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Category Archives: awards
EV Grumblings – Tire Replacement Rates?
J.D. Power said today that early data from its unpublished 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study shows that EV tires may fall short of meeting this expectation, with a higher replacement rate in years One and Two of ownership than with internal combustion vehicle tires. (see AutoInformed: J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Down Again)
In what could be a stretch of a still to be verified conclusion based on a much needed larger sample size that doesn’t yet exist, Power claimed that “more than a quarter of new vehicle shoppers who are considering an EV cite reliability as a factor in this decision.” Well, duh, they might also prioritize other things such as saving the planet, eschewing fossil fuels, and charging at home. How this sorts out in a changing marketplace remains to be seen. Power did say that the gap in replacement rates appears to be closing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, blog, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news, news analysis, people, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Dunlop, EV Grumblings, Falken, Firestone, General, Giti, goodyear, hankook, j.d power, J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, Ken Zino, Kumho, michelin, Nexen, Nitto, Pirelli, Toyo, Vogue, Yokohama
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Toyota Motor North America R&D Leads in Patents
Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) said today that it has been awarded more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than any other automaker, according to an annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO). Toyota Motor North America Research & Development – head office in Ann Arbor, Michigan – has led the automotive industry for 10th consecutive years. During 2023 there was 3% overall decline in patents granted across all industries in the United States. Toyota ranked seventh among all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2667 patents. Toyota globally spends ~$1 million per hour on Research & Development. Continue reading
Posted in awards, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Intellectual Property Owners Association, Ken Zino, Sandra Phillips Rogers, Toyota Motor North America. Toyota Motor North America Research & Development, United States Patent and Trademark Office
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IIHS Tightens Top Safety Pick Awards Criteria
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said today that it is making it harder to earn its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2024. In a never ending battle in the quest for improved safety going back at least to the landmark 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, IIHS – not without self-interest since it is insurance company funded – wants manufacturers to offer better protection for back seat passengers and to improve their pedestrian crash avoidance systems. The latest changes will improve the prospects for people in vehicles operating in the US. If there is a regulatory debate here, it’s minor and irrelevant in AutoInformed’s view. The preservation and protection of human beings is part of an enlightened society with sound public, corporate and individual policies. The results are indisputable. Despite the more stringent requirements, 71 models qualify for 2024 awards. Of those, 22 earn Top Safety Pick+, and 49 earn Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, blog, news analysis, people, public health, safety, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Harkey, Ken Zino, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com, National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, overlap front test, pedestrian front crash prevention systems, side crash tests, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards
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MAMA Favorite Vehicle of 2024 Finalists Announced
“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Continue reading
Posted in awards, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, chevrolet trax, Ford Maverick Tremor, Genesis G90, Hyundai IONIQ 6, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe, Ken Zino, MAMA, Midwest Automotive Media Association, Mustang Dark Horse, Robert Duffer, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
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EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA
New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports Continue reading
Posted in awards, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality
Tagged AOA, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive press association, Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability survey, jake fisher, Ken Zino
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EV Tech-aches 2023 – More Problems than ICE Vehicles
“Innovation through a strong advanced tech strategy is crucial for all vehicle manufacturers, especially those working to build their reputation in the electric vehicle space,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “The perception in the industry is that most BEVs should offer many advanced technologies to compete with high-tech entrants like Tesla. Success will be dependent on those manufacturers that can execute flawlessly, while ensuring the user experience is the same for those who are tech savvy and those who are not.” Continue reading
Marketing Annals – Dream Chaser Trax to Great Lakes Activist
Meag Schwartz, described as a local Michigan activist and environmental educator, won on the basis of her pursuing protecting and cleaning up the Great Lakes. Continue reading
IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings
The biggest change to the criteria for both awards is the replacement of the original IIHS side crash test with the updated evaluation launched in 2021. The updated test involves 82% more energy than the original test. Vehicles must earn an acceptable or good rating to qualify for Top Safety Pick, while a good rating is required for the “plus.” Notably absent from the highest Plus rating are products from what were once called the Detroit Three makers thus far. Continue reading
Posted in awards, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, David Harkey, iihs, Ken Zino, Top Safety Pick
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Vehicle Quality Flaws at 36-Year Record High
Initial vehicle quality drastically declined setting a record, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS)*. The disruptions caused by the pandemic: supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices and personnel dislocations, contributed to quality woes. Compared with … Continue reading
CARB Presents Six 2020-2021 Haagen-Smit Awards
“The Haagen-Smit Award is our way of honoring individuals who have championed public health with innovative and far-reaching contributions to air pollution research, science, clean air technology and advocacy, policy and leadership,” CARB Chair Liane Randolph said. “From shaping our understanding of the human health impacts of toxic diesel pollution to groundbreaking work in atmospheric chemistry research, the long and distinguished careers of these six extraordinary people have changed how we address climate change and fight air pollution around the world.” Continue reading
First All-Female Minor Hockey Team Are Season Champions
The team will donate the $100,000 grand prize provided by Chevrolet Canada to Inclusion Lloydminster. The donation will be used to create better accessibility in their new local rinks allowing more community members of varying abilities to play, volunteer and access the ice. Continue reading
Honda, Lexus at Top of ALG Residual Value Awards
Numerous variables, of course, affect the actual residual value of a vehicle over a multi-year lease term, including the former Trump administrations’ inexplicable failure to address the corona virus pandemic, which resulted unnecessary deaths and as well as factory shut downs. Other instances include mileage, quality/reliability, options and feature sets, weather and the macro-economic environment. Continue reading
Toyota R&D Patent Leader Among US Automakers Again
“Toyota continues to invest heavily in its robust research and development pipeline and has received more than 1,400 patents related to autonomous vehicle technology since 2003. Every hour, Toyota invests over $1 million in emerging technology globally, and has invested over $1 billion in R&D related to automated vehicles and robotics since 2017,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Hydrogen – Plug Power Energy Gets $1.6B Loan Guarantee
“Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come,” said Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office. Continue reading →