Category Archives: news analysis

Autonomous Forklift Startup Backed By BMW i Ventures

While it is abundantly clear that autonomous vehicles are not yet ready for mass deployment on public streets, the same technology is being commercially used in closed warehouse environments today. Continue reading

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Stellantis Hordain to Build Hydrogen-powered, Electric and Combustion Engine Commercial Vehicles

Starting in 2024, the site Hordain will have a mini-mass production capacity of 5,000 vehicles per year of hydrogen-powered utility vehicles. This Stellantis said in a release reaffirms its goal to be the first mass-produced manufacturer of hydrogen-powered utility van vehicles. There is also a labor relations aspect to the move. Stellantis has 12 industrial sites in France, and unlike Ford Motor Company it has a stated “ethical desire not to separate its electric and internal combustion engine businesses, to engage all its employees in the energy transition.” Continue reading

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Ford Motor Posts Q3 Net Loss of $827 Million

During Q3, Ford decided to shift its capital spending from the L4 advanced driver assistance systems being developed by Argo AI to internally developed L2+/L3 technology. The move was forced on Ford when Argo AI failed to attract new investors. Ford recorded a $2.7 billion non-cash, pretax impairment on its investment in Argo AI, resulting in an $827 million net loss for Q3. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes were $1.8 billion, higher than the $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion the company estimated in September. Quarterly revenue was $39.4 billion, up 10% from a year ago. Continue reading

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GM Has Enough Renewable Energy for all US Sites by 2025

It’s the latest move in the climate wars by automakers that no longer deny the real damages incurred by fossil fuel use. By using renewable energy, GM aims to avoid 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions that would have been produced between 2025 and 2030. This equals the emissions produced by burning 1 billion pounds of coal. Continue reading

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GM Earns $4.3 Billion in Q3 2022

“This keeps us on track to deliver our third consecutive year of full-size pickup leadership, and our 22nd year as the full-size SUV leader. To build our truck leadership and help maintain our strong margins, Chevrolet and GMC recently unveiled new mid-size and heavy-duty pickups that will launch next year,” said GM chair and CEO Mary Barra. Continue reading

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BYD Toyota EV Technology Company Debuts bZ3 EV in China

It’s a risky strategy that has proven successful so far, but doing business with totalitarian governments can cause disastrous consequences as Putin’s war on Ukraine demonstrated  for European  companies doing business in the region. Continue reading

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Jeep Avenger EV Debuts in Paris

“The new Jeep Avenger represents a key milestone for the brand as it is the first of a portfolio of all-new Jeep BEVs to be introduced in Europe.” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO. “It offers Jeep brand capability that is rightsized for the European market and at the Paris Motor Show, we are showcasing why it is a great all-electric Jeep brand alternative to current players in the B-SUV segment.” Jeep predicts it will be its best-selling model in Europe by 2024. Continue reading

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Stellantis to Build Fiats in Algeria

This sets Stellantis on a path to manufacture Fiat vehicles in Algeria. Continue reading

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Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe

The sale is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks following approvals from the authorities, which sure looks inevitable since it’s being sold to the Russian government. The terms of the sale are hedged. It would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years. It’s the latest example of global automakers shutting operation in a totalitarian state. Will China be next? Continue reading

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Ohio JV Battery Plant  – Honda and LG Energy Solution

The two companies plan to begin construction in early 2023, in order to complete the new production facility by the end of 2024. The plant aims to have ~40GWh of annual production capacity as it starts mass production of pouch-type lithium-ion batteries by the end of 2025. Continue reading

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GM Energy a New Energy Management Division  

It’s an ambitious, industry leading program that can help customers rid themselves of some of the negative aspects of relying on utility companies. GM Energy’s services will also enable the sale of energy from EV and stationary storage batteries back to utilities during peak, high energy consumption periods, unlocking even more potential value for customers and increasing resiliency for the electrical grid, GM said. Continue reading

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Whither the Global Light Vehicle Market?

“Across much of the world, supply bottlenecks remain the key reason for holding back better sales results. However, as Europe and North America head into the winter months, economic prospects look increasingly dismal in the face of stubbornly high inflation, and underlying demand for new vehicles is inevitably being eroded,” according to respected consultancy LMC Automotive this morning. Continue reading

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NADA Cautious on 2022 US Light Vehicle Sales Outlook

However, September 2021 was the weakest since May 2020, because of pandemic induced supply chain disruptions and parts shortages, which resulted in  the lowest saleable inventory for more than three decades. Continue reading

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Ford Motor US September Sales Drop 9%

However, Ford is notching some low-volume victories, which might bode well, if – big if – it can transition from its internal combustion engine legacy vehicles  – the heart of Ford Motor – while successfully surviving without missing a beat a transplant to an all-electric future. Continue reading

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American Honda Sales Escape Summer Doldrums

In fact, like the former Detroit Three automakers, Honda is thriving on trucks. Honda light truck sales continue to lead the Honda brand with CR-V topping 22,000 units and HR-V more than 8,000 in sales. The Ridgeline also set a new September record. Continue reading

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