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Category Archives: results
August 2024 EU Car Registrations Plummet
During August 2024, new EU car registrations saw a sharp decrease (-18.3%) with negative results across the region’s four major markets: double-digit losses were witnessed in Germany (-27.8% at 197,322), France (-24.3% at 85,977), and Italy (-13.4% at 69,161), with the Spanish market declining by 6.5% at 52,322, the ACEA trade group said today.
With eight months of 2024 elapsed, new car registrations increased by 1.4%, at ~7.2 million units. Spain (+4.5% at 671,551) and Italy (+3.8% at 69,161) showed positive but modest performance. The French and the German markets stagnated (-0.5% at 1,126,900 and -0.3% at 1,907,226 respectively). Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged acea, August 2024 EU Car Registrations, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW and Redwood Materials to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
BMW North America and Redwood Materials* announced today a partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad in the U.S. The partnership is said to demonstrate a shared commitment to … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW of North America, Cal Lankton, circular economy, Denise Melville, Ken Zino, lithium ion batteries, recycling, Redwood Materials, X @KenAutoinformed
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ChargeScape Vehicle-Grid Integration JV Begins Operations
BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operation of their new joint venture ChargeScape today ChargeScape also appointed the first CEO and CTO. (Read AutoInformed.com on EV Grid Unlock – BMW, Ford, Honda Create ChargeScape) As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fueling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. The nation’s power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centers and the intermittent nature of current renewable technologies.
“ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging, the companies – all of them global giants – said in a joint release. “ChargeScape’s technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify,” ChargeScape claimed ex ante. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged American Honda Motor Company, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, ChargeScape, EV-enabled grid services, Ford Motor Company, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Best Selling Car Now at Dealerships – 2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord started arriving at Honda dealerships this week with more standard features, and a new turbocharged SE trim with black exterior accents and other standard high-demand features. The Honda Accord, America’s best-selling car over the last five decades , is available in six trim levels, starting with the turbocharged LX and SE, and topped by the hybrid-electric powered Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring.
“The Honda Accord is a critical driver of brand loyalty and the new Accord SE brings even more expressive styling and value to Accord that already commands more than 25% of all retail sales in segment,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “Accord SE is one more reason that Accord will continue to set the standard for midsize cars in exceptional value and a sporty driving experience.” Continue reading
Software Recall on 2024 Porsche Taycans
Porsche Cars North America is recalling 2024 Taycan vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed, according to documents release this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As such, these 2024 Taycans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
The supplier- ZKW Lichtsysteme in Austria – erroneously adopted the ECE-compliant lighting behavior in the data set. Due to this programming error, affected vehicles were equipped with headlight control module software intended for the EU market that does not comply Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FMVSS 108, Ken Zino, nhtsa recall, Porsche recall ARB4, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Software Recall on Forward Sensing Camera
Mazda North American Operations is recalling 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A software malfunction in the forward sensing camera may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.
In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled Mazda models were built at Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Exterior Lighting, Forward Collision Avoidance, Ken Zino, Lane Departure, Mazda recall 6824H, NHTSA recall 24V649, 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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Volkswagen Group Recalls 2021-2024 ID.4 Models
The affected vehicles may have been built with door handles that do not meet the factory specifications for protection against water ingress. Water ingress into the printed circuit board can lead to malfunctions causing an “open command” – signaling an open command by the door handle when the handle is not being activated by a person. An open door on a moving vehicle puts occupants at risk of injury, and can cause damage to objects and people who may be outside of the vehicle. If the recall problem is present in the vehicle, occupants may notice an audible clicking noise , similar to the sound of a vehicle door being locked/unlocked by the key fob. The planned recall remedy and series production countermeasures are still under development. It is not corrected yet in production. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2021-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NHTSA 23V-213, NHTSA 23V-312, NHTSA recall 24V-651, Volkswagen Group of America recall 57J9, 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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Toyota’s Next-Gen Battery Plan Certified by METI
Toyota Motor Corporation said today that the development and production plans for its next-generation batteries (performance version) and all-solid-state batteries were certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of the Japanese government’s “Supply Assurance Plan for Batteries. Certification was granted for (1) production of next-generation batteries (performance version) at Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc. (PPES), (2) production of next-generation batteries (performance version) at Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE)* and (3) R&D and production of all-solid-state batteries.
“By advancing battery development and production in Japan, Toyota aims to contribute to the further development of the industry and the strengthening of the production infrastructure of batteries. Additionally, by enhancing the competitiveness of batteries, Toyota seeks to improve the marketability of electrified vehicles and achieve carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach,” Toyota said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Ken Zino, Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Toyota Motor Corporation, Trade and Industry, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda and Panasonic Link on Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries
Panasonic Energy Company and Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that they will prepare for the supply of next-generation cylindrical automotive lithium-ion batteries, in anticipation of their installation in Mazda’s battery electric vehicles with scheduled production from 2027 onward. In a release they said this follows their formerly concluded agreement and reflects their aim of establishing a medium- to long-term partnership.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also approved today their joint project for the expansion of battery production and technology development as part of its plan for establishing a stable supply of batteries. The Japanese government has positioned storage batteries as a strategic asset for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and is working to expand the domestic battery supply chains and improve industrial competitiveness. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Kazuo Tadanobu, Ken Zino, Masahiro Moro, MAZDA BEVs, Mazda Motor Corporation, METI, Ministry of Economy, Panasonic Energy, Panasonic Suminoe and Kaizuka factories, the Japanese Minister of Economy Trade and Industry, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. Light Vehicle Sales in August 2024 Disappoint
U.S. light vehicle sales totaled 1.42 million in August, the GlobalData* consultancy said today. The annualized selling rate for the month was 15.1 million a year, down from 16.0 million a year in July. The daily selling rate was estimated at 50,600 units per day in August, down from 51,400 in July. Expectations were high coming into the month, given the inclusion of Labor Day in August for the first time since 2019.** Continue reading
GM Recalls 450,000 Vehicles for Brake Control Software Failure
General Motors is recalling 449,671 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. These vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” The recall safety defect is caused by a mismatch between the electronic brake control module (eBCM) software and eBCM calibrations.
“A driver may not receive an indicator of a loss of brake fluid before the level is below FMVSS 135’s requirement. In the event of a brake fluid leak, the vehicle’s brake pedal performance may degrade before the BRAKE telltale timely illuminates in accordance with FMVSS 135, increasing the risk of a crash. In the event of a brake fluid leak, affected vehicles still meet FMVSS 135’s stopping-distance requirements,” GM said in the required NHTSA filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →