Category Archives: results

Huge Bonus declared for Porsche employees

Posted on 25 March 2015 by Ken Zino

During 2014 the launch of the Porsche Macan as the second SUV in the model range from what was once a sports car maker increased deliveries by 17% to ~190,000 vehicles compared to 2013. This earned owner Volkswagen Group roughly $23,000 per Porsche peddled. Continue reading →

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Renewable Biodiesel Fuel Scam from Washakie in Utah

Posted on 20 March 2015 by Ken Zino

During 2010, Washakie issued more than 7.2 million Renewable Identification Numbers, aka RINs, and reported to EPA that it produced biodiesel associated with those RINs at its Plymouth, Utah refinery. During that time, Washakie did not produce any biodiesel at the Plymouth facility. Continue reading →

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GM Dumps Most Manufacturing in Russia for Imports Only

Posted on 18 March 2015 by Ken Zino

GM in Russia will now try to sell in the premium segment of market with Cadillac – perhaps some built in China – and U.S.-built Chevrolet products such as the Corvette, Camaro and Tahoe. Continue reading →

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EU Auto Sales Recovery Slowly Advances in February

Posted on 17 March 2015 by Ken Zino

During February 2015, EU auto sales increased for the eighteenth consecutive month at 924,440 or +7.3% year-over-year. Continue reading →

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US Subprime Loan Quality Weakens

Posted on 16 March 2015 by Ken Zino

U.S. auto lenders are likely to see subprime loan asset quality weaken in 2015, with annualized net losses (ANLs) above their historical averages of 6.24% recently reaching 8% before dropping to 7.26% as of the end of February. The level remains below the past recession peaks of 9%-13%, according to Fitch. Continue reading →

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US Government Spying Changes Citizen Behavior

Posted on 16 March 2015 by Ken Zino

American taxpayers are changing their behavior and use of technology to avoid government surveillance in a new damaging report that in its background results from flagrant violations of Constitutional rights in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading →

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China World’s Biggest Auto Market by Units, Not Revenue

Posted on 9 March 2015 by Ken Zino

Total value for new vehicles sold in China, the world’s largest market by volume, lagged the U.S. by as much as $161 billion last year, based on a comparison of pricing data. Continue reading →

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General Motors Will Distribute Cash as Wilson Drops Board Bid

Posted on 9 March 2015 by Ken Zino

The deal is a major victory for the investors while giving relief to GM of what could have evolved into a fight with major shareholders. However, GM slashed its previously announced cash target that it claimed was key to keeping a ‘fortress balance sheet.” How the ratings agencies react remains to be seen. Continue reading →

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China Auto Sales Slowdown means Trouble in Detroit

Posted on 6 March 2015 by Ken Zino

If growth rates in the Chinese auto economy keep slowing, it means trouble for Ford Motor and General Motors, given their large investments in China and reliance on profits from the world’s largest auto market. U.S. automakers typically book revenue when vehicles are shipped, not sold. Continue reading →

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February US Sales Gains mostly from Trucks

Posted on 4 March 2015 by Ken Zino

Slumping car sales and rising truck, SUV and crossover sales in February saw auto sales at 1.26 million units as trucks rose 12% and passenger cars dropped 1.4%. The seasonally adjusted annual selling rate came in at 16.23 million compared to February 2014 at 15.41 million. Continue reading →

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GM Sales up Slightly in February as Trucks Soar

Posted on 3 March 2015 by Ken Zino

According to J.D. Power PIN data, the Chevrolet Silverado’s retail market share in the full-size pickup segment was 27.2% in February, up 1.5 percentage points from a year ago, at the expense of Ford’s F-Series and FCA’s Ram brand. Continue reading →

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Frigid February Hot for US Auto Sales

Posted on 26 February 2015 by Ken Zino

The U.S. auto sales expansion is continuing despite a frigid February according to the latest forecast that show a large 8.5% increase for the industry. New light vehicle sales, including fleet, should reach 1,295,600 units for the month. Continue reading →

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Cyber Insecurity – Your Car and You as Targets

Posted on 19 February 2015 by Ken Zino

The connected car is linking you to criminals with virtually no safeguards in place to protect your personal data or even to prevent the bad guys from taking over control of the car. That is the summary from a recent series and studies and forums in the U.S. and Europe.

The good news, if there is any for connected car, Bluetooth, OnStar and Smartphone aficionados is that you are likely not the primary target. Instead, hackers want to get to the treasure trove of car company databases and private networks that contain millions of bits of confidential data. Other privacy problems arise from the use of navigation computers that record and send location or driving history information to third party providers who resell it without your knowledge, let alone consent. Continue reading →

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Tesla Posts Loss Yet Again

Posted on 16 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Chief booster Elon Musk said in a letter to shareholders – not without billions in self interest – that the company expected to begin deliveries of the Model X in Q3 during this year – a long delay from original promises. Continue reading →

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Wolfsburg Woes as Volkswagen Passenger Car Sales Drop

Posted on 12 February 2015 by Ken Zino

In a damage control statement that is clearly intended to shape expectations, VW said earlier this week “Deliveries by the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand show we are facing a challenging year. Volkswagen was not immune to the uncertainties in some regions that have continued into the current year.” Continue reading →

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