Category Archives: news analysis

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

Posted on 11 November 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 4 November 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 3 November 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 31 October 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 28 October 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 21 October 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 7 October 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 30 September 2014 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 29 September 2014 by Ken Zino

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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Car Concerns Radio – Latest Douglas and Zino Show

Posted on 24 September 2014 by Ken Zino

Click here for latest Ken Zino and Harry Douglass Car Concerns blather and informed commentary on the Lifestyle Talk Radio Network Continue reading →

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GM Woes Continue with New Recalls and Legal Actions

Posted on 22 September 2014 by Ken Zino

Troubles for GM and its shareholders continue because of new legal and product quality developments. Late last Friday a U.S. Judge in New York ruled that plaintiffs could request documents related to accidents, injuries and lost vehicle value associated with … Continue reading →

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August US Auto Sales Up as Detroit Loses Share

Posted on 15 September 2014 by Ken Zino

The bad news for Detroit supplicants and the UAW came from the fact that offshore brands took a 56.5% share of the August auto market, up from 55.9% last month and 53.8% in June. Continue reading →

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GM Throws Technology Gauntlet – V2V Cadillacs in 2 Years

Posted on 8 September 2014 by Ken Zino

GM’s CEO Mary Barra said yesterday that GM would offer vehicle-to-vehicle communication, V2V in that awful techie jargon, as well as vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, and ultimately, fully autonomous driving starting two years from now in a 2017 model Cadillac CTS. Continue reading →

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Dark Money at $50 Million. Congress Bought by Unnamed Interest Groups

Posted on 28 August 2014 by Ken Zino

The OpenSecrets Blog and the Center for Responsive Politics reported today that political spending by non-disclosing or secret political non-profit lobbying funds, aka dark money groups, has reached $50 million, a record at this point in the election cycle. Continue reading →

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Chinese Students Out Spend US Ones

Posted on 26 August 2014 by Ken Zino

Average price paid by Chinese students for new car tops $52,000 wih cash purchases at31.8%, the opposite of non-Chinese students at the same schools Continue reading →

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