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- Large European Job Cuts Coming at Ford, Again
- Lexus, Honda Top 2025 U.S. ALG Residual Values
- Pablo Di Si Out at VW Group of America
- DOJ – Cruise Deferred Prosecution for Pedestrian Crash
- Toyota Huntsville Finishes 168-acre Solar Array
- October Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate at 93 Million
- On Sale? New Vehicle Incentives Rise in October
- Vast Executive Reorganization at Hyundai Group
- National Recycling Plan Advancing Circular Economy
- First Look New 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV
- Chinese EV Trade Wars Hits Volvo Cars
- NHTSA Fines Ford $165M for Flouting Recall Law
- NLRB Rules Against Anti-Union Captive-Audience Meetings
- GM Recall for Wheel Lockup on Diesel Pickups and SUVs
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- NHTSA Fines Ford $165M for Flouting Recall Law | AutoInformed on Ford Recalls Defective Rear-view Cameras on 620,246 Vehicles
- Alfa Romeo Returns to Formula 1 in 2018 via Sauber on Alfa Romeo Returns to Formula 1 in 2018 via Sauber
- American Airlines and JetBlue Alliance Blocked | AutoInformed on Justice Sues to Block JetBlue’s Purchase of Spirit Airlines
- UAW President Shawn Fain on 2024 Presidential Election on Donald Trump is a Scab – UAW Endorses President Biden
- Toyota Motor FY2025 Q2 Earnings Down Significantly | AutoInformed on More Toyota Certification Problems Emerge from MLIT Probe
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Category Archives: people
Pablo Di Si Out at VW Group of America
Volkswagen Group of America effective December 12. Gruner succeeds Pablo Di Si, “who has stepped down from his position on his own request.” It was a short two year stint for Di Si. Until Kjell Gruner* takes office, Gerrit Spengler, the chief human resources officer of Volkswagen Group of America, will perform the function of interim CEO. So car guy out, Human resources in.
Yes, that’s right Human Resources is running a car company. It’s just the latest example of the chaos at VW globally as three plants are shutting in Germany and VW and Audi models are being dumped, and its plan to sell Scout vehicles directly is legally under attack by dealers. During the first nine months of the year, 769,000 vehicles were delivered in North America, an increase of more than 7% compared to the previous year. In the main US market though, the Volkswagen Group grew by only 1.5%. Continue reading
NLRB Rules Against Anti-Union Captive-Audience Meetings
The National Labor Relations Board today issued a decision in Amazon.com Services LLC, ruling that an employer violates the National Labor Relations Act by requiring employees under threat of discipline or discharge to attend meetings in which the employer expresses its views on unionization. Members Prouty and Wilcox joined Chairman McFerran in issuing the decision. Member Kaplan – a Trump appointee – dissented. Continue reading
Posted in labor issues, litigation, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged Amazon.com Services anti-union captive meetings, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David M. Prouty, Gwynne A. Wilcox, Ken Zino, Lauren McFerran, Marvin E. Kaplan, National Labor Relations Board, nlrb, X @KenAutoinformed
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McKinsey and Hire Heroes USA – Bridging Veteran Career Gaps
McKinsey& Company said today that it is working with Hire Heroes USA to bridge the career gap for veterans. About 60% of the estimated 150,000 U.S. active-duty service members who transition from the military each year earn less during their first year after being discharged versus what they earned during active duty, according to a recent McKinsey article.
“Hire Heroes USA gave me the confidence and tools to return to the workforce. After six years out of the workforce, three years battling cancer, I didn’t know how to navigate job searches and resume writing,” said Samantha Bell, a U.S. Navy veteran who works as a clinical instructor in ABA therapy. “The coaching, friendship, and resources were invaluable as someone who felt lost and alone.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Lewis, Hire Heroes USA, James O. McKinsey, Ken Zino, McKinsey & Company, Samantha Bell, veterans and employment, X @KenAutoinformed
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Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto – Formula One’s Newest Driver
The second driver for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 will be the 20-year old Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto. He will drive alongside German Nico Hülkenberg (37) for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber next year, which will become the Audi F1 factory team in 2026.
