Monthly Archives: April 2021

Stellantis 2021 Annual Meeting Yeas €1 Billion Cash Payout

The distribution will be paid out of the capital repayment reserve that was created by a reduction of the nominal value of the Stellantis common shares in connection with the Faurecia distribution, previously approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. Continue reading

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Subaru Recalls More than 870,000 Vehicles for Safety Defects

The first recall is to check and/or update the engine control module (ECM) programming and to replace all ignition coils which could, over time, degrade and cause starting or dangerous stalling issues. This safety recall covers 466,205 vehicles comprising 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek models. No accidents or injuries have been reported due to this issue, according to Subaru. Continue reading

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California EV Rebate Demand Exceeds Funding

“Existing funding for both standard and increased rebates is projected to be fully reserved in the coming weeks,” CARB said. Clearly CARB is trying to preempt or shape a potential political debate about EV subsidies are yet another example of how the system is rigged for the rich – the wealthier they are, the more taxpayer subsidies – aka socialism for the rich – accrue. Continue reading

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Mazda Finally Joins the Electric Vehicle Parade

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today semi-announced the introduction of the Mazda MX-30, its first battery-electric vehicle, in the US market beginning in fall 2021 at California dealerships. This is the first step in Mazda’s “multi-solution electrification strategy” that is lagging numerous other industry leaders. Continue reading

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New Household Pulse Survey on COVID-19 Vaccinations Active

Unfortunately President Biden’s thus far excellent COVID-19 vaccination crusade hit a giant wall (not paid for by Mexico) when regulators recommended a “pause” in administering Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Biden, optimistically, noted that with a temporary loss of J&J ’s one-shot vaccine, there is enough of a supply of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines “for every single, solitary American.”  But data show tens of millions of Americans are uncertain about getting shots that doctors and other experts say are compulsory for the nation to rid itself of the  pandemic. Continue reading

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First Look –  2022 Infiniti QX55

The ’22 Infiniti QX55 is now reaching North American showrooms. For US consumers, the Nissan sub-brand had a new digital reservation program that allowed shoppers to buy their car. QX55 has –  it’s claimed – “generous” standard equipment, including wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, 20-inch wheels, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for $46,500 MSRP to start. Continue reading

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Mustang – World’s Best-Selling Sports Car, Sports Coupe Titles

The United States remains the strongest global market for Mustang, representing ~75% of total sales. Texas (8,600 vehicles), California (6,200 vehicles) and Florida (5,864 vehicles) remain the top markets. Supporting “bit roles” in Mustang retaining its title were increased sales in various European markets. Continue reading

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Radioactive Pollution Dilution – the US Backs Japan Dumping Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Waste Water?

This, laughable promise in the eyes of many critics – including China, South Korea and US client state Taiwan – who decried Japan’s announcement today that it would conduct allegedly controlled releases of potentially cancer-causing ionized water into the ocean that are expected to last for three decades. The whole ongoing life-threatening Fukushima Nuclear Disaster was caused, of course, by Tokyo Electric Power Company’s utter inability to monitor, and safely operate the now infamous plant. This is not exactly a credible witness for the defense in our view. Continue reading

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NLRB Announces Union Loss in Amazon Election

In a clear setback for unions, and what critics say are inhuman working conditions, challenges are not sufficient in number to affect the results of the election. Continue reading

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Honda, Acura Recall 628,000 Vehicles for Fuel Pump Failures

Affected vehicles – now all 628,000 – may be equipped with a fuel pump module manufactured with low density impellers from the supplier Denso. If the surface of a lower density impeller is exposed to production solvent drying for longer periods of time, higher levels of surface cracking may occur. Continue reading

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US March Vehicle Sales Rebound. Beating the COVID Reaper?

March 2021 sales were likely increased by delayed sales caused by harsh February winter weather. Then there’s the increase from stimulus checks following the passage of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 relief bill, which no Republican voted for. Continue reading

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GMC Adds Hummer SUV EV. Direct Selling Without Dealers?

Perhaps even bigger news is that the Hummer will be sold by GM online, with dealers playing only a supporting role at the introduction. Customers who reserve a vehicle can choose the dealer where they would like the vehicle to be delivered. That dealer will then complete the sale/transaction. It’s clearly part of the strong US retail trend – accelerating from Covid – that consumers are becoming more comfortable and more apt to us computers and phones to buy goods and services. Ultimately, we think traditional dealers will play a diminishing role. Continue reading

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Debuts New GR 86 Multi-Use Sports Car

Subaru is out front here. Subaru showed its US version of the 2022 BRZ last November. It will be the lightest rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports car in U.S. market when it enters production. The 2+2 seating and folding rear seats have a cargo area with space for carrying a mountain bike, golf clubs, or four race tires and tools for track days. Using aluminum for the roof, front fenders and hood, the 2022 Subaru BRZ has an estimated curb weight of just under 2,900 lbs. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Recalls 2020-21 Lincoln Aviators for Bad Software

The image processing module may be intermittently unable to provide a video feed to the display screen. This could result in a loss of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is in reverse. Continue reading

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CARB Fines Walmart for Selling Harmful Hair Spray

VOCs react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, an extremely harmful component of smog. Walmart pulled all cans immediately from California store shelves and was cooperative with the investigation. The affected cans were from the “Equate” brand line and included the Firm, Mega Firm, and Extra Firm Hold Hair Spray.   Continue reading

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