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Category Archives: news analysis
Mazda Releases Certification Results in Japanese Fraud Cases
Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC) in Hiroshima today said it investigated all of its 2403 tests (*1) for applications for Type Designation as requested by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT Notification No. 2018). “The investigation results confirmed irregularities in a total of five tests in two test categories, which was reported to the Ministry on 30 May. The irregularities identified this time encompass 150,878 units produced and 149,313 units sold. (*2),” Mazda said. Continue reading
Toyota Releases More Details on Vehicle Certification Fraud
“All the cases are related to certification. The certification system in Japan verifies whether a product meets the established standards mainly in the fields of safety and environment using measurement methods in accordance with rules. Vehicles can only be manufactured and sold after meeting certification test standards. The point of this issue is that the vehicles were mass-produced and sold without going through the correct certification,” Toyoda said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, news analysis, safety
Tagged akio toyoda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Customer First Promotion Group, Daihatsu, Hino, Ken Zino, MLIT, Shinji Miyamoto, Toyota Group, Toyota Industries
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Supplier Relations Study – Toyota Ascending, Ford Slumping
The two big issues – cost and fairness – have been created and compounded by changing electric vehicle (EV) demand that sees automakers switching to hybrid configurations, or canceling EV programs and again ramping up conventional powertrain production. These are occurring while rising costs are squeezing automaker’s suppliers. Continue reading
Department of Labor Sues Hyundai U.S. Over Child Labor
“A 13-year-old working on an assembly line in the United States of America shocks the conscience,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman. “As we work to stop illegal child labor where we find it, we also continue to ensure that all employers are held accountable for violating the law.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged Administrator Jessica Looman, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, child labor in auto industry, fair labor standards act, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Jessica Looman, Ken Zino, U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
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OPTIQ EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV
Cadillac today revealed the new 2025 OPTIQ, an entry-level Cadillac luxury EV. OPTIQ is the least-expensive EV in lineup. This is Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the barely-selling LYRIQ mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. This fall OPTIQ joins the expensive ~$300,000+ CELESTIC sedan and the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000). Next year, the VISTIQ appears in showrooms. OPTIQ pricing starts at an estimated $54,000 for the Luxury trim, Sport will be more expensive [footnote 10],* including destination charges, excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Obvious competitors include Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Lexus RZ. Continue reading
UAW Strikes Again – This Time at Penske Logistics in El Paso
Members of UAW Local 286 walked off the job this morning in an “unfair labor practice strike” following the company’s “refusal to negotiate a first contract in good faith.” More than 40 workers in the clerical unit of the Penske Logistics operation in El Paso, TX, voted to form their union more than a year ago. They have allegedly been stonewalled by the company in their attempt to win a first contract. Members are seeking fair pay, real paid time off, and better benefits, particularly health care. Penske Logistics did not immediately respond to an AutoInformed request for comment.
“The company’s refusal to sit down with workers and hash out a deal with fair pay and benefits so workers can care for their families is unacceptable,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “It’s time for Penske to get serious and negotiate in good faith.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, health insurance, Ken Zino, Penske Logistics in El Paso, Tim Smith, UAW Local 286, UAW Region 8, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
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UAW Petitions NLRB Over Mercedes Alabama Vote
Over 2000 Mercedes workers voted yes to win their union after an unprecedented, illegal anti-union campaign waged against them by their employer. What that tells us is that in a fair fight, where Mercedes is held accountable to following the law, workers will win their union. All these workers ever wanted was a fair shot at having a voice on the job and a say in their working conditions. And that’s what we’re asking for here. Let’s get a vote at Mercedes in Alabama where the company isn’t allowed to fire people, isn’t allowed to intimidate people, and isn’t allowed to break the law and their own corporate code, and let the workers decide,” the UAW said in a statement to AutoInformed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CAR Center for Automotive Research, EQE and EQS electric vehicles, GLE and GLS SUVs, Ken Zino, mercedes-benz, Mercedes-Benz Plant Tuscaloosa, nlrb, Shawn fain, uaw
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Old Fashion Racing as Newgarden’s Daring Pass Wins Indy 500
Multiple early-race caution flags prompted different pit strategies among the 33 starters. Consistent with NTT IndyCar Series competition, the strategies played out during the final 40 laps as the battle for the win was fought out between five drivers. But in the end it wasn’t strategy, but pure driving skill and daring commitment that led to victory. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged 08th running of the Indianapolis 500, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Salters, Honda Racing US, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino, Pato O’Ward, Penske, roger penske, Shell Team Penske Chevrolet
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Hydrogen – Plug Power Energy Gets $1.6B Loan Guarantee
“Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come,” said Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, awards, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, clean energy economy, clean hydrogen, DOE Hydrogen Program, Hydrogen Interagency Task Force, Jigar Shah, Ken Zino
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May 2024 US New Vehicle Sales Forecast Up
US new-vehicle sales for May 2024, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast at 1,446,800, a 2.9% increase from May 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* May 2024 has … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Elizabeth Krear, GlobalData, j.d power, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, May 2024 US Sales forecast, May 2024 US Vehicle sales forecast, Thomas King
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EV Grumblings – VW ID.7 Luxury Sedan Delayed or Killed?
In a terse statement issued by Volkswagen today in Reston VA, the German automaker said that it is delaying the introduction of the ID.7 sedan in the U.S. and Canada, “as market dynamics continue to change.” Rough translation from AutoInformed: the car market in the US continues to shrink and VW has been a weak player in this segment for decades. More economic dollars and sense can be obtained promoting the ID.Buzz van due in the Fourth Quarter and marketing the already on sale 2024 ID.4 SUV. Continue reading
Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1
“Today, I am following through on my commitment to stand up to the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices by issuing a formal proposal to modify the tariff actions,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The President has directed me to make substantial tariff increases on targeted, strategic products, and this is an important step to carry out that vision. The President and I will continue to fight for American workers, and for our economic future and national security.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, labor issues, news analysis, transportation
Tagged Ambassador Tai, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese EV imports to US, Chinese trade war tariffs, forced labor, Ken Zino, People’s Republic of China, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai
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US Light Vehicle Sales Strong in May
“May is usually an important month for the automotive industry, with warmer temperatures and Memorial Day sales events traditionally bringing consumers out to buy vehicles. This year was no different, with incentives being significantly higher than a year ago, allowing for some buyers to make deals that were not possible when inventory levels were low,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →