Category Archives: auto news

Floorplan – Stellantis Buys First Investors Financial Services

This is either an opportunity or survival necessity, depending on your viewpoint. It will allow Stellantis to provide customers and dealers a range of financing options, including retail loans, leases, and floorplan financing in the near term. A so-called “captive U.S. finance company”  will provide revenue, marketing incentives and mobility services in the digital age for customers who purchase Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Continue reading

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Toyota Georgetown Kentucky Plant Set for $461M Upgrade. Lexus Manufacturing Leaving US

According to the Japanese global automotive giant, an investment of $461 million will add advanced manufacturing equipment and technologies, coupled with facility layout improvements, which will increase the plant’s operational speed, flexibility and competitiveness. These improvements will expand TMMK’s ability to produce new products, including future electrification. Continue reading

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Ford, Newlab Announce Five Cleaner Transportation Startups

“Together, Ford and Newlab are building upon our nation’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and the effects of climate change by advancing commercial fleet electrification,” said Matt Stover, director of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. Continue reading

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General Motors Q3 Earnings – $2.9 Billion

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported third-quarter earnings of $2.922 Billion. GM said it is on track to deliver full-year 2021 EBIT-adjusted earnings approaching the high end of its guidance range of $11.5B to $13 Billion. EBIT-adjusted was $2.9 … Continue reading

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GM to Expand EV Charging – 40,000 Stations, New Smart Chargers

Through the GM Dealer Community Charging Program, its dealers to set up Level 2 charging stations (EVSE) at key locations in the dealer’s respective communities, including workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, sports and entertainment venues, college, and universities. These charging stations will be available to all EV customers, not just those who purchase a GM EV. Today, nearly 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a GM dealership. The first Ultium Chargers will ship early next year with customers able to roll the price into their GM Financial lease or financial contracts.
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GMC Shows Sierra Denali Ultimate and AT4X – $$$$$

Just bring money. Base pricing for each trim will be available at reservation. MSRP15, including destination charge, for Denali Ultimate is $80,395, AT4X is $74,995, Denali is $61,295, AT4 is $60,995, SLT is $50,895, Elevation is $45,495, SLE $43,895 and Sierra Pro is $32,495. Full pricing will be announced closer to the start of production. Continue reading

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NTSB – Fatal Texas Tesla Crash Shows Seats Were Occupied

Contrary to some sensationalist media reports, the Tesla was occupied by a driver and one passenger, both of whom died in the crash. Damage to steering wheel pictured was due to an impact as the Tesla reached a speed of 67 mph during the 5 seconds leading up to impact. Continue reading

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Stellantis, Samsung SDI JV for NA Battery Manufacturing

The latest Joint Venture for Lithium-Ion Battery Production in North America comes just days after Stellantis announced that it had entered with LG Energy Solution a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture to produce battery cells and modules for North America. Thus the battery gold rush among major automakers continues with vast unknowns on how EVs will pan out among consumers. Continue reading

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Stellantis, LG Energy JV for North American Battery Production

The batteries produced at the new facility will be supplied to Stellantis assembly plants throughout the US, Canada and Mexico for installation in next-generation electric vehicles ranging from plug-in hybrids to full battery electric vehicles that will be sold under the Stellantis family of brands. Stellantis was created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler , aka FCA, and Peugeot or PSA. Continue reading

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Toyota to Spend $3.4B for US Battery Manufacturing

Toyota Motor North America also announced today that it will establish a new company and build an automotive battery plant together with Toyota Tsusho in the US. Production is expected to start in 2025, the project includes an investment of approximately $1.29 billion until 2031, which includes funds that will be used to develop land and build facilities, resulting in the creation of 1,750 new American jobs. Continue reading

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GM Plant Workers Face Threats After Voting Out Corrupt Union

On 17 and 18 August, workers at the General Motors (GM) plant in Silao, Mexico, voted against the current collective bargaining agreement, which since 2008 has been controlled by Tereso Medina, general secretary of the Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM). A total of 6,480 workers cast their ballot. There were 2,623 votes in favor of the agreement, 3,214 against, and 39 spoiled ballots. As a result, the current collective agreement is in the process of being scrapped. Workers will not lose any of their rights, and their benefits and working conditions will remain the same until new representatives are elected. Continue reading

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France – HYVIA JV Unveils First Hydrogen Prototype

Next prototypes to come include a Master Chassis Cab H2-TECH,a large van with more cargo space (19m3) and a range of about 250km; Master Citybus H2-TECH, an urban minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers for businesses, municipalities, and local public services, with a range of about 300km. Continue reading

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Stellantis on SAE Level 3 Public Road Autonomous Driving

At SAE Level 3, the driver does not need to monitor the driving circumstances constantly but must take back control when the system requests. L3Pilot, the flagship research and innovation project in Europe, is arguably one of the most important for the future of automated driving since it is focused on testing and evaluating the technology as a safe and efficient means of transportation in real traffic conditions. It also assessed technical aspects, driving behavior, user acceptance and impact on traffic and safety. Continue reading

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China: Nippon Steel Sues Toyota over Steel Sheet Patent

The conflict arises from Baoshan Iron & Steel, based in Shanghai, China, and a subsidiary of state-owned China Baowu Steel Group. It is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Toyota uses Baoshan steel sheet. It comes at a time when the Biden Administration is wrestling with US trade policy with China. The former administration started a trade war that cost US jobs, damaged the agricultural sector, and was a disaster for the US auto industry in China, the world’s largest vehicle market. It is also involved in a dispute about whether proposed lavish EV buyer tax credits should apply to imported and non-union made electric vehicles. Continue reading

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Honda Aircraft Shows First Light Jet Able to Cross US Nonstop

The HondaJet 2600 also has the tallest cabin height. It has class-leading pressurization with a cabin altitude of 6,363 feet at its max operating altitude. HondaJet 2600 will offer 3 types of modular and customizable cabin configurations. Continue reading

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