Category Archives: news analysis

The Asian Party is Over for Automakers

No doubt this hurts Asia-based automakers , but the  VW Group, Daimler Group, BMW Group and General Motors – are clearly endangered, because the region accounts for a significant share of their global volume. Continue reading

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California Air Resources Board Has Airport Shuttles Transitioning to Zero-Emission Technology by 2035

With almost 1,000 airport shuttles in operation, the regulation is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 500,000 metric tons, with a beneficial economic impact for shuttle fleets owners of an estimated $30 million in reduced fuel and maintenance costs. CARB is also developing a proposal that would achieve additional emission reductions by requiring zero-emission airport ground equipment. Continue reading

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First Half of 2019 to Deliver Lowest US Retail Sales Since 2013

“The decline in new sales have been disappointing, but it’s important not to overlook the effect of growth in the used-vehicle market,” King said. “Used sales at franchised dealers are expected to increase by nearly 9% through the first half. Most significant for retailers is the greater profit opportunity due to higher front-end gross and F&I income earned compared with new vehicles. Overall combined new and used retailer profits through the first half are on pace to reach $23.4 billion, up 3.7% from last year. Shifting away from the traditional focus on volumes, 2019 remains on target to be one of the best years recorded.” Continue reading

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Nissan Shareholders Elect 7 Independent Directors Out of 11

The new board of directors comprises 11 individuals, seven of whom are independent outside directors. Power appears to be evenly split between Renault and Nissan despite Nissan’s and the Japanese government’s interest in asserting more control. Renault, which owns 43% of Nissan and the French government, which owns 15% of Renault, are pushing for a merger. Paper organization charts are not always how business is conducted in mega, joint venture corporations. So, it will take some time to see how this works out as the Ghosn matter proceeds through the Japanese “legal” system. Continue reading

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FAA Issues Waiver for Drones with Parachutes, New Supersonic Rulemaking, 737 Max Modifications Still Stalled

This remains to be seen at the beleaguered agency that appears to be too close to the aircraft industry as the ongoing Boeing 737 Max software modifications needed to prevent additional fatalities appears to be stalled. Continue reading

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Hyundai, Kia Announce Autonomous Investment in Aurora

The move strengthens a partnership formed between the companies in 2018, under which Hyundai, Kia, and Aurora have been collaborating on self-driving technologies on Hyundai’s flagship fuel cell vehicle NEXO. With the new investment, the companies have agreed to expand research to a wide range of models and to build an optimal platform for Hyundai and Kia’s autonomous vehicles. Continue reading

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Trump Backs Down on Mexican Import Taxes. Declares Victory by Solving His Self-Created Crisis for American Workers

Automakers, farmers, the equity markets and his normally sycophantic Republican party were all protesting the reckless move. Thus adding  to the need to reverse the very course that Trump had set. Continue reading

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Renault Returns the Nissan Abstinence Vote Favor

This after the French government asked for more time to study the FCA Renault merger when it learned that Nissan intended to abstain from a vote that would allow it to go forward. Continue reading

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Luxury Vehicles No Longer Have Panache?

“A closer look, however, reveals that Premium share actually suffered two consecutive years of decline recently,” Chan notes. The £1Billion questions are: will this drop continue and should Premium segment players be worried? Continue reading

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Trump Tariffs on Mexico – Job Destroying Taxes on Workers

Ultimately, prices on models imported from Mexico could increase by $8500. Factoring in parts for assembly in the US, the average price of all vehicles sold in the US could rise by as much as $2,500-3,000. the substantial increase could lower sales by 500,000-1.5 million units annually. Continue reading

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Renault Board Confirms Expenses Improperly Used by Ghosn

Several expenses incurred by RNBV for a total of ~€11 million include questionable air travel expenses for Mr. Ghosn; other expenses incurred for Mr. Ghosn; and gifts to non-profit organizations. Continue reading

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Renault’s Board of Directors Continue FCA Merger Study

The proposed combination would create a global automaker, pre-eminent in terms of revenue, volumes, profitability and technology, benefiting the companies’ respective shareholders and stakeholders, according to FCA. Continue reading

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Groupe Renault Board Meeting Now on FCA Merger Bid

Based on FCA and Groupe Renault’s 2018 global sales, the combined company would be #4 in North America, #2 in EMEA and #1 in Latin America and would have the increased resources necessary to grow its footprint in the APAC region. On a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results, the combined company’s annual revenues would be nearly €170 billion with operating profit of more than €10 billion and net profit of more than €8 billion. Continue reading

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Department of Self Interest: American Millennials Love Sedans

According to a survey, respondents who don’t currently own a sedan,would consider buying one (78%), and younger respondents reported an even higher like for the body style. Nissan recently unveiled its latest sedan, the all-new Versa, which is new inside and with technology not generally seen in the sub-compact class. It’s a large investment in what is a fading segment. Continue reading

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Renault, Klépierre Join on Shopping Center Mobility Services

Groupe Renault and Klépierre are also developing multi-use charging hubs for electric vehicles, dubbed “Charging Houses or Maisons de charge.” These stations will be installed by Groupe Renault in the car parks of shopping centers located in high population areas and will be used primarily by visitors during the day and residents at night and on weekends. Continue reading

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