Category Archives: results

Tech-Aches – Vehicle Owners Overwhelmed by New Gizmos

Posted on 22 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Vehicle owners are overwhelmed with technology features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use or are just too limited in functionality. The results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index* (TXI) StudySM released today shows that. The study, which focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technologies as they come to market, finds that while owners offer praise for some advanced features, others are found to be lackluster. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

Posted on 21 August 2024 by Ken Zino

GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money –  prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Satisfaction With Auto Industry Up Slightly?

Posted on 20 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Driver satisfaction with the automobile industry inches forward 1% to a score of 80 (out of 100) as inventory levels return to normal, accruing to the latest study from ACSI®. Satisfaction with both the mass-market (79) and luxury (81) segments is unchanged from the year before, while the smaller brands that comprise the “all others” measure lift the industry’s overall ACSI score by climbing 7% to 81.

“Despite automotive sales showing strong growth in 2023, many consumers remain cautious about making major purchases like new vehicles,” says Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Inflation poses challenges and there are real concerns over new vehicles becoming outdated quicker because of how fast technology evolves. Plus, factors like economic uncertainty and range anxiety around electric vehicles contribute to this hesitation.” Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Strength in August Auto Retail Market but…

Posted on 20 August 2024 by Ken Zino

In the Cox Auto Market Report published this morning, Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke noted that  first half of August saw massive volatility in the stock market, but halfway through the month there is  strength in the retail sale vehicle market.”

“Keep your seatbelts buckled as the election, geopolitics and the Fed are all likely to create more volatility over the next several weeks,” Smoke cautioned. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Locals Preparing to Strike Stellantis – National Strike?

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that several UAW locals representing tens of thousands of workers under the national UAW Stellantis agreement are prepared to file grievances over the Stellantis’ failure to keep its investment commitments and honor the union contract,. This, of course leads to a  national strike at Stellantis, if necessary.

“This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, we’re standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Six New Ford Motor Recalls on Various Safety Defects

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released today information about six more Ford Motor Company safety defect recalls covering a vast array of design, engineering, manufacturing and software defects.

Problems, some of them life threatening, include power windows, engine fires, windshield wipers, failing rear suspension knuckles, loss of steering, and body as well as powertrain control modules. NHTSA Campaign Numbers include: 24V590, 24V591, 24V593, 24V594, 24V597, 24V598. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Recalls Cadillac LYRIQ AWD EVs

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

According to documents made public this morning in the required safety recall information filing, “In rare circumstances, during certain braking events on dry surfaces at speeds below 25 mph, the vehicle may exhibit overly sensitive anti-lock braking system (ABS) control. In these conditions, if ABS falsely activates and a specific sequence of wheel movements occurs, the vehicle’s ABS system will continue to release the braking pressure in the vehicle’s service brake system. A release of braking pressure can cause the service brakes to have reduced stopping performance or become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.” GM said it is not aware of any injuries or fatalities associated with this condition. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, quality, recalls, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”

“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

West European July New Car Market Diesel Share at ~15%

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

In July, for the 12th month in a row, diesel* captured around 15% of the region’s new car market, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.**

“In fact, the preliminary July result was exactly that figure with June being confirmed at 14.2%. July historically is a robust month for diesel sales though the reason for this isn’t clear. So, while the MoM diesel share was positive, the YoY comparison was more negative than seen in June,” said the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brittany Blue Added to Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

X Marks Labor Sore Spot – IndustriALL Against Musk, Trump

Posted on 15 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Elon Musk’s business model is one that is designed to avoid respecting human rights. We must defend workers and the rights that they have fought so long for. We stand with the UAW in their fight.” This conflict is not just about Tesla and its workers – it is a symbol of the broader battle for labor rights and the critical importance of the freedom to organize and strike. Without these rights, workers around the world remain vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. The right to strike is not just a tool—it is a crucial defense that ensures workers can stand up for themselves and each other, said IndustriALL  general secretary, Atle Høie yesterday, citing UAW federal labor charges filed against ex US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

July 2024 Global Light Vehicle Sales at 91 Million Year’s Best

Posted on 14 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Sales in China maintained a solid pace as NEVs sales continue to gain traction. In the US, YoY sales declined as high vehicle pricing and concerns over the economy weighed on vehicle consumers. The same can be said for Western Europe, which saw its selling rate struggle in July. Meanwhile, the Japanese market surged as supply has begun to catch up from the losses created by the previous vehicle certification issues,” the Global Data forecast team said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Takata Flack II – Mazda Issues Do Not Drive Alert

Posted on 13 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Mazda North American Operations today issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning about its vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags that were recalled, buts still are unrepaired.  NHTSA made the documents public. Mazda apparently did not bother to alert media outlets about this life threatening safety defect. Ford Motor to its credit did. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Files Labor Charges Against Donald Trump And Elon Musk for Attempting to Intimidate and Threaten Workers

Posted on 13 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“When we say Donald Trump is a scab, this is what we mean. When we say Trump stands against everything our union stands for, this is what we mean,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Donald Trump will always side against workers standing up for themselves, and he will always side with billionaires like Elon Musk, who is contributing $45 million a month to a Super PAC to get him elected. Both Trump and Musk want working class people to sit down and shut up, and they laugh about it openly. It’s disgusting, illegal, and totally predictable from these two clowns.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, fools 'n frauds, litigation, milestones, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Takata Flack – Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory

Posted on 13 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor today issued a “do-not-drive advisory for owners of vehicles who have not yet had their vehicles repaired under three past Takata airbag safety recalls. These previously announced recalls are Ford recalls 15S21, 17S42, and 19S01. The first issued in 2015, involve several vehicle lines equipped with Takata non-desiccated airbag inflators. This do-not-drive advisory is the second Takata related do-not-drive recall advisory issued by Ford and it is intended to encourage owners to complete the recall repairs immediately. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment