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Category Archives: news analysis
Toyota AZ Proving Grounds Now Accessible to Other Makers?
This is an unusual move in AutoInformed’s view because testing grounds by their very definition are involved with the operation and testing of future products that are usually closely guarded secrets. It might be the latest example of the extreme demands on capital and resources that automakers are grappling with as the industry rushes headlong into the unknown future of mobility involving autonomous and electric vehicles. It is one way to offset some of enormous and ongoing costs involved. Continue reading
Penske Automotive Group Buys Another BMW Store
This is the Group’s 48th BMW dealership world-wide. The acquired dealership is expected to generate approximately $100 million in annualized revenue. Continue reading
Back to the Future? November Global Sales Rate 80M
However, the disruptions in supply chains are much deeper, with the pandemic returning in force with no end in sight. As the supply crisis continues in Europe and the Americas, the resulting scarce inventories are accompanied by higher prices, which eventually will be another problem hindering sales. Looming near term is a potential trade war with Canada, over proposed US incentives for union-made EVs. In parts of Asia, LMC claims that there are “some signs the worst of the crisis over, though demand will continue to be disrupted well into 2022.” Continue reading
CARB to Require Zero Emissions Off-Road Engines by 2024
The new requirement, an amendment to CARB’s existing small off-road engine regulations first adopted in 1990, applies to manufacturers and will impact new equipment (Model Year 2024 and later) only. Californians can continue to operate their current CARB-compliant gasoline-powered SORE equipment; there will be no “ban” on using older models or used equipment purchased in the future. Older models on store shelves can also be purchased even if they are gasoline-powered. Continue reading
Ford Testing VIIZR Field Service Tool Built on Salesforce
Ford Motor is launching VIIZR, a new field service tool built on Salesforce. VIIZR can help small-business owners such as plumbers, and other technicians with invoicing, scheduling and managing requests, so they can work with their customers from anywhere. In … Continue reading
Hagerty Debuts as a Publicly Traded NYSE Company
The transaction values Hagerty* at a pro forma enterprise of, gulp, ~$3.1 billion. Net proceeds of ~$265 million it’s claimed will be used to advance Hagerty’s growth. Hagerty is self-described as an automotive lifestyle brand and a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. The firm has been close to the automotive Concourse scene with financial support, particularly in the US. It also sponsors classic car ride-and-drives associated with classic auto shows or events. Continue reading
US November Light Vehicle Sales Forecast Down Again
“Retail inventory on dealer lots is expected to end below one million vehicles for a fourth consecutive month, with sales in each month being dictated by the number of vehicles delivered to dealerships rather than reflecting actual demand,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power Continue reading
Posted in economy, news analysis, prices, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, J.D. Power and LMC Automotive, Ken Zino
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Honda, Lexus at Top of ALG Residual Value Awards
Numerous variables, of course, affect the actual residual value of a vehicle over a multi-year lease term, including the former Trump administrations’ inexplicable failure to address the corona virus pandemic, which resulted unnecessary deaths and as well as factory shut downs. Other instances include mileage, quality/reliability, options and feature sets, weather and the macro-economic environment. Continue reading
2020 Vehicles Post Fuel Economy, Low Emissions Records
In August, President Biden signed an Executive Order that sets good policy for US citizens with an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. EPA also proposed a new rulemaking under the Clean Air Act that by 2026 would establish the strongest greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light duty trucks in history. Continue reading
Biden’s Build Back Better Act Decreases Budget Deficit!
Some of those budgetary effects are associated with programs that are classified as off-budget. The decrease in the on-budget deficit over that period would be $783.3 billion. To do the math for insurrectionist Republicans, this means ~$14 Billion dollars in the black, which probably because of the color means that most Republicans will no doubt oppose it. The failed former president, currently the insurrectionist in chief residing in Flori-duh, not only didn’t actually do anything to repair the infrastructure despite voluminous weekly (weakly?) announcements that it was infrastructure week, his tax cuts for the rich ran up record deficits. Continue reading
US October Light Vehicle Sales Drop -23% YoY
Overall vehicle sales were, however, 5% higher than September with the 2 extra selling days in October. The annualized rate grew to 13.1 million units from 12.1 million in the previous month and back to the level registered in August. “However, OEMs sold just 39,000 vehicles per selling day, compared to 40,000 units last month, way down from a peak of 62,000 vehicles in March,” said LMC. Continue reading
FAA, Finally Five Years After Deadly Accident, Wants a Medical Certificate for Commercial Hot-Air Balloon Pilots
“Balloon pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “This proposed rule would ensure that balloon pilots meet the same medical requirements as pilots of other commercial aircraft.” The rule in AutoInformed’s view is more than five years too late because of regulatory capture by the industry, a common problem at the FAA as recently exhibited with the Boeing 737 Max fiasco. Continue reading
Floorplan – Stellantis Buys First Investors Financial Services
This is either an opportunity or survival necessity, depending on your viewpoint. It will allow Stellantis to provide customers and dealers a range of financing options, including retail loans, leases, and floorplan financing in the near term. A so-called “captive U.S. finance company” will provide revenue, marketing incentives and mobility services in the digital age for customers who purchase Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Continue reading

GM Stalks $20B Electric Conversion Market
It’s the latest step in GM’s breakthrough commitment to electric vehicles that have fossil-fueled equity analysts living in the past questioning a strategy they clearly don’t understand given their questions during GM earnings calls. They are in a different cloud, so to speak. Continue reading →