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Category Archives: results
Lexus, Honda Top 2025 U.S. ALG Residual Values
“Honda stayed disciplined with pricing in 2024, avoiding the aggressive manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) increases that diminished affordability at other brands, while Lexus’ restraint with incentives paid dividends, as incentives have a direct negative effect on the resale values of older models,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at J.D. Power. “Additionally, the top brands consistently employ a balanced strategy with regard to trim levels, powertrains and pricing, which helps bolster residual performance and long-term value for consumers who are shopping in a highly competitive market.” Continue reading
DOJ – Cruise Deferred Prosecution for Pedestrian Crash
GM’s Cruise autonomous vehicle company* based in San Francisco, fixed a criminal charge in federal court for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation of a crash involving one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. Cruise has agreed to resolve the charge through a deferred prosecution agreement and payment of a $500,000 criminal fine.
“Federal laws and regulations are in place to protect public safety on our roads. Companies with self-driving cars that seek to share our roads and crosswalks must be fully truthful in their reports to their regulators,” said Martha Boersch, Chief of the Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, quality, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged 000 criminal fine, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cruise $500, Cruise Deferred Prosecution agreement, Ken Zino, Martha Boersch, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Huntsville Finishes 168-acre Solar Array
Toyota (NYSE: TM) and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities have completed 168-acre solar project. The renewable energy produced will generate ~70 % of Toyota Alabama’s total energy. It is in keeping with the automaker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality at all of its North American facilities by 2035. In total, the array will generate approximately 62,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, reducing an estimated 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
“Toyota is committed to clean and sustainable power. We know that the collective future for our community and our team members depends on clean mobility, clean air, clean water, and biodiversity,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama. “We are thankful for our partners on this project who have created a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Simmons, Jason Puckett, Ken Zino, Toyota Tsusho America, Wes Kelley, X @KenAutoinformed
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October Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate at 93 Million
The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for October stood at 93 million units/year, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* Year-over-Year, market volumes rebounded from the previous months’ downward trend. YoY sales were up 6% versus October 2023. However, Year-to-Date sales have a modest increase of 1% compared to the same period last year.
“In October, sales experienced a resurgence across most regions. Sales in China grew 5% YoY, as the domestic market saw a modest recovery driven by subsidies and the ongoing price war. In the US, sales grew nearly 12% for the month, driven by additional selling days and new model releases. Finally, sales in Western Europe remained broadly flat, as the region continues to experience significant political and economic headwinds,” the GlobalData forecast team said. Continue reading
Chinese EV Trade Wars Hits Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today announced the selling of its 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zeekr, a transaction representing a consideration of RMB 5.4 billion (~ SEK 8 billion). The transaction will be paid in cash, with 70% of the amount paid at closing, and 30% plus interest paid one year after closing. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2025. Volvo Cars is currently trading near its all time low.
The transaction involves Volvo Cars (China) Investment Co., Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of Volvo Car AB, selling its share in Lynk & Co Automotive Technology Co., Ltd to Zhejiang Zeekr Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd, an indirect subsidiary of Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Limited. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, financial results, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Eric Li, Geely Automobile Holdings, Geely Holding, Ken Zino, Li Shufu, Lynk & Co, VOLCAR B:STO, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed, Zeekr
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NHTSA Fines Ford $165M for Flouting Recall Law
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced a consent order with Ford Motor Company for failing to comply with federal recall requirements. The consent order includes a civil penalty of $165 million, the second-largest civil penalty in NHTSA’s history after the Takata airbag fiasco and the Takata airbag consent order.
“Timely and accurate recalls are critical to keeping everyone safe on our roads,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said. “NHTSA is committed to ensuring manufacturers comply with the laws designed to keep our roads safe. When manufacturers fail to prioritize the safety of the American public and meet their obligations under federal law, NHTSA will hold them accountable.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, milestones, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford and Lincoln safety defect recalls, Ford rear view camera recalls, Ken Zino, National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, nhtsa, NHTSA RQ21-002, Sophie Shulman, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Recall for Wheel Lockup on Diesel Pickups and SUVs
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~462,000 pickup trucks and large SUVs with diesel engines because the rear wheels can lock, increasing the risk of a crash, according to a required recall report made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The huge U.S. safety defect recall covers 2020-2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups, as well as the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
“A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the rear wheels may experience a momentary lock up,” GM said in the mandatory filing. “Excessive wear within the transmission control valve body can cause a fluid leak leading to a pressure drop that causes certain valves to move unexpectedly,” GM said. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado and Suburban and Tahoe recalls, 24V797, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Escalade recalls, GMC Sierra and Yukon recalls, Ken Zino, NHTSA 24V-797, rea wheel lockup, X @KenAutoinformed
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McKinsey and Hire Heroes USA – Bridging Veteran Career Gaps
McKinsey& Company said today that it is working with Hire Heroes USA to bridge the career gap for veterans. About 60% of the estimated 150,000 U.S. active-duty service members who transition from the military each year earn less during their first year after being discharged versus what they earned during active duty, according to a recent McKinsey article.
