Category Archives: auto news

Department of Labor Sues Hyundai U.S. Over Child Labor

Posted on 31 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“A 13-year-old working on an assembly line in the United States of America shocks the conscience,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman. “As we work to stop illegal child labor where we find it, we also continue to ensure that all employers are held accountable for violating the law.” Continue reading →

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Subaru 2025 WRX tS Debuts at Wicked Big Meet

Posted on 30 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Today Subaru announced its new performance 2025 model WRX tS will make its first public appearance at Wicked Big Meet, America’s largest Subaru enthusiast festival, on June 2. The tS trim level offers increased performance and handling capability and ride comfort with a new STI-tuned suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and revised suspension tuning. Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2025 model, which will be at dealers early next year. Continue reading →

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Don’t Drive 2002-2006 Nissan and Infiniti Models

Posted on 30 May 2024 by Ken Zino

NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible and follow any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer. Nissan and Infiniti are offering free towing, mobile repair, and in some locations, loaner vehicles. Continue reading →

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OPTIQ EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today revealed the new 2025 OPTIQ, an entry-level Cadillac luxury EV. OPTIQ is the least-expensive EV in lineup. This is Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the barely-selling LYRIQ mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. This fall OPTIQ joins the expensive ~$300,000+ CELESTIC sedan and the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000). Next year, the VISTIQ appears in showrooms. OPTIQ pricing starts at an estimated $54,000 for the Luxury trim, Sport will be more  expensive [footnote 10],* including destination charges, excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Obvious competitors include Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Lexus RZ. Continue reading →

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UAW Strikes Again – This Time at Penske Logistics in El Paso

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Members of UAW Local 286 walked off the job this morning in an “unfair labor practice strike” following the company’s “refusal to negotiate a first contract in good faith.” More than 40 workers in the clerical unit of the Penske Logistics operation in  El Paso, TX, voted to form their union more than a year ago. They have allegedly been stonewalled by the company in their attempt to win a first contract. Members are seeking fair pay, real paid time off, and better benefits, particularly health care. Penske Logistics did not immediately respond to an AutoInformed request for comment.

“The company’s refusal to sit down with workers and hash out a deal with fair pay and benefits so workers can care for their families is unacceptable,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “It’s time for Penske to get serious and negotiate in good faith.” Continue reading →

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UAW Petitions NLRB Over Mercedes Alabama Vote

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Over 2000 Mercedes workers voted yes to win their union after an unprecedented, illegal anti-union campaign waged against them by their employer. What that tells us is that in a fair fight, where Mercedes is held accountable to following the law, workers will win their union. All these workers ever wanted was a fair shot at having a voice on the job and a say in their working conditions. And that’s what we’re asking for here. Let’s get a vote at Mercedes in Alabama where the company isn’t allowed to fire people, isn’t allowed to intimidate people, and isn’t allowed to break the law and their own corporate code, and let the workers decide,” the UAW said in a statement to AutoInformed. Continue reading →

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New Porsche 911 Carrera, GTS Carrera Hybrids Debut

Posted on 28 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Porsche is offering the new 911 Carrera as a coupé at a starting price of €128,700 including VAT and country-specific equipment. Prices for the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé start at €170,600. The price of the optional aero kit package for the 911 Carrera GTS is €2713.20, including VAT and country-specific equipment. Deliveries in Germany will begin in late summer for the 911 Carrera, and in late 2024 for the 911 Carrera GTS. Continue reading →

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Mazda, Subaru, Toyota to Make Future Generation De-Carbonized Internal Combustion Engines

Posted on 28 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) said today in a joint release that each is committed to developing new internal combustion engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. “This process has clarified the role that future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve stand-alone engine performance but also optimize their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each,” the Japanese automakers said. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Group Recalls ID.4 EVs for Bad Software

Posted on 27 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling ~80,000 2021-2023 ID.4 compact electric SUVs. Bad software in the affected electric vehicles may have center displays and instrument panel displays from LG Electronics in Poland that do not boot, or that sporadically reset. This can result in loss of speedometer information or loss of rearview camera image. Continue reading →

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Old Fashion Racing as Newgarden’s Daring Pass Wins Indy 500

Posted on 27 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Multiple early-race caution flags prompted different pit strategies among the 33 starters. Consistent with NTT IndyCar Series competition, the strategies played out during the final 40 laps as the battle for the win was fought out between five drivers. But in the end it wasn’t strategy, but pure driving skill and daring commitment that led to victory. Continue reading →

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Hydrogen – Plug Power Energy Gets $1.6B Loan Guarantee

Posted on 24 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come,” said Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office. Continue reading →

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May 2024 US New Vehicle Sales Forecast Up

Posted on 23 May 2024 by Ken Zino

US new-vehicle sales for May 2024, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast at 1,446,800, a 2.9% increase from May 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* May 2024 has … Continue reading →

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Safe Summer Driving – 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Tips

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino

With the un-official summer driving season due to begin this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a NON-CRASH COURSE in safe driving. Harmless driving is more than keeping a gas tank sufficiently full. Always plan enough time on long trips to stop, to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Above all don’t drive distracted; defy speed limits, and do drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs whether legal or illicit can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. They can and do ruin the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time. Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – VW ID.7 Luxury Sedan Delayed or Killed?

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino

In a terse statement issued by Volkswagen today in Reston VA, the German automaker said that it is delaying the introduction of the ID.7 sedan in the U.S. and Canada, “as market dynamics continue to change.” Rough translation from AutoInformed: the car market in the US continues to shrink and VW has been a weak player in this segment for decades. More economic dollars and sense can be obtained promoting the ID.Buzz van due in the Fourth Quarter and marketing the already on sale 2024 ID.4 SUV. Continue reading →

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Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Today, I am following through on my commitment to stand up to the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices by issuing a formal proposal to modify the tariff actions,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The President has directed me to make substantial tariff increases on targeted, strategic products, and this is an important step to carry out that vision. The President and I will continue to fight for American workers, and for our economic future and national security.” Continue reading →

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