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Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions
April Fool’s Day – Trump Tariffs Hurting Economy
The U.S. economy is at a turning point with the erratic actions of what AutoInformed* observes is the Trump mis-administration threatening the economic health of the nation. We are looking at a global trade war leading to a recession or if past Republican economic policies are any indication – a depression. The latest Cox Automotive Industry Forecast** conducted this morning reinforces that view. Brother can you spare a dime?
“We are at an interesting crossroads here in late Q one 2025,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at Cox. “at the end of last year my wish for you all was that the economy and the auto market would perform to the upside. Today we will be talking about sides, but downward forecasts and darker downsides. The economy and auto market have been relatively strong over the last 6 months. The problem which we will be getting into is that a substantial change in trade through massive increases in tariffs will be highly disruptive to North American vehicle production and could lead to a full scale global trade war and a much weaker the economy. We’re not there yet but we’re a week away from moves that make the dark side more likely,” Smoke said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive Industry Forecast, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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ZEV Truck Adoption Stalled by Costs
Cutting the total cost of ownership could boost the transition to zero-emission truck fleets. A new study released by the respected McKinsey & Company counsultancy observes that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for ZEVs remains significantly higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The TCO gap ranges between 30% and 50% compared to ICE vehicles running on dirtier diesel fuel. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cross Pagano, Dilip Bhattacharjee, Disha Mendhekar, Ken Zino, long-haul full truckload networks, McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company Fleet Decarbonization recommendations, Moritz Rittstieg, Neeraj Gole, Nick Inchaustegui, Saral Chauhan, X @KenAutoinformed, zero-emission truck adoption, zero-emission truck costs
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First Glance – 800-Volt Volvo ES90
Volvo (VOLCAR B:STO) said today that its new, fully electric car – the impending Volvo ES90 sedan – has new 800-volt technology in its latest electric model offering. The ES90 will be revealed globally on 5 March 2025.
“Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification,” said Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer. “It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go further on a single charge.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged Anders Bell, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CLTC driving cycle, Ken Zino, Volvo ES90, WLTP testing cycle, X @KenAutoinformed
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Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming
Despite all the legal and political controversies surrounding the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, there is emerging clarity in one area with a high potential for damaging the auto industry and the U.S. economy. Anderson Economic Group identified the threat of tariffs as a “two-alarm fire for the auto industry” as early as November 2024. It recently estimated the costs per car of tariffs on Mexico and Canada at $4000 to $10,000, based on its analysis of ten different vehicles from multiple manufacturers.
“The Trade Expansion Act (TEA) has clear statutory authority. It’s been used before. It’ll probably be used again, whether now or next year, said Patrick Anderson,* Anderson Economic Group CEO today speaking to the Automotive Press Association. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Anderson Economic Group, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Patrick Anderson, The Trade Expansion Act. Automotive Press Association, Trump 2.0, X @KenAutoinformed
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Society of Automotive Analysts – New Board of Directors
The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) today announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives, will serve as SAA president, while Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData, moves into the vice president role. The SAA’s stated goals are to provide automotive professionals exclusive access to industry leaders, early insights and outstanding networking opportunities. “SAA members include every automotive industry professional interested in timely and useful auto industry data, discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions,” the SAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, people, quality, sales, shows and events
Tagged Adam Bernard, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, AutoPerspectives, general motors, GlobalData, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, Magna International, Matt Grecki, Steve Hallman, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Develops New 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System
“The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle, Toyota 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. EV Adoption to Stall in 2025
“Amid a flurry of speculation about how Trump administration policies on everything from EV incentives and tariffs on foreign imports to federal emissions and mileage standards will affect the future of EV adoption, J.D. Power has focused its attention on the data, reassessing the major trends in EV adoption for the past four years, and analyzing current government policies and manufacturer strategies to get the most accurate reading possible on consumer sentiment heading into 2025. Though many variables are still at play, which could create potential headwinds and tailwinds to EV adoption, J.D. Power is projecting that 2025 will be a reset year for EV adoption, in which total retail share will hold at 9.1% as manufacturers and consumers adjust to new market dynamics,” J.D. Power said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, j.d power, J.D. Power EV Index, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Global Warming – U.S. Lags on EV Truck Battery Swapping
China is currently the largest market for deploying battery swapping trucks, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy* said this morning in a well-researched and extensive analysis of zero-emission truck strategies. In 2023, 14% of all zero-emissions heavy-duty vehicles sold (12-month average) in China were swap-capable (Jin and Mao 2024). Tractor-trailers and dump trucks were the main applications for battery swap-capable HDVs. In China, 50% of zero-emissions tractor-trailers and 53% of zero-emissions dump trucks sold in 2023 were swap-capable.
