Category Archives: auto news

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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Two Bronco Heritage Models New for 2023

Ford will build 1966 units of each Heritage Limited Edition model to commemorate the year the original Bronco debuted, which given the ongoing parts shortages likely will result in fewer less expensive versions. Continue reading

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First Look – All Electric Mercedes EQS SUV

First Look: All Electric Mercedes EQS SUV Continue reading

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VW Recalls Audi, Golf Models for Exploding Airbags

In the required NHTSA filing made public today VW Group said, “Audi is aware of one customer claim due to this issue.” The issues are an inflator explosion that may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. And/or an improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash. Continue reading

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Western European Car Sales Point to a Recession

Well partially yes, but AutoInformed’s reading of economic data leads us to believe that Europe is in an ongoing recession as the US economy is growing. LMC’s take is, arguably, more optimistic than ours. Continue reading

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Transportation Unemployment Now at Pre-Pandemic Levels

This means that the July 2022 rate – by falling 3.1 percentage points from 7.3% in July 2021 – is now same as the pre-pandemic July level of 4.2% in July 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 under the failed policies and denials of what would become the voted-out Trump Administration in November 2020. Thus the Biden Administration policies continue to strongly benefit the economy and US workers. Continue reading

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Back to School – E Before Q at MBUSA

The program is hosted in Alabama and will provide a three-day training session designed to educate, and electrify Mercedes-Benz team members nationwide. Continue reading

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Stellantis: $99 Million for New Engine at Three N.A. Plants

“Today’s $83 million investment from Stellantis at the Dundee Engine Complex is a win for our auto workers and will help us secure the future of hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturing right here in Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Continue reading

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Stellantis: Record First Half 2022 at €8.0 Billion Net Profit

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA), the mega merger of  FCA and Peugeot, posted record profitability during the first half or 2020 because of increasing sales of low emission vehicles (LEV), which include battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles. Stellantis said it ranked second in the EU30 market for BEV and LEV sales) and third in the U.S. market for LEV sales. Stellantis’ global BEV sales were up nearly 50% y-o-y to 136k units in H1. The Company now offers 20 BEVs, with an additional 28 BEVs to be launched through 2024. Continue reading

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Police Pickup: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro SSV

Ford, which is badly behind in EV sales and development – it made 14,000 EVs in June – has an opportunity here. Ford has been providing police departments with the than 70 years. Ford Pro customers include more than 12,000 police departments across the country now. Ford said “its police vehicle lineup outsells all other police vehicles combined1. The company attributes this success and customer loyalty to the automaker’s close collaboration with its customers through the Ford Police Advisory Board. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Posts Good Earnings But Weak Net Income

However, Ford’s net income was $667 million, a margin of 1.7%, which included a mark-to-market loss of, gulp, $2.4 billion on Ford’s stake in Rivian. Ford is also in the process of slashing costs under its latest restructuring plan, but refused to comment on pending job cuts, which are being reported as around 8000, only to confirm that there are too many people employed at Ford. Continue reading

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