Category Archives: auto news

LG Energy Solution, Honda to Form US EV Battery Production

The two companies want to begin construction in early 2023, in order to enable the start of mass production of advanced lithium-ion battery cells by the end of 2025. The plant aims to have an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh but the location has not yet been established. Let the taxpayer-financed bidding war on incentives among the states begin. Continue reading

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DOJ Thwarts Chinese Takeover of Shipping Containers

It’s the latest example of the effective use of Industrial Policy for widespread and long-term consumer and business benefits that virtually all Republicans renounce in favor of policies that only benefit the wealthy, with accompanying tax-payer financed handouts, checks, tax policy and other aspects of a Republican welfare state run solely for the rich.  Continue reading

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US Retail New Vehicle Sales to Decline in July. Prices Up

Higher prices along with a rising interest rates are leading to monthly loan payments reaching new all-time highs. After breaking $700 for the first time ever in July, the average monthly finance payment in August is forecast to hit a record $716, up $78 from August 2021. That translates to a 12.2% increase in monthly payments from a year ago, which is above the 11.5% increase in transaction prices. Continue reading

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CJPT expels Hino over Emission Data Certification Fraud

In a move that appears to be an attempt to isolate Hino’s owner Toyota from the ongoing legal and other liabilities in the matter that started in 2003, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation “suggested that the misconduct committed by Hino is incompatible with CJPT’s * aspirations and goals and that the continued inclusion of Hino in activities will not gain the understanding of its customers and the public,” the Toyota statement said. Continue reading

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Canadian Industrial Policy Actively, Successfully Pursuing EV Climate and Economic Benefits with New Mercedes, VW MOUs

Free market ideologues, many of them backed by fossil-fuel-providers, disdain such progressive thinking and are positively scornful of a federally directed industrial policy such as the tiny one established in the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Not a single Republican voted for it. This, arguably, is the US’ first significant climate law since Congressional hearings were first conducted on the environment 40 years ago. It’s also significant change in political philosophy toward rational thinking over ideology. Continue reading

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Club of 25: McLaren Solus GT revealed

That virtual-to-reality world is tiny. A special commission for just 25 customers with all cars already sold. The single-seat, closed-cockpit track car was unveiled during Monterey Car Week in California by Michael Leiters, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Officer Continue reading

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ZDX and Type S To Be Acura’s First Pure EVs in 2024

Acura today announced that its first full-electric SUV coming to market in 2024 will be named the Acura ZDX. Acura will also launch with a ZDX Type S performance variant. The ZDX will be the first production model to use many of the styling themes of the new Acura design direction introduced during Monterey Car Week in the form of the Acura Precision EV Concept. Continue reading

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Covid Recovery: GM Stock Dividend Returns

GM suspended its quarterly dividend in April of 2020 in response to uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. While some uncertainty still exists, AutoInformed thinks that the ongoing successes of the Biden Administration’s public health and employment policies – particularly the passage of the Stop Inflation Recovery Act of 2022 – are reasons for optimism. Continue reading

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IMSA 2023 – Acura ARX-06 GTP Racer Revealed

The latest in a line of Acura endurance racing prototypes, the ARX-06 features Acura-specific bodywork and aerodynamics based around an all-new widely used ORECA LMDh chassis** with an electrified hybrid power unit – a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V6 internal combustion engine designed, developed and manufactured by Honda Performance Development [HPD], the racing arm for Acura Motorsports in North America. Continue reading

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First Look – 2023 Dodge Hornet and Hornet R/T PHEV

There are three versions of the Dodge brand’s new entry in the compact utility vehicles (CUV) segment. The line consists of Hornet R/T; the Hornet GT, claimed to be the quickest, most powerful CUV under $30,000; and the Hornet GT GLH Concept, which uses optional Direct Connection performance parts upgrades. Continue reading

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Success Threatens EVs as Public Charging Lacks Juice

“Public charging continues to provide challenges to overall EV adoption and current EV owners alike,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of global automotive at J.D. Power. “Not only is the availability of public charging still an obstacle, but EV owners continue to be faced with charging station equipment that is inoperable. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program promises to provide funds to states for building out their EV public charging infrastructure.” Continue reading

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BMW M is Testing a High-Performance EV Prototype

The testing at the moment centers on a four-wheel drive system with four electric motors and an integrated driving dynamics control system. BMW claims that together they provide an unprecedented level of performance and experience. If successful – not a bad bet – it could bring another aspect to the meaning of amped-up AutoInformed opines. Continue reading

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Up-sizing and Pricing: Chevy ZR2 Bison Now on Silverado

Deliveries will start in 2023 with a MSRP of $78,490 after destination. This is $8,295 more than the 2022 Silverado ZR2. Is it worth the money for modest changes in specifications and no increase in output? Well, performance trucks are a hot segment – we will see what the market will reveal. Continue reading

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Aston Martin DBR22 Concept Shown in California

Q by Aston Martin this year marks a decade of building exclusive cars for the “world’s most discerning” – or is that richest – customers? There exist one-off commissions such as Aston Martin Victor, and low volume specials such as Vulcan – limited to 24 examples worldwide, and Vantage V600 – just 14, are examples of these collaborations. Continue reading

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First Look at Nowhere – 2023 GMC Canyon and AT4X

No, the expensive truck division of GM wasn’t referring to the well-publicized industry semi-conductor and other shortages induced by Covid that has severely restricted production. Instead GMC was trying to emphasize the off-road aspects of the mid-size pickup truck.

Instead GMC was trying to emphasize the off-road aspects of the mid-size pickup truck. Continue reading

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