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Category Archives: environment
Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan
“While the federal government recklessly dismantles decades of proven science and undermines public trust, California is doubling down on facts, data and accountability,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This plan isn’t just a roadmap for cleaner air and smart climate action; it’s a declaration that science still matters. We’re building policies that are resilient, adaptive and rooted in evidence.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California State University, carb, CARB Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2025–2030, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, The California Air Resources Board, University of California, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Delays ZEV Requirements for Truck Fleets
Heavy-duty vehicle public fleet owners subject to California’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF)* regulation have new flexibility in meeting the regulation’s requirements along with streamlined processes for applying for exemptions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval of amendments to ACF yesterday that will help state and local fleets continue introducing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to their fleets while “providing clarity, certainty and flexibility in ACF’s implementation.”
“Today’s approval of amendments to ACF – a critical component in the state’s efforts to achieve emissions reductions for a healthier future for all residents – keeps California advancing towards the cleanest fleet in the nation and provides flexibilities to help ensure a smooth implementation,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading
Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Advanced Clean Fleet regulations, California Air Resources Board, carb, greenhouse gas emissions, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, nitrogen oxide emissions, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule
Zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales continued to rise in California during 2024, with manufacturers reporting 30,026 zero-emission trucks, buses, and vans sold — representing nearly 23% of all new Class 2b–8 vehicle sales. The data is according to information reported by manufacturers to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which released it today. That figure is more than double the minimum statewide requirement for the 2024 model year and marks the highest total of sales ever reported. Since 2021, more than 57,000 ZEVs have been sold in California’s medium- and heavy-duty market, and statewide ZEV truck sales have now increased for the fourth consecutive year.*
“This continued growth in zero-emission truck sales shows that manufacturers are stepping up to meet California’s clean air goals and that the transition to cleaner fleets is accelerating,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With strong sales, a growing credit surplus, and rapid innovation, the industry is proving that zero-emission technology is ready for wider deployment.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, cap-and-trade, carb, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, HVIP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, sales of new medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows
A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving behaviors, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. David Yang, Dr. Jose Torres, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Submits “Scathing Critique” of EPA
“Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: EPA’s proposal is a stunningly sloppy and amateurish effort to sow doubt where there is no doubt,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “And EPA cannot simply repeal its own standards based on a political whim. The agency owes the American people straight, honest answers why it is proposing to carelessly risk their health, lives and property.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, Dr. Steven Cliff, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, scientific evidence, self-described climate skeptics, U.S. Department of Energy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bad Seat Belts – Hyundai Recalls 568,580 Palisade SUVs
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling ~568,580 2020-2025 model-year Palisade SUVs. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch. Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall was prompted by a growing number of customer complaints the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations. ZF Lifetec in India is the supplier of the defective buckle.
In the mandatory safety recall documents made public by NHTSA today Hyundai said, “Customers may notice a lighter than normal audible “click” during the fastening process and/or a recessed push button on the buckle housing. Additionally, if the seat belt becomes unbuckled, the Palisade is equipped with visual and auditory notifications for all seating positions within the vehicle.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, mobility company, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai Motor America Palisade model safety recalls, Hyundai Safety Recall number 283, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, NHTSA Recall Number 25V607 or 25V-607, X @KenAutoinformed, ZF Lifetec recalls
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EV Breakthrough? Peugeot with Embedded Inverter, Charger
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) said today that in partnership with Saft (a TotalEnergies subsidiary) it has started prototype testing of a Peugeot E-3008 EV that eliminates the need for separate charger and inverter components. This could be a substantial breakthrough for both mobile and stationary energy applications.
“This project reflects our belief that simplification is innovation. By rethinking and simplifying the electric powertrain architecture, we are making it lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effective. These are the kinds of innovations that help us deliver better, more affordable EVs to our customers,” said Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CNRS, Hervé Amossé, Institut Lafayette, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ned Curic, NYSE: STLA, Saft, STLA Medium platform, Université Paris-Saclay, X @KenAutoinformed
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Refute Climate Change Deny-ers
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says the evidence for current and future harm to human health and welfare created by human-caused greenhouse gases is beyond scientific dispute.*
“This study was undertaken with the ultimate aim of informing the EPA, following its call for public comments, as it considers the status of the endangerment finding,” said Shirley Tilghman, professor of molecular biology and public affairs, emeritus, and former president, Princeton University, and chair of the committee that wrote the report. “We are hopeful that the evidence summarized here shows the strong base of scientific evidence available to inform sound decision-making. Continue reading
Posted in economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, environment plundering agency, Environmental Defense Fund and Union of Concerned Scientists, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, National Academy of Sciences, President Lincoln, Shirley Tilghman, the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine, X @KenAutoinformed
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American Honda Advances the Circular Economy
American Honda (NYSE: HMC) said today that operations of its new Resource Circularity Center have begun. Located near the Marysville and East Liberty Auto Plants in Ohio, the Honda Resource Circularity Center is consistent with Honda’s global goal to reduce its environmental impact by creating a circular economy business model that maximizes material value and extends the lifecycle of indirect goods.
“Going beyond traditional manufacturing recycling programs that focus on direct materials such as scrap metal and plastics used to produce products, the Honda Resource Circularity Center focuses on recycling and repurposing indirect goods – tools, equipment and other items used in operations, including those that support vehicle production. These include everything from tools like torque wrenches and industrial robots to office chairs and vehicle service replacement parts such as aluminum wheels. Honda aims to recover value from such decommissioned items, helping divert waste from landfills and lower reliance on virgin raw materials,” Honda said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive recycling, circular economy, Honda Resource Circularity Center, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Matt Daniel, sustainability, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hyundai Motor Updates Growth and Profit Strategy
Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) in New York today unveiled its latest growth strategy at the company’s first CEO Investor Day held outside of Korea. The event served as a stage to convey the company’s mid-to long-term strategy to investors and stakeholders, prompted in large part by Trump’s tariff wars.
“In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai Motor, José Muñoz, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Extreme H to Hold First Hydrogen Powered World Cup Race
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport has signed a multi-year agreement with Extreme H to deliver the world’s first hydrogen-powered World Cup event.
“The World Cup will test the boundaries of what can be achieved in motor sport and the wider automotive and energy industries, opening up opportunities for further investment into hydrogen infrastructure by showing what is possible, and driving progress towards a low-carbon future,” said Extreme H, which is an extension of Extreme E racing that uses electric vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, milestones, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Extreme E, Extreme H, fuel cell technology, hydrogen as a clean energy source, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Saudi Arabia, X @KenAutoinformed
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Constitution Day 2025 Thoughts
The point here is that to govern without facts is madness. Leaving aside the historical revisions that show that King George III, the monarch who lost the colonies to what became the United States, was, well, mad as a hatter in his later years. Donald J. Trump – the man who wishes to be our King now – should not be our president based on his deteriorating mental condition. He doesn’t even know what is going on in his own administration.Is Trump going to fire the entire CBO? [See the following] It’s time for “We the People” to fire Trump and his Curia Regis, the advisors – cabinet members, agency heads and the like – who are against the facts or falsify them. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, global warming, milestones, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Congressional Budget Office, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Curia Regis, Donald J. Trump, Erika McEntarfer, Ken Zino, King George III, The American Revolution, U.S. Constitution, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Chair Liane Randolph to Retire
Late yesterday, California governor Gavin Newsom announced that California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph will be retiring from state service effective 30 September 2025. Newsome named Senior Advisor to the Governor for Climate Lauren Sanchez to serve as the next CARB Chair. Chair Sanchez starts 1 October 2025 and assumes Chair Randolph’s current term which ends in December 2026. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation. It is inarguably the most powerful position in the Clean Air movement now that the US EPA has abandoned its role on protecting the environment and dealing with planet threatening Global Warming. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Climate Investments program, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Cap-and-Invest program, cap-and-trade, carb, Community Air Protection Program, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, Liane Randolph, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Starts a Strategic Investment Subsidiary
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the establishment of Toyota Invention Partners Company, Ltd. (TIP), a new strategic investment subsidiary with ¥100 billion yen (~$670 million) in capital. TIP will focus on accelerating collaborations between Toyota, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), Toyota Group companies, their affiliates, and external partners as part of Toyota’s ongoing transformation into a mobility company. Woven Capital, Toyota’s venture investment arm, has established Fund II with $800 million (~¥120 billion), matching the size of Fund I launched in 2021.*
“To ensure that mobility continues to bring smiles to people and remains vital to society, the Toyota Group has embraced the vision of ‘Inventing our path forward, together’. This vision places a particular emphasis on ‘Invention’, which has always been the foundation of the Group” said Kenta Kon, Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota and CFO and Director of WbyT. Continue reading →