Category Archives: news analysis

Diesel Truck Brokers Busted in California

Posted on 19 April 2018 by Ken Zino

Diesel trucks are among California’s biggest sources of air pollution. Because they are so durable, they can operate for decades and belch significant amounts of diesel pollution along the way. Continue reading →

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Genesis Launches G70 Sedan in Russia

Posted on 16 April 2018 by Ken Zino

The trade wars – ongoing negotiations, threats and reversals of Trump Administration hard-line positions – sometimes within day – may or may not affect the Russian car market. Add the North Korean nuclear weapons standoff with the U.S. – a major Hyundai and Kia market – along with The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the trans-Pacific trade pact, and a stalemate or checkmate against Hyundai in multiple markets is possible. Continue reading →

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50 Mayors, 11 States to Defend +50 MPG CAFE Standard

Posted on 12 April 2018 by Ken Zino

In a statement like the American Revolution’s Declaration of Independence, local leaders are rejecting a corrupt central government out of touch with the people – one that instead is beholden to special interests, big oil, and big money for campaigns to keep the corruption and tyranny ongoing. Continue reading →

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Monthly Sales Reports Die as GM Shifts to Quarterly Updates

Posted on 4 April 2018 by Ken Zino

“Thirty days is not enough time to separate real sales trends from short-term fluctuations in a very dynamic, highly competitive market,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president, Sales Operations. Continue reading →

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April Fools – Aston Martin Project Sparta

Posted on 1 April 2018 by Ken Zino

Project Sparta, which has been engineered in parallel with the brand’s upcoming DBX SUV, is set to wreak havoc in the Monster Jam series starting in 2019, taking on some of the world’s biggest names including Grave Digger, Big Kahuna, Ice Cream Man and Jailbird. Continue reading →

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Republicans Starting to Like Putin. Treason over Patriotism?

Posted on 30 March 2018 by Ken Zino

By January 2017, after the presidential election, Democrats had become far more likely than Republicans to view Russia as a threat – though views have changed little since then. Pew does not express a view on Russian tampering with American Democratic processes. Continue reading →

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US Tariffs At or Near Lowest Levels Ever

Posted on 30 March 2018 by Ken Zino

During 2017, says the U.S. International Trade Commission, import duties totaled $33.1 billion – equal to 1.4% of the total value of all imported goods, and 4.7% of the value of all imports subject to duty. Most imported goods carry no duty at all. Continue reading →

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Ford Proxy – Shareholders Want Political Spending Info

Posted on 29 March 2018 by Ken Zino

Herein lies the potential hypocrisy problem: In 2012, the U.S. issued light duty vehicle rules strengthening GHG emission reduction standards and improving corporate average fuel economy. These rules – made working with automakers – are being challenged by Ford and other automakers. Continue reading →

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Bedfellow Alert! Toyota and Suzuki in India

Posted on 29 March 2018 by Ken Zino

Since February 6, 2017, when Toyota and Suzuki concluded a memorandum toward business partnership, the two companies have been exploring projects for collaboration. Continue reading →

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Japan Inc – ANA and HondaJet

Posted on 28 March 2018 by Ken Zino

ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has become one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 85 international routes and 116 domestic routes. Continue reading →

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BMW, Daimler Combine Mobility Services for Survival

Posted on 28 March 2018 by Ken Zino

The new front in the transportation of the future fight in cities and mini-cities will be soldiered by CarSharing, Ride-Hailing, Parking, Charging and Multimodality troops. Each company will hold a 50% stake in a joint-venture made from both companies’ current mobility services. It is alleged that the two companies will remain competitors in their respective core businesses, something the capital markets and ultimately customers will weigh in on. Continue reading →

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Ford Out of Car Biz? 2019 Fusion Debuts in New York

Posted on 27 March 2018 by Ken Zino

What else to do when the stock is languishing or comatose on Wall Street at ~$10-12 a share after eight straight years of expanding U.S. vehicle sales. Continue reading →

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Troubled Asset Relief Program – Total Cost $32B

Posted on 13 March 2018 by Ken Zino

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of 2008 and other desperate actions let the Department of the Treasury promote stability in financial markets through the purchase and guarantee of “troubled assets.” It was a latter part of the Emergency Economic … Continue reading →

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Ford Driving Skills for Life Allows Saudi Women to Participate

Posted on 8 March 2018 by Ken Zino

Ford is training more than 250 Effat University students with lessons thought to be necessary for new drivers, tips from experts, and an understanding of safe driving practices. Continue reading →

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US Car Sales Plummet in February. Trucks Gain Again

Posted on 7 March 2018 by Ken Zino

The smoking tire and news wheel spin of the month – given Trump’s ongoing trade tirades amidst a complete collapse of White House staff support and an ongoing exodus – came from the American International Automobile Dealers Association Continue reading →

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