Category Archives: news

Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla

“This EV Amendment simultaneously amends the terms of your rental from Budget with respect to the terms herein only. All other terms of your rental remain in full force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this EV Amendment and your other rental terms, the terms of this EV Amendment shall govern,” Budget said. In other words EVs are singled out. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

More Fuel Cell Vehicles from CJPT

Since it was founded in April 2021 by Toyota, Hino and Isuzu Motors, CJPT’s goal was “to enable technology development for commercial vehicles by considering initiatives at logistics sites to contribute to achieving a carbon neutral society and reduce the burden on drivers and workers by accelerating the use of autonomous vehicles and systems.” Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, autonomous vehicles, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis to Buy a Large Part of Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen

Stellantis is tiptoeing into hydrogen mobility having launched mid-size vans in late 2021. Stellantis is pursuing an aggressive ambition as part of the so-called “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, which includes expanding its hydrogen offerings to large vans as early as 2024 in Europe and 2025 in the US while further exploring opportunities for heavy-duty trucks. Toyota Motor appears to AutoInformed to be the clear leader in these areas, but this is an endurance race not a sprint. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bah Humbug! SEMA on Congressional Inaction on Racing Parts

SEMA was referring to the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM)* that has hobbled around congress for three years staring with the 114th Congress, including the 2021–2022 session of Congress. The Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee were involved in the bill, but members weren’t able to get it out of the House or Senate committees for lack of, well, horsepower. Perhaps the bills sponsors, who were overwhelming Republican (102 Republicans, 30 Democrats), were part of the problem. The Republicans aren’t known for their environmental policies, but rather the opposite as Global Warming repudiators often backed by the fossil fuel industry and perennial opponents to fuel economy or clean air regulations. Continue reading

Posted in economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Covid Pandemic Recovery Shows US Population Growing

Eventually the shifts in population will have effects on the automobile and transportation businesses as the economy evolves toward a sustainable future and the adoption of EVs, construction equipment, railroads and airplanes with non-fossil fuels, which local politicians will either support or sabotage. As the nation ages, there are also other mobility questions. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

December US Sales Up. Transaction Prices at Record Highs

Total new-vehicle sales for December 2022, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,254,700 units, a 5.3% increase from December 2021, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.* December 2022 has the same number of selling days as December 2021. The record transaction prices means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $48.2 billion on new vehicles this month, a slight -0.3% decrease from December 2021. Continue reading

Posted in economy, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally

The new standards are long overdue. They are the first update to clean air standards for heavy duty trucks in more than 20 years. EPA says they are more than 80% stronger than current standards. Continue reading

Posted in economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Min Kyu Song is New Global Head of Genesis

“He will be responsible for accelerating Genesis’ global presence with his proven strategic and operational skills,” Hyundai said. Yesterday Genesis further expanded its customer-focused retail experience with the grand opening of Genesis of Greer, the brand’s second standalone retail facility in the United States, and first in South Carolina. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, people | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Encore Performance – 2023 Toyota Prius

Development goals appear to be based on styling and marketing and not breakthrough jumps in technology at conservative Toyota. This approach has generally served Toyota and its customers well when it comes to quality and durability. It is however getting pushed by other makers in the technology race. Continue reading

Posted in environment, marketing, new vehicle | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Safety First – NASCAR and RealResponse to Provide Participants with Anonymous Squawk Tool

This appears to be a response to the critics of the Next Gen car introduced for the 2022 season, which injured some during rear impacts – either being hit from behind or spinning off backwards into a wall. It clearly poses image problems for NASCAR, if drivers or fans or media think safety is not being, well, emphasized. The next Gen Car did in our view result in some positives. There were 19 different race winners, 20 adding the All-Star Race Ryan Blaney won, five first-time winners,  and a strong championship fight. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, news analysis, people, racing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Alabama Begins Making Largest Pilot SUV Ever

The largest Honda SUV ever, the new Pilot is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite and TrailSport**. The mid-sized, three-row SUV has a new, stronger and more capable platform that also provides more passenger and cargo space. With a new optional opening panoramic sunroof, the new Pilot is the only vehicle in its class to combine 8-passenger seating and this type of roof. Continue reading

Posted in engineering, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Horsepower for All 2024 Mustang Engines Next Summer

In a release today, Ford Motor said that all seventh-generation 2024 Mustang engines will have more horsepower, starting with the Dark Horse rated at 500. It has a fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque* … Continue reading

Posted in engineering, marketing, performance | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

US Wholesalers at $9671 Billion Post 20% Increase in 2021

The latest data along with plummeting fuel prices and decreasing inflation are evidence that the Biden Administration economic program is producing promised results in spite of ongoing Republican opposition. In fact, some maintain that the Democrats are now the party of business after the disastrous Trump years. Continue reading

Posted in economy, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Outlines EV Drive Systems Production Sites

The new Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network was achieved following what were likely dicey discussions with German employee representatives. Mercedes says this resulted in agreements to further increase flexibility and efficiency at the various locations, paving the way for securing the future of the plants. In line with the implementation of the Mercedes-Benz Business Plan, the company is investing a mid-single-digit billion-euro amount in its European powertrain production locations. Thus far worker protest or strikes are apparently non-existent. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ram Recalls 1.3 Million Pickups for Sudden Tailgate Openings

Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling  more than 1.3 million  2019-2022 model year Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. The tailgate may not latch properly due to misaligned tailgate strikers, which could result in the tailgate opening while driving. Misaligned tailgate strikers may cause a failure to properly latch the tailgate. An improperly latched tailgate may result in an unintended tailgate opening while driving or stationary.

Customers, however, will not be notified until January 2023. Stellantis advises owners to secure cargo in the beds. Vehicles equipped with Ram’s multi-function tailgate and Ram 1500 Classic pickups are unaffected. Also excluded are vehicles equipped with sensors that alert drivers to insecure tailgates. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment