Category Archives: news analysis

NAFTA Strikes Again as Kia Opens Pesquería Mexico Plant

Posted on 8 September 2016 by Ken Zino

14,000 jobs are going to Mexico by the end of 2017 at the expense of U.S. autoworkers. NAFTA – that giant sucking sound in the words of former presidential candidate Ross Perot – is part of the current U.S. presidential campaign with candidate Donald Trump threatening to put a 37.5% tariff on Mexican auto imports. Continue reading →

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U.S. August Sales Forecast Down Year-over-Year

Posted on 26 August 2016 by Ken Zino

“The summer isn’t delivering explosive sales like we saw last year, but the industry is still on pace to set an annual sales record” Continue reading →

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Binge Selling! Ford GT Production Extended

Posted on 21 August 2016 by Ken Zino

It appears that more cars according to Pericak means more exclusive. This assertion would have had me laughed out of my high school logic class. Maybe expelled. Continue reading →

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Ford Wants Fully Autonomous Ride-Sharing Car in 2021

Posted on 17 August 2016 by Ken Zino

The car will lack a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. Continue reading →

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BMW 507 Driven by Elvis at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Posted on 5 August 2016 by Ken Zino

The BMW 507 driven by Elvis Presley while he was doing military service in Germany is restored and will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The 507 disappeared for nearly 50 years, and was believed to have been lost. After almost two years of restoration work, BMW Group Classic is presenting the roadster for the first time on 21 August 2016.

Elvis Presley used the BMW 507 to drive between his home in Bad Nauheim and the U.S. Army Base in Friedberg, Southern Germany. He was often mobbed by female fans. The paintwork of the roadster was frequently daubed with messages of love painted in lipstick. Continue reading →

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Michigan, Ontario Automotive MOU – NAFTA without Mexico?

Posted on 5 August 2016 by Ken Zino

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder were in Traverse City, Michigan, this week to sign an Automotive MOU – Memorandum of Understanding – that it’s said will promote auto industry innovation. Continue reading →

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HAL Comes to Honda R&D through Softbank

Posted on 22 July 2016 by Ken Zino

This will, allegedly, allow Honda and SoftBank to “enable mobility products to use conversations with the driver,” together with other information obtained from sensors and cameras to “perceive the emotions of the driver and to engage in dialogue with the driver based on the vehicle’s own emotions.” Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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‘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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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