Battery swapping is also emerging in other international markets. Janus Electric, an Australian manufacturer, advertises ranges of around 250 – 370 miles for its HDV technology that allows for battery swapping. In Japan, Ample, Inc., an American-based battery swapping company focused on light- and medium-duty electric vehicles serving shorter ranges, and Mitsubishi Fuso is piloting its technology with Mitsubishi’s light-duty eCanter electric truck using Ample’s battery swapping technology The pilot will test battery swapping for shorter driving ranges (~62-200 miles) in an urban environment. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged ACEEE, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Buys All of the Punch Powertrain JV
Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) announced today that it has acquired all the shares in the joint venture created in 2018 with the Belgian multinational Punch Powertrain, an original equipment maker of transmission and propulsion systems in the automotive sector. In the complex world of global automakers, the JV worked in the plants at Metz (FR) and Turin, at the Mirafiori complex (IT), where the advanced eDCT (Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission) gearboxes are produced. They will be seen in the entire Stellantis range of Mild Hybrid (MHEV) vehicles and the new generation of Plug-in (PHEV) vehicles.
“With this decision, Stellantis assumes full management of the design and production activities of the eDCT transmissions, characterized by class leading performance in terms of weight and production cost, fuel savings and reductions in harmful emissions,” the muti-national auto maker said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electrified dual clutch transmission, Ken Zino, Mirafiori complex, Stellantis and Punch Powertrain JV, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ram ProMaster Diesel Engines – CARB Fines FCA $4.2M
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said this week it has reached a settlement agreement with FCA US LLC (FCA) of Auburn Hills, Mich., for $4,185,820 for violations of CARB’s air quality regulations. The FCA vehicles concerned include model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 Ram ProMaster 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with 3-liter inline-4 diesel engines.*
“CARB’s robust compliance testing ensures that auto manufacturers sell the exact vehicles that received certification for sale within California, without alterations made to skirt the state’s regulations and release excess emissions that harm air quality and public health,” said CARB Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliff. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, car sharing, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, public health, recalls
Tagged 2014 - 2016 Ram ProMaster 1500 and 2500 and 3500 trucks, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, Death of the diesel, diesel emissions compliance, Dr. Steven Cliff, emissions defeat-device software, FCA US, Ken Zino, Marine Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive Program, oxides of nitrogen or NOx emissions, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota to Get $4.5M in Fed Funding for EV Batteries
Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today that Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), inclusive of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) R&D, has been selected to receive $4.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The funding is part of the Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR) Program, designed to support a circular domestic supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
“As it stands, this project and program will highlight avenues for everyone to rethink their approach to battery circularity, and help prioritize the extension of battery life, facilitate battery reuse, and reduce battery waste while unveiling the appropriate pathways to achieve such priorities,” said Nik Singh, principal scientist at TRINA (Toyota Research Institute of North America) who is Principal Investigator on this project. “This is only made possible by the collaboration between the exceptional teams comprised within this project group.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, public health
Tagged Ankit Verma, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, circular battery supply chain, CIRCULAR Program, Ken Zino, Nik Singh, Sarah Kennedy, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Advanced Clean Cars II Regs – EPA Grants Waivers!
“After reviewing the information provided by California, reviewing comments submitted by the public, and applying the limited criteria for waiver review under the Clean Air Act, EPA determined in each case that it would be appropriate to grant both waiver requests. The records, included in the waiver decisions, contain public comments on the programs’ feasibility, including costs to manufacturers and the lead time provided. EPA’s review found that opponents of the waivers did not meet their burden to show how either program is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged Advanced Clean Cars II or ACC II regulations, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, clean air act, Ken Zino, Low Emission Vehicle, low-NOx regulation, Michael S. Regan, X @KenAutoinformed, Zero Emission Vehicle
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Clean Air Act – Power Performance Enterprises Fined
Louisiana-based company Power Performance Enterprises Inc. (PPEI) and its president and owner, Kory B. Willis, were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Sacramento, California, for violating and conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by tampering with the monitoring devices … Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, awards, car sharing, electronics, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, public health
Tagged Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Clean Air Act tampering, DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division, Ken Zino, Kory B. Willis, Power Performance Enterprises, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, U.S. District Court Judge John A. Mendez, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis and CATL JV for LFP Battery Plant in Spain
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA )* and CATL (Shenzhen 300750) today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. The transaction is expected to close during 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory conditions.
“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.” Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, CATL, John Elkann, Ken Zino, lithium iron phosphate, Robin Zeng, Stellantis, X @KenAutoinformed, Zaragoza Spain
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Toyota 2025 Mirai Fuel-Cell Sedan Due in Spring
“Mirai has an EPA-Estimated Driving Range Rating of 402 Miles running on hydrogen from onboard tanks and oxygen from the outside air to generate power for the vehicle,” Toyota said. “In essence, the Mirai is a ‘plug-less’ electric vehicle. A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. The fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen, along with oxygen from the air, and then a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a vent pipe beneath the car.
“Instead of having to charge a large battery pack like in a battery–electric vehicle, which can take several hours, the Mirai’s driver fills the vehicle’s tanks with hydrogen. With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline,” Toyota said. Continue reading →