Category Archives: results

GM Earns $2.1 Billion in Q4, $17.8 Billion for Full Year 2023

“As we begin 2024, I believe GM is well positioned for a year of strong financial performance that will build on everything we accomplished – and learned – in 2023,” said Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO. “Consensus is growing that the US economy, the job market and auto sales will continue to be resilient, and at GM, we expect healthy industry sales of about 16 million units with the mix of EVs continuing to grow,’ Barra said. Continue reading

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January 2024 US Light Vehicle Sales Forecast to Drop a Tad

“After December 2023 reached the strongest sales pace in several years, January’s pace has slowed to 15.2 million units. December’s SAAR of 16.2 million was inflated by elevated discounts from manufacturers, particularly as they aimed to clear out remaining inventory of 2023 model-year vehicles. In addition, changes in the eligibility of many electric vehicles to qualify for government rebates, which took effect Jan. 1, meant many EV purchases that would have occurred in January were made in December. Since January is the month of the year when the fewest vehicles are sold, the aforementioned factors have a bigger effect on the SAAR than they would in higher volume months. