Category Archives: results

Porsche Consulting Now in Silicon Valley

“Contact with colleagues from our own corporate group is just as valuable as with Silicon Valley’s many other expert and courageous individuals who are working with enormous energy and matchless spirit to shape the world of the future,” said Eberhard Weiblen, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Consulting GmbH. Continue reading

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Gen 8 Porsche 911 Debuts in Los Angeles. A look at Gen 4

The 993 was technological tour de force in the sports car segment with its redesigned LSA suspension (long and short arm suspension – to hell with struts), aluminum chassis, which combined lightweight construction, stability and agility. The multi-link rear suspension is still considered to be the ultimate development stage of the “Weissach” rear axle, which made history with its self-steering properties. Better driving dynamics and enhanced suspension comfort – a seeming conundrum solved by brilliant at any cost engineering. Continue reading

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Automobility LA – Fast EV Charging Network Plugged and Supported by Volkswagen Subsidiary Electrify America

However, industry observers note that there isn’t a clear focus in the U.S. to create an open electric vehicle charging network. In fact, the grid is to varying degrees populated by self-interested players in for a buck – as in charges via fees – and not necessarily for creating or sustaining potential consumer demands and expectations for convenience, reliability and speed. It’s true that these might ultimately become benefits, but one need only recall Enron* and its history with utility companies and how that worked out for consumers. Continue reading

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General Motors Revises 2015 Strategy to Slash Costs and Streamline Engineering as Market and Competition Toughen

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this morning that it will accelerate its business plan, building on the strategy it laid out in 2015 that has resulted in lack-luster returns for shareholders. GM is acknowledging what most automakers hold private: the marketplace is moving faster than automakers. Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel – High Gasoline Injection Pressures?

Efficient and hybridized gasoline should be the combustion-based alternative as diesel declines. Considering these added costs and complexities that have always been part of diesel, there is an unknown risk that the same pattern of reputational blight and penalties will occur on gasoline engines. This could/would accelerate the demise of the internal combustion engine while promoting electric vehicles. Continue reading

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BMW Has Claim on Leading Electrification. iNEXT Debuts in LA

“Sales of our electrified vehicles are up over 40% in the year to date. Around every fifth BMW 5 Series sedan or BMW 2 Series Active Tourer sold worldwide has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, while our all-electric BMW i3 remains very successful with sales up over 10% in October,” said Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales. Continue reading

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U.S. Used Vehicle Prices Drop for Second Consecutive Month

While not a discernible trend yet, it’s another warning that the auto market could be headed for a downturn. Continue reading

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Mercedes GLC 63 S 4Matic+ Fastest SUV on Nürburgring

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLC 63 S 4Matic+ is not only the top performer (really – is that the best you can do against Alfa, under 3 seconds?), but also day-to-day useable: it has space for passengers and luggage, an adaptable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort. Continue reading

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WLTP How Does It Work? Will it Work?

After the scope of the Dieselgate scandal was revealed by American University and regulatory agency tests, an embarrassed European Union has developed a new test, called the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Continue reading

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European Market Sinks. One-Third of Model Versions Not legal

Alternative-fueled vehicles continued to gain traction with their market share increasing by 2 percentage points to 7.5%, while demand for pure electric cars grew immensely, with volume up by 70%. Continue reading

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November Auto Sales Forecast Down First Time Since 2009

Although sales remain healthy , factors such as increasing market saturation, rising transaction prices and elevated interest rates continue to create problems for all automakers. This probably will continue into 2019, perhaps for all of 2019 AutoInformed opines as the illusion of the Trump tax cuts fades with the reality of declining middle-class wealth emerges. Continue reading

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Nissan Board Deletes Carlos Ghosn as Chairman and Director

The board of directors for Nissan Motor Co. met today at the company’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. The board endorsed the long-standing and profitable Alliance partnership with Renault saying, “it remains unchanged” and that “the mission is to minimize the potential impact and confusion on the day-to-day cooperation among the Alliance partners.” Continue reading

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Carlos Ghosn Given Temporary Reprieve by Renault Board

It was the latest twist on an ongoing saga that involves alleged tax evasion by Ghosn. It also raised, yet again, the embarrassing issue that foreign executives demand and receive far greater compensation than their Japanese equivalents. Continue reading

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Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn Arrested and About to be Sacked by Board for Financial Misconduct. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance Position Threatened.

Ghosn as chief executive of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is now under fire. Ghosn retired from the highest job at Nissan last year, but remained heading the world’s largest automotive alliance, saying he planned on staying until 2020. Ghosn was paid ¥227 million in cash and stock options by Mitsubishi Motors in 2017. Continue reading

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Americans Like Other World Leaders Over Trump

In the auto industry Trump’s bellicose nature, ill thought tariffs and threatened trade restrictions have wreaked havoc to no discernible positive affect. Even the tax cut for the wealthy hurt the car making and car buying middle class. Continue reading

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