Category Archives: news analysis

Shell Fined for Selling Bogus Fuels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, today announced a settlement with three companies affiliated with Shell Oil Company to resolve Clean Air Act violations. The illegal acts included selling gasoline and diesel fuel that did not conform to federal standards. Continue reading

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

Nissan and NASA to Develop Autonomous Drive Vehicles

NASA did not press release the deal, leaving it to French and Japanese owned Nissan to crow about the research in an attempt to downplay what is sure to be controversial – U.S. taxpayer resources supporting – yet again – offshore corporations. Continue reading

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

Honda Pays Largest NHTSA Fine in History for Takata and other Safety Cover Ups

In responding to the Special Order, Honda admitted to under-reporting of written claims or notices of injuries or deaths over the past decade “due to errors related to data entry, computer coding, regulatory interpretation, and other errors in warranty and property damage claims reporting.” Translation: Honda got caught flagrantly violating U.S. regulations. Continue reading

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

Mercedes Benz Headquarters Fleeing New Jersey for Georgia

Mercedes-Benz USA said it would relocate its corporate headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia from Montvale, New Jersey, claiming it will “strengthen the company’s position for long-term, sustainable growth.” Continue reading

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

Hydrogen Bomb! Toyota Opens Its Fuel Cell Patents for Industry Use

In a deft P.R. move that also has abundant self-interest, Toyota Motor Corporation will allow royalty-free use of 5,680 fuel-cell-related patent licenses, including pending applications, it holds globally. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Chrysler Expands Takata Recall Nationally

Chrysler Group is expanding its current regional recall of Takata PSDI-4 driver airbag inflators to all 50 U.S. States and Federalized Territories at the request of NHTSA. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FCA is New Name for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Chrysler Group, the twice taxpayer bailed-out Michigan-based automaker, today announced that it has changed its company name to FCA US LLC. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer out. Harald Krüger in Next May

In a surprise move, BMW ended the reign of CEO Norbert Reithofer with Harold Krüger, 49, taking over next May at the 2015 annual meeting.

The Supervisory Board proposed that Reithofer – subject to his election to the Board – become the the  Chairman of the Supervisory Board after the 2015 meeting. The current Supervisory Board Chairman, Joachim Milberg, will resign at the end of the 2015 Annual General Meeting. Continue reading

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

Thanksgiving for Our Tattered Democracy

The most American of holidays, Thanksgiving, has its roots in early 17th century pilgrims – illegal aliens in a sense, as immigrant celebrations of survival because of bountiful – and importantly – shared harvests. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, blog, economy, environment, news analysis, public health, shows and events | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

GM Mum to NHTSA, Customers as it ordered 500,000 Replacement Ignition Switches from Supplier Delphi

GM is in a tight spot here up against a legal strategy that is clearly designed to discredit its defense of senior executive actions. The cornerstone of that strategy is discarding the Valukas report. Continue reading

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

NHTSA Opens Cover-up Probe on Honda Takata Airbag Deaths

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aka NHTSA, has opened an invention into allegations that Honda knew of several airbag deaths from defective Takata inflators years before it reported the fatalities to the safety agency. Continue reading

Posted in litigation, news analysis, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

More Chrysler Group Recalls on Dodge and Jeep SUVs

A week after Chrysler Group’s dismal finish on the initial quality survey from Consumer Reports and the firing of its head of quality control, the company is recalling its best-selling Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee models for defective airbags and malfunctioning electronic stability controls. More 250,000 are involved in the latest, supplier- caused quality problems. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

FCA – First Earnings since Chrysler Merger Mixed to Weak

Worrisome was a huge charge that FCA took for the cost of safety recalls and warranty repairs in the U.S. – a whopping €200 million for Q3 alone. Continue reading

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

Car Concerns Radio – Latest Zino v Douglas Debates

Click here for latest Ken Zino and Harry Douglass Car Concerns episodes with informed automotive and political commentary on the Lifestyle Talk Radio Network. Continue reading

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

Millikin Out as GM General Counsel in Ignition Switch Snafu

In a terse statement, General Motors says that General Counsel Michael Millikin “informed the company of his decision to retire in early 2015.” Millikin was taken to task for his role in covering up – he claims he didn’t know – the deadly ignition switch debacle at the second Senate hearing on the sordid safety defect matter. Continue reading

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