Category Archives: manufacturing

AC GT Roadster Debut at ModaMiami Tomorrow

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

AC Cars* said today that it is debuting the AC GT Roadster at ModaMiami at the start of March before it kicks off its first client test drives and viewing appointments in the United States. Britain’s oldest active vehicles manufacturer said “it will be showing the iconically styled, but highly advanced, modern sports car to guests at The Biltmore Hotel luxury show, ahead if its initial client engagement events in the US over the following weeks. With the first two years of production already sold, AC cars will also host reception appointments in Miami for the exclusive roadster as it allocates the next round of limited production spaces.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Plant Munich Undergoing Renovation

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Group said to day that Plant Munich is gearing up to launch the NEUE KLASSE in summer 2026. Three new production halls are currently being built for the body shop, assembly and associated production logistics. “For the production start of the NEUE KLASSE, we will have a state-of-the-art plant in Munich that is characterized by flexibility, innovation and, above all, efficiency,” said Plant Director Peter Weber. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Net Profit Down 70% in 2024

Posted on 26 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that full year 2024 results were net revenues of €156.9 billion, down 17% compared to 2023. Net profit was €5.5 billion, down 70%. Adjusted operating income of €8.6 billion fell 64%. Industrial free cash flows were negative €6 billion reflecting the decline in income and temporary enlarged working capital impact due to production cuts. However, despite the almost total car wreck, the dividend to common shareholders is proposed at €0.68 per share, representing a 5% yield, pending shareholder approval. Continue reading →

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BMW Manufacturing Top U.S. Exporter Again

Posted on 26 February 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Manufacturing said today that it was the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States in calendar year 2024, according to data released this month by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Plant Spartanburg exported~225,000 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year with an export value of more than $10 billion. Since 2014, the South Carolina plant has exported more than 2.7 million BMWs – about 63% of total production – with an export value of more than $104 billion. Continue reading →

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Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming

Posted on 21 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Despite all the legal and political controversies surrounding the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, there is emerging clarity in one area with a high potential for damaging the auto industry and the U.S. economy. Anderson Economic Group identified the threat of tariffs as a “two-alarm fire for the auto industry” as early as November 2024. It recently estimated the costs per car of tariffs on Mexico and Canada at $4000 to $10,000, based on its analysis of ten different vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

“The Trade Expansion Act (TEA) has clear statutory authority. It’s been used before. It’ll probably be used again, whether now or next year, said Patrick Anderson,* Anderson Economic Group CEO today speaking to the Automotive Press Association. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Lexus Recalls for Bad Safety Belts

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling ~50,000 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles for damaged Mexican made seat belts.

“The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, Seat Belt Assemblies,” Toyota told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by NHTSA today. Continue reading →

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GM Recalls Sierra 1500 Trucks for Grilles Flying Off

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling more than 70,000 2022 model GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment, according to the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor America recalls 2025 IONIQ 5 EVs

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2025 IONIQ 5 EV vehicles. The rear floor wiring harness may contain an open circuit, which can result in the rear side airbag not deploying as intended, according to the mandatory safety recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. The driving will see the Illumination of the airbag warning lamp. A rear side airbag non-deployment may increase the risk of injury to occupants during crashes warranting commanded deployment of the SRS. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car USA Recalls EX90s for Headlight Failures

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling 2025 EX90 electric full-size SUVs. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving, according to the mandatory safety recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Temporary DIM message is displayed for 2-3 seconds during the safety defect. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power – Three Year Old Vehicle Problems Up

Posted on 14 February 2025 by Ken Zino

The results of this year’s study are consistent with the results of the J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality StudySM which tracked problems early in the ownership period of 2022 model-year vehicles. That year, initial vehicle quality notably declined from 2021, and problems also reached a record high. Three years later, the issues continue to be problematic for owners, according to findings of the 2025 VDS. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Vehicle Quality Flaws at 36-Year Record High) Continue reading →

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Magna Expands Partnership with Mercedes-Benz

Posted on 12 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Magna said this week that it is expanding its work with Mercedes-Benz.* Heretofore the relationship has spanned multiple areas of the vehicle, including powertrain and drivetrain systems, ADAS technologies, body and chassis components, electrification, interior systems, and vehicle assembly.

“Strong partnerships with our customers are essential for driving innovation and advancing the automotive industry,” said Eric Wilds, Magna Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer. “Our continued partnership with Mercedes-Benz exemplifies how working together can lead to groundbreaking solutions and mutual success.” Continue reading →

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Corvette ZR1 Sets Five Records on U.S. Track Tour

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Ken Zino

The Corvette ZR1* (NYSE: GM) set five new production car lap records during a U.S. track tour Chevrolet said today. The runs occurred at Road America, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway Full Course, Virginia International Raceway Grand Course, and Watkins Glen Long Course.

“Corvette ZR1 continues to showcase how this nameplate elevates at every corner,” Corvette executive chief engineer Tony Roma said. “From design, engineering, development, validation, to driving and setting incredible lap records like these – we do it all in house.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls 2024-2025 Tacoma Models for Bad Brakes

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America is recalling more than 106,000 model 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel-drive vehicles built in Mexico and California. The clearance between the rear brake hose and wheel may allow mud and dirt to build up, which can damage the brake hose and lead to a brake fluid leak. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Expeditions, Super Dutys and Lincoln Corsairs

Posted on 10 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 72,000 model 2021 Expedition, 2021-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The rearview camera may display a blank or distorted image.

In the required safety defect recall notification  made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning, Ford said it doesn’t have fix for the safety defect. The remedy is currently under development. Continue reading →

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MBUSA Recalling EQB models for Battery Fires

Posted on 10 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 7000 model year 2022-2024 EQB 250, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC electric vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.

In the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning, MBUSA said, “Due to the combination of certain production and vehicle use conditions, an internal short circuit of a battery cell in the high-voltage battery might occur, which could lead to the risk of a fire.” The defective software supplier is Farasis Energy-Ganzhou in China. Continue reading →

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