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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For the second straight day, residents of Toledo, Ohio, are without tap water. The problem is caused by the discovery of a toxin in the water supply, likely the result of an algal bloom.
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Detroit's big three automakers announced they'll pitch in to help the "Grand Bargain" — an effort to protect city workers' pensions. But the deal could unravel if the city's retirees reject the deal.
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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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Critics have blamed General Motors' delayed recall of a defective ignition switch on its dysfunctional culture. But there is already a shift underway to prioritize customers and communication.
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General Motors is signaling its plans to ask a bankruptcy judge for protection from lawsuits related to a defective switch recall. This could further complicate its current public relations crisis.
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General Motors CEO Mary Barra faces a tough week of testimony before congressional committees about defective ignition switches linked to 13 deaths.
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Every brake screech, whistle and rattle from the movie The Polar Express came from recordings of a historic locomotive, the Pere Marquette 1225. After four years of costly repairs, passengers can once again jump onboard and travel to see Santa Claus at the North Pole (imagination required).
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On Thursday, Ford will unveil the new generation of its iconic pony car in the U.S. and cities around the world. The Mustang is eagerly awaited in Europe, where it hasn't been sold since 1979.
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A Michigan aviation museum has until Oct. 1 to save a historic factory from the wrecking ball. The Yankee Air Museum still needs to raise more than $3 million to rebuild part of the huge Willow Run bomber plant, where Rosie the Riveter worked during World War II. (This piece initially aired on Aug, 4. 2013, on All Things Considered)
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On Thursday, Ford issued a statement lowering the vehicle's stated performance for combined city and highway to 43 miles per gallon. The car had been advertised at 47 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, but tests reportedly showed the figure to be inflated.