Category Archives: manufacturing

Tesla Cybertrucks Recalled For Bad Adhesives

Posted on 21 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 2024 and 2025 model-year Cybertrucks, according to documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The ironically named “cant rail,” a stainless-steel exterior trim panel, can de-laminate and detach from the vehicle creating a road hazard for other vehicles. (Cant railings are not Elon Musk’s and other DOGE defenses flying about although they create truth hazards that could harm the U.S. model year 1788 vehicle known as the Constitution – AutoCrat) Continue reading →

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Nissan and SK On Reveal EV Battery Deal

Posted on 19 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) and SK On said today that SK On will supply ~100GWh of U.S.-made batteries from 2028 to 2033.  This is Korean SK On first partnership with a Japanese automaker.

“This agreement with SK On is a significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification journey and supports further investment in U.S. manufacturing,” said Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan Americas. “Through this smart partnership with SK On, we can leverage their growing U.S. production capacity to deliver innovative, high-quality electric vehicles that meet the needs of our customers.” Continue reading →

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Range Rover Recalls for Bad Seat Belts

Posted on 17 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 7000 model year 2025 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles built at the Solihull Vehicle Assembly Plant. The second-row center seat belt buckle may not latch correctly due to a manufacturing error by the Autoliv Rovinari, Romanian supplier.

“A concern has been identified where, on certain Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles, the second-row center seat belt buckle may be manufactured away from specification. One of the jigs used at the buckle supplier did not secure the buckle’s internal cable in the correct location during a riveting process. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls Four EQEs

Posted on 17 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling four, yes four, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 350+ vehicles. The mounting of the wheel rim inserts might not withstand the forces while driving.

As a result, “the rim inserts may detach from the wheels while driving,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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McLaren Automotive Using Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber

Posted on 6 March 2025 by Ken Zino

McLaren Automotive said today it has developed a world-first application of an aerospace industry composites manufacturing method scaled appropriately for volume supercar manufacturing. Deployed at the McLaren Composites Technology Center (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, the new Automated Rapid Tape (ART) production method produces McLaren ART carbon fiber structures that can be optimized to be lighter, stiffer and stronger via advanced structural optimization. They are also produced with less waste material generation. Continue reading →

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Qualified Vehicle Modifier Tweaked at Ford Pro

Posted on 5 March 2025 by Ken Zino

“LocateFordWorkTrucks.com helps reduce the wait times associated with traditional upfitting, helping ensure our customers can get the vehicles they need to drive their businesses forward,” said Esteban Plaza-Jennings, upfit strategy manager, Ford Pro. “This is just another example of how we’re committed to simplifying operations and helping customers be more efficient.” Continue reading →

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Trump Tariffs – His Next Economic Catastrophe

Posted on 4 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Shoot from the lip President Trump, aka Calamity Donald, today imposed tariffs of 25% across North America disrupting the North American auto market that has thrived on 30 years of free trade. Any new tariffs in place for any significant length of time will be disruptive. The tariffs at 25% are significantly higher than the profits made by the automakers and their suppliers. It is widely – if not universally – held by economists that this is an economic disaster. Continue reading →

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Kia Recalls Seltos and Soul Models for Fires

Posted on 3 March 2025 by Ken Zino

“Due to a quality deviation by the piston oil ring supplier, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul, the piston ring may, over time, damage the surface of the cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. If the vehicle is continually operated in this condition, engine damage and/or seizure can occur, resulting in loss of motive power. In limited cases, a fire may occur from engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component due to a hole in the engine block,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~20,000 Cars for Bad Brakes

Posted on 3 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 20,000 model year  2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

“Due to climatic factors and the resulting material behavior, affected brake hoses might not meet durability specifications. Before the issue occurs, the driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism. When the issue occurs, the driver might notice a red brake fluid warning message in the instrument cluster,” Mercedes-Benz said in the required safety defect recall document to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Honda Alabama Starts Production of the 2026 Passport

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Associates at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) today celebrated the start of production of the all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport, American Honda Motor Company said today.* The fourth-generation Passport lineup includes the Passport TrailSport, promoted as “the ultimate Honda adventure SUV with authentic off-road capability and versatility, together with exceptional on-road performance.” It has a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6  built at the engine plant in Lincoln . Moreover it has Passport’s first 10-speed automatic transmission., the 2026 Passport offers a number of new rugged features to improve  off-road driving.

“Honda associates in Alabama worked with ingenuity and determination to bring to market the most rugged Honda SUV ever for our customers, the all-new 2026 Honda Passport,” said Lamar Whitaker, plant leader of the Alabama Auto Plant. Continue reading →

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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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