Category Archives: environment

First Look – All-Electric Volvo ES90 Hatchback

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today debuted an all-new, fully electric ES90. With order-books open now in some markets, the ES90 is the latest addition to  Volvo cars. It is the sixth fully electric model in the line, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30 as Volvo continues to covert to full electrification.

“The ES90 combines the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs. It’s a versatile car that does not compromise on comfort or space. A car that allows for bigger adventures and families, striking the perfect balance between your professional and private life, and allowing you to embrace the special moments in life,” Chinese-owned Volvo Cars said. Continue reading

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Counterfeit Airbag Threat Still Growing

“While this issue is in the news once again, sadly it is not new. For nearly a decade, Honda has been involved in efforts to stop the sale and trafficking of counterfeit airbags, including helping establish an industry-wide coalition of automakers known as the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council or “A2C2.” In the effort to keep these life-threatening parts from entering the supply chain, our coalition has provided expert testimony in court, accompanied Department of Homeland Security officers on counterfeit raids, and trained law enforcement officers who play a critical role in identifying and taking down illicit counterfeit operations.

“Undoubtedly, these actions save lives, but the best solution is to stop these fake airbags from reaching the market in the first place. To do that, we need to give law enforcement the tools and authority they need to act. That’s why Honda has been at the forefront of a national effort to expand the narrow authority law enforcement currently has, primarily under federal trademark law. I’m proud to say we’ve made significant progress: 38 states have adopted our model legislation prohibiting the trafficking of fake airbags. However, with consumers in 12 more states still unprotected, and the fact that vehicles frequently cross state lines, we still have work to do. Continue reading

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Kia Recalls Seltos and Soul Models for Fires

“Due to a quality deviation by the piston oil ring supplier, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul, the piston ring may, over time, damage the surface of the cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. If the vehicle is continually operated in this condition, engine damage and/or seizure can occur, resulting in loss of motive power. In limited cases, a fire may occur from engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component due to a hole in the engine block,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading

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IP Software Failure – Hyundai Recalls Genesis Models

“An inoperative or degraded IP cluster image could mask essential gauges, such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, and certain on-screen notifications associated with motive powertrain, increasing the risk of a crash,” Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading

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Trump Chaos – Voters Support Park and Forest Services

As part of recent budget cuts mandated by the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, aka Trump Chaos 2.0, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service laid off more than 3000 workers across the country. From park rangers and environmental educators to locksmiths and trail maintenance and wildfire prevention workers, the layoffs impacted a wide-ranging group of workers.

However, new polling from Data for Progress* finds that strong, bipartisan majorities of likely voters hold favorable views of the U.S. National Park Service (75%) and U.S. Forest Service (74%). Continue reading

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FAA to Increase Air Traffic Controller Trainee Hiring

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a new plan to increase the hiring of air traffic controllers. This announcement followed a tour of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center after a series of disastrous and fatal incidents under the unfriendly skies of Trump 2.0.

“Today’s visit reaffirmed how being an air traffic controller is one of the best, most rewarding jobs in America, and that the next generation at the Academy is the best in the world. I witnessed firsthand the dedication, skill, and rigor that our future air traffic controllers bring to their training and the urgent need to do all that we can to recruit more people to join in our shared mission of safety in our skies,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Continue reading

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EV Satisfaction Improves But Trump Chaos Looms

“The elimination of EV tax incentives and public charging funding has the potential to affect two critical barriers to EV adoption: public charging availability and vehicle prices,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “This temporary slowdown in market share growth for EVs creates a unique challenge for the industry as manufacturers forge ahead with new vehicle introductions. The EV market will be faced with expanded product offerings and flat share, creating increased competition.” Continue reading

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First Glance – 800-Volt Volvo ES90

Volvo (VOLCAR B:STO) said today that its new, fully electric car – the impending Volvo ES90 sedan – has new 800-volt technology in its latest electric model offering. The ES90 will be revealed globally on 5 March 2025.

“Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer. “It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go further on a single charge.” Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Testing Solid State Battery on Roads

Mercedes-Benz said today that its engineers from the road and racetrack worked in collaboration with Factorial cell engineers to deliver an all-new solid-state battery test program, resulting in the first car – a Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan – powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading

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Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming

Despite all the legal and political controversies surrounding the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, there is emerging clarity in one area with a high potential for damaging the auto industry and the U.S. economy. Anderson Economic Group identified the threat of tariffs as a “two-alarm fire for the auto industry” as early as November 2024. It recently estimated the costs per car of tariffs on Mexico and Canada at $4000 to $10,000, based on its analysis of ten different vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

“The Trade Expansion Act (TEA) has clear statutory authority. It’s been used before. It’ll probably be used again, whether now or next year, said Patrick Anderson,* Anderson Economic Group CEO today speaking to the Automotive Press Association. Continue reading

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Michigan Signs MOU With UAE

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), and leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the University of Michigan (U-M) to sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance global innovation, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation. The ceremony was attended by Robert Raines, Consul General of the United States in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with a delegation of business, academic, and innovation leaders from the State of Michigan.

“Michigan is an international leader in manufacturing and innovation,” said Governor Whitmer. “By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with RAK and the University of Michigan, we are highlighting our advanced manufacturing strength, engineering talent, and cutting-edge R&D while showing the world why they should continue to create jobs and invest in Michigan.” Continue reading

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Society of Automotive Analysts – New Board of Directors

The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) today announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives, will serve as SAA president, while Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData, moves into the vice president role. The SAA’s stated goals are to provide automotive professionals exclusive access to industry leaders, early insights and outstanding networking opportunities. “SAA members include every automotive industry professional interested in timely and useful auto industry data, discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions,” the SAA said. Continue reading

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Trump Tax Cuts for Rich among other things Wildly Unpopular

Data for Progress said today that House Republicans currently debating budget reconciliation are planning to extend and expand President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for corporations and high-income households, which are expected to cost trillions in the coming years. To pay for this, GOP Congress members have proposed slashing health care, food assistance, education funding, and many tax credits benefiting low-income communities and shifting costs to states and families.

Together with the Student Borrower Protection Center and Groundwork Collaborative, Data for Progress conducted a survey from 31 January – 2 February measuring voter sentiment toward cuts to federal funding and tax breaks for the wealthy. The poll shows that many government programs are very popular with likely voters: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP each have support from more than 3 in 4 respondents. Continue reading

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Toyota Develops New 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System

“The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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U.S. EV Adoption to Stall in 2025

“Amid a flurry of speculation about how Trump administration policies on everything from EV incentives and tariffs on foreign imports to federal emissions and mileage standards will affect the future of EV adoption, J.D. Power has focused its attention on the data, reassessing the major trends in EV adoption for the past four years, and analyzing current government policies and manufacturer strategies to get the most accurate reading possible on consumer sentiment heading into 2025. Though many variables are still at play, which could create potential headwinds and tailwinds to EV adoption, J.D. Power is projecting that 2025 will be a reset year for EV adoption, in which total retail share will hold at 9.1% as manufacturers and consumers adjust to new market dynamics,” J.D. Power said. Continue reading

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