Category Archives: environment

GM Has Renewable Solar Power Deal for Three Plants

“By expanding our renewable electricity portfolio, we are taking a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our broader sustainability goals,” says Rob Threlkeld, GM director of global energy strategy. “This facility not only supports our renewable electricity strategy, but also demonstrates our dedication to a sustainable future for all.” Continue reading

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CARB Settles Nuisance Odor Case at AB&I Foundry

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) said today that they finalized a settlement with McWane, Inc., doing business as AB&I Foundry, of East Oakland, Calif., to resolve nuisance odors and permit … Continue reading

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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

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Takata Flack II – Mazda Issues Do Not Drive Alert

Mazda North American Operations today issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning about its vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags that were recalled, buts still are unrepaired.  NHTSA made the documents public. Mazda apparently did not bother to alert media outlets about this life threatening safety defect. Ford Motor to its credit did. Continue reading

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More Takata Flack – Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory

Ford Motor today issued a “do-not-drive advisory for owners of vehicles who have not yet had their vehicles repaired under three past Takata airbag safety recalls. These previously announced recalls are Ford recalls 15S21, 17S42, and 19S01. The first issued in 2015, involve several vehicle lines equipped with Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators. This do-not-drive advisory is the second Takata related do-not-drive recall advisory issued by Ford and it is intended to encourage owners to complete the recall repairs immediately. Continue reading

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EPA – State Fuel Waivers for ExxonMobil Refinery Shutdown

The action comes after progressive Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the EPA, “requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and help mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans.” Continue reading

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Bosch Buys HVAC businesses from Johnson Controls, Hitachi

The businesses Bosch wants to buy had  sales revenue totaling ~€4 billion in 2023, employing ~12,000 people worldwide. The transaction includes 16 manufacturing sites and 12 engineering locations in more than 30 countries. The product portfolio covers vast HVAC products for residential and light commercial buildings. This includes brands such as York and Coleman in the U.S. and Hitachi in Asia, for which Bosch will be granted a long-term license. Continue reading

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Fleet Owners with EVs and Traditional Vehicles Favor EVs

“The electric-vehicle story is much larger than just the retail story,” said Zo Rahim, senior analyst of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive. “In many ways, electric vehicles can be an ideal solution for many fleet operations, which often have set routes of known distances, vehicles that routinely overnight in the same location, and operations that prioritize the cost of ownership. The fleet business is significant in the U.S. market, and we expect the EV share of the fleet market to expand in the coming years.” Continue reading

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EPA Grant to Holcim U.S. for Clean Cement

In the U.S., Holcim is the largest cement manufacturer and a top five producer of aggregates and ready-mix concrete, with approximately 7000 employees. Holcim’s so-called Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Accelerator Project will increase the transparency of data on environmental emissions associated with the production of construction materials; generate robust EPDs with a diversity of manufacturers from across the U.S.; and drive market demand for lower carbon construction materials. These projects represent the three construction materials in Holcim’s portfolio: cement, asphalt, and ultra-high-performance concrete. Continue reading

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Largest Ever Clean Air Act Fine Imposed on Marathon Oil

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached a settlement with Marathon Oil Company* over Clean Air Act violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The settlement requires that Marathon pay a civil penalty of $64.5 million, the largest ever for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources, which include downstream facilities such as oil and gas tank systems. Under the settlement agreement, Marathon will implement extensive compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions from more than 200 facilities across the state. Continue reading

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Polestar 6 Concept EV Hill Climbing at Goodwood

Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) is at Goodwood Festival of Speed showing its expanded model line-up with the new Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 electric SUVs joining the Polestar 2. They are accompanied by the Polestar 6 Concept, marking the dynamic debut for the electric roadster concept.

“Now we are a brand with three models in production it’s great to see them here together for the first time at a global event. Goodwood Festival of Speed is full of the most exciting cars and the most enthusiastic crowds,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, a Chinese-owned company. Continue reading

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Tilt! Stellantis Now Favoring Hybrids in Europe

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that is changing its self-described multi-energy approach to respond to the sharp rise in sales of hybrid vehicles in Europe, including models equipped with its new “advanced hybrid eDCT technology.”* The company will offer 30 … Continue reading

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Stellantis Adds Another $55 Million to Archer Aviation

“Few things rival the excitement of seeing a dream take flight. I applaud the innovation, expertise and hard work of the engineering and manufacturing teams from Stellantis and Archer,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With this additional investment in Archer, we remain on course for a future where freedom of mobility extends beyond today’s roads.” Continue reading

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Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV – $389 a Month!

Honda this week announced lease options for the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, America’s first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The zero-emissions compact CUV will be available in California starting 9 July, with three leasing options, at $389, $459, and $489 per month. This is a form of space age NASA advanced technology at Honda prices without the requisite trip to the moon, unless you have those views about California. Continue reading

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Stellantis Updates Circular Economy Initiatives at IARC

“Since the introduction of SUSTAINera, in 2022, we achieved very positive results in areas such as parts re-manufacturing, battery recycling and end-of-life vehicles”, said Alison Jones, Senior Vice President of Stellantis’ Global Circular Economy, who delivered a keynote presentation at International Automotive Recycling Congress (IARC), in Antwerp, Belgium. “We remain committed to our target to increase recycling revenues by ten times and achieve more than €2 billion in total circular economy revenues by 2030 – fully in line with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.” Continue reading

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