Category Archives: news

Floorplan – Stellantis Buys First Investors Financial Services

This is either an opportunity or survival necessity, depending on your viewpoint. It will allow Stellantis to provide customers and dealers a range of financing options, including retail loans, leases, and floorplan financing in the near term. A so-called “captive U.S. finance company”  will provide revenue, marketing incentives and mobility services in the digital age for customers who purchase Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Toyota Georgetown Kentucky Plant Set for $461M Upgrade. Lexus Manufacturing Leaving US

According to the Japanese global automotive giant, an investment of $461 million will add advanced manufacturing equipment and technologies, coupled with facility layout improvements, which will increase the plant’s operational speed, flexibility and competitiveness. These improvements will expand TMMK’s ability to produce new products, including future electrification. Continue reading

Posted in global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Posts Q3 Net Revenues of €32.6 Billion -14%

Stellantis late yesterday reported Q3 net revenues of €32.6 billion, a decrease of -14% year-over-year. Even with improved vehicle mix and positive net pricing helping revenues, this was more than offset by lower volumes. Results were based on shipments of … Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results, mobility company, results | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Three Military Airports Eligible for Funds for Civilian Operations

The Military Airport Program (MAP) provides funding as a set aside of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to help increase civilian aviation capacity at current or former military airports by funding projects such as surface parking lots, fuel farms, hangars, utility systems, access roads, cargo buildings, and other airfield-related infrastructure. Continue reading

Posted in aviation, economy, news, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford, Newlab Announce Five Cleaner Transportation Startups

“Together, Ford and Newlab are building upon our nation’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and the effects of climate change by advancing commercial fleet electrification,” said Matt Stover, director of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming, milestones, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daimler Truck Receives Investment Grade Ratings

Both rating agencies have now issued investment grade ratings for Daimler Truck. S&P Global Ratings assigned a long-term issuer credit rating of BBB + (outlook stable) while Moody’s assigned a long-term issuer credit rating of A3 (outlook stable). Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results, milestones | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Earns $3.0 Billion in Q3

Third-quarter revenue of $35.7 billion was down from the same quarter a year ago. Semiconductor availability remains a challenge, but “markedly improved from the second quarter, propelling sequential increases in wholesale shipments and revenue of 32% and 33%, respectively.” Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results, global warming, mobility company | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

General Motors Q3 Earnings – $2.9 Billion

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported third-quarter earnings of $2.922 Billion. GM said it is on track to deliver full-year 2021 EBIT-adjusted earnings approaching the high end of its guidance range of $11.5B to $13 Billion. EBIT-adjusted was $2.9 … Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM to Expand EV Charging – 40,000 Stations, New Smart Chargers

Through the GM Dealer Community Charging Program, its dealers to set up Level 2 charging stations (EVSE) at key locations in the dealer’s respective communities, including workplaces, multi-unit dwellings, sports and entertainment venues, college, and universities. These charging stations will be available to all EV customers, not just those who purchase a GM EV. Today, nearly 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a GM dealership. The first Ultium Chargers will ship early next year with customers able to roll the price into their GM Financial lease or financial contracts.
Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, milestones | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

GMC Shows Sierra Denali Ultimate and AT4X – $$$$$

Just bring money. Base pricing for each trim will be available at reservation. MSRP15, including destination charge, for Denali Ultimate is $80,395, AT4X is $74,995, Denali is $61,295, AT4 is $60,995, SLT is $50,895, Elevation is $45,495, SLE $43,895 and Sierra Pro is $32,495. Full pricing will be announced closer to the start of production. Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, marketing, prices | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NTSB – Fatal Texas Tesla Crash Shows Seats Were Occupied

Contrary to some sensationalist media reports, the Tesla was occupied by a driver and one passenger, both of whom died in the crash. Damage to steering wheel pictured was due to an impact as the Tesla reached a speed of 67 mph during the 5 seconds leading up to impact. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous cars, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis, Samsung SDI JV for NA Battery Manufacturing

The latest Joint Venture for Lithium-Ion Battery Production in North America comes just days after Stellantis announced that it had entered with LG Energy Solution a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture to produce battery cells and modules for North America. Thus the battery gold rush among major automakers continues with vast unknowns on how EVs will pan out among consumers. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, energy, global warming, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Stellantis, LG Energy JV for North American Battery Production

The batteries produced at the new facility will be supplied to Stellantis assembly plants throughout the US, Canada and Mexico for installation in next-generation electric vehicles ranging from plug-in hybrids to full battery electric vehicles that will be sold under the Stellantis family of brands. Stellantis was created by the merger of Fiat Chrysler , aka FCA, and Peugeot or PSA. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Toyota to Spend $3.4B for US Battery Manufacturing

Toyota Motor North America also announced today that it will establish a new company and build an automotive battery plant together with Toyota Tsusho in the US. Production is expected to start in 2025, the project includes an investment of approximately $1.29 billion until 2031, which includes funds that will be used to develop land and build facilities, resulting in the creation of 1,750 new American jobs. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

GM Plant Workers Face Threats After Voting Out Corrupt Union

On 17 and 18 August, workers at the General Motors (GM) plant in Silao, Mexico, voted against the current collective bargaining agreement, which since 2008 has been controlled by Tereso Medina, general secretary of the Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM). A total of 6,480 workers cast their ballot. There were 2,623 votes in favor of the agreement, 3,214 against, and 39 spoiled ballots. As a result, the current collective agreement is in the process of being scrapped. Workers will not lose any of their rights, and their benefits and working conditions will remain the same until new representatives are elected. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, people | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment