Category Archives: auto news

Encore Performance – 2023 Toyota Prius

Development goals appear to be based on styling and marketing and not breakthrough jumps in technology at conservative Toyota. This approach has generally served Toyota and its customers well when it comes to quality and durability. It is however getting pushed by other makers in the technology race. Continue reading

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Safety First – NASCAR and RealResponse to Provide Participants with Anonymous Squawk Tool

This appears to be a response to the critics of the Next Gen car introduced for the 2022 season, which injured some during rear impacts – either being hit from behind or spinning off backwards into a wall. It clearly poses image problems for NASCAR, if drivers or fans or media think safety is not being, well, emphasized. The next Gen Car did in our view result in some positives. There were 19 different race winners, 20 adding the All-Star Race Ryan Blaney won, five first-time winners,  and a strong championship fight. Continue reading

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Honda Alabama Begins Making Largest Pilot SUV Ever

The largest Honda SUV ever, the new Pilot is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite and TrailSport**. The mid-sized, three-row SUV has a new, stronger and more capable platform that also provides more passenger and cargo space. With a new optional opening panoramic sunroof, the new Pilot is the only vehicle in its class to combine 8-passenger seating and this type of roof. Continue reading

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More Horsepower for All 2024 Mustang Engines Next Summer

In a release today, Ford Motor said that all seventh-generation 2024 Mustang engines will have more horsepower, starting with the Dark Horse rated at 500. It has a fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque* … Continue reading

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US Wholesalers at $9671 Billion Post 20% Increase in 2021

The latest data along with plummeting fuel prices and decreasing inflation are evidence that the Biden Administration economic program is producing promised results in spite of ongoing Republican opposition. In fact, some maintain that the Democrats are now the party of business after the disastrous Trump years. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Outlines EV Drive Systems Production Sites

The new Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network was achieved following what were likely dicey discussions with German employee representatives. Mercedes says this resulted in agreements to further increase flexibility and efficiency at the various locations, paving the way for securing the future of the plants. In line with the implementation of the Mercedes-Benz Business Plan, the company is investing a mid-single-digit billion-euro amount in its European powertrain production locations. Thus far worker protest or strikes are apparently non-existent. Continue reading

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Ram Recalls 1.3 Million Pickups for Sudden Tailgate Openings

Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling  more than 1.3 million  2019-2022 model year Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.

Customers, however, will not be notified until January 2023. Stellantis advises owners to secure cargo in the beds. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multi-function tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates. Continue reading

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EPA Automotive Trends – 2021 Fuel Economy at Record High. Emissions at Record Low.

Without question advancements in technology and government regulations are prodding industry to reach these carbon reduction achievements. In model year 2021, hybrid vehicles reached a new high of 9% of all production. These vehicles can use a larger battery to recapture braking energy and provide power when necessary, allowing for a smaller, more efficiently operated engine. Continue reading

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November Global Light Vehicle Selling Rate Lessens

In crude registration terms, November rose 3.2% YoY (year-on-year) to 7 million units. The year-to-date (YTD) figure now stands at under 1% below the corresponding period in 2021, though this is a weak base for comparison., LMC noted. China’s market decelerated sharply in November. In YoY terms, sales fell by 7% in November, ending five straight months of strong rebound. North America and Europe are still struggling YTD as supply-side factors continue to hamper sales. Continue reading

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US Airlines Add Jobs for 18th Consecutive Month of Growth

Scheduled US passenger airlines added 3398 full-time equivalents* in October for 18th consecutive month of job growth, the USDOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics said today as the Biden Administration economic recovery continued. Continue reading

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Biden Admin Making American Manufacturing Great Again

It is the latest fulfillment of the Biden Administration’s pledge to protecting American jobs, as well as the Constitution, in stark contrast to the last mis-administration. In Michigan, the Department of Energy also launched next steps in the Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI), a program geared toward supporting workforce training for good clean energy manufacturing jobs and the development of strategies to bring supply chains back home from overseas. Continue reading

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Subaru 2023 WRX – $31,000 – $45,000

The 2023 WRX arrives in retailers this Spring and  is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited and GT. At the heart of the matter, the WRX lineup has a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer® engine, rated at 271 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2000-5200 rpm. Active Torque Vectoring is also standard across the line. Continue reading

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US Bound – New Bio S.F. Edge – Maker Of Motoring History

A biography covering the life of Selwyn Francis Edge, commonly known simply as “SF,” a significant pioneer of motoring in Great Britain, was released in London this morning for sale in the American market.

In 1902, Selwyn Francis Edge drove a Napier to victory in the Gordon Bennett Cup, a race on public roads between Paris in France and Innsbruck in Austria. This it’s said was the start of serious British participation in motor racing. Continue reading

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Chief Marketing Officer Suzy Deering Abruptly Flees Ford Blue

Let the media speculation begin. However, as we have noted Ford Blue – the old internal combustion engine business that is being phased out, is not the future of Ford Motor. Neither now is it the future of Ms. Deering. Continue reading

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November Breaks Covid Fever in Western Europe Sales

The Western Europe passenger vehicle selling rate rose from 10.3 million units/year in October to 12.2 million units/year in November – the second strongest performance of the year behind August, according to data just released by the LMC Automotive consultancy*. … Continue reading

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