Category Archives: news

Hispano Suiza Coming to New York City Concours

Hispano Suiza claims it accepted the invitation from the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, to be “the featured attraction” of their Men´s Style Month. Madison Avenue has pretentions of being “the main luxury district in the United States, where the most important fashion and jewelry boutiques are located.” Continue reading

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Jeep Shows Recon and Wagoneer Electric SUVs

The Jeep brand showed the first images of two fully electric SUVs, all-new Jeep Recon and Wagoneer, code-named Wagoneer S, planned for North America and other regions around the world. Stellantis also said that the all-new, all-electric Jeep Avenger will launch in Europe early next year after its debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 17. Continue reading

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Nissan OKs First Bi-Directional Charger for LEAF

Usage of the approved charger will not impact the LEAF’s battery warranty. Moreover, in theory,  it allows some business owners to use a Nissan LEAF to help reduce energy costs. Bi-directional charging technology means that it is possible to charge the LEAF and also send energy stored in the vehicle battery back to the building or the grid. This could save money with their local electric utility, as well as cut the total cost of ownership of the vehicle. Continue reading

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US Transportation Unemployment Below Pre-Pandemic Rate

The August 2022 rate fell 1.8 percentage points from 6.4% in August 2021 and was below the pre-pandemic August level of 4.8% in August 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level – an all-time record high – during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 under the Trump Administration. Continue reading

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Honda and Hanwa Combine to Buy Battery Metals

Through the Hanwa partnership, Honda said it will ensure stable procurement in the medium to long term, of essential metals necessary for batteries such as nickel, cobalt and lithium, with the mined resources secured by Hanwa. It’s the latest move in what has become and EV battery ‘Gold Rush’ albeit centered on nickel, cobalt, and lithium. It remains problematic that China is well entrenched in EV research and development, manufacturing and various processes needed to support EVs. Continue reading

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Solar Trees with 3D Leaf-Shaped Photovoltaics?

It claims that this first-generation Tree will eventually generate a family of products primarily aimed at the rapid Electric Vehicle charging market for homes, businesses and commercial car parks, where solar power can be captured and stored for charging points. Continue reading

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Parked: August US Light Vehicle Sales Still at 1.1M

Thanks to an accounting quirk, US Light Vehicle sales were up by 4% YoY compared to August 2021. This positive number comes from a weak 2021 base and an extra selling day, instead of a real recovery of the market, according to an analysis by LMC Automotive* just released. However, actual volumes in the last three months have been flat at ~1.13 million units. Continue reading

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More EV Tires Added to Goodyear Replacement Line

ElectricDrive™ comes with a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty**, V speed rating and is available in sizes 215/50R17 95V XL and 215/55R17 94V SL. This all-season tire is built for touring sedans and CUVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt and Volt and the Kia Niro EV. Continue reading

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CARB: Small E-Fleet Project Spurs Shift to Electric Trucks

“There are quite a few options in terms of equipment, financing, and planning assistance that fleets can take advantage of in pursuing adoption of electric vehicles. The key first step is showing them they have a resource to help them take advantage of those options,” said Niki Okuk, deputy director of CALSTART Trucks and Off Road. Continue reading

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LG Energy Solution, Honda to Form US EV Battery Production

The two companies want to begin construction in early 2023, in order to enable the start of mass production of advanced lithium-ion battery cells by the end of 2025. The plant aims to have an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh but the location has not yet been established. Let the taxpayer-financed bidding war on incentives among the states begin. Continue reading

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CARB Shows Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program

The progressive public health program is the first in the nation of its kind and will ensure that emissions control systems on heavy-duty vehicles operate effectively for the life of the vehicle, improving air quality and protecting public health. The HD I/M program will apply to all heavy-duty trucks, buses, agricultural equipment and personal motor-homes with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 pounds traveling in the state regardless of whether they are registered in California. Continue reading

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Pro Consumer Milestones: California Mandates 100% Zero Emissions Vehicles by 2035. More States Certain to Follow

The CARB regulation codifies the light-duty vehicle goals set out in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20. Transportation is responsible for ~50% of greenhouse gas emissions (when accounting for fuel production emissions) and 80% of air pollutants in California. States that now follow California’s vehicle rules are expected to adopt these regulations through their rulemakings. These states constitute ~40% of the nation’s new car sales.* Continue reading

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DOJ Thwarts Chinese Takeover of Shipping Containers

It’s the latest example of the effective use of Industrial Policy for widespread and long-term consumer and business benefits that virtually all Republicans renounce in favor of policies that only benefit the wealthy, with accompanying tax-payer financed handouts, checks, tax policy and other aspects of a Republican welfare state run solely for the rich.  Continue reading

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US Retail New Vehicle Sales to Decline in July. Prices Up

Higher prices along with a rising interest rates are leading to monthly loan payments reaching new all-time highs. After breaking $700 for the first time ever in July, the average monthly finance payment in August is forecast to hit a record $716, up $78 from August 2021. That translates to a 12.2% increase in monthly payments from a year ago, which is above the 11.5% increase in transaction prices. Continue reading

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CJPT expels Hino over Emission Data Certification Fraud

In a move that appears to be an attempt to isolate Hino’s owner Toyota from the ongoing legal and other liabilities in the matter that started in 2003, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation “suggested that the misconduct committed by Hino is incompatible with CJPT’s * aspirations and goals and that the continued inclusion of Hino in activities will not gain the understanding of its customers and the public,” the Toyota statement said. Continue reading

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