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Category Archives: engineering
Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV – 54 Miles Electric Range
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this morning in Atlanta that the new 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is best in its class at 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification [see footnotes below – 1]. The Hybrid SUV is available now at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,900 [2].
This in German marketing theory makes “most daily commutes more flexible and economical in all-electric mode without the need to rely on the internal combustion engine.” Further optimizing efficiency, the “Hybrid” drive program prioritizes electric propulsion for the most appropriate driving situations, for example, during city driving. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health
Tagged 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, mbusa, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Tech-Aches – Vehicle Owners Overwhelmed by New Gizmos
Vehicle owners are overwhelmed with technology features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use or are just too limited in functionality. The results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index* (TXI) StudySM released today shows that. The study, which focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technologies as they come to market, finds that while owners offer praise for some advanced features, others are found to be lackluster. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index, Kathleen Rizk, Ken Zino, return on investment analysis, TXI, X @KenAutoinformed
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Six New Ford Motor Recalls on Various Safety Defects
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released today information about six more Ford Motor Company safety defect recalls covering a vast array of design, engineering, manufacturing and software defects.
Problems, some of them life threatening, include power windows, engine fires, windshield wipers, failing rear suspension knuckles, loss of steering, and body as well as powertrain control modules. NHTSA Campaign Numbers include: 24V590, 24V591, 24V593, 24V594, 24V597, 24V598. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 24V591, 24V593, 24V594, 24V597, 24V598, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor recalls, Ken Zino, NHTSA Ford Recall Campaign Numbers 24V590, NYSE F, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Recalls Cadillac LYRIQ AWD EVs
According to documents made public this morning in the required safety recall information filing, “In rare circumstances, during certain braking events on dry surfaces at speeds below 25 mph, the vehicle may exhibit overly sensitive anti-lock braking system (ABS) control. In these conditions, if ABS falsely activates and a specific sequence of wheel movements occurs, the vehicle’s ABS system will continue to release the braking pressure in the vehicle’s service brake system. A release of braking pressure can cause the service brakes to have reduced stopping performance or become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.” GM said it is not aware of any injuries or fatalities associated with this condition. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, quality, recalls, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM's recallN242453471, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 24V589 or 24V-589, software recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype
Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”
“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Acura Integra Type S HRC TCX race car, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Racing Corporation USA, HRC US, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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IIHS On Intelligent Speed Assistance
“ISA systems have been around for several decades. Using GPS devices with speed limit maps, onboard sensors or cameras that “read” signs or both, they can identify the speed limit in the vehicle’s location and detect when the driver exceeds it, but they vary in their response. Unlike the unit I used, which worked by restricting the engine’s output, some systems only provide an audible or visual warning or make the accelerator harder to press. As of July 1, new vehicles sold in Europe are required to have ISA that at least provides a warning, and the California legislature is currently considering a similar mandate for vehicles sold in the state.
“Even without a legal requirement, ISA systems of various types are starting to appear as options on new vehicles in the U.S., and companies such as MAGTEC and Sturdy sell aftermarket ISA systems, primarily targeting fleet operators. Navigation apps also include speed warnings if the user chooses. Continue reading
Posted in autonomous vehicles, blog, electronics, engineering, litigation, news analysis, people, public health, safety, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ian Reagan, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Takata Flack II – Mazda Issues Do Not Drive Alert
Mazda North American Operations today issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning about its vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags that were recalled, buts still are unrepaired. NHTSA made the documents public. Mazda apparently did not bother to alert media outlets about this life threatening safety defect. Ford Motor to its credit did. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mazda Takata airbag recalls, NHTSA Consumer Alert Do Not Drive, Takata air bag recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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More Takata Flack – Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory
Ford Motor today issued a “do-not-drive advisory for owners of vehicles who have not yet had their vehicles repaired under three past Takata airbag safety recalls. These previously announced recalls are Ford recalls 15S21, 17S42, and 19S01. The first issued in 2015, involve several vehicle lines equipped with Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators. This do-not-drive advisory is the second Takata related do-not-drive recall advisory issued by Ford and it is intended to encourage owners to complete the recall repairs immediately. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls
Tagged 17S42, 19S01, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford recalls 15S21, Ken Zino, Takata airbag recalls, Takata airbag shrapnel, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Recalls More than 100,000 SUVs, Cars for Software Glitch
“In certain cases in which the engine starter has some mechanical damage, the engine may not be able to be started. If the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine using excessively long starting attempts, this may cause an electrical overload of the starter. If the engine acoustic protection material is contaminated by, e.g. oil, then in an extreme case, the proximity of the starter to the acoustic protection material could lead to a thermal event,” BMW said in the required filing which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public this morning. “Thermal event” is a fire in recall speak. Continue reading
Nissan Recalling More 2023 Ariya EV models for Power Loss
Nissan North America is recalling more 2023 Ariya hybrid EV models because the inverter software may misdiagnose an error, which can shut down the EV system, resulting in a loss of drive power, according to documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“All of these Ariya have been previously recalled under Recall 23V-657 (Nissan Ariya Inverter). Nissan Ariya vehicles that have received the reprogramming remedy for Recall 23V-657 no longer contain the issue and are not included in this recall,” Nissan claimed in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electronics, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, hybrid recalls, Ken Zino, NHTSA 24V560 or 24V-560, Nissan Ariya recalls, Nissan recall R24A8, software recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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More Toyota Certification Problems Emerge from MLIT Probe
Toyota Motor Corporation said today that it had received a “correction order” from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), that calls for “drastic reforms to ensure appropriate certification operations.” Akio Toyoda’s chairman’s position remains under threat here from dissatisfied shareholders, AutoInformed notes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, news analysis, quality, safety
Tagged akio toyoda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder, Ken Zino, Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism, MLIT, Noah/Voxy, TPS Jishuken, Yaris Cross
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FAA Okays Automated Commercial Drone Flights
The FAA said today that it has authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace. In a first for U.S. aviation, Zipline International and Wing Aviation can now deliver packages while it’s claimed that their drones safely separated from other air traffic using so called Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology.
Previously, when operating drones, the drone pilot must be able to always see the unmanned aircraft. However, what the FAA claims are new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures are making these “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) flights routine. Considerable lobbying pressure no doubt is in play. The FAA budget was threatened by Republicans last year in latest fiscal year fiasco. The current budget expires on 30 September, so fasten your safety belt, this is going to be a stormy flight. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, electronics, engineering, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged advanced air mobility industries, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Beyond Visual Line of Sight, BVLOS, commercial space, drones, faa, Ken Zino, unmanned aircraft
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Retro-Vette? 2025 Chevy Corvette Split-Window ZR1 Coupe
“We went into the ZR1 program with lofty goals, but even our first development tests on-track showed the teams were already exceeding them,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “As we worked to develop this car, we continued to leap past expectations, and we knew we had a special Corvette on our hands.” Continue reading
EV Grumblings – Hyundai Motor Changes Its Way
Hyundai Motor said today it intends to leverage its expertise to bolster its position in the hybrid market under its new Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities strategy, a flexible response to the EV market based on core capabilities. Executive summary – Hyundai is modifying its EV strategy in the face of weak EV demand. Under this change in ways, Hyundai will expand the application of its hybrid system beyond compact and mid-size cars to small, large and luxury vehicles. This will increase its current range from seven to 14 models. This expansion will encompass not only Hyundai vehicles but also its luxury brand, Genesis, which will offer a hybrid option for all models, excluding those that are exclusively electric.
“In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.” Continue reading →