Category Archives: public health

Possible Fires – Hyundai Recalls 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs

Posted on 15 October 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HondaJet Flies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel!

Posted on 13 October 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – Mercedes Joins Renewable Carbon Initiative

Posted on 10 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Tacoma Recall for Bad Driveshafts

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fires – BMW Recall for Starter Motor Overheating

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling 145,102 model-year 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the DENSO Europe supplied starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload. (This is a recall of a previous recall – AutoCrat. Read BMW Recalls More than 100,000 SUVs, Cars for Software Glitch)

“This safety recall involves the engine starter. In certain cases, the engine starter may not start the vehicle properly. These improper starting attempts could result in local overheating of the engine starter,” BMW 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, electronics, engineering, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Leaf Recall for Fires While Charging

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling 19,077 model year 2021-2022 LEAF vehicles equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. The lithium-ion battery may overheat during Level 3 charging via the so-called CHAdeMO connector. There is no prior warning to the customer that a battery fire can happen.

“While the vehicle is Level 3 quick charging, the increased electrical resistance could result in rapid heating of the battery. If quick charging continues, a battery fire may occur increasing the risk of injury. Owners are advised not to use Level 3 quick charging until the remedy is completed,” Nissan said in required safety recall defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB Delays ZEV Requirements for Truck Fleets

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule

Posted on 23 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows

Posted on 23 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB Submits “Scathing Critique” of EPA

Posted on 22 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bad Seat Belts – Hyundai Recalls 568,580 Palisade SUVs

Posted on 22 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EV Breakthrough? Peugeot with Embedded Inverter, Charger

Posted on 19 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Refute Climate Change Deny-ers

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Constitution Day 2025 Thoughts

Posted on 17 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment