Category Archives: news analysis

FCA Sales Reporting Crisis has Broad Industry Implications

Posted on 19 July 2016 by Ken Zino

The outcomes of both legal matters potentially have broad implications for the sales reporting practices of automakers and dealerships and how demos are subsidized.
Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, litigation, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

BP Deepwater Horizon Liabilities – GULP – $61.6 Billion

Posted on 15 July 2016 by Ken Zino

BP said yesterday in London that progress in resolving outstanding claims arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident and oil spill, the largest in U.S. history would have a final cost of $61.6 billion. Continue reading →

Posted in financial results, litigation, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Brexit Automaker Winners, Losers – Predictable and Surprising

Posted on 12 July 2016 by Ken Zino

To state the obvious, new investment in the UK – expansion of current manufacturing or new capacity – for manufacturers with viable alternatives in the EU appears unlikely until the current uncertainty diminishes. This economic chaos could last for years. Continue reading →

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

Leading Automakers at CAR Management Briefing Seminars

Posted on 11 July 2016 by Ken Zino

Perusing the list, they are concentrating on industry disruption. Speakers and session panels will explore, the evolving connected and automated space. Continue reading →

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

Toyota Claims Lead in Patents

Posted on 30 June 2016 by AutoCrat

Toyota is the only automaker listed among the top 20 on the IPO list. Other key innovators in the top 20 include Apple, Google, IBM and Microsoft. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, engineering, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

‘Bloody Hell,’ What Does Brexit do to Automakers?

Posted on 24 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The uncertainty does not bode well for Ford Motor Company or General Motors, both with struggling European operations. Both were ashen silent today. Continue reading →

Posted in economy, news analysis | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Newspapers Dying as Technology Companies Grow?

Posted on 15 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The implications for automotive coverage of labor, manufacturing, quality and safety issues, among others, are dire. Continue reading →

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

General Motors, Toyota Noted for Wildlife Habitat Council Work

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The Keystone Policy Center presents awards each year in various categories within its areas of practice including energy, environment, agriculture, public health, and education. Continue reading →

Posted in environment, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones: 30 Years of Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Honda, of course, had beat Toyota by beginning what became wildly successful U.S. operations at Marysville, Ohio in 1982. Continue reading →

Posted in manufacturing, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Fiat Argentina Removes Owner Manuals that Insult Women

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The booklet in Argentina given to every new vehicle owner said: “If a lady’s skirt is too short, we recommend that she travel in the backseat to keep our concentration.” It dug the hole deeper by saying “if the skirt is not that short but you tend to have a wandering hand, she should also travel behind.” Continue reading →

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

More Recalls for Takata Airbag Shrapnel

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The numbers – tens upon tens of millions – and corresponding expenses are now so large that at least one company – General Motors – is questioning the need for the ongoing expansion of mandatory repairs by NHTSA of vehicles with Takata airbag inflators. Continue reading →

Posted in litigation, news analysis, recalls | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Mobility Company or Automaker? Toyota Signs MOA with Uber

Posted on 25 May 2016 by Ken Zino

This is a complicated deal, given Uber’s current legal and regulatory challenges in the U.S., as well as global business conditions and regulations, and – at the end of the road – consumer desires. Continue reading →

Posted in milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bridgestone Sells Its Troubled Venezuela Operations as Economy Tumbles and a Coup or Revolution Loom

Posted on 24 May 2016 by Ken Zino

U.S. military and State Department officials predict the country is headed for a revolution or a coup from the Venezuelan military services. Continue reading →

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

Treasury Secretary Says Risk to Economy Increasing at G7 Meeting in Japan

Posted on 23 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Lew claimed , “we need the balanced use of all the policy tools – fiscal policy, monetary policy and structural reforms – to address weak demand, boost employment, and tackle our common long-term challenge of aging populations. Going back the first Bush Administration and through Obama’s, the U.S. ruling class has failed dismally at managing all three. Continue reading →

Posted in financial results, news analysis | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Honda Motor Claims First Moving Cell ARC Production Line

Posted on 18 May 2016 by Ken Zino

There is also a human aspect with ARC Line production, as each worker takes charge of a broader range of production processes, which makes it possible for associates to gain more knowledge and skills. Continue reading →

Posted in manufacturing, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment