Category Archives: news analysis

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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NADA Chairman Defends Auto Retail Practices. Again

The latest Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, aka NADA, defended the auto retailing franchise system saying it benefits both automakers and car buyers by proving much needed competition. Continue reading

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Huge Toyota Tacoma Pickup Corrosion Recall

Toyota claimed it is not aware of any fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with its latest safety defect that it has told NHTSA about in its required legal filing. However, NHTSA has several hair-raising complaints from Tacoma owners about incidents. Continue reading

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Volt Camouflage Designed to hide Freshened Sheet Metal

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing. Continue reading

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