Category Archives: public health

EPA Finally Bans Chrysotile Asbestos

Posted on 18 March 2024 by Ken Zino

“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. Continue reading →

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Another Tesla Software Recall – Pedestrian Warnings

Posted on 18 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A factory reset over the air (OTA) muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles,” which could increase the risk of collision.* Continue reading →

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EV Bedfellows – Nissan and Mitsubishi Sign MoU

Posted on 18 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Mitsubishi Corporation (8058.T) have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a new joint initiative in next-generation-mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles in Japan. The companies said today that Japan as a country has been addressing issues such as driver shortages due to a declining population, and difficulties maintaining public transportation services due to decreasing numbers of users. Nissan and MC have also been undertaking various initiatives to solve these problems.

Joint initiatives of course have potential economies of scale, reducing the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles. This is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups or strange bedfellows. Nissan and Honda, Two of Japan’s Big Three automakers, previously announced that will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading →

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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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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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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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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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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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California – Equitable EV Charging for Multi-Family Housing?

Posted on 15 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“The State of California is leading the way to transition our transportation system to 100% zero-emission vehicles, but the millions of drivers who don’t have access to at-home charging are at risk of being left behind,” said McCarty. “If we want all Californians to have access to electric mobility, we must provide them with convenient and affordable public charging options where they already park: the curb.” Continue reading →

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Daihatsu Ousted from CJPT for Certification Fraud

Posted on 13 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“CJPT has decided to accept Daihatsu’s request based on the belief that the continued inclusion of Daihatsu in activities will not gain the understanding of the public needed to progress its projects to build the future together,” CJPT said. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Recalls GLC models for Headlight Glare

Posted on 12 February 2024 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 15,500 vehicles because the headlights may be incorrectly adjusted too high during production and create a glare for oncoming traffic. As such, these luxury vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

The recall was made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Th recall appears to have been set in motion by an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rating of GLC (253 platform) vehicles more than one year ago, including their headlamp adjustments. Continue reading →

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Tesla Recalls 2.2 Million Vehicles Covering 13 Model Years

Posted on 5 February 2024 by Ken Zino

Tesla is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, “Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”

A visual warning indicator whose letter font size is smaller than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), as prescribed in FMVSS Nos. 105 (105 – Hydraulic and electric brake systems) and 135 (135 – Light vehicle brake systems), could reduce the driver’s detection of it when illuminated, increasing the risk of a collision. Continue reading →

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GM and Honda Fuel Cell JV Starts Mass Production

Posted on 25 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda are the first full fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond,” said FCSM president Suheb Haq. “We begin the process with raw materials for membrane and electrode all the way through completed systems. Ongoing investment and commitment by both companies is driving our success at FCSM. This commitment aligns with our mission of making high quality, durable and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.” Continue reading →

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