Category Archives: news analysis

Republicans Starting to Like Putin. Treason over Patriotism?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Trump Tantrum on Trade Kills Jobs, Distracts from Expanding Russian Collusion Investigations and Criminal Indictments

The impact on automotive and parts production will be significant, but the magnitude of the action is not yet known. Continue reading

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Chinese take 10% stake in Daimler. Unwelcome?

Translation: the Germans didn’t seek this, and it could turn out to be a complicated ménage à trois with lots of conflict over the loot. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Shakes Up Senior Management During Sexual Harassment Debacle

Ford Motor Company today announced changes to its senior management team as it struggles with numerous sexual harassment charges, electrification and mobility business shifts that threaten its future. With a couple of exceptions the management team is y-chromosome male. Continue reading

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Gutting Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Hurts Auto Biz

As a congressman, Mick Mulvaney sponsored legislation to abolish the CFPB. A White House budget proposal cuts funding for the CFPB by ~$150 million – 25% of its total budget. Mulvaney has already frozen hiring and put a temporary hold on payments to victims of illegal banking practices. Three to 5 million American households turn to payday loan companies whose storefronts in working class neighborhoods outnumber McDonalds and Starbucks. Continue reading

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BMW 320D Meets German Emissions Regulations

The KBA test results also BMW claims “suggest that the emissions readings criticized by “Deutsche Umwelthilfe” resulted from forced driving situations and flawed execution of tests and are therefore not representative.” Does forced mean the way owners actually drive the vehicle? No wonder on the road testing will increase in all regions to check for emissions compliance. Continue reading

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