Category Archives: news

Kia Recalls 2023 Sportage, Niro, Soul and Telluride Models

In the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today, Kia said, “the instrument cluster software installed in the subject vehicles, in combination with electrical noise due to voltage instability while the vehicle is starting, may result in cluster booting errors. Such booting errors can cause the instrument cluster screen to become blank resulting in the driver’s inability to see the telltales and indicators required by certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.” Continue reading

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FCA Recalls Jeep Wrangler Hybrids, Again

“Excessive heat in the fuse interface may cause the fuse to fail resulting in a loss of motive power, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Customers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), a change in drivability, and/or noise at the HV battery pack assembly,” FCA said in the required filing, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public this morning. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls 2020-23 Hybrids

The high-voltage battery monitoring system software may not alert the driver of a battery malfunction. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, “Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection.”

The recall was made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. In the required filing MBAG said it “is not aware of any warranty claims, field or service reports, or reports of property damage, death, or injury related to this defect. Continue reading

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Toyota Auto Insurance Now in California

“This expansion represents a significant milestone in our rollout of Toyota Auto Insurance,” said Rob Spencer, Toyota Insurance President. “Drivers in the Golden State are now able to benefit from the exceptional value and top tier service offered by Toyota Auto Insurance.” Continue reading

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Department of Transportation Wants Tougher Pipeline Regs

At its heart, the proposed rule will update decades-old federal leak detection and repair standards that rely solely on human senses in favor of new requirements that add an additional layer of safety by deploying commercially available, advanced technologies to find and fix leaks of methane and other flammable, toxic, and corrosive gases. These health and safety improvements will advance environmental justice in communities where gas pipeline infrastructure is disproportionately sited. Continue reading

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Drip, Drip, Drip Marketing – Hummer Omega Edition

GMC revealed today the 2024 HUMMER EV Omega Edition, a limited-edition vehicle with a so-called Neptune Blue Matte1 exterior color that GMC hopes will attract buyers for a set of wheels that will be priced at levels among the stars. Pricing will be announced closer to production, expected in the first half of 2024. However, this is a UAW contract year, which means anything can happen at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. Continue reading

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April US Transportation Sector Unemployment Up Slightly

The April 2023 rate was above the April 2022 rate of 3.6%. This was just above the pre-pandemic April level of 3.7% in 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 during the Trump administration. Continue reading

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NADA – 2023 US Sales Forecast at 14.6 Million

Forecasting is a risky business in these times. Multiple factors are in play. The increasing number of new-vehicle incentives also contributed to the April sales gains. According to J.D. Power, average incentive spending per unit in April is expected to total $1599, an increase of, gulp,  58.9% compared with April 2022. While average incentive spending has risen from extreme lows, it has not increased at the same rate at all automakers. Some brands have been able to finally increase new-vehicle supply, but others are still struggling. To state the obvious, brands with more to sell are positioned to offer  incentives. Key here might be the return of Memorial Day sales later at the end of May. Continue reading

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Pre-Order 2024 Acura Integra Type S on 11 May

Standard high-performance hardware includes a 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential and an innovative dual-axis front suspension design that Acura claims improves road holding and reduces torque steer. Given the impressive torque rating, AutoInformed wonders how much of it will go up in tire smoke instead of acceleration? Continue reading

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Ford Motor Q1 Sales, Profits, Cash Flow Up. But…

Late yesterday Ford Motor posted Q1 2023 revenue of $41.5 billion, up 20% from the same period a year ago on shipments ~1.1 million vehicles, a 9% increase with $1.5B in net income. A year ago Ford posted a net … Continue reading

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Nel Announces Automated Hydrogen Fuel Factory in Michigan

“The short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel’s PEM electrolyzer technology,” said Nel’s CEO, Håkon Volldal. “The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team,” Volldal said. Continue reading

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April US Light Vehicle Sales up 10%

Average transaction prices are high by historical standards and continued to be up (by 3.6%) YoY in March. However, prices have declined month-on-month (MoM) in each month of 2023, and this trend is expected to have continued in April, with incentives also beginning to creep up. In March, incentives were up by 56.2% YoY, from an extremely low base. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor America April Sales up 15%

Hyundai sold 64,895 retail units in April, a 5% year-over-year increase from April 2022. Hyundai set best-ever retail sales in April for Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson PHEV, Tucson HEV and Santa Cruz. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle sales of 11,571 represented 18% of retail and a 56% year-over-year increase. Continue reading

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PACCAR, Toyota to Sell Fuel Cell Trucks in 2024

The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and sale of zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models with  Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit. Initial North American customer deliveries are planned for 2024. Continue reading

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Volta Trucks Pilot EVs – US Debut in Late 2023

The so-called “Driving Experience Program” in the US will be launched late in 2023 for fleet operators to assess a Pilot Fleet of Volta Zeros in real distribution environments to understand how the electric delivery trucks will integrate into their operations. A similar program is currently launching across six European countries. The program in the US will start on the west coast, ahead of a roll out of production vehicles expected in 2024. Continue reading

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