, she spent time working as a legal assistant at various firms in the Ann Arbor area.
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Some undocumented immigrants in Flint, Mich., are just finding out that the water from their taps is contaminated with lead. Fear of being deported keeps some from picking up free water and filters.
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Facing competition at home, Indian manufacturing company Mahindra recently introduced to the U.S. the GenZe, a scooter with cargo space designed to appeal to young Americans in cities.
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For the first time in more than 30 years, factory workers at a Detroit Three automaker have rejected a national contract.
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U.S. manufacturing jobs have rebounded since the recession, but many of those positions pay less than they used to. Some states are now questioning whether competing for those jobs is worth it.
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A 250-year-old oak tree once stood in the way of the University of Michigan's new business school — until it was moved this weekend. It wasn't easy, though, and definitely not cheap.
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The automaker reached most of the last targets which were set shortly after Fiat took over Chrysler in 2009. Fiat Chrysler's CEO will again answer questions about the company's long-term viability.
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For auto companies, that Environmental Protection Agency-approved MPG sticker on a new car is a high stakes and expensive process. These days it can be damaging to a company's image if customers can't achieve that great fuel economy in their own commutes.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could soon issue a final ruling that aims to force oil companies to replace E10, gasoline mixed with 10 percent ethanol, with E15. This move could come just as widespread support for ethanol, which is made from corn, appears to be eroding.
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Some car companies have adopted "three crew" work schedules, forgoing regular graveyard shifts and the traditional three shifts a day. It's a highly efficient way to get more out of workers, machines and factories, but it can also wreak havoc with employees' sleep needs and home lives.
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Three years after its bankruptcy, General Motors has had a record year. The company, meanwhile, is hiring again — adding third shifts to meet increasing demand for its cars. But Republican presidential candidates still insist the bailout was a mistake.