Category Archives: news analysis

Labor Group Blasts Ford for Chinese Sweatshop Abuses

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The Institute for Global Labor & Human Rights released a new report today that said Ford Motor Company is guilty of worker rights violations at what it terms is a Chinese sweatshop that supplies Ford. Continue reading →

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BMW, Peugeot Citroën to Invest €100 Million in Hybrid JV

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Component parts will be used in various BMW and PSA vehicles starting in 2014. Toyota, of course, is the global leader in hybrid technology that was once dismissed by European automakers as not promising. The JV will focus on battery packs, generators, power electronics, chargers, and software for hybrid systems. Continue reading →

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China Rules as GM Sets February Sales Record

Posted on 2 March 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors and its eleven government-mandated Chinese joint ventures sold 184,498 vehicles in February, setting a new record for the month, but not, repeat not, outperforming its amazing sales of 207,000 in its home U.S. market. Continue reading →

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Accelerator Pedal Recall Causes More Lexus and Toyota Recalls! Technicians Did Not Correctly Replace the Carpeting. Original Recall Now Expanded to Include More Toyota Vehicles

Posted on 25 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Why owners should trust technicians to correctly perform a second modification is a question that will surely be debated. Continue reading →

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General Motors Posts 2010 Net of $4.7B on $135.6B of Income

Posted on 24 February 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) today announced its calendar year 2010 results of $4.7 billion of net income per share of common stock for its first full year of operations after it emerged from bankruptcy as a U.S. and Canadian taxpayer owned automaker. Continue reading →

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Rolls-Royce to Debut Electric Phantom Concept at Geneva

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today confirmed the existence of the Phantom Experimental Electric, an electric Phantom concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Continue reading →

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BMW i, an Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Sub-Brand, Debuts

Posted on 21 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Both the i3 and i8 models are clearly designed to garner credits so that BMW can continue to sell conventional cars and trucks that emit higher levels of CO2; both use extensive amounts of aluminum and other light weight materials to partially offset the mass of the lithium ion batteries. Continue reading →

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New Toyota Ads Debut on Monday Touting “Why It’s the Best-Selling Brand in America.” Sales Slowly Coming Back?

Posted on 18 February 2011 by Ken Zino

“#1 for a Reason.” includes rebates and 0% financing for 60 months across most of Toyota’s core vehicles. Continue reading →

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Ford Europe Sales Flat; Down Again in Western Europe

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford now appears caught by two unforeseen macro-economic trends that are largely beyond its short term control – the collapse of Western European economies where Ford is a major player, and the growth of India and China, where Ford is a minor factor. Continue reading →

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Global Vehicle Sales to Top 72 Million in 2011 in Latest Forecast

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The sale of new cars and light trucks in 2011 are projected to reach 76.5 million units, which would surpass the record of 72 million light vehicles sold 2010, according to J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Forecasting. If accurate, this … Continue reading →

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General Motors to Introduce 20 New Models in China, Add Jobs

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The world’s largest auto market, China, has been good to General Motors, the world’s largest automaker. So no surprise when General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said today in Beijing that GM will introduce more than 20 new and upgraded models during the next two years, as well as strengthen Chinese product development capability. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Wants Smart Distribution Back from Penske

Posted on 14 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Smart had U.S. sales of 5,927 in 2010 compared with 14,595 in 2009, a -59.4% decrease. The tiny two-seat car, designed by Mercedes more than 20 years ago, is struggling in the marketplace. However, credits for the sale of small cars will be crucial going forward for makers of larger, gas guzzling luxury cars. Continue reading →

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CAR Says Electric Vehicles Will Follow the Incentives at the Federal, State and Local Levels. Budget Battles Loom?

Posted on 12 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Executive summary – taxpayer money on the hood moves the sheet metal, but auto company press release predictions are dubious. Continue reading →

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Roush Begins Making Blink Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ecotality home charging stations are said to offer advantages over conventional charging stations, including advanced energy monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to optimize their energy usage and charge their vehicles when rates are lowest. The Blink Network charger interface is the hub where users can receive information about their EV and Blink Home Charging Station including charge status, statistics and history. Continue reading →

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Renault Group Reveals Its 2016 Plan – Largely Outside Europe

Posted on 10 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The plan is heavily dependent on cost cutting, growth in emerging markets, and success of electric vehicles. In a statement that disappointed analysts, and sent the stock price down, Ghosn dismissed out of hand a merger with Nissan, claiming it was culturally impossible. Continue reading →

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