The experienced Hülkenberg, who was announced in April, and the promising F1 rookie Bortoleto form a Mutt and Jeff or opposite-experience driver pairing for Audi’s Formula 1 project. Bortoleto in 2023 stood out in his debut season winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship. The São Paulo native is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings. His career began at the age of six in karting, and by twelve, he had moved to Europe with his family to pursue his Formula 1 dream. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, performance, racing
Tagged 2026 Audi F1 factory team, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, formula one, Gabriel Bortoleto, Ken Zino, Nico Hülkenberg, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Presidency Effects on Auto Industry – All Bad?
After the election of Donald Trump, Jeff Schuster, Vice President Research Automotive at the GlobalData* consultancy, offered thoughts some of the changes expected in the US automotive industry from Trump 2.0. Fasten your safety belts! AutoInformed thinks it’s going to be a bumpy job, climate and economy threatening ride.
“Automotive is one of the sectors that could see a significant mid-term impact from the new Trump presidency in the areas of Trade, Electric Vehicle Transition and Regulations, “said Schuster this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GlobalData consultancy, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, second Trump Presidency, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. International Trade Deficit Up in September
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $84.4 billion in September, up $13.6 billion from $70.8 billion in August, revised. As the economy continues to expand, consumers are buying more raising the deficit. The news comes on Election Day where under new Trump Administration – if it returns – proposed tariffs by Trump will cost consumers billions upon billions of dollars, send the cost of living soaring and hurt the economy overall. Trumpa-nomics 2 the sequel: Tanking the Economy Again. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, balance of trade, Chinese trade war, Ken Zino, Trump economics nonsense, Trump taxes on the working class, US Trade deficit, X @KenAutoinformed
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Motorcycle Gang Members Charged with Violent Racketeering
This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Continue reading
Posted in blog, motorcycles, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chief Estella Patterson Raleigh Police Department, Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Ken Zino, Michael F. Easley Jr, Nicole M. Argentieri, Operation Broken Halo, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Red Devils Motorcycle Club, Sheriff Ennis W. Wright Cumberland County, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Activity, X @KenAutoinformed
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Deputy CEO Björn Annwall Leaves Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.ST)* today announced organizational changes that it said, “are designed to increase simplicity, speed and collaboration and reduce complexity by flattening our structure in the Commercial part of the business.” It is enhancing the responsibilities of the regions and empowering the employees that are closest to the customers to make key decisions. In a surprising move, Björn Annwall, current Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy CEO will support the transition of the new organization before taking his next step “outside of Volvo Cars.” The stock is currently trading at an all-time low.
“In a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure our organization is equipped to navigate a more challenging market. We are now regrouping our commercial leadership team with a focus on making Volvo Cars even stronger with increased speed and efficiency,” said Jim Rowan, CEO at Volvo Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Björn Annwall, Fredrik Olsson, Gretchen Saegh-Fleming, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Mike Cottone, Volvo Cars Executive Management Team, X @KenAutoinformed, Zhejiang Geely Holding of Volvo Cars
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IPR Center Warns Consumers of Chinese Counterfeit Airbags
CBP officers at U.S. ports of entry are looking at imports – particularly those from China – for shipments suspected of containing counterfeit automotive parts. During fiscal year 2023, CBP and HSI seized ~20,000 shipments containing goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights, equating to nearly 23 million counterfeit items. The total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the seized goods would have amounted to over $2.75 billion had they been genuine parts. Out of those shipments, ~100,000 items were counterfeit automotive goods, with a MSRP of over $10 million. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, manufacturing, quality, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brandon Lord, Chinese counterfeits of auto parts, Counterfeit Airbags, Homeland Security Investigations, Intellectual Property Rights, IPR Center, Ivan Arvelo, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Robert Stewart, Sophie Shulman, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, X @KenAutoinformed
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Environmental Justice Climate Corps Launches
“Our partnership is a first-of-its-kind effort within the federal government to expand pathways into environmental justice careers,” said Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator. “This program will create opportunities for young people through President Biden’s American Climate Corps that will help folks in overburdened communities access and benefit from historic funding secured under the President’s Investing in America agenda.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, environment, milestones, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged AmeriCorps VISTA, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Environmental Justice Climate Corps, Ken Zino, Michael D. Smith, Michael S. Regan, Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Shohei Ohtani and Taycan Turbo S
In an updated social media twist on what was once known as the rag trade in the New York garment district, Porsche said this morning there was a meeting Shohei Ohtani – the two-way player* – recently in Los Angeles, his adopted home. With all the well-deserved tsunami level of publicity surrounding Ohtani since his arrival in 2018, many were hoping to sign the Japanese-born athlete as the next star player on their team following the announcement of his departure from the Los Angeles Angels in late 2023.
*A two-way player is one who both pitches and hits. Babe Ruth was a hitter and pitcher between 1914 and 1935. When the owner of Red Sox traded him for enough cash to finance a stage show called My Lady Friends, The Curse of the Bambino was born – keeping the Red Sox (dead sox) from winning a World Series for 86 years from 1918 to 2004. Ruth as a ballplayer hit 714 home runs, won seven World Series titles, played on the 1927 Yankees, arguably the greatest team ever, and made the All-Star team twelve times. He was among the initial players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Full disclosure here as an ex-New Yorker who spent time in Yankee stadium with relatives, and even more time watching and talking baseball, the Dodgers have always been known in my clan since 1957 as that team that used to play in Brooklyn. Continue reading
North Carolina Parts Seller Fined for Emission Defeat Devices
North Carolina automotive parts manufacturer and seller, Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc. (Rudy’s), and its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay a total of $10 million in criminal fines and civil penalties for manufacturing, selling and installing devices, commonly known as “defeat devices,” used to remove or disable required emissions controls in motor vehicles, the U.S. Department of justice said today.
“Defeat devices, such as those sold by Rudy’s, can lead to pollution at high levels that pose health risks and harm the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This plea agreement and civil settlement show that we will take strong action to enforce the Clean Air Act and emissions controls requirements for motor vehicles.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged Aaron Rudolf, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, OBD defeat devices, Rudy’s Performance Parts, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden, X @KenAutoinformed
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IIHS On Intelligent Speed Assistance
“ISA systems have been around for several decades. Using GPS devices with speed limit maps, onboard sensors or cameras that “read” signs or both, they can identify the speed limit in the vehicle’s location and detect when the driver exceeds it, but they vary in their response. Unlike the unit I used, which worked by restricting the engine’s output, some systems only provide an audible or visual warning or make the accelerator harder to press. As of July 1, new vehicles sold in Europe are required to have ISA that at least provides a warning, and the California legislature is currently considering a similar mandate for vehicles sold in the state.
“Even without a legal requirement, ISA systems of various types are starting to appear as options on new vehicles in the U.S., and companies such as MAGTEC and Sturdy sell aftermarket ISA systems, primarily targeting fleet operators. Navigation apps also include speed warnings if the user chooses. Continue reading
Posted in autonomous vehicles, blog, electronics, engineering, litigation, news analysis, people, public health, safety, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ian Reagan, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Large European Job Cuts Coming at Ford, Again
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today its restructuring plans to create a badly needed more “cost-competitive structure.” The main focus is the health of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in Europe, where it incurred significant losses for years. Ford is also lagging in the European shift to electrified vehicles, and new competition – especially Chinese – has been disruptive. Through Q3 of 2024, Ford sales are down ~18% in Europe. Continue reading →