Category Archives: people

GM Annual Meeting Vote Strongly Endorses Board’s Strategy

The first item of business was  the election of 12 directors Each year the shareholders elect directors to serve for the coming year until their successors are elected.* The vote tally was based on the preliminary report provided by the Inspector of Elections, for the first item of business, the election of directors, all of the company’s director nominees were elected. Directors received on average a favorable vote of 97% of the votes cast (it will be official with exact numbers when an SEC filing is made.) More importantly in AutoInformed’s opinion is that all dissident shareholder proposals following that the Board recommended a vote against were soundly defeated. Continue reading

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GM Changing Software and Services Organization

“GM’s journey toward a tech-forward future is clearer than ever, thanks to the exceptional talent within our team and the leadership of Baris and Dave,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “They bring energy and vision, combined with extensive technical and management experience, that will continue to strengthen our software engineering and product teams. These elevated roles will ensure continuity, speed, and quality as software becomes even more central to the vehicle.” Continue reading

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

“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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UAW Petitions NLRB Over Mercedes Alabama Vote

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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Safe Summer Driving – 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Tips

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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Subaru to Relocate and Expand Central Region Office

“We are excited to expand our footprint and capabilities in the southern U.S., further supporting our customers and retailer network. Dallas is a vibrant area with diverse talent that will add fresh perspectives and further enhance our company culture,” said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer at Subaru of America. Last year, Subaru sold 632,086 vehicles in the U.S. through a network of more than 630 retailers. Continue reading

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Team Penske Front Row for 108th Indianapolis 500, But…

Chevrolet now holds 13 earned pole awards historically, and seven in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era since 2012. Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden led the two-hour practice today as teams shifted from the all-out speed of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying last weekend to stable setups for the race Sunday, 26 May. Newgarden turned a best lap of 226.238 mph in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet. However, 17 of the 33 starting positions are occupied by Honda, always a formidable racing competitor on any track. Continue reading

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Kia and Hyundai Models Have Highest Theft Rates in 2023

Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to a new report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Social media posts explaining how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in the latest data.

“These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. “NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.” Continue reading

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Clean Air Act – Prison for Man Disabling Emissions Controls

A man was sentenced today for ongoing violations of  the Clean Air Act through an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of diesel trucks. Davis Owens, 34, of Cleves, Ohio was sentenced to serve 30 days in prison, seven months of home confinement and one year of supervised release. Continue reading

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National Labor Relations Board Certifies VW Chattanooga UAW

The National Labor Relations Board has certified the results of the election in which Volkswagen Chattanooga employees voted for representation by the United Auto Workers. The battle with VW management – a later day version of the Ford Rouge battle of the bridge, included disgraceful interference by VW management instead of the neutrality stipulated under US labor laws. The Chattanooga plant has now become the symbol and rallying point of the tough fight for workers’ rights, bringing national or global attention to the struggles and potential of unionizing in the low-wage South. Continue reading

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Badass UAW Bargaining Committee Gets Record Daimler Deal

“Tonight, I’m in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I am honored to be joined by the badass bargaining committee representing over 7000 members at Daimler Truck North America,” Fain said. “We’re here tonight to announce a major victory for the members who build Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built buses. Today, we reached a tentative agreement with Daimler. What started thirty-two years ago this month at the Mt. Holly plant, when the courageous 17-day strikers stood up and won a historic, first of its kind agreement, has come full circle. Continue reading

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Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler Next

The battle with VW management – a later day version of the Ford Rouge battle of the bridge, included outrageous interference by VW management instead of the neutrality stipulated under US labor laws. The Chattanooga plant has now become the symbol and rallying point of the tough fight for workers’ rights, bringing national or global attention* to the struggles and potential of unionizing in the South. Daimler Truck is next. Continue reading

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April 20 – aka 420 – Marijuana Impaired Driving is Illegal

Today being 420 for stoners,* AutoInformed says don’t believe that marijuana won’t affect your driving. Driving impaired by any substance—alcohol or other drugs, whether legal or illegal—is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Continue reading

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EPA Grants Emergency Fuel Waiver for Ethanol

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline – gasoline blended with 15% ethanol – to be sold during the summer driving season. This allows Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations to sell the fuel that otherwise would be banned for the summer. Estimates show that on average, E15 is about $0.25 a gallon cheaper than E10. Continue reading

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US Justice Department Expands Carjacking Task Forces

The Justice Department today announced that 11 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have now established a carjacking task force to concentrate resources on the public safety threat. This latest move builds on the early efforts and best practices learned from carjacking task forces in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Columbia, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Middle District of Florida where available data show that carjacking rates are now falling. Continue reading

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