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Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions
Stellantis Holds Media Drive for Chinese Leapmotor EVs
The first European Media Drive is now taking place in Milan for the C10 and T03 models of the Leapmotor brand, a Chinese company in the technology field which has the highest growth in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector.* The event, held in Milan and Lake Maggiore, marks the official debut of Leapmotor International in Europe. In a controversial move in October of 2023 Stellantis took 51% of a joint venture with Leapmotor that gives it exclusive rights to build, export and sell Leapmotor EVs outside China.**
“Stellantis will invest more than €50 billion during the next 10 years in the field of electrification and will do everything it can to reach the targets set out in its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, including the achievement of a 100% sales mix of BEV vehicles in Europe by 2030 and 50% of BEV passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the United States. To reach these sales goals, the company is ensuring around 400 GWh of battery capacity with the support of six battery factories in North America and Europe. Stellantis aims to become a zero carbon-emissions company across all sectors by 2038, with a percentage offsetting for an amount of the remaining emissions,” the company formed by the merger of FCA and PSA said today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Belgium, Chinese Leapmotor EVs, Chinese Trade Wars, Dare Forward 2030, FCA-PSA Merger, france, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ken Zino, Luxemburg, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Economy Booms as Greenhouse Gases Decline
A report* released today by the California Air Resources Board shows that for 2022 greenhouse gas emissions dropped across most sectors and is the equivalent of removing more than 2.2 million gasoline- or diesel powered cars off California’s roads for one year. Between 2000 to 2022, emissions fell by 20% while California’s gross domestic product increased by 78%. This shows the effectiveness of the state’s climate change and air quality programs, which will be rejected by climate deniers and fossil fuel lobbying funding organizations, political candidates or parties.
“California is proving that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. We’ve slashed carbon pollution by a whopping 20% since the turn of the century all while building the world’s fifth largest economy. Cleaner air, more good jobs – that’s the California way,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged Advanced Clean Cars, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Climate Investments, California Landfill Methane Regulation, Dr. Steven Cliff, Governor Gavin Newsom, greenhouse gas inventory, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, Low-Emission Vehicle Regulation, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis to Invest +$406M in Three Michigan Plants for EVs
“Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Gearing up to build our first-ever Ram electric truck and the range-extended version in Michigan is a meaningful moment of pride for our teams. With these investments supporting both Jeep and Ram, we’re adding innovations to our Michigan manufacturing footprint to support a multi-energy approach that is laser-focused on customer demand.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Dundee Engine Plant, Ken Zino, NYSE: STLA, Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Warren Truck Assembly Plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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North Carolina Parts Seller Fined for Emission Defeat Devices
North Carolina automotive parts manufacturer and seller, Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc. (Rudy’s), and its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay a total of $10 million in criminal fines and civil penalties for manufacturing, selling and installing devices, commonly known as “defeat devices,” used to remove or disable required emissions controls in motor vehicles, the U.S. Department of justice said today.
“Defeat devices, such as those sold by Rudy’s, can lead to pollution at high levels that pose health risks and harm the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This plea agreement and civil settlement show that we will take strong action to enforce the Clean Air Act and emissions controls requirements for motor vehicles.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged Aaron Rudolf, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, OBD defeat devices, Rudy’s Performance Parts, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV – 54 Miles Electric Range
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this morning in Atlanta that the new 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is best in its class at 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification [see footnotes below – 1]. The Hybrid SUV is available now at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,900 [2].
This in German marketing theory makes “most daily commutes more flexible and economical in all-electric mode without the need to rely on the internal combustion engine.” Further optimizing efficiency, the “Hybrid” drive program prioritizes electric propulsion for the most appropriate driving situations, for example, during city driving. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health
Tagged 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, mbusa, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1
GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money – prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Duncan Aldred, Ken Zino, Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, X @KenAutoinformed
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West European July New Car Market Diesel Share at ~15%
In July, for the 12th month in a row, diesel* captured around 15% of the region’s new car market, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.**
“In fact, the preliminary July result was exactly that figure with June being confirmed at 14.2%. July historically is a robust month for diesel sales though the reason for this isn’t clear. So, while the MoM diesel share was positive, the YoY comparison was more negative than seen in June,” said the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting Team. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, GlobalData, July W European New Car Diesel Market Share, Ken Zino, oxford economics, X @KenAutoinformed
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Largest Ever Clean Air Act Fine Imposed on Marathon Oil
The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached a settlement with Marathon Oil Company* over Clean Air Act violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The settlement requires that Marathon pay a civil penalty of $64.5 million, the largest ever for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources, which include downstream facilities such as oil and gas tank systems. Under the settlement agreement, Marathon will implement extensive compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions from more than 200 facilities across the state. Continue reading
Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, milestones, news, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, ConocoPhillips, David M. Uhlmann, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Mitigating Climate Change, Ken Zino, Marathon Oil Clean Air Act violations, Merrick B. Garland, U.S. Justice Department
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Tilt! Stellantis Now Favoring Hybrids in Europe
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that is changing its self-described multi-energy approach to respond to the sharp rise in sales of hybrid vehicles in Europe, including models equipped with its new “advanced hybrid eDCT technology.”* The company will offer 30 … Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, marketing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, hybrid vehicles, Ken Zino, Stellantis Dare Forward 2030, Stellantis eDCT technology
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Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV – $389 a Month!
Honda this week announced lease options for the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, America’s first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The zero-emissions compact CUV will be available in California starting 9 July, with three leasing options, at $389, $459, and $489 per month. This is a form of space age NASA advanced technology at Honda prices without the requisite trip to the moon, unless you have those views about California. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis
Tagged 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Lease Pricing, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hydrogen Fuel Credits, Ken Zino
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Stellantis Promise or Puff? – Clean, Safe, Affordable Mobility
No matter how nuanced a view you take, Jeep is central to the plan. The China Leapmotor Strategy is either daft – given the expanding global trade war with China or dictated by reality. Perhaps more significant in this moment, Stellantis re-affirmed its 2024 financial guidance and capital return plan, which promises double-digit Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) margin and positive industrial free cash flows. Stellantis will provide ≥€7.7 billion in dividends and buybacks during 2024. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Ken Zino, Natalie Knight
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NHTSA Eases CAFE Regs For 2027-2031 Model Years
“Not only will these new standards save Americans money at the pump every time they fill up, they will also decrease harmful pollution and make America less reliant on foreign oil,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These standards will save car owners more than $600 in gasoline costs over the lifetime of their vehicle.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration, corporate aver fuel economy, fuel economy regulations, Ken Zino, Pete Buttigieg, US Department of Transportation
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Mercedes-Benz Opens Battery Recycling Plant in Kuppenheim
“Mercedes-Benz has set itself the goal of building the most desirable cars in a sustainable way. As a pioneer in automotive engineering, Europe’s first integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical battery recycling factory marks a key milestone towards enhancing raw-materials sustainability. Together with our partners from industry and science, we are sending a strong signal of innovative strength for sustainable electric mobility and value creation in Germany and Europe,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →