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Category Archives: environment
UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate
The UAW today officially endorsed Sherrod Brown for US Senate. Approximately 100,000 active and retired UAW members live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio CAP (Community Action Program) Council formally voted to endorse Brown and said it will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the US Senate.
“Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Ohioans don’t need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they’ll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Shawn fain, Sherrod Brown, Sherrod Brown for US Senate, uaw, UAW Ohio Community Action Program Council, UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green, X @KenAutoinformed
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Distracted Driving – Cell Phone Manipulation Persists
An Arizona law making it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving cut handheld conversations, but other problems remain, according to a study published today by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In Arizona, the number of warnings issued by state police fell by about a quarter and the number of citations fell by a third between 2021 and 2024.*
“These results are a bit of a reality check. ‘No holding’ laws are a positive step, but it will take more than better-worded legislation alone to combat cellphone distraction,” said IIHS President David Harkey. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, insurance, news analysis, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cellphones and Crash risk, COVID-19, David Harkey, Ian Reagan, iihs, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, safe-driving apps, Telematics data, X @KenAutoinformed
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All BMW Group Parsdorf Operations Now in EMAS
The BMW Group (BMW.DE) said today that operations in Parsdorf (slightly northeast of Munich) are now part of the European environmental register, EMAS. In addition to the BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Center, (CMCC) and test-parts logistics, the pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf has been included in the environmental impact statement and EMAS registration for the first time. EMAS stands for the “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme,” which claims to be the most stringent environmental management system in the world.
“We are very pleased with the EMAS registration of all our operations in Parsdorf, which underlines that our processes operate at a very high level – both economically and environmentally,” says Hansjörg Schilp, director of the CMCC and pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf. “The entire team has done an outstanding job.”
Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Center CMCC, BMW Parsdorf high-voltage battery pilot plant, Hansjörg Schilp, ISO 14001, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance
“With the Cayenne Electric, we are taking e-performance to a new level,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development. “Our innovative high-voltage system combines maximum efficiency with the driving dynamics typical of Porsche.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Porsche Cayenne electric, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Michael Steiner, graphite-silicon anode and nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum cathode battery, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Porsche PPE, Porsche Taycan battery, Predictive Thermal Management, Premium Platform Electric, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Testing HVO100 Diesel Replacement Fuel
The BMW Group (BMW.DE) said today that it is using its presence at the “Fleet Europe Days” on 22 and 23 October in Luxembourg to show fleet operators ways to decarbonize their fleets. In addition to fully electrified vehicles, the focus will be on fuels based on renewable raw materials.
“Our goal is always to have more environmentally friendly and efficient vehicles on the road. With the diesel replacement fuel HVO100, we have an opportunity to reduce the CO2 footprint of vehicle fleets. Especially in the area of fuels that are not based on fossil fuels, we see a potential that we are ready to realize,” said Dr. Martin Kaufmann, Head of Powertrain Development at the BMW Group. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, BMW.DE, Death of the diesel, diesel replacement fuels, Dr. Martin Kaufmann, HVO100, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Powertrain Development at the BMW Group, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine
“Inequality is out of control in our country. Today, the top 1% have more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. Graham understands this, and at a time when too many politicians take their cues from billionaires and corporate lobbyists, he has chosen to stand with the working class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, environment, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, https://www.grahamforsenate.com/, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis to Invest $13 Billion in U.S. Plants
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) late yesterday announced plans to invest $13 billion during the next four years to increase its sales in the critical United States market and to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint. Part of this are required updates to aging vehicles to stay competitive and defend market share. Some was previously planned and announced for other vehicles – notably EVs but is now being redirected to internal combustion engine products because of the relaxation of environmental rules and the elimination of EV buying incentives and CAFE fines or fees on vehicles that inordinately pollute the air causing dire human health problems by the Environmental Pillage Agency, aka EPA, under the Trump – “Global warming is a Chinese hoax” Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NYSE: STLA, Stellantis U.S. Plant Investments, X @KenAutoinformed
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Possible Fires – Hyundai Recalls 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs
Hyundai Motor America is recalling ~135,386 model year 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause contact with the cooling fan assembly, potentially causing an electrical short, which can increase the risk of an electrical fire. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama made the vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety administration discovered the potential safety problems when conducted a New Car Assessment Program (“NCAP”) front barrier crash test on a 2024 model year Sante Fe during November of 2024. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUV fire recall, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama recalls, Hyundai recall 285, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA recall 25V659 or 25V-659, Recalls on 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, X @KenAutoinformed
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HondaJet Flies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel!
Honda Aircraft Company today announced it has become the first twin-turbine very light business jet manufacturer to fly the HondaJet on a successful test flight running a 100% blend of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). HondaJet aircraft currently in service have been operated by customers on approved SAF blends of up to 50%. GE Honda Aero successfully completed tests of the HF120 engine on the ground utilizing 100% SAF fuel blends in 2022 and 2023, providing an early demonstration of the feasibility of the HondaJet’s recent test flight.
“We are immensely proud of our Honda Aircraft Company engineering team carrying forward our commitment to the future of aviation by demonstrating that the HondaJet is capable of operating on a 100% SAF blend,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “This achievement is a step toward aligning our business activities with the global Honda goal of decarbonizing our business activities by 2050.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, aviation, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged Amod Kelkar, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GE Honda Aero, Honda aircraft company, hondajet, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Piedmont Triad International Airport, sustainable aviation fuels or SAF, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Mercedes Joins Renewable Carbon Initiative
“Joining the ‘Renewable Carbon Initiative’ is an important step in driving the transition to renewable carbon sources and working with strong partners to develop innovative, fossil-free solutions,” said Dr. Ulf Zillig, Vice President Group Research, Sustainability and RD Functions, Mercedes-Benz AG. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, basf, Continental, Covestro, Dr. Ulf Zillig, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, michelin, Renewable Carbon Initiative, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged 2027 Bolt, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bolt and Equinox EV, DC public fast charging, Global Chevrolet, Google Maps, Google Play, Hey Google’ voice assistance, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nacs charging port, Scott Bell, Super Cruise, U.S. Department of Energy, vehicle-to-home power, X @KenAutoinformed, X76 electric drive unit
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Bosch Puts Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Into Service
Bosch said today that it has taken another step toward climate-friendly logistics. Its Nuremberg plant recently started using a fuel-cell electric truck in plant traffic. The truck is equipped with the Bosch fuel-cell power module (FCPM). [The Germans, who once scoffed at Japanese technological prowess appear to be trailing them in fuels cells – AutoCrat.]
“When we decided to make our plant traffic more climate-friendly, it was clear that we wanted a truck featuring Bosch’s FCPM,” said Alexander Weichsel, the commercial plant manager in Nuremberg. “This deployment is an important building block that helps us reduce our emissions in logistics. The fact that several thousand trucks with Bosch fuel-cell systems are already on the road worldwide shows that the concept is proving its worth.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, road test, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bosch Fuel cell power module, Death of the diesel, EV Fuel Cells, FCPM, Fuel cell truck, hydrogen, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Power Solutions, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Tacoma Recall for Bad Driveshafts
“The subject vehicles are equipped with front driveshaft assemblies that include a constant-velocity joint (CV joint), which uses a ball cage in a bearing sub-assembly. A specific supplier [GKN Driveline Mexico – AutoCrat] used incorrect material during a specific production period that did not meet the specification for the ball cage. Under normal driving conditions, the ball cage could deform or break,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid recall 25TB11and 25TA11, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Tacoma Recall Number 25V656 or 25V-656, X @KenAutoinformed
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Air Bag Deployments – NHTSA Investigating Honda Odysseys
Late last week in spite of the Republican led government shutdown, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at DOT opened an engineering analysis into inadvertent air bag deployments on 2018-2022 model year Honda Odyssey minivans manufactured by American Honda Motor Company. More than 440,000 vehicles are involved. Most government workers are doing their jobs without pay. House Republicans aren’t working of course, but receiving full pay and benefits.*
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 18 complaints, and some Early Warning Reporting (EWR) and death & injury reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment. These inadvertent deployments relate to the side curtain and/or side thorax air bags used in model year 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models. Continue reading →