Category Archives: auto news

Ford Claims F-Series Retains Title of Best-Selling Truck in 2022

However, since Ford’s Edsel and Mercury brands are long gone and Lincoln is not in this segment, there is room to debate that General Motors with it Chevrolet, GMC and Hummer pickup lines might sell a greater number of pickups when final sales numbers are in. This also means that Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, all the way up to F-750 should also be included in the competitive tally. Continue reading

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US Construction Spending For November 2022 Flat

Construction, aside from being an indicator of the overall health of the US economy, is particularly important to automakers with a substantial stake in the highly profitable pickup truck segments at the Detroit Three – General Motors with Chevrolet and GMC; FCA with Ram; and Ford Motor with F-series. While the Biden administration recovery is continuing, The Federal Reserve interest hikes appear likely to send the US economy into an unneeded and unwanted recession. Continue reading

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Significant 2022 Automotive Stories and Trends

With that in mind, here’s our latest takes on the 2022 annum of automobility, from autonomous and electric vehicles needed to foil planet-killing global warming, to driving caused deaths, to trade, tariffs, allies and, alas, the still ongoing threats from American fascism and racism that are opposing our collective growth. We undertake this with an awareness that AutoInformed conducts its education in public with our deficiencies apparent. We begin our annual taking stock with comments on significant automotive stories of 2022 as we look to endure another year of plagues – covid variants, political insurrections, social unrest and others to come. Continue reading

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US Recovering from Covid. Greenhouse Gasses a Problem

This is an important report for policy makers and the rest of us because Transportation accounted for 8.4% of the US gross domestic product in 2021, up from 7.7% in 2020, but down from 9.1% percent in 2019. During 2021, the wholesale and retail trade sector continued to require more transportation services than any other sector to produce one dollar of gross output. Continue reading

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Drowning Risk – Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Paddle Boards

Surf 9 is recalling  Body Glove Tandem and ULI Inflatable Paddle Boards because of a drowning risk. The paddle boards were sold exclusively at Costco (Costco item# 2622049), The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said today in a release. Continue reading

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Japanese Global Sales Weak in November. China is a Disaster

The global sales results of major Japanese automakers just released for November of 2022 show weakness and an uncertain outlook for 2023. The world’s largest car market, China, as well Putin’s war against Ukraine are major culprits. This in our view significantly clouds the outlook for 2023. However, Toyota Motor is showing resilience to the sales flu thus far as winter sets in.  Continue reading

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Political Climate Change – Man Sentenced in Foiled Michigan Governor Kidnapping Conspiracy

A jury in an earlier trial was unable to reach a verdict. In my view, things have changed significantly in many people’s minds about the Big Lie and the associated, often violent, assaults against institutions and people as the January 6 Committee during the past year presented its devastating case of what went on and who was part of it. Call it a national warming toward protecting our Democracy after the melting of the last Republican ice age.  National security is also a critical issue in Trump’s case, of course, with his unexplained stolen documents. Continue reading

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Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla

“This EV Amendment simultaneously amends the terms of your rental from Budget with respect to the terms herein only. All other terms of your rental remain in full force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this EV Amendment and your other rental terms, the terms of this EV Amendment shall govern,” Budget said. In other words EVs are singled out. Continue reading

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More Fuel Cell Vehicles from CJPT

Since it was founded in April 2021 by Toyota, Hino and Isuzu Motors, CJPT’s goal was “to enable technology development for commercial vehicles by considering initiatives at logistics sites to contribute to achieving a carbon neutral society and reduce the burden on drivers and workers by accelerating the use of autonomous vehicles and systems.” Continue reading

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Stellantis to Buy a Large Part of Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen

Stellantis is tiptoeing into hydrogen mobility having launched mid-size vans in late 2021. Stellantis is pursuing an aggressive ambition as part of the so-called “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, which includes expanding its hydrogen offerings to large vans as early as 2024 in Europe and 2025 in the US while further exploring opportunities for heavy-duty trucks. Toyota Motor appears to AutoInformed to be the clear leader in these areas, but this is an endurance race not a sprint. Continue reading

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Bah Humbug! SEMA on Congressional Inaction on Racing Parts

SEMA was referring to the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM)* that has hobbled around congress for three years staring with the 114th Congress, including the 2021–2022 session of Congress. The Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee were involved in the bill, but members weren’t able to get it out of the House or Senate committees for lack of, well, horsepower. Perhaps the bills sponsors, who were overwhelming Republican (102 Republicans, 30 Democrats), were part of the problem. The Republicans aren’t known for their environmental policies, but rather the opposite as Global Warming repudiators often backed by the fossil fuel industry and perennial opponents to fuel economy or clean air regulations. Continue reading

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Covid Pandemic Recovery Shows US Population Growing

Eventually the shifts in population will have effects on the automobile and transportation businesses as the economy evolves toward a sustainable future and the adoption of EVs, construction equipment, railroads and airplanes with non-fossil fuels, which local politicians will either support or sabotage. As the nation ages, there are also other mobility questions. Continue reading

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December US Sales Up. Transaction Prices at Record Highs

Total new-vehicle sales for December 2022, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,254,700 units, a 5.3% increase from December 2021, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.* December 2022 has the same number of selling days as December 2021. The record transaction prices means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $48.2 billion on new vehicles this month, a slight -0.3% decrease from December 2021. Continue reading

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EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally

The new standards are long overdue. They are the first update to clean air standards for heavy duty trucks in more than 20 years. EPA says they are more than 80% stronger than current standards. Continue reading

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Min Kyu Song is New Global Head of Genesis

“He will be responsible for accelerating Genesis’ global presence with his proven strategic and operational skills,” Hyundai said. Yesterday Genesis further expanded its customer-focused retail experience with the grand opening of Genesis of Greer, the brand’s second standalone retail facility in the United States, and first in South Carolina. Continue reading

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