“Hire Heroes USA gave me the confidence and tools to return to the workforce. After six years out of the workforce, three years battling cancer, I didn’t know how to navigate job searches and resume writing,” said Samantha Bell, a U.S. Navy veteran who works as a clinical instructor in ABA therapy. “The coaching, friendship, and resources were invaluable as someone who felt lost and alone.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Lewis, Hire Heroes USA, James O. McKinsey, Ken Zino, McKinsey & Company, Samantha Bell, veterans and employment, X @KenAutoinformed
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VW Ensnared in More Takata Airbag Shrapnel Recalls
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 2017-2019 model year Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Volkswagen had been refusing to recall the inflators arguing since 2020 about NHTSA’s interpretation of Takata defect data.*
“The driver’s side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling,” VW said in the required safety defect recall filing. Volkswagens included in this recall are equipped with the Takata SDI-D driver frontal airbag. “An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death,” VW acknowledged. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NHTSA Recall 24V834 or 24V-834, Takata SDI-D driver frontal airbag recalls, Volkswagen Group of America recalls, Volkswagen recalls 69EG and 69GQ, X @KenAutoinformed
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Renesas and Nidec Announce New EV E-Axle Systems
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723)* today announced what it claims is the world’s first “8-in-1” proof of concept (PoC) for E-Axle systems for electric vehicles. It controls eight functions using a single microcontroller (MCU). Developed in collaboration with Nidec Corporation, this PoC integrates a motor, a reduction gear, an inverter, a DC/DC converter, and an on-board battery charger (OBC). System-level testing was also completed to ensure its performance. This of course awaits verification in deployments on the road.
“The E-Axle is a unit in EVs that combines a drive motor, a gear, and an inverter. By integrating multiple functions, the E-Axle system can reduce system size and weight, simplifying EV design. Renesas provided key components, including semiconductors and a reference design for the new 8-in-1 E-Axle system. Renesas also plans to deliver turnkey semiconductor solutions for various X-in-1 systems based on the reference design verified through this PoC. Armed with these solutions, developers can implement and evaluate X-in-1 systems instantly, accelerating EV development,” Renesas said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, milestones, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Allexandre, Ken Zino, Nidec, Renesas Electronics, Ryuji Omura, TSE: 6723, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Embraces and Adapts HVO Diesel Fuel
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA)* said today that its entire assortment of cars and light-duty commercial vehicles is fully compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) diesel fuel. HVO diesel has the same performance as traditional diesel and is derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils or animal fats.
“The hydrogenation process used to produce HVO results in a cleaner, sulfur-free fuel with significantly reduced levels of aromatic compounds and pollutants, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option,” Stellantis claimed.
Well, yes, but with caveats, AutoInformed observes. Some sustainable-fuel industries are still budding. McKinsey & Company research says that most sustainable fuels (other than clean hydrogen) are projected to see significant growth by 2030. By 2050, McKinsey expects demand for sustainable fuels to quadruple. Depending on net-zero objectives across countries, the share of demand for sustainable fuels could account for as much as 37% of all energy used in the transportation sector. [The respected McKinsey consultancy has many ongoing studies on Sustainability and Oil & Gas Practices. – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, HVO diesel fuel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel, Ken Zino, McKinsey Sustainability and Oil & Gas Practices, X @KenAutoinformed
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American Airlines and JetBlue Alliance Blocked
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit last Friday affirmed the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts’ ruling in favor of the Justice Department and the Attorneys General of six states and the District of Columbia in their civil antitrust lawsuit to stop the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, customer satisfaction, litigation, news, news analysis, transportation
Tagged antitrust, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, department of justice, jetblue, Ken Zino, sherman act, Spirit Airlines, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Penske Motorsport Wins – Rename the 963 to 967?
The 2024 season was one of the most successful in Porsche’s long-distance racing history as the Porsche 963, won seven of eight possible titles together with the works team Porsche Penske Motorsport. Maybe it should be call 967 to honor the success in only the second year of racing the 963. The overall result of the 2024 season in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was six out of six possible titles in North America, as well as the world championship crown for the works drivers Kévin Estre from France, André Lotterer from Germany and Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium in the FIA WEC. Porsche missed the manufacturer’s title in the world championship with the 963 this year by two points.
‟ ‘Nobody’s perfect’ – we already used this slogan in 1983, when only one third-party manufacturer appeared in the top 10 of the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport in a release celebrating the season today. It turns out that 41 years ago, Porsche publicized the Le Mans result under the ‘Nobody’s perfect’ on a now well-known poster. It depicted the racing cars from Stuttgart in the first eight places in the overall classification and in tenth place, with a Sauber BMW in between in the ninth spot. In AutoInformed’s view it also is just another example of Porsche’s sense of humor – counter the false stereotype on the lack of German humor. Remember the pink pig Porsche 917 endurance racer at Le Mans in 1971with the cuts of ham stenciled on the car? Continue reading
Posted in engineering, news analysis, performance, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged André Lotterer, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr, fia, FIA World Endurance Championship WEC, imsa, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Jonathan Diuguid, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino, Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, LMDh, LMH Hypercars, Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, X @KenAutoinformed
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Slight Improvement in J.D. Power 2024 Sales Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase process continues to rise as new-vehicle inventory and pricing improve year over year, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study, SM released this week.* Overall customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase experience is 801 (on a 1000-point scale), up from 793 in 2023.** Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, results, sales, shows and events
Tagged 2024 U.S. Sales Satisfaction, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, J.D Power 2024 SSI Study, Ken Zino, Stewart Stropp, X @KenAutoinformed
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Large European Job Cuts Coming at Ford, Again
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today its restructuring plans to create a badly needed more “cost-competitive structure.” The main focus is the health of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in Europe, where it incurred significant losses for years. Ford is also lagging in the European shift to electrified vehicles, and new competition – especially Chinese – has been disruptive. Through Q3 of 2024, Ford sales are down ~18% in Europe. Continue reading →