Category Archives: news analysis

Freshened Mazda CX-5 Launched in Japan

Pre-orders have also begun for the CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition. This range-topping special edition money maker (Mazda is financially challenged since the Ford Motor divorce that hurt both parties) has selected materials that create a look of “warmth and modernity.” Sales of the updated CX-5 and CX-5 Exclusive Mode special edition start on November 22. and the crossover will, maybe, eventually find its way to the U.S. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

World’s First Female Formula 1 World Champion?

The last woman to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi more than 40 years ago. There has never been a female Formula 1 Grand Prix race winner. Gimmicky or not – and this could work at least as a business – racing remains one of the last sports heavily dominated by men, not only behind the wheel but everywhere you look: in the pit-lane, garage, workshop and laboratory. W Series aims not only to promote female drivers but also to encourage “girls and women” into engineering and science careers and to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects in schools, colleges and universities. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UN on Global Warming: Rapid, Far-Reaching Unprecedented Changes in All Aspects of Society Needed

The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was approved by the IPCC on Saturday in Incheon, Republic of Korea. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change Conference in Poland in December, when governments review the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. Continue reading

Posted in energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bye J Walter Thompson as Ford Sacks Global Marketing, Adds New Creative Agency and More In-House Workers

Ford also is creating more than 100 new in-house marketing positions tied to brand design, media tools and partnerships, and digital labs. Ford claims this new global marketing approach – is expected to yield $150 million in efficiencies annually. This only part of a series of actions that Ford’s in taking to become more profitable. More white-collar job cuts will assuredly follow. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Like Change? Avoid the Auto Biz

Industry stakeholders will be further challenged over the next 17 months as numerous critical new vehicle launches will add to the strain of an already stressed industry,” says Bill Rinna, in charge of Americas Vehicle Forecasts at LMC Automotive. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Western European Car Registrations Plummet -23%

September saw the downside to August’s pull-forward effect, as WLTP emissions regulations were widely implemented from 1 September. The transition to WLTP also led to the unavailability of some models that had not received approval under the new procedure. The fact that there was one fewer selling day in September 2018 than in September 2017 across the region did not help sales either. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Amazon Raises Minimum Wage to $15 for All U.S. Employees

More than 250,000 Amazon employees, as well as more than 100,000 seasonal holiday employees, and their families will benefit from the new, higher pay. Amazon’s public policy team will also begin advocating for an increase in the federal minimum wage so that it remains competitive at the bottom of the labor market. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, news analysis, people, prices | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Death of the Diesel: CARB Fines LKQ $294,000 for Selling Illegal Used Diesel Soot filters

In a related case in 2017, West Coast Diesel, a Fresno repair shop caught selling and installing illegal parts, agreed to a settlement that included additional monetary penalties should they violate the terms of the agreement by installing even one diesel particulate filter. Several other Central Valley diesel repair shops are now under investigation for selling and installing illegal filters. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Barely Bests BMW in September US Sales

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported September sales of 26,169 Mercedes-Benz models, a decrease of 9.8% from September 2017. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported best-ever month of 4,448 units (up 44.0%) and smart reported 98 units, bringing MBUSA to a grand total of 30,715 vehicles for the month. Continue reading

Posted in marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Trump’s International Ratings Remain Laughably Low

As the second anniversary of U.S. President Donald Trump’s election approaches, a new 25-nation Pew Research Center survey finds that Trump’s international image remains poor, while ratings for the United States are much lower than during Barack Obama’s presidency. Continue reading

Posted in fools 'n frauds, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FAA Targets UAS or Drone Violators for Enforcement

In July 2016, Congress authorized the FAA to impose a civil penalty of not more than $20,000 for anyone who operates a drone and deliberately or recklessly interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts. Continue reading

Posted in aviation, electronics, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Route 66 on Regent Street?

While Regent Street is arguably the English capital’s prime shopping “High Street,” Illinois is the start of America’s Route 66. Celebrated in both rock ‘n roll history and car culture, America’s epic ‘Mother Road’ in its original form stretched for almost 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica in California. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB Increases Low-Carbon Fuel Use Regulations

Amendments include the most stringent carbon intensity requirement, additional incentives for zero emission vehicles, and a protocol for carbon capture & sequestration. Today’s public hearing was the second hearing on these amendments, which take effect on January 1, 2019. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, environment, fuel economy or emissions, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Porsche Increases Investment in Start-Ups by €150 Million

Porsche says it is focusing on investments in business models relating to the “customer experience, mobility and digital lifestyle,” as well as on future technologies such as “artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual and augmented reality.” Through its venture capital activities, the aging sports car manufacturer is seeking to invest in new companies that are in the early and growth phases. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche 911 Highest-Rated Vehicle for 2018 Model Year

Power says the scores are based on depreciation and verified data from real owners in the areas of quality, dependability, performance, reviews, awards and dealership ratings. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, news analysis, people, quality | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment