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Category Archives: news analysis
Daytona Time – Rolex 24 Runs Saturday and Sunday
Friday’s one-hour practice session on the Daytona International Speedway road course saw only 6 of the 59 entered teams skip the chance to make final adjustments, scrub in some tires and practice vital pit stops for the IMSA endurance racing season opener tomorrow.
NBC network’s live coverage of the 62nd Rolex 24 begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday – the BS stops when the green flag drops at 1:40 p.m. ET. Then, alas, coverage changes to the USA Network from 2:30-8 p.m., 10 p.m.-midnight and then again from 6 a.m.-noon Sunday. NBC has the race conclusion airing from noon-2 p.m. Sunday. Full race streaming coverage is also available on Peacock. The NFL, NHL or MLB would never treat fans like this. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW M Team RLL, Daytona International Speedway road course, endurance racing, Grand Touring Prototype, imsa, Ken Zino, Le Mans Prototype 2, lmp1, LMP2, Rolex 24 At Daytona, Whelen Cadillac Racing
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January 2024 US Light Vehicle Sales Forecast to Drop a Tad
“After December 2023 reached the strongest sales pace in several years, January’s pace has slowed to 15.2 million units. December’s SAAR of 16.2 million was inflated by elevated discounts from manufacturers, particularly as they aimed to clear out remaining inventory of 2023 model-year vehicles. In addition, changes in the eligibility of many electric vehicles to qualify for government rebates, which took effect Jan. 1, meant many EV purchases that would have occurred in January were made in December. Since January is the month of the year when the fewest vehicles are sold, the aforementioned factors have a bigger effect on the SAAR than they would in higher volume months. In fact, while the drop in the SAAR is notable, January sales results historically are not particularly indicative of future sales performance,” says Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading
Porsche Reveals New Macan EV at Singapore Art Week
“The new Macan is a performance-oriented SUV with a high level of practicality for everyday use, high-quality equipment and spacious configuration. Electrification has led to increased luggage space in the Macan. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 liters (cargo mode). In addition, there is the ‘frunk’, a second luggage compartment under the bonnet (hood) with a capacity of 84 liters. This amounts to 136 liters more than the previous model. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1348 liters. The maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of the new Macan,” said Porsche. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged 2024 Porsche Macan SUV, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electric SUVs, Ken Zino, Marc Fornes, Marina Bay Garden, Porsche Leipzig plant
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More Biden-Harris Infrastructure Projects Funded
“With this announcement, we are advancing projects so large, complex, and ambitious that they could not get funded under the infrastructure programs that existed prior to the Biden administration,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our INFRA and Mega programs are helping build the cathedrals of American infrastructure: truly transformative projects that will change entire regions and our entire country for the better.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, Bidenomics, Infrastructure for Rebuilding America, Ken Zino, National Infrastructure Project Assistance, Pete Buttigieg
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GM and Honda Fuel Cell JV Starts Mass Production
“This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda are the first full fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond,” said FCSM president Suheb Haq. “We begin the process with raw materials for membrane and electrode all the way through completed systems. Ongoing investment and commitment by both companies is driving our success at FCSM. This commitment aligns with our mission of making high quality, durable and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, blog, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brownstown Michigan, FCSM, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, hydrogen fuel cells, Jay Joseph, Ken Zino, Suheb Haq
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Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit
Volkswagen Group of America said today that model year 2023 ID.4 compact SUVs with SK On battery components and model year 24 Volkswagen ID.4 models when released with SK On components placed in service in 2024 are eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit* on a purchase by a qualifying purchaser. Model year 2023 ID.4 vehicles with LG components do not qualify. During 2023, the ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US market. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, labor issues, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact SUV EVs, Ken Zino, LG batteries, Pablo Di Si, SK On battery, Volkswagen Group of America
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FAA – Record Commercial Space Operations in 2023
“Whether it’s issuing new licenses or renewing or modifying current licenses. The FAA is streamlining the process. Reducing duplicative requirements and providing useful guidance, we’ve also hired more staff to process license applications and are undertaking other improvements. Looking forward, we expect the total number of licensed commercial space operations to almost double again by 2026,” said Coleman. Continue reading
Manheim – Used-Vehicle Prices Drop in January
Wholesale used-vehicle prices decreased 1.0% from December during the first 15 days of January, according to data just released by industry expert Manheim.* The Manheim mid-month Used Vehicle Value Index dropped to 201.9, which was down 10.2% from the full … Continue reading
DOT – Brightline West High-Speed Rail Gets $2.5B
“Today, the Biden-Harris administration takes the next step to fulfill the promise of high-speed rail in the American West, with $2.5 billion in private activity bond authority to lay tracks, create jobs, and connect American cities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, environment, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, Brightline West high speed rail, Fortress Investment Group, Investing in America, Ken Zino, Nevada Department of Transportation, Polly Trottenberg, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Wes Edens
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US Postal Service Unveils First EV Charging Stations
“The improvements we need to achieve in sustainability are an integral outgrowth of the broader modernization efforts we have undertaken through our 10-year Delivering for America plan,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “As we transform our operating processes and invest in new automation, new technologies, and upgraded facilities and vehicles, we will generate significant efficiencies that reduce our costs, slash our carbon footprint and minimize waste. We are grateful for the support of Congress and the Biden Administration through Inflation Reduction Act funding, which helped enable the electrification in evidence here today.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, economy, electric vehicles, environment, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration, Inflation Reduction Act funding, John Podesta, Ken Zino, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, Sorting and Delivery Center, United States Postal Service, USPS
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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform
“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Ken Zino, Stellantis, Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, STLA large platform
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GMC to Add New Markets – Australia, New Zealand, China
GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that it is adding three new international markets. The premium truck brand at General Motors said customers in Australia, New Zealand and China will have the choice of the Yukon full-size SUV in these high-growth markets. China sales are expected to begin in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand following in 2025. This announcement follows the launch of GMC in South Korea in 2023 with the GMC Sierra LD pickup truck, pioneering the premium pickup market in the country. These new markets add to GMC sales in the US, Mexico, Canada and Middle East. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged AT4, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Denali, Duncan Aldred, GMC 2023 sales, GMC export markets, Ken Zino, Sierra LD, Yukon and Yukon XL
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Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Production. Ups Bronco and Ranger
“We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability. Customers love the F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling EV pickup,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, who last year was boasting about his ability to increase prices on the Lightning. “We see a bright future for electric vehicles for specific consumers, especially with our upcoming digitally advanced EVs and access to Tesla’s charging network beginning this quarter,” Farley claimed.
Ford of course is hemorrhaging red ink in it’s EV business as Tesla (Cybertruck), GM (Chevy, Cadillac Lyric SUV, GMC, Hummer) and Stellantis – (electrified Jeeps) increase theirs. Ford’s EV business – Model e – lost $1.3 billion on electric vehicles even though it reported 44% higher shipments of electric vehicles, and 26% revenue growth during Q3 of 2023. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, people, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, F-150 Lightning, Ford Special Retirement Incentive Program, Jim Farley, Ken Zino, Michigan Assembly, Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Special Retirement Incentive Program
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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever
“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading
Posted in blog, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw motorrad, C 400 GT, F 750 GS, Ken Zino, M 1000 RR, Markus Flasch, R 1250 GS, R 1300 GS, Stephan Reiff
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GM Earns $2.1 Billion in Q4, $17.8 Billion for Full Year 2023
“As we begin 2024, I believe GM is well positioned for a year of strong financial performance that will build on everything we accomplished – and learned – in 2023,” said Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO. “Consensus is growing that the US economy, the job market and auto sales will continue to be resilient, and at GM, we expect healthy industry sales of about 16 million units with the mix of EVs continuing to grow,’ Barra said. Continue reading →