Category Archives: mobility company

Mercedes-Benz – Turquoise Autonomous Driving Marker Lights

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that it has approvals for turquoise-colored automated driving marker lights in California and Nevada. The exemption permit for California is for testing vehicles and initially limited to two years. The Nevada permit applies to Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2026 production vehicles. Thus a marketing component – styling with lights – is now part of the ongoing debate about the effect of autonomous vehicles on the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Continue reading →

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Toyota Mobility Foundation Meets on Zero Accident Casualties

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Last Friday on 15 December 2023, the Toyota Mobility Foundation general meeting gathered together participating members to review the progress of various activities and share insights between subcommittees. A report was issue today from the subcommittees at the Tateshina Meeting, which promotes discussions and the expansion of collaboration among participants with the goal of zero casualties in traffic accidents. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Nissan Ariya EV Arrives at South Pole

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The Ariya EV was basically factory-standard with no modifications to the powertrain or battery. However, it was modified by polar mobility specialist Arctic Trucks to adapt 39-inch BF Goodrich tires. Continue reading →

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Preorders Open for Acura 2024 ZDX Performance EV

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The 2024 ZDX A-Spec is forecast to start in the $60,000 range with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain. A more powerful dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configuration is also available. ZDX Type S has a performance tuned dual-motor AWD powertrain producing ~ 500 horsepower and is expected to start in the $70,000 range. Continue reading →

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Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. “Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.” Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! GM Reorganizes Regions and PD

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that is making changes to its product development team and creating a new role to oversee its global regions. This reorganization is partially the result of the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, after a ~40-year career at the company. All changes take effect on 2 January 2024.

“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug’s leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM’s success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.” Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Signs Hydrogen Development Multilateral Deal

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“The agreement aims to rapidly grow the global hydrogen ecosystem and respond more actively to climate change by sharing leading examples of hydrogen ecosystem development currently underway in Korea with the international community. To this end, Hyundai Motor and its Korean partners will provide case studies and consultation on hydrogen projects and GGGI will publish an evaluation report based on the case studies for international sharing,” Hyundai said. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys 15 UK Dealerships

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced that it has agreed to acquire Rybrook Group Limited consisting of 15 premium dealerships in the United Kingdom, including four BMW dealerships, four MINI dealerships, four Volvo dealerships, two Land Rover dealerships and one Porsche dealership. Three of the BMW locations also retail BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The dealerships to be acquired represent estimated annualized revenues of $1 billion. Continue reading →

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Bosch Puts Entertainment and Driver Assistance on One Chip

Posted on 7 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Robert Bosch has debuted integrated functions from previously separate vehicle domains on a computer chip. Now it has infotainment and driver assistance functions on one chip. So-called software-defined automobility goes hand in hand with a centralized vehicle and electric/electronic (E/E) architecture.

“Central vehicle computers are the heart of software-defined cars,” said Dr. Markus Heyn at a trade show. Continue reading →

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The Quantum Mobility Quest from Airbus and BMW Group

Posted on 6 December 2023 by Ken Zino

This could be a first-of-its-kind attempt to develop applications to harness quantum technologies for real-world industrial applications. The companies said it has the potential to forge more efficient, sustainable and safer solutions for the future of transportation. This nascent technology could play a key role in simulating various industrial and operational processes, opening up opportunities to shape future mobility products and services. Continue reading →

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Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Pilot Travel Centers, GM, and EVgo, along with many public agencies and utilities, have worked together to increase the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure. They claim this creates a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three companies have worked to provide current and future EV drivers “with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.” Continue reading →

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Magna Joins Northstar for 5G Autonomous Driving Development

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“By utilizing the latest advancements in mobile networks, we are able to accelerate the automotive domain by offering sensor enhancements and as a result offer more capable and competitive ADAS products,” said Bill Snider, President of Electronics. “Our focus is not only on meeting challenging technical requirements, but also on developing products that can help anticipate critical situations to prevent accidents, ultimately making the roads safer for all.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Offers EV at Hybrid Price

Posted on 1 December 2023 by Ken Zino

It’s the latest example of how the proposition that EVs are too expensive ignores marketplace competition combined with automaker advantages of scale and decades of innovation in manufacturing, design and cost cutting will relentlessly and inevitably make EVs desirable. Continue reading →

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GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer said this morning in New York that the aim is to  continue to drive GM’s strong cash flow performance while increasing the margins and the returns to investors while cutting capital spending. (NYSE: GM) Speaking at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Jacobson said, “we remain absolutely committed to driving to the 8% to 10% margin consistently that we’ve said in North America through this transition (to electric vehicles).” Continue reading →

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GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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