Category Archives: auto news

FCA Recalls Jeep Wrangler Hybrids, Again

Posted on 8 May 2023 by Ken Zino

“Excessive heat in the fuse interface may cause the fuse to fail resulting in a loss of motive power, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Customers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), a change in drivability, and/or noise at the HV battery pack assembly,” FCA said in the required filing, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public this morning. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls 2020-23 Hybrids

Posted on 8 May 2023 by Ken Zino

The high-voltage battery monitoring system software may not alert the driver of a battery malfunction. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, “Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection.”

The recall was made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. In the required filing MBAG said it “is not aware of any warranty claims, field or service reports, or reports of property damage, death, or injury related to this defect. Continue reading →

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Department of Transportation Wants Tougher Pipeline Regs

Posted on 5 May 2023 by Ken Zino

At its heart, the proposed rule will update decades-old federal leak detection and repair standards that rely solely on human senses in favor of new requirements that add an additional layer of safety by deploying commercially available, advanced technologies to find and fix leaks of methane and other flammable, toxic, and corrosive gases. These health and safety improvements will advance environmental justice in communities where gas pipeline infrastructure is disproportionately sited. Continue reading →

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Drip, Drip, Drip Marketing – Hummer Omega Edition

Posted on 5 May 2023 by Ken Zino

GMC revealed today the 2024 HUMMER EV Omega Edition, a limited-edition vehicle with a so-called Neptune Blue Matte1 exterior color that GMC hopes will attract buyers for a set of wheels that will be priced at levels among the stars. Pricing will be announced closer to production, expected in the first half of 2024. However, this is a UAW contract year, which means anything can happen at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. Continue reading →

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April US Transportation Sector Unemployment Up Slightly

Posted on 5 May 2023 by Ken Zino

The April 2023 rate was above the April 2022 rate of 3.6%. This was just above the pre-pandemic April level of 3.7% in 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 during the Trump administration. Continue reading →

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Pre-Order 2024 Acura Integra Type S on 11 May

Posted on 4 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Standard high-performance hardware includes a 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential and an innovative dual-axis front suspension design that Acura claims improves road holding and reduces torque steer. Given the impressive torque rating, AutoInformed wonders how much of it will go up in tire smoke instead of acceleration? Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q1 Sales, Profits, Cash Flow Up. But…

Posted on 3 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Late yesterday Ford Motor posted Q1 2023 revenue of $41.5 billion, up 20% from the same period a year ago on shipments ~1.1 million vehicles, a 9% increase with $1.5B in net income. A year ago Ford posted a net … Continue reading →

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Nel Announces Automated Hydrogen Fuel Factory in Michigan

Posted on 3 May 2023 by Ken Zino

“The short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel’s PEM electrolyzer technology,” said Nel’s CEO, Håkon Volldal. “The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team,” Volldal said. Continue reading →

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April US Light Vehicle Sales up 10%

Posted on 3 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Average transaction prices are high by historical standards and continued to be up (by 3.6%) YoY in March. However, prices have declined month-on-month (MoM) in each month of 2023, and this trend is expected to have continued in April, with incentives also beginning to creep up. In March, incentives were up by 56.2% YoY, from an extremely low base. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor America April Sales up 15%

Posted on 2 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Hyundai sold 64,895 retail units in April, a 5% year-over-year increase from April 2022. Hyundai set best-ever retail sales in April for Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson PHEV, Tucson HEV and Santa Cruz. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle sales of 11,571 represented 18% of retail and a 56% year-over-year increase. Continue reading →

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PACCAR, Toyota to Sell Fuel Cell Trucks in 2024

Posted on 2 May 2023 by Ken Zino

The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and sale of zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models with  Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit. Initial North American customer deliveries are planned for 2024. Continue reading →

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Volta Trucks Pilot EVs – US Debut in Late 2023

Posted on 2 May 2023 by Ken Zino

The so-called “Driving Experience Program” in the US will be launched late in 2023 for fleet operators to assess a Pilot Fleet of Volta Zeros in real distribution environments to understand how the electric delivery trucks will integrate into their operations. A similar program is currently launching across six European countries. The program in the US will start on the west coast, ahead of a roll out of production vehicles expected in 2024. Continue reading →

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General Motors Announces Senior Executive Changes

Posted on 2 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Over the course of his career with GM, Carlisle has held several senior leadership positions, including vice president, Global Product Planning and Program Management, 2010-2014; vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, 2010; and president and managing director, Southeast Asia Operations, 2007-2010. The retirement resulted in a series of executive changes at the top of GM – all of them filled by men. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Fully Electric Toyota bZ4X Ads Debut

Posted on 1 May 2023 by Ken Zino

What’s called a fully integrated bZ4X campaign was developed by Saatchi & Saatchi and Intertrend, with consideration of the transcultural mainstream audiences across America – a refreshingly awakened approach, despised by real or legislative fascists and neo-Nazis. Toyota said its campaigns “are integrated through one strategic brief, creative idea, and media plan – and create a cohesive marketing approach.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X, and AEV

Posted on 1 May 2023 by Ken Zino

GMC  today announced 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X , emphasizing the premium Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition*. AT4X includes a new Off-Road Mode. When engaged, the Off-Road Mode adjusts vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to provide what’s claimed to be optimized performance off-road. Continue reading →

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