Category Archives: results

EPA Finally Bans Chrysotile Asbestos

“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. Continue reading

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Jaguar Land Rover North America Recalls I-Pace EVs

Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 2019 I-Pace SUV vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The high-voltage battery in the electric Jaguar may overheat, which is a potential fire hazard. These vehicles were built at the Graz Vehicle Assembly Plant in Poland from 6 June – 31 October 2018 and use a Polish-built battery from Chinese LG energy Systems. They were previously recalled under NHTSA 23V369 and will need to have the new safety defect remedy completed. Continue reading

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More Ford Safety Recalls on Bronco, Explorer, Maverick SUVs

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023-24 Bronco, 2020 Explorer and 2024 Maverick SUV models, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles with various safety defects include Bronco child safety locks, previously recalled Explorer rearview cameras, and Maverick fuel tank leaks or potential fires. Continue reading

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Another Tesla Software Recall – Pedestrian Warnings

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A factory reset over the air (OTA) muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles,” which could increase the risk of collision.* Continue reading

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EV Bedfellows – Nissan and Mitsubishi Sign MoU

Nissan Motor (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Mitsubishi Corporation (8058.T) have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a new joint initiative in next-generation-mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles in Japan. The companies said today that Japan as a country has been addressing issues such as driver shortages due to a declining population, and difficulties maintaining public transportation services due to decreasing numbers of users. Nissan and MC have also been undertaking various initiatives to solve these problems.

Joint initiatives of course have potential economies of scale, reducing the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles. This is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups or strange bedfellows. Nissan and Honda, Two of Japan’s Big Three automakers, previously announced that will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading

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Tracker Off Road OX EVs Recalled for Battery Fires

Textron Specialized Vehicles is recalling Tracker Off Road OX EV light utility vehicles because the lithium ion battery pack catch on fire. Owners should immediately stop using the Tracker OX EV and contact their authorized Tracker Off Road dealer or service center to schedule a free inspection and repair of the battery module.

Textron advises that until the Tracker Off Road dealer or service center has completed this service, do not charge the recalled vehicle and park the recalled vehicle outdoors at least 15 feet away from any buildings or other vehicles.
Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Prologue AI Dream Generator

Honda said today it is celebrating the launch of the all-new 2024 Prologue, its first all-electric SUV, by taking families on an “unforgettable” trip powered by AI. The so-called artificial intelligence “Dream Generator” was developed for Honda in collaboration with Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab. It is said to create stories by combining user-provided inputs with AI-generated visuals to produce a custom and shareable animated film. Each member of the family is in the figurative driver’s seat as they build a Prologue adventure, say, through jungle terrain inhabited by dinosaurs, above the roads in a magic cloud world, through a microscopic garden jungle teeming with bugs or to outer space. Continue reading

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Cummins Settles California Diesel Emissions Case at $46M

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a $46 million settlement with engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. The settlement resolves DOJ and CARB’s claims for violations of California engine emissions control and certification requirements. Cummins made undisclosed changes to ~120,000 engines in California after CARB had certified the engines for sale. In addition, ~2000 Cummins engines had undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices that altered the emissions control system and resulted in emissions that exceeded regulatory limits. This case signals CARB’s improving vehicle testing skills and use of technology to catch and correct air quality violations. Continue reading

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Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing

Nissan Motor and Honda Motor said today in Japan that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence. In what  looks like a re-run of the Nissan Renault alliance that pursued economies of scale, the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups.

Honda and Nissan ,Japan’s second and third largest automakers, will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading

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February Global Light Vehicle Sales at 85M Annual Rate

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 85 million units annually in February2024, according to an analysis just released by the respected consultancy GlobalData.* This is an increase from 82 million units/year in January, which is still anemic compared to the second half of 2023. More than 6 million vehicles were sold in February, although year-over year (YoY) it was down -2.8% YoY largely due to a withering in China.

“Many key markets saw moderate selling rate growth in February. In Europe, it was a mixed picture as Western Europe’s selling rate grew while Eastern Europe’s rate slowed. China’s selling rate improved moderately from January, though it remains somewhat weaker than at the end of 2023. In the US, prices continued to ease, and incentives ratcheted up, supporting market expansion,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team said. Continue reading

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EV Grumblings – Auto Execs Waffling on Growth

With hybrid electric vehicle sales soaring, and the badly needed EV charging infrastructure lagging, there is considerable discussion among auto executives and industry pundits about the EV market.*

As always a walk – or in this case an electrified drive – into the unknown provokes considerable speculation and anxiety about where things are headed. Compounding the EV market grumblings are the intensive capital investments involved and the dire state of our climate with the deleterious effects of global warming increasingly laying waste to large areas of the planet. Continue reading

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EV Grumblings – Tire Replacement Rates?

J.D. Power said today that early data from its unpublished 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study shows that EV tires may fall short of meeting this expectation, with a higher replacement rate in years One and Two of ownership than with internal combustion vehicle tires. (see AutoInformed: J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Down Again)

In what could be a stretch of a still to be verified conclusion based on a much needed larger sample size that doesn’t yet exist, Power claimed that “more than a quarter of new vehicle shoppers who are considering an EV cite reliability as a factor in this decision.” Well, duh, they might also prioritize other things such as saving the planet, eschewing fossil fuels, and charging at home. How this sorts out in a changing marketplace remains to be seen. Power did say that the gap in replacement rates appears to be closing. Continue reading

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Chinese Auto Market is Flying High – Exports a Threat

The Chinese auto market soared at the beginning of 2024, according to numbers and an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. Total Light Vehicle (LV) retail sales  – wholesales excluding exports – reached 2 million units in January … Continue reading

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Toyota Motor North America R&D Leads in Patents

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) said today that it has been awarded more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than any other automaker, according to an annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO). Toyota Motor North America Research & Development – head office in Ann Arbor, Michigan – has led the automotive industry for 10th consecutive years. During 2023 there was 3% overall decline in patents granted across all industries in the United States. Toyota ranked seventh among all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2667 patents. Toyota globally spends ~$1 million per hour on Research & Development. Continue reading

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Taycan Turbo GT Sets Records at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring

Porsche said today that the upcoming Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package set the fastest electric production car lap at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Taycan is scheduled to go on sale this spring as part of the expansion of the premium line of its all-electric sports sedan to include the Taycan Turbo GT and the Turbo GT with an optional Weissach package. The Weissach setup is built for the track and eliminates the rear seats for a higher power-to-weight ratio. At peak power, both models can deliver more than 1100 PS (pferdestarke) or 1084.51 horspower. Continue reading

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