Category Archives: news analysis

General Motors Kisses Trump’s Butt

This was after its actions yesterday revealed the weakness if not downright falsity of President Trump’s claim to be creating jobs… “We appreciate the actions this administration has taken on behalf of industry to improve the overall competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.” Continue reading

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Subaru, Land Rover Win ALG Residual Value Awards

The awards will be presented to automakers this week at Automobility LA. ALG has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for more than 50 years and in Canada since 1981. Continue reading

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Automobility LA – Fast EV Charging Network Plugged and Supported by Volkswagen Subsidiary Electrify America

However, industry observers note that there isn’t a clear focus in the U.S. to create an open electric vehicle charging network. In fact, the grid is to varying degrees populated by self-interested players in for a buck – as in charges via fees – and not necessarily for creating or sustaining potential consumer demands and expectations for convenience, reliability and speed. It’s true that these might ultimately become benefits, but one need only recall Enron* and its history with utility companies and how that worked out for consumers. Continue reading

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General Motors Revises 2015 Strategy to Slash Costs and Streamline Engineering as Market and Competition Toughen

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this morning that it will accelerate its business plan, building on the strategy it laid out in 2015 that has resulted in lack-luster returns for shareholders. GM is acknowledging what most automakers hold private: the marketplace is moving faster than automakers. Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel – High Gasoline Injection Pressures?

Efficient and hybridized gasoline should be the combustion-based alternative as diesel declines. Considering these added costs and complexities that have always been part of diesel, there is an unknown risk that the same pattern of reputational blight and penalties will occur on gasoline engines. This could/would accelerate the demise of the internal combustion engine while promoting electric vehicles. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Cuts Deal with Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi

Aston Martin’s 105-year history is steeped in competitive motorsport and this latest partnership with the most expensive – 1$ billion – F1 circuit in the world, “reinforces that commitment.” Aston Martin currently competes at the top-level of motorsport with Aston Martin Red Bull racing in Formula One and Aston Martin Racing in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). Continue reading

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Hyundai Genesis – a Rebadging Flop?

It’s time to look at Hyundai’s wannabe luxury-brand Genesis, three years after its less than stellar debut. On paper it seemed a good idea – albeit untried – at the time. Hyundai plucked on of its existing cars and rebadged it as the debut model for its new brand. Genesis was stillborn without its own DNA or unique selling proposition. Continue reading

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Mercedes GLC 63 S 4Matic+ Fastest SUV on Nürburgring

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLC 63 S 4Matic+ is not only the top performer (really – is that the best you can do against Alfa, under 3 seconds?), but also day-to-day useable: it has space for passengers and luggage, an adaptable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort. Continue reading

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WLTP How Does It Work? Will it Work?

After the scope of the Dieselgate scandal was revealed by American University and regulatory agency tests, an embarrassed European Union has developed a new test, called the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Continue reading

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European Market Sinks. One-Third of Model Versions Not legal

Alternative-fueled vehicles continued to gain traction with their market share increasing by 2 percentage points to 7.5%, while demand for pure electric cars grew immensely, with volume up by 70%. Continue reading

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Carlos Ghosn Given Temporary Reprieve by Renault Board

It was the latest twist on an ongoing saga that involves alleged tax evasion by Ghosn. It also raised, yet again, the embarrassing issue that foreign executives demand and receive far greater compensation than their Japanese equivalents. Continue reading

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Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn Arrested and About to be Sacked by Board for Financial Misconduct. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance Position Threatened.

Ghosn as chief executive of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is now under fire. Ghosn retired from the highest job at Nissan last year, but remained heading the world’s largest automotive alliance, saying he planned on staying until 2020. Ghosn was paid ¥227 million in cash and stock options by Mitsubishi Motors in 2017. Continue reading

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Americans Like Other World Leaders Over Trump

In the auto industry Trump’s bellicose nature, ill thought tariffs and threatened trade restrictions have wreaked havoc to no discernible positive affect. Even the tax cut for the wealthy hurt the car making and car buying middle class. Continue reading

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Mazda-Toyota Plant Under Construction in U.S.

The plant will build Toyota’s Corolla, whose all-new 2020 model which will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in California, and Mazda’s yet-to-be revealed crossover model. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor Links to UAV Startup Top Flight

The Boston-based startup and Korean Hyundai will “explore ways to accelerate the commercial application and deployment of UAVs across various sectors and markets. Joint efforts will extend to seeking new business opportunities around UAVs, using Top Flight’s patented hybrid-electric power system. The global UAV (aka ‘drones’) market, is growing at a fast pace, expected to garner $22.1 billion by 2026. Continue reading

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