Category Archives: news analysis

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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Acura 2012 TL Luxury Sedan Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 9 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Parent company Honda is expected to report strong financial results tomorrow in Tokyo, roughly twice that of global sales leader Toyota, but its U.S. sales results have been tracking below overall market growth recently Continue reading →

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DOT Releases Long Delayed Toyota Unintended Acceleration Report, Exonerates Self, Claiming It Was Right All Along

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Ken Zino

The self conducted NHTSA study if it found problems, of course, would make DOT – with a staggering $79 billion budget vulnerable to Congressional dictated reforms, as well as budget and staff cuts as the deficit debate heats up on Capital Hill. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen and IG Metall Agree on Wage Raise, Bonus

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen and IG Metall agreed to a new contract late Monday night. Workers will receive a 3.2% increase in base pay effective May 1, 2011. Employees will also receive a one-time payment corresponding to 1% of his or her annual pay, but no less than €500, VW said in a statement. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Challenges Nader, Center for Auto Safety, Disputing Need for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall for Rear Impact Fires

Posted on 7 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Ralph Nader and the Center for Auto Safety are calling on Chrysler to recall 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee models because they are, allegedly, defective and subject to fires during rear-end collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the claims, and of course Chrysler is cooperating, as required by U.S. safety regulations. Continue reading →

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