Category Archives: environment

Cummins Settles California Diesel Emissions Case at $46M

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a $46 million settlement with engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. The settlement resolves DOJ and CARB’s claims for violations of California engine emissions control and certification requirements. Cummins made undisclosed changes to ~120,000 engines in California after CARB had certified the engines for sale. In addition, ~2000 Cummins engines had undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices that altered the emissions control system and resulted in emissions that exceeded regulatory limits. This case signals CARB’s improving vehicle testing skills and use of technology to catch and correct air quality violations. Continue reading →

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Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor and Honda Motor said today in Japan that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence. In what  looks like a re-run of the Nissan Renault alliance that pursued economies of scale, the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups.

Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest automakers, will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading →

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EPA – 2023 Top Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants

Posted on 14 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today recognized the 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a title for plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. These plants in sum prevented more than 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 1.5 million American homes.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is breathing new life into energy efficient domestic manufacturing, and industry partners like those recognized today are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These ENERGY STAR certified plants demonstrate that cutting the embodied carbon of our industrial products through energy efficiency doesn’t just make environmental sense, it makes economic sense.” Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Auto Execs Waffling on Growth

Posted on 14 March 2024 by Ken Zino

With hybrid electric vehicle sales soaring, and the badly needed EV charging infrastructure lagging, there is considerable discussion among auto executives and industry pundits about the EV market.*

As always a walk – or in this case an electrified drive – into the unknown provokes considerable speculation and anxiety about where things are headed. Compounding the EV market grumblings are the intensive capital investments involved and the dire state of our climate with the deleterious effects of global warming increasingly laying waste to large areas of the planet. Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Tire Replacement Rates?

Posted on 13 March 2024 by Ken Zino

J.D. Power said today that early data from its unpublished 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study shows that EV tires may fall short of meeting this expectation, with a higher replacement rate in years One and Two of ownership than with internal combustion vehicle tires. (see AutoInformed: J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Down Again)

In what could be a stretch of a still to be verified conclusion based on a much needed larger sample size that doesn’t yet exist, Power claimed that “more than a quarter of new vehicle shoppers who are considering an EV cite reliability as a factor in this decision.” Well, duh, they might also prioritize other things such as saving the planet, eschewing fossil fuels, and charging at home. How this sorts out in a changing marketplace remains to be seen. Power did say that the gap in replacement rates appears to be closing. Continue reading →

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Chinese Auto Market is Flying High – Exports a Threat

Posted on 12 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The Chinese auto market soared at the beginning of 2024, according to numbers and an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. Total Light Vehicle (LV) retail sales  – wholesales excluding exports – reached 2 million units in January … Continue reading →

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Bidenomics and the State of the Union

Posted on 8 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Once again President Biden took on the failed economic polices of the party of no hope, aka Republicans, and the former mis-administration disaster that he inherited in his State of the Union address last night. Nowhere is the contrast between good public policy and the republican politics of hate more evident than the ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

During an inspiring campaign speech that lasted more than an hour, Biden addressed – among other things – our economy. “I came to office determined to get us through one of the toughest periods in our nation’s history. And we have. It doesn’t make the news but in thousands of cities and towns the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told. … America’s comeback is building a future of American possibilities, building an economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down, investing in all Americans to make sure everyone has a fair shot … I inherited an economy that was on the brink,” Biden said. Continue reading →

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Acura 2024 ZDX Qualifies for $7500 EV Taxpayer Subsidy

Posted on 8 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Acura has released the power ratings for the 2024 ZDX all-electric SUV, and the high-performance ZDX Type S – the most powerful Acura ever. With a performance-tuned dual-motor AWD powertrain, ZDX Type S delivers a claimed 500 maximum horsepower and 544 lb.-ft. of maximum torque1 – more than the Acura NSX Type S supercar. ZDX A-Spec buyers can choose between a rear-wheel drive single-motor powertrain with 358 hp and 324 lb.-ft. of max torque or a more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration with 490 hp and 437 lb.-ft. of maximum torque. Continue reading →

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Honda Prologue SUV EV Gets $7500 Tax Subsidy

Posted on 7 March 2024 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor said today that most all-new 2024 Honda Prologue models, the first all-electric Honda SUV, will qualify for the US $7500 EV tax credit. The federal tax credit applies to the purchase of all 2024 Prologues built after 25 February 2024. All 2024 Prologues will qualify when leased as do other EVs because of a quirk in the tax code. Prologue is arriving at Honda dealerships in the coming weeks, with a 296-mile EPA range rating. Prices before the credit range from ~$42,000 to $52,000. Continue reading →

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Turning over Taxpayer Assisted LEAF EVs

Posted on 6 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan said today that 2024 Nissan LEAF vehicles manufactured in 2024 and sold on or after 6 March may be eligible for part of the U.S. federal EV tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act,  provided that the customer meets all purchase and income qualifications for the EV tax credit. Nissan also provides a $3750 incentive to LEAF customers who lease any 2024 or 2023 LEAF. Potential buyers of course should consult with their tax advisor about any potential federal and state tax credit eligibility. The LEAF and its battery are assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee by non-union workers.

The latest LEAF was initially available to customers through 31 December 2023. Nissan said it has been able to re-certify that 2024 LEAF vehicles produced in the U.S. in 2024 meet the “battery component” requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) and may now qualify for up to a $3750 tax credit. The IRA has been criticized because it has no requirements for what creates in effect massively taxpayer subsidized companies without protecting their production workers. There are no market-based wage or benefit requirements, nothing that mandates company leaders to pay workers a wage to support themselves or their families. Continue reading →

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CARB – Yanmar Power Emissions Violation Settled for $16M

Posted on 4 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said today that it reached a settlement agreement with Yanmar Power of Osaka, Japan for $16,196,120 for violating regulations aimed at reducing nitrogen oxides from off-road compression-ignition engines.

“Nitrogen oxide emissions worsen the health of Californians and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, making it essential that manufacturers follow air quality laws both accurately and thoroughly,” said CARB Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliff. “Californians breathe some of the worst air in the nation, and our enforcement efforts that keep companies accountable make it clear that everyone has to do their part to reduce the impacts of air pollution.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Cuts Ariya EV Starting Price to $41,340

Posted on 4 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan USA said today that it is cutting the starting price of the 2024 Ariya EV now on sale with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [1]* (MSRP) from $39,590 with “enhanced MSRP across all trim levels to appeal to a wider audience of EV buyers.” Ariya Engage, the entry point to the Ariya line-up, has been reduced by $3600 with other trim levels receiving a reduction of up to $6000.

“As the electric vehicle market continues to develop and grow, the revised pricing for the 2024 Ariya will improve the model’s competitiveness and ensure we are delivering maximum value to our customers,” said Trisha Jung, senior director, EV Strategy and Transformation, Nissan USA. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts 2023 Pro One Commercial Vehicle Results

Posted on 28 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“Our performance in 2023 reaffirms that Stellantis Pro One is a keystone of Stellantis business around the world,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business. “Propelled by the renewal of our entire van lineup and the widest offering of electrified propulsion, Stellantis Pro One is determined to be the most customer-focused product of choice. It is our customers who will drive us to our goal of market leadership by 2027.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Tightens Top Safety Pick Awards Criteria

Posted on 27 February 2024 by Ken Zino

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said today that it is making it harder to earn its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2024. In a never ending battle in the quest for improved safety going back at least to the landmark 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, IIHS – not without self-interest since it is insurance company funded – wants manufacturers to offer better protection for back seat passengers and to improve their pedestrian crash avoidance systems. The latest changes will improve the prospects for people in vehicles operating in the US. If there is a regulatory debate here, it’s minor and irrelevant in AutoInformed’s view. The preservation and protection of human beings is part of an enlightened society with sound public, corporate and individual policies. The results are indisputable. Despite the more stringent requirements, 71 models qualify for 2024 awards. Of those, 22 earn Top Safety Pick+, and 49 earn Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Continue reading →

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Germany Bucks Death of the Diesel Trend

Posted on 20 February 2024 by Ken Zino

GlobalData* said today that the 2023 full-year car diesel share in Western Europe is confirmed at 15.8% with 1,830,000 units sold for a 15.8% market share. January 2024 was another month of low Month-over-Month variation in the share of new … Continue reading →

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