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Department of Commerce Proposes $8.5B Intel Funding
The U.S. Department of Commerce and Intel Corporation have reached a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $8.5 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen the U.S. supply chain and re-establish American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, the Biden-Harris Administration said today. This is the Department of Commerce’s fourth PMT announcement under the CHIPS and Science Act. So-called leading-edge chips power the most sophisticated technology extant, including developing AI and building critical military systems and weapons.
“There is no one who cares more about revitalizing American manufacturing than President Biden, and today’s announcement is a massive step towards ensuring America’s leadership in manufacturing for the 21st century. With this agreement, we are helping to incentivize over $100 billion in investments from Intel – marking one of the largest investments ever in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, which will create over 30,000 good-paying jobs and ignite the next generation of innovation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous cars, autonomous vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, CHIPS and Science Act, Gina Raimondo, Intel, Intel 18A, Ken Zino, Pat Gelsinger, semi-conductors, U.S. Department of Commerce
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EPA Finalizes Vehicle Pollution Standards for 2027-32
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced final national pollution standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032 and beyond. The standards will have significant effects on the types of vehicles available, how much they cost to buy, own and operate, as well as the economy and public health in a politically dysfunctional country. Let the lawsuits commence, particularly from anti-environmentalists, the Republican party, and fossil fuel funded groups.
“With transportation as the largest source of U.S. climate emissions, these strongest-ever pollution standards for cars solidify America’s leadership in building a clean transportation future and creating good-paying American jobs, all while advancing President Biden’s historic climate agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The standards will slash over 7 billion tons of climate pollution, improve air quality in overburdened communities, and give drivers more clean vehicle choices while saving them money. Under President Biden’s leadership, this Administration is pairing strong standards with historic investments to revitalize domestic manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains and create good-paying jobs.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, litigation, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged Alliance for Automotive Innovation, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, cafe, epa, greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas standards, Inflation Reduction Act, John Bozzella, Ken Zino, uaw
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Petroleum Equivalency Factor Change Slows EV Adoption
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant rules for light-duty vehicles covering model years 2027-2032 is about to be to be announced. It’s part of a tangled maze of regulations from multiple federal and state agencies affecting automakers and ultimately consumers in the US, often referred in shorthand as CAFE – corporate average fuel economy.
In the latest development, The Department of Energy last year proposed decreasing the so-called “petroleum-equivalent fuel economy factor” (PEF) for EVs by 72% in 2027. The Petroleum Equivalency Factor expresses electric vehicle efficiency as equivalent-miles-per-gallon of gasoline for purposes of the EPA’s calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with NHTSA’s CAFE regulations. DOE is responsible for establishing the value of the PEF. With a final rule, issued yesterday, the PEF will be established for model years beginning in 2027. It slows forcing EV adaption, and in AutoInformed’s view this is a good thing. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, AutoInformed Editorial, blog, economy, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health
Tagged Alliance for Automotive Innovation, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, cafe, CAFE civil penalties, Corporate Average Fuel Economy, department of energy, epa, John Bozzella, Ken Zino, petroleum-equivalent fuel economy factor
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EPA Finally Bans Chrysotile Asbestos
“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, environment, litigation, news analysis, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, chlor-alkali sector, chrysotile asbestos, Ken Zino, nuclear materials disposal, radioactive materials
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Jaguar Land Rover North America Recalls I-Pace EVs
Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 2019 I-Pace SUV vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The high-voltage battery in the electric Jaguar may overheat, which is a potential fire hazard. These vehicles were built at the Graz Vehicle Assembly Plant in Poland from 6 June – 31 October 2018 and use a Polish-built battery from Chinese LG energy Systems. They were previously recalled under NHTSA 23V369 and will need to have the new safety defect remedy completed. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EV recalls, Jaguar I-Pace recalls, Jaguar recall H484, Ken Zino, LG Energy Systems battery recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 23V369, NHTSA recall 24V183, Tata Group
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More Ford Safety Recalls on Bronco, Explorer, Maverick SUVs
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023-24 Bronco, 2020 Explorer and 2024 Maverick SUV models, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles with various safety defects include Bronco child safety locks, previously recalled Explorer rearview cameras, and Maverick fuel tank leaks or potential fires. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bronco recalls, Explorer Recalls, Ken Zino, Maverick recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, NHTSA 24V185, NHTSA 24V188, NHTSA 24V189
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Another Tesla Software Recall – Pedestrian Warnings
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A factory reset over the air (OTA) muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles,” which could increase the risk of collision.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, forward collision warnings, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 24V153, pedestrian safety, Tesla recall SB-24-00-006
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EV Bedfellows – Nissan and Mitsubishi Sign MoU
Nissan Motor (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Mitsubishi Corporation (8058.T) have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a new joint initiative in next-generation-mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles in Japan. The companies said today that Japan as a country has been addressing issues such as driver shortages due to a declining population, and difficulties maintaining public transportation services due to decreasing numbers of users. Nissan and MC have also been undertaking various initiatives to solve these problems.
Joint initiatives of course have potential economies of scale, reducing the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles. This is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups or strange bedfellows. Nissan and Honda, Two of Japan’s Big Three automakers, previously announced that will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous cars, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EV Bedfellows, Japan Inc, Ken Zino, Makoto Uchida Nissan president and CEO
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Tracker Off Road OX EVs Recalled for Battery Fires
Textron Specialized Vehicles is recalling Tracker Off Road OX EV light utility vehicles because the lithium ion battery pack catch on fire. Owners should immediately stop using the Tracker OX EV and contact their authorized Tracker Off Road dealer or service center to schedule a free inspection and repair of the battery module.
Textron advises that until the Tracker Off Road dealer or service center has completed this service, do not charge the recalled vehicle and park the recalled vehicle outdoors at least 15 feet away from any buildings or other vehicles.
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Posted in customer satisfaction, electronics, mobility company, quality, recalls, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, cpsc, EV battery fires, Ken Zino, Textron Specialized Vehicles recalls, Textron Tracker Off Road OX EV recall, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
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Annals of Marketing – Honda Prologue AI Dream Generator
Honda said today it is celebrating the launch of the all-new 2024 Prologue, its first all-electric SUV, by taking families on an “unforgettable” trip powered by AI. The so-called artificial intelligence “Dream Generator” was developed for Honda in collaboration with Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab. It is said to create stories by combining user-provided inputs with AI-generated visuals to produce a custom and shareable animated film. Each member of the family is in the figurative driver’s seat as they build a Prologue adventure, say, through jungle terrain inhabited by dinosaurs, above the roads in a magic cloud world, through a microscopic garden jungle teeming with bugs or to outer space. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electronics, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, shows and events
Tagged animation cels, artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Disney animation methods, Honda Dream Generator, Honda Marketing, Kate McCagg, Ken Zino, Phil Hruska
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Cummins Settles California Diesel Emissions Case at $46M
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a $46 million settlement with engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. The settlement resolves DOJ and CARB’s claims for violations of California engine emissions control and certification requirements. Cummins made undisclosed changes to ~120,000 engines in California after CARB had certified the engines for sale. In addition, ~2000 Cummins engines had undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices that altered the emissions control system and resulted in emissions that exceeded regulatory limits. This case signals CARB’s improving vehicle testing skills and use of technology to catch and correct air quality violations. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Department of Justice, Death of the diesel, Dr. Steven Cliff, Ken Zino
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Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing
Nissan Motor and Honda Motor said today in Japan that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence. In what looks like a re-run of the Nissan Renault alliance that pursued economies of scale, the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups.
Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest automakers, will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese EV export threat, Ken Zino, Makoto Uchida, Toshihiro Mibe, trade wars
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February Global Light Vehicle Sales at 85M Annual Rate
The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 85 million units annually in February2024, according to an analysis just released by the respected consultancy GlobalData.* This is an increase from 82 million units/year in January, which is still anemic compared to the second half of 2023. More than 6 million vehicles were sold in February, although year-over year (YoY) it was down -2.8% YoY largely due to a withering in China.
“Many key markets saw moderate selling rate growth in February. In Europe, it was a mixed picture as Western Europe’s selling rate grew while Eastern Europe’s rate slowed. China’s selling rate improved moderately from January, though it remains somewhat weaker than at the end of 2023. In the US, prices continued to ease, and incentives ratcheted up, supporting market expansion,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team said. Continue reading
EV Grumblings – Auto Execs Waffling on Growth
With hybrid electric vehicle sales soaring, and the badly needed EV charging infrastructure lagging, there is considerable discussion among auto executives and industry pundits about the EV market.*
As always a walk – or in this case an electrified drive – into the unknown provokes considerable speculation and anxiety about where things are headed. Compounding the EV market grumblings are the intensive capital investments involved and the dire state of our climate with the deleterious effects of global warming increasingly laying waste to large areas of the planet. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, EV charging availability anxiety, GlobalData, GlobalData Powertrain Forecasts, Ken Zino, Matt Lucki, Snehasis Ganguly
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Chinese Junk Watch – Starbucks Mugs Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that gift sets containing a ceramic mug with metallic coating that bears Starbucks branding are being recalled because of hand injuries caused by use of the Nestlé mug. They were sold in 11 oz. and 16 oz. sizes as part of gift sets sold during the 2023 holiday season: Starbucks Holiday Gift Set with 2 Mugs, Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa and Mug, Starbucks Peppermint and Classic Hot Cocoas and Mug, and Starbucks Holiday Blend Coffee and Mug.
There have been 12 incidents of the mugs overheating or breaking resulting in 10 injuries, including nine severe burns/blisters on fingers or hands, and one cut on a finger. One incident required medical attention. Continue reading →