Category Archives: auto news

Daimler Boards Approve Spin Off of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler Truck as Two companies. Shareholder Vote in October

In a high stakes move by the Daimler AG Board of Management and Supervisory Board (ticker symbol DAI) to separate two very different businesses and insulate the parent company from financial threats that Global Warming, connected and autonomous vehicles and automaker upheavals are causing, approved making Mercedes-Benz Cars and Daimler Truck independent companies. Continue reading

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Tesla Model 3 – Europe’s Second Best-Selling Car in June 21. Low Emission Cars at Record Share. Makers Lagging Buyers

Notably, low emissions cars (BEV and PHEV) continued to perform well, recording a new record total market share of 18.5% – up from 8.2% in June 2020. Registrations of BEVs totaled 126,000 units during the month, ahead of the 104,000 registered PHEV units. Yes that’s right pure EVs out sold hybrids, which were at the center automakers plans to fight emissions and global warming. Fiat, Tesla, Skoda, Volkswagen and Ford gained the largest market share in the BEV market while Cupra, Jeep, Volkswagen, Renault and Seat posted the highest market share gains in the PHEV market. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Posts Q2 Revenue $26.8B, Net Income $56M, Earnings $1.1B as Market Share Drops

During April with the semiconductor situation worsening, Ford said it expected to lose about 50% of its planned second-quarter production, which would have resulted in a loss in the period. Ford did better than that using the strong demand from the Biden Administration economic boom to improve revenue and profits through lower incentives and a more expensive and profitable mix of vehicles. These generated company-wide adjusted earnings of $1.1 billion before interest and taxes. Continue reading

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SEC Charges Nikola Founder Trevor Milton With Fraud

The SEC’s complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Milton founded Nikola in 2015 with the primary goal of manufacturing trucks that run on alternative fuels with low or zero emissions, and building an alternative fuel station infrastructure to support those vehicles. Milton allegedly helped Nikola raise more than $1 billion in private offerings and go public through a business combination conducted by a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Posts Record Q2 Results

“Our business produced an all-time record second quarter driven by strength across all areas of our business. Strong volume and vehicle margins, improving service and parts operations, a growing Class 8 commercial truck market, record performance at Penske Transportation Solutions, and continuing cost controls all contributed to the record performance. I am particularly pleased with the continued expense discipline driving an 1,860-basis point improvement in selling, general, and administrative expense as a percent of gross profit,” said Chair and CEO Roger Penske. Continue reading

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California Greenhouse Gases – Emissions Drop Continues

“This inventory is good news, but much larger reductions are needed to reach the ambitious 2030 target — an additional 40% reduction below the original 2020 limit,” said CARB Chair Liane M. Randolph. “We are now once again witnessing massive wildfires and recurring heat waves while large parts of our state are suffering from extreme drought. This is a clear call to redouble our efforts to protect those communities already hard hit by pollution and climate change, and to move with all possible speed to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century as quickly as possible.” Continue reading

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Ford Ion Park in Southeastern MI is New Global Battery Center

Ion Park will explore both lithium ion and solid-state battery cells and arrays. Ford will refurbish an existing 270,000 sq.-ft. facility. It will have a cross-functional team of up to 200 engineers, researchers, purchasing and finance staff. Ford Ion Park is critical in wisely spending the stockholder’s $30 billion investment in electrification by 2025. Politically it is part of a renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of its focus on electric vehicles. Continue reading

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EU – Rideable Bench Wins Ford Fund Smart Mobility Challenge

“TOD” is designed as an adaptable system with static and mobile modes.  Static it is a bench that can be extended to accommodate three people. Accessories such as chairs and corners can easily by added using a plug-in style kit system, while a flat square can be connected to two benches to form a picnic table. Continue reading

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First Look – Mercedes EQS All-Electric Sedan

By 2030, the subsidiary of Daimler now – belatedly? – wants more than half the cars it sells to have electric drive systems – this includes all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, areas it has been slow to embrace. Continue reading

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Ford Refresh95 Cabin Air Filter Tweaks Interior Air Quality

Ford Refresh95 availability is expected during Q4 2021 for some vehicles, including the Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, Mustang Mach-E, Police Interceptor Utility and Maverick. Ford says customers won’t need to purchase a new vehicle. People with compatible vehicle will be able to purchase a Ford Refresh95 air filter from their local Ford dealer, starting later this year. Continue reading

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GM Adds New Hands-Free Super Cruise to 6 MY 2022 Vehicles

GM launched Super Cruise in 2017 with the Cadillac brand and has added capabilities, expanded Super Cruise-enabled routes and availability on more products since then. To date, approximately 10 million miles have been driven by customers using Super Cruise across the U.S. and Canada. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz – New Platforms Electric Only From 2025

AutoInformed thinks it was prompted by runaway global warming and the increasing desire of consumers – and above all regulators and nations of affluent people – to eliminate fossil fuels. Daimler investments into combustion engines and plug-in hybrid technologies will drop by 80% between 2019 and 2026. Continue reading

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Commerce to Make $3B Economic Development Investment

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan delivered direct relief to the American people and was the first step to energizing the American economy following the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary Raimondo. “Now, its medium-term investments will allow communities around the country not only rebuild but re-imagine their economy for the future.” First announced on April 14, the plan has faced Republican opposition obstructionism because it apparently helps the working class and is that their usual program of ultra-rich welfare. Continue reading

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Ongoing COVID Related Problems Just Discovered. Michigan Experiencing Increase in Legionnaires’ Disease?

As many buildings are currently reopening after extended COVID-19 closures or periods of limited use, this may also create an environment for potential amplification and transmission of Legionella bacteria. Between 1 July 1 and 14 July 107 cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported in 25 counties. Continue reading

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Electrify America, Volvo to Give XC40 Drivers Fast Charging

The incentive will apply to first owners of all 2022 XC40 and C40 Recharge vehicles. Additional models and “benefits” will be announced by the Chinese-owned Volvo. Once drivers have used all of their complimentary charging, they will automatically be eligible for Electrify America’s Pass+, said to allow drivers to charge at discounted rates, with membership fees covered by Volvo for an entire year.   Continue reading

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