Category Archives: manufacturing

House Republicans Flunk Math on Energy Incentives

Posted on 23 May 2025 by Ken Zino

On 22 May the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation bill. The bill. among other economic disasters for U.S. inhabitants and businesses includes proposals to alter existing federal energy tax credits – from fast elimination of several credits to new phase-down schedules, and adding new requirements, including provisions related to foreign entities of concern. Are any of our representatives paying attention to Chinese state-owned and directed capitalism? Take a look at the Chinese lead in new energy vehicles, the adoption of solar energy, the making of 21st century industrial goods and above all the funding of a University research in advanced transportation products, manufacturing technologies and medical drugs. AutoInformed notes the Trump’s big, beautiful bill, obsession with job destroying and inflation creating tariffs, among other things adds up to negative numbers for our economy. Republicans flunk math. Continue reading →

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, energy, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests | Leave a comment

Bad Brakes! Recalls on Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~274,000 2022-2024 model year Navigator and Expedition SUVs for failing brakes.

“The front brake line may have been bent during the engine installation process at Ford’s Kentucky Truck final assembly plant,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will with LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220),* commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The announcement could be a battery technology breakthrough with significant sales and marketing advantages. This builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.

“GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, MI, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility,” GM said. Continue reading →

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Nissan Motor Posts ¥670.9 Billion Net Loss

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR)* today announced financial results for the full year and the fourth quarter of the Japanese fiscal year 2024, ending 31 March 2025. During FY2024, global sales remained at 3.346 million units impacted by “intensified sales competition.” Nissan’s consolidated net revenue was ¥12.6 trillion yen, resulting in an operating profit of ¥69.8 billion with a razor thin  operating margin of 0.6%. Net loss was, gasp, ¥670.9 billion (~$4.5 billion), which is improved from its previous forecast of a net loss of ¥700 – ¥750 billion for fiscal year 2024. Free cash flow and operating profit in the automotive business were both negative, automotive net cash was ¥1.498 trillion. (Based on average exchange rates of 153 JPY /USD and 164 JPY /EUR for FY2024.)

“In the face of challenging FY24 performance and rising variable costs, compounded by an uncertain environment, we must prioritize self-improvement with greater urgency and speed, aiming for profitability that relies less on volume. As new management, we are taking a prudent approach to reassess our targets and actively seek every possible opportunity to implement and ensure a robust recovery. Re:Nissan is an action-based recovery plan clearly outlines what we need to do now. All employees are committed to working together as a team to implement this plan, with the goal of returning to profitability by fiscal year 2026,” said Ivan Espinosa, Nissan president and CEO. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Fire Risk Recall on 2025 Palisade SUVs

Posted on 12 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling ~600 Korean-made 2025 model Hyundai Palisade SUVs. An insufficient seal from Korean supplier MNEX on the controller for the electric oil pump may allow moisture to accumulate in the printed circuit board, which can cause an electrical short circuit and result in a fire. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed.

“The tooling used for sealing the EOP controller housing during supplier manufacturing contained a damaged spring,” Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which made this mandatory recall filing public this morning. Drivers may perceive a burning/melting odor or the illumination of Malfunction Indicator Light. Continue reading →

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A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts

Posted on 8 May 2025 by Ken Zino

TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM) said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.

“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Completes Sale of Dunlop Brand

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires, together with certain associated intellectual property and inventory, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (TYO: 5110). Gross cash proceeds at closing totaled $735 million, comprised of $526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee and $104 million for inventory. Goodyear said it intends to use the transaction proceeds to reduce leverage in connection with the so-called Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA)** said today that it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Team Member Appreciation Day on 3 May 3 2025, on the HMMA campus. The event brought together HMMA team members, their families, and special community guests for a day filled with family activities, plant tours, prize raffles, musical entertainment, and a closing fireworks display. The plant’s 20th year of production will officially be marked on 20 May 2025. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor 2025 Q1 Net Income $47M Down from $1.3B!

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* late yesterday announced weak first- quarter 2025 financial results and “suspended” financial guidance, including full year adjusted EBIT and adjusted free cash flow because of Trump tariff-related” uncertainties.” Ford first-quarter revenue of was $40.7 billion; net income $471 million with an adjusted EBIT of $1 billion. Operating cash flow was $3.7 billion. Improvements in cost and quality favorably contributed to performance in the quarter, Ford claimed. When excluding the nearly 200 million impact of tariffs, this was Ford’s third consecutive quarter of year-over -year cost improvement. Ford estimates a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for full year 2025, subject to ongoing tariff-related policy developments. For comparison, General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that M-B Vans is celebrating a global milestone with the production of five million Sprinter vans. The five-millionth vehicle, an all-electric eSprinter, was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz Vans customer.

“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Continue reading →

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Latest Ford Recalls – Bronco SUVs and F-150 Pickups

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2022-2023 model year Bronco SUVs, 2023 F-150 Lightning pickups and 2025 F-150 pickups for The 360-degree view camera; the high-voltage battery pack; and the air bag warning label, respectively. All told ~129,000 Ford products are affected – a relatively small number for the automaker.

“Missing or loose retention nuts on the high voltage battery junction box bus bars in the high voltage battery pack may result in electrical arcing, which can increase the risk of fire. In addition, a ‘Stop Safely Now’ message may occur in the instrument cluster followed by loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of a crash.” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing mad public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning about what appears to be the most serious recall.
Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Q1 2025 Results

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

“Our operating results for the first quarter of 2025 exceeded our expectations, with strong incremental margins on better than anticipated vehicle production and, for the balance of the year, we remain confident in our ability to execute on variables within our control in a complex and uncertain industry environment. We are actively advancing several initiatives including operational excellence, restructuring, commercial recoveries, and reduced capital and engineering spending to mitigate the impact of tariffs,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer. We remain focused on generating long-term free cash flow to invest for profitable growth and drive compelling capital return to shareholders.” Continue reading →

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GM Recalls 1.14 Million V8 Engines for Failures and Fires

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling more than a million V8 engines used in 2021 – 2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87). The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This safety defect recall follows years of GM investigating the problem and concluding that no problem existed. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continued its investigation based on persistent complaints from users, NHTSA had an active engineering analysis open when GM made the recall decision.

In the required safety defect recall filing – only some of it was made public by NHTSA, GM said “Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.” The supplier will remain publicly unknown until all the documents are made public, which is likely next Monday in AutoInformed’s experience. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs

Posted on 1 May 2025 by Ken Zino

“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading →

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GM 2025 Guidance – Trump Tariff Exposure $4-5 Billion!

Posted on 1 May 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) this morning issued its 2025 full year earnings guidance after a delay earlier this week caused by the ongoing chaos of the Trump tariff pandemic. While the goals and rhetoric  of the current mis-administration continue to fluctuate wildly behind a non-transparent word barrage of lies, false facts, and ignorant assertions, General Motors remains focused and amazingly consistent in stating its goals and steps taken to achieve them given the growing Trump disease infested swamp in Washington.

“We are updating our full-year EBIT-adjusted guidance to a range of $10 billion – $12.5 billion, including a current tariff exposure of $4 billion – $5 billion,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “We look forward to maintaining our strong dialogue with the Administration on trade and other policies as they continue to evolve. As you know, there are ongoing discussions with key trade partners that may also have an impact. We will continue to be nimble and disciplined and update you as we know more.” Continue reading →

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