Category Archives: manufacturing

Spring Hill to Make Advanced LFP Batteries

Posted on 15 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.” Continue reading →

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JLR NA Land Rover Evoque Passenger Airbag Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR NA) is recalling ~21,000 model year 2021-2025 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The Hungarian made passenger air bag may tear during deployment.

“The basis of the recall population is all Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vehicles from 2021 Model Year up until the introduction of a modified airbag specification in production during 2025 Model Year. A concern has been identified on 2021 – 2024 and certain 2025 Model Year Range Rover Evoque vehicles where, during a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may tear as a result of improper folding of the airbag during the airbag assembly process [at the Halewood UK plant- AutoCrat],” JLR NA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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Another Ford Mach E Electrical System Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 239 2022 model year Mustang Mach E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat. This recall is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall number 23V687 or 23V-687 because of a calculation error. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls. 

“The recalled Bussed Electrical Center parts NK48-10C666-AA, NK48-10C666-BA, or LK98- 10C666-AB were introduced into production on 05/27/2020 and were taken out of production on 05/27/2022. Vehicles produced 5/27/2020 through 5/24/2022 are included in the original recall population (23V687). Affected vehicles are equipped with the extended range battery, but without the GT powertrain. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public today. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling

Posted on 11 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling model year 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The Mexican made low-pressure fuel pump from Phinia Inc. may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving. The driver may experience poor engine performance – misfiring or rough running – a check engine light, or a reduction in engine power. Fuel pump failure is more likely to occur in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel in the fuel tank.

“Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA earlier this week. “Loss of fuel pressure and flow from the low-pressure fuel pump can be due to internal contamination of the jet pump, specifically in low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.” Ford said. Continue reading →

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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

Posted on 30 June 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.

“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales during June 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,247,900, a slight 2.5% increase from June 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today.* June 2025 has 24 selling days, two fewer than June 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 5.4% from 2024.The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, up 0.2 million units from June 2024. Continue reading →

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ACEA – May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat. Tesla Down Again!

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino

During the May 2025 year-to-date (YTD) period, new EU car registrations fell by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed based on its original French name. Notably, the anti Elon Musk backlash continued as Tesla sales dropped to 13,863 from 19,227 or -27.9% YoY in May. Year-to Date sales of Musk-mobiles are off -37.1% at 75,196, down from 119,482 YoY.

The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that, “Nonetheless, year-on-year (YOY) registrations for May increased by 1.6% compared to the same month last year.” Continue reading →

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SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. {See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of  British political thinking.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading →

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June Auto Market – Consumer Sentiment is Trump Chaotic

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“Cox Automotive leading g indicators are mixed … in mid-June with a decreasing week-over -week trend related to service appointments, which were down 4% against 2024 in the week ending June 14 as geopolitical issues drive down consumer sentiment. We risk seeing momentum further decline in retail vehicle sales with scorching temperatures at the start of summer. Consumers may stay inside and away from dealerships with high prices and high uncertainty about what comes next in Iran and with uncertainty about when gas prices, interest rates and – of course – tariffs will come back down,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist. Continue reading →

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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Toyota Indiana Builds 1-Millionth Hybrid

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) celebrated today the manufacturing of the 1-millionth hybrid vehicle at the Princeton Indiana plant. The Sienna van has been assembled at Toyota Indiana since 2003, with the all-hybrid model being the latest iteration built by the plant’s 7650 team members.

“It’s a significant achievement to reach this milestone and something our team members should be proud of,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Indiana. “The all-hybrid Sienna demonstrates our commitment to electrification and remains a top-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup.” Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls – Seat Belts, Instruments, Lost Steering

Posted on 2 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects. Included are Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, Transit and F150 Lightning models, according to filings made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Among the group of the latest Ford Motor recalls, the most potentially deadly safety defect appears to be loss of steering control caused by “Front Control Arm Separation” covering 2024-2025 model F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles.

“Certain vehicles may have an improperly torqued nut on the ball joint which secures the front upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. An improperly torqued nut on the ball joint can result in separation of the front upper control arm from the knuckle assembly,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading →

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UAW Members Ratify Contract at Electric Boat

Posted on 28 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The UAW said this morning that UAW Local 571 members have ratified a new contract with General Dynamics – Electric Boat. Members voted by 85% to ratify the new agreement.

“During the campaign, the local leadership rejected closed-door bargaining, and instead regularly updated their membership on negotiations. Union members built a new network of over 100 strike captains, and signed up 2,200 members, or more than 90% of the bargaining unit, for picket duty – mounting a serious threat of a strike,” the UAW said.

“We did negotiations differently this time,” said Bill Louis, the President of Local 571. “Our members worked hard and got involved in our campaign. After more than a decade of ‘living to fight another day,’ we finally stood up and won the respect that all workers deserve.” Continue reading →

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GM to Invest $888M in V8 Gas Engines

Posted on 28 May 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said Tuesday that it plans to invest $888 million in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant to support the production of the sixth generation of GM’s V8 engines, used in full-size trucks and SUVs. The money is for new machinery, equipment, and tools, as well as facility renovations. GM makes money – thousands up thousand of U.S. Dollars a unit – on selling full-size pickup trucks and SUVs with fossil fueled engines. This a prudent move that will help offset the significant costs incurred during the slow walk to non-fossil fueled propulsion systems.

“Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO. “GM’s Buffalo plant has been in operation for 87 years and is continuing to innovate the engines we build there to make them more fuel efficient and higher performing, which will help us deliver world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.” Continue reading →

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