Category Archives: results

4 July 2020 – We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident

Posted on 4 July 2020 by Ken Zino

Jefferson, rightly regarded as the clearest, most eloquent writer, created what remains one of our core documents. It simply states that all of us equals could work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This of course led from our Articles of Confederation, to our Declaration and thence to one of the finest organizing documents of the 18th or any other century – our Constitution Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch – Cub Scout Pins Recalled for Lead

Posted on 3 July 2020 by Ken Zino

The pin’s face and shaft contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. Continue reading →

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Q2 US Sales Snippets and Notes

Posted on 1 July 2020 by Ken Zino

“While the industry experienced significant declines due to the outbreak of COVID-19, full-size pickup truck sales performed exceptionally well, and overall sales showed signs of recovery, especially deliveries to retail customers,” GM claimed. Continue reading →

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GM Reports Q2 US Sales at -34% Year-over-Year

Posted on 1 July 2020 by Ken Zino

“While the industry experienced significant declines due to the outbreak of COVID-19, full-size pickup truck sales performed exceptionally well, and overall sales showed signs of recovery, especially deliveries to retail customers,” GM claimed. Continue reading →

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COVID Casualty – Woodward Dream Cruise

Posted on 30 June 2020 by Ken Zino

Southeastern Michigan is in Phase 4 of Whitmer’s Safe Start Plan. This means social gatherings are limited to small groups with social distancing, and outdoor crowds are limited to no more than 100 people. Continue reading →

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Navistar Settles Diesel Air Quality Violations for $2m

Posted on 29 June 2020 by Ken Zino

The Illinois-based company modified its vehicle calibrations from their certified design through “running changes” in the engines of its heavy-duty trucks without notifying the California Air Resources Board that the changes were being made, as is required. Continue reading →

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Global Vehicle Sales Improve but COVID Wave 2 Lurks

Posted on 29 June 2020 by Ken Zino

This now looks like a long shot to AutoInformed with the US leading the way in spreading new infections and fatalities from the maskless and clueless Trump misadministration.  In the US, a repetition of the ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme could potentially lift sales, “but this has yet to be fully debated or agreed,” says LMC. Continue reading →

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Global Parts – BMW, Toyota Recall Tie Rods

Posted on 29 June 2020 by Ken Zino

During rough road driving conditions or high temperatures, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod. Continue reading →

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California Requires Electric Trucks by 2045

Posted on 26 June 2020 by Ken Zino

Trucks are the largest single source of air pollution from vehicles, responsible for 70% of the smog-causing pollution and 80% of carcinogenic diesel soot even though they number only 2 million among the 30 million registered vehicles in the state.  Continue reading →

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US June Retail Sales Down -6% from Pre-Virus Forecast

Posted on 26 June 2020 by Ken Zino

The sales came at a high price, though, Record levels of manufacturer incentives for the month of June are supporting the recovery. Incentive spending should reach $4,411 in June, the highest ever for the month and an increase of $445 from June 2019. Incentives on cars are expected to be up $459 to $4,031, with trucks/SUVs up $407 to $4,524. Continue reading →

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Top Five Air Pollution Actions to Improve Health, Climate

Posted on 25 June 2020 by Ken Zino

While some efforts that replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources improve both local health and favorably impact climate change, other, often politically popular programs are of limited value on either front. Continue reading →

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Duh – New Vehicle Quality Determined by Working Technology J.D. Power Says

Posted on 25 June 2020 by Ken Zino

In a victory of sorts, most domestic brands are above average. Seven domestic brands perform better than the overall industry average of 166 PP100. Continue reading →

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New FCA Italy Covid Credit Line €6.3 billion

Posted on 24 June 2020 by Ken Zino

FCA is Italy’s largest industrial group, directly employing 55,000 people at its 16 plants and 26 dedicated R&D sites. In addition, more than 200,000 further jobs in highly specialized Italian supplier businesses are linked to the successful continuity of the FCA’s operations. A further 120,000 jobs at 12,000 enterprises of all sizes in the distribution and services sectors also support the Italian automotive industry. Continue reading →

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Ford Embraces Paris Climate Agreement Globally

Posted on 24 June 2020 by Ken Zino

This promise came as Ford released its 21st annual Sustainability Report. Ford is also working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards. Ford did not mention its current financial crisis that resulted from the Corona virus plague.  Continue reading →

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CarMax Q1 2021 – Net Sales Drop 40% to $3.2B

Posted on 21 June 2020 by Ken Zino

CarMax (NYSE:KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, today reported weak results for the first quarter ending May 31, 2020. Net sales and operating revenues declined 39.8% to $3.23 billion. Net earnings declined 98.1% to $5.0 million and net earnings per diluted share declined 98.1% to $0.03. Nonetheless CarMax stock is up ~12% year-to-date at ~$92/share, even though used car sales are projected to decline. It’s part of the mania on tech stocks that thinks the companies are invincible. Continue reading →

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