Category Archives: news analysis

Stellantis Ups Electrification Strategy by $35.54 Billion

“The strategy we laid out today focuses the right amount of investment on the right technology to reach the market at the right time, ensuring that Stellantis powers the freedom of movement in the most efficient, affordable and sustainable way,” claimed Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, Stellantis. Continue reading

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California – Most Car Washes with $1.6 Billion Total Sales

The mostly small businesses had 163,178 workers – up from 153,970 in 2015 – who earned a meager average annual salary of $21,911 -up from $18,703 in 2015. California, the state with the largest population and a mania around car culture and the automobile ranked first in the number of car washes and car wash employees in 2019 (2,025 and 24,851, respectively). Continue reading

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Revolving Door – Steven Croley Now Ford Chief Policy Officer

The new policy leadership role was initiated last October when Jim Farley became CEO and announced organizational changes. Croley will report to Farley and work closely with Jon Huntsman, a member of the Ford board of directors who in April was appointed vice chair, Policy, an internal senior advisory role to Farley and Executive Chair Bill Ford. Continue reading

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Inventory Deficit Hurts June US Vehicle Sales. Again

With too much demand chasing too little supply, it’s not surprising many vehicles sold at or above MSRP and automakers have slashed incentive spending. According to J.D. Power, in mid-June 75% of vehicles sold for MSRP or above, which is up from 67% in May 2021 and way higher from the pre-COVID average of 36%. AutoInformed thinks that an affordability crisis is starting to emerge, as the Biden Administration economic boom continues. Continue reading

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Moving the Metal Downtown – Detroit Institute of Arts New Location for 2022 Concours d’Elegance of America

We’re announcing two meaningful changes today–rescheduling from July to September and repositioning from the suburbs to downtown,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “This move honors Detroit’s heritage as a hub of commerce, industry, design and culture. We couldn’t think of a better place to recognize the automobile than the Detroit Institute of Arts. Continue reading

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Renault Group to Launch 10 Battery-Electric Vehicles by 2025

The Renault 5 electric will be made in Northern France, from battery to e-powertrain to assembly, on a new CMF-BEV platform, by Renault ElectriCity. The Group will also revive another star currently named ‘4ever’ signifying the hope to make it a timeless classic. Renault Group will also compete in the all-electric C-segment, first with the new MéganE next year. Continue reading

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Ford Leads NA Production Cuts from Semiconductor Shortage

Six months into the semi-conductor shortage it is obvious that not all automakers are affected in the same way. The Renesas fire in Japan hit Ford Motor hard, making the problem much worse for the struggling automaker. The fact is some automakers have been hurt worse than others. Ford Motor looks to have been affected the most, as shortage-related plant shutdowns left its facilities running at just 55% of total capacity through May of 2021. Ford’s estimated volume loss in the first half of this year is more than  50% greater than that recorded by the next manufacturer in line – and the largest in North America – GM, according to consultancy LMC. Continue reading

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General Motors Launches New Fund to Advance Climate Equity

The company also announced the creation of a new $25 million Climate Equity Fund, “dedicated to helping close equity gaps in the transition to electric vehicles and other sustainable technology.” The philanthropic fund joins the company’s $35 billion global investment in EV and AV programs, research, technology, manufacturing and charging infrastructure.   Continue reading

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Honda Prologue EV – Vapor Ware Until 2024

An all-new SUV coming to market in early 2024, the battery-electric Honda Prologue notably lacks any specific details about the new vehicle. Presumably, they will be released as slowly as possible over the coming months to give the impression that the Japanese company once known for its innovations in powertrains is not being left behind in the CO2-free exhaust of major players such as General Motors, BMW, Ford, VW and countless others. Continue reading

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Botched Vaccinations Haunt EU Vehicle Sales During May

Volkswagen Group took its second highest monthly market share since 2001. The German manufacturer’s share totaled 28.14% during May, second only to April 2020 when had  29.23% as competitive sales were hit to a greater degree by the onset of the pandemic in Europe. The results in May were due to strong performance from brands such as Audi, Skoda, Seat, and Cupra, formerly known as SEAT Sport. Total sales were boosted by increasing consumer demand for EVs and SUVs – with Volkswagen Group now leading in Europe across both segments. Continue reading

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NHTSA Shouldn’t Cut National Autonomous Vehicle Regs!

AutoInformed thinks that more than US auto industry jobs are at stake here. AV technology can reduce congestion, improve safety for passengers and pedestrians, and spur unknown innovations to help the United States lead the global automotive industry. Continue reading

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EU Parliament Confirms Deal on Climate Neutrality by 2050

This transforms the European Green Deal’s political commitment to EU climate neutrality by 2050 into a binding obligation. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for this transition. After 2050, the EU will aim for negative emissions. Parliament has played a significant role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019. Continue reading

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Mazda “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030.” We’re Not Kidding

Marketing babble alert> “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030”  is built from Mazda’s revised Medium-Term Management Plan and its desire to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, both of which were announced in the past year. Continue reading

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Ford Buys Electriphi to Provide Ford Pro Commercial Customers with Charging and Energy Management

The Electriphi acquisition comes as Ford prepares for the launch of all-electric versions of two of its high-volume commercial vehicles – the Transit van and F-150 pickup. Ford will start shipping E-Transit to customers later this year; F-150 Lightning Pro will be available in spring 2022. Continue reading

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Toyota’s Woven Capital Invests in Ridecell for Mobility Services

“Ridecell is accelerating the digital transformation of a key part of the mobility industry―creating a comprehensive platform that connects fleets and automates workflow at scale,” claimed Michiko Kato, Principal, Woven Capital. Continue reading

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