Category Archives: news analysis

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.” Continue reading

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Michigan State Fleet – All to be Zero-Emission Vehicles  

“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”  Continue reading

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Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

Most initial costs will be offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers in the limited areas it operates in. Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program in Colorado and Wisconsin. Xcel will seek expansion in future states during the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. Continue reading

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Magna Joins Northstar for 5G Autonomous Driving Development

“By utilizing the latest advancements in mobile networks, we are able to accelerate the automotive domain by offering sensor enhancements and as a result offer more capable and competitive ADAS products,” said Bill Snider, President of Electronics. “Our focus is not only on meeting challenging technical requirements, but also on developing products that can help anticipate critical situations to prevent accidents, ultimately making the roads safer for all.” Continue reading

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US Light Vehicle Sales up Again in November 2023

US Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 8.5% year-on-year (YoY) in November, to 1.22 million units, according to preliminary estimates from the respected consultancy GlobalData.* The daily selling rate was estimated at 48,900 units/day in November, compared to 48,200 units/day … Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Offers EV at Hybrid Price

It’s the latest example of how the proposition that EVs are too expensive ignores marketplace competition combined with automaker advantages of scale and decades of innovation in manufacturing, design and cost cutting will relentlessly and inevitably make EVs desirable. Continue reading

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The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

This project for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are plentiful is endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the pilot initiative in September 2021 to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in Michigan. MDOT and Electreon have entered a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system (ERS), using the technology on Michigan roads. Continue reading

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Briggs and Stratton Settles With CARB For Off-Road Emissions

The California Air Resources Board has reached a settlement agreement with Briggs and Stratton of Milwaukee, WI., a significant producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, for $117,314. This was for the company’s violations of the Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulation. The regulation limits emissions of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from spark-ignited, small off-road engines, including those found in landscape equipment, small power tools, and portable generators. Continue reading

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Follow The Leader – Ford Reinstates Earnings Guidance

Ford (NYSE: F) has a new, post-UAW-strike outlook for full-year 2023 operating results it said this morning after GM provided an unexpectedly strong one yesterday. Ford withdrew 2023 financial guidance in late October during the UAW strike of some notably profitable US operations. Ironically, the new forecast by Ford CFO John Lawler was given at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, following a presentation by Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Yesterday GM increased its 2024 dividend while minimizing the effect of the UAW strike tallied at $1.1 billion. GM said full-year net income was forecast between $9.1 billion and $9.7 billion, down from $9.3 billion and $10.7 billion.

Ford now projects full-year adjusted EBIT of $10.0 billion to $10.5 billion, and adjusted free cash flow of between $5.0 billion and $5.5 billion. Both are non-GAAP financial measures Although affected U.S. operations have been restarted, guidance reflects effects of strike-related manufacturing disruptions on wholesales and revenue. Ford was silent on the dividend. Continue reading

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GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer said this morning in New York that the aim is to  continue to drive GM’s strong cash flow performance while increasing the margins and the returns to investors while cutting capital spending. (NYSE: GM) Speaking at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Jacobson said, “we remain absolutely committed to driving to the 8% to 10% margin consistently that we’ve said in North America through this transition (to electric vehicles).” Continue reading

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EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA

New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to  the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports Continue reading

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GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading

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Stellantis Opens its First Circular Economy Hub in Turin

Stellantis has opened its SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub (CE Hub) at the former Fiat Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy. Stellantis hopes to foster its so-called Circular Economy ambitions with a 360-degree approach based on its 4R strategy: Reman, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle. The objectives of the CE Hub are to extend the life of parts and vehicles, ensuring that they last for as long as possible. When that is no longer possible, the material is collected for recycling from the re-manufacturing operations, and from the end-of-life vehicle dismantling activity, and then returned to the manufacturing loop to build new vehicles and parts. Continue reading

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New Electric Vehicles for Nissan UK Sunderland Plant

“Exciting, electric vehicles are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality. With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for industry and for our customers,” said Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida. Continue reading

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Stellantis Repurchases €934M in Shares from Dongfeng

“The purchase of Stellantis common shares by Stellantis from Dongfeng was carried out under the authority granted by Stellantis’ general meeting of April 13, 2023. The share repurchase transaction with Dongfeng will not impact Stellantis’ €1.5 billion open-market share repurchase program announced February 22, 2023, which is expected to complete by the end of 2023,” Stellantis said. Continue reading

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