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- Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls
- Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers
- Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires
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Category Archives: environment
Fires Park Outside! – Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid EVs
“Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge,” Chrysler said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Airbag Failures – American Honda Recalls ~99,000 Vehicles
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling ~99,000 Acura and Honda models because the front passenger seat weight-sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. This is an expansion of a previous recall for the same safety defect.
“In the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an occupant (infant in child seat, child, or person smaller than AF5) for whom deployment should be suppressed, increasing the risk of injury.” Honda said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged Aisin Electronics Illinois airbag sensor recalls, American Honda safety defect recalls, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda and Acura air bag failure recall NHTSA 26V332 or 26V-332, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Air Resources Board Tweaks Cap-and-Invest
“At a moment when climate policy is under attack and global economic upheaval is creating real uncertainty, this rule-making is critically important for California,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with consistency. By moving forward today, we are responding to real affordability concerns while sending a clear and unwavering signal to the world that we remain committed to long-term investment in clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, CARB Cap-and-Invest Program Changes, energy affordability, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, X @KenAutoinformed
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Teen Drivers – Good Vehicle Buys With Solid Safety Credentials
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) said today they have identified 45 used vehicles starting under $10,000 that offer good crash protection and are suitable for teen drivers. Another 29 vehicles that also have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can be found for under $20,000. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, electronics, engineering, insurance, news analysis, opinions, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automatic emergency braking, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, consumer reports, CR Safety Verdict of Best, electronic stability control, Emily A. Thomas, iihs, IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Rebecca Weast, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese Junk Watch – E-Bully Youth Electric 1000W ATVs
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that E-Bully Youth Electric 1000W ATVs sold under various brand names including “Seangles” and “Offroad Mall” fail to comply with mandatory U.S. Federal ATV safety standards. They create a risk of serious injury or death.
“The youth ATVs fail to meet mechanical suspension requirements, and the reverse indicator light fails to illuminate, posing a crash hazard. The parking brakes fail to hold, posing a collision hazard. Additionally, the surfaces near the footwell can reach high temperatures posing a risk of severe burns,” CPSC said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Consumer Products Safety Commission, cpsc, E-Bully Youth Electric 1000W ATV recall, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lil Pick Up, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles Coming to EU Via Stellantis
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and the Dongfeng Group today announced their intention to form a European joint venture for shared sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and engineering activities. The joint venture would take responsibility for the sales and distribution of Dongfeng’s Voyah-branded vehicles in designated markets in Europe. This would circumvent EU tariff’s on Chinese-made vehicles. [Stellantis and Dongfeng Group recently announced the production of all-new Peugeot and Jeep models in China for the domestic market and export – AutoCrat]*
“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership to the benefit of customers around the world,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing, leveraging the best of Stellantis’ global footprint alongside Dongfeng’s access to China’s advanced new energy vehicles ecosystem.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, opinions, software defined vehicles
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, bevs, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles, extended-range EVs, fcvs, fuel cell vehicles, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, PHEVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Qing YANG, Rennes plant in France, Stellantis and Dongfeng, Voyah Free, Wuhan plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW N.A. Starts Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Sites
“BMW firmly believes in an electric future, and it’s no secret that reliable high-speed charging infrastructure remains essential to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, BMW of North America. “We currently offer one of the broadest portfolios of premium electric vehicles in the U.S., with the next-generation BMW iX3 arriving in the U.S. later this year. As our electric vehicle offerings continue to expand, initiatives like this help ensure our customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience wherever they travel.” Continue reading
First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV
“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.” [Today Honda posted its first Japanese full-year loss in history taking ~$9 billion in costs to restructure its electric-vehicle business. Honda also dumped its longer-term EV sales forecast.-AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, adas, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Motor posts first full-year operation loss, Honda two-motor hybrid system, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Toshihiro Mibe, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Starts $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks
The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today announced retailer enrollment is now open for the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) for electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks. CCFR is financed with revenue utilities generate from the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The innovative [and planet-saving initiative in AutoInformed’s view despite the ongoing efforts of the Trump Administration’s Environmental Pillaging Agency, aka EPA] plan is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate program for electric trucks in the country. This year $250 million will be available. There will be more than $1 billion in total rebate funding expected through 2030. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Clean Fuel Reward, carb, electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks, Funmi Williamson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing
A cloud-based service that uses continuously updated data from numerous sources to quickly warn drivers of potential hazards on their route, such as sudden fog or black ice is now being used in millions of different cars and commercial vehicles … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW iX1, Bosch Group, Dr. Markus Heyn, iX2, iX3, Ken Zino, Robert Bosch GmbH, X @KenAutoinformed, X3
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Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today in Japan revealed a prototype version of the Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV. The all-wheel-drive, full-size SUV is aimed directly at the popular and profitable SUVs from the brands at General Motors and Ford Motor Company. TZ is capable of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas [or Tokyo to Kobe -AutoCrat] on one charge. Acceleration is rated by Lexus at 0-100 kms (62.1 miles) in 5.2 seconds. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026.* Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged 7203 T, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Forged Bamboo, Ken Zino, Lexus SUVs, Lexus TNGA platform, Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV, NYSE: TM, Takeshi Miyaura, X @KenAutoinformed
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Death Risk – Honda Motor Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles
American Honda is recalling model-year 2025-2026 Honda off-road motorcycles, according to the U.S.* Consumer Product Safety Commission. Motorcycle model numbers CRF250R/RX/RWE or CRF450R/RX/RWE have a risk of serious injury or death due to a crash hazard. The motorcycles were sold at Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from June 2024 through March 2026 for $8900 – $13,200.
The handlebar’s clamp can unexpectedly cause the handlebar to rotate. Consumers should stop using the recalled off-road motorcycles immediately and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and if necessary, a replacement of the handlebar’s clamp at the dealer’s location. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged American Honda Motorcycle Recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CRF250R/RX/RWE recall, CRF450R/RX/RWE recall, Ken Zino, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
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IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding
Drivers are more likely to use their phones while speeding, a tendency that increases crash risk by combining two dangerous behaviors, according to a new study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* “Until now, safety experts believed … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, distracted driving, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, David Harkey, Driver phone use while speeding, Ian Reagan, iihs, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino, safe-driving apps, Sam Monfort, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis – Solar Now Powers Two-Thirds of EU Plants
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) said today that it is accelerating the establishment of renewable energy generation and storage across its European manufacturing network. The company is maintaining its long-term goal of decarbonized electricity to reach carbon net-zero operations. Photovoltaic installations are being scaled across 27 manufacturing sites in Europe.
“Energy management is a critical enabler of our decarbonization roadmap. By expanding on‑site renewable solutions — including solar, wind, geothermal and biomass – together with energy storage, we are reducing emissions, improving energy autonomy and reinforcing the competitiveness of our manufacturing footprint,” said Francesco Ciancia, Global Head of Manufacturing at Stellantis. Continue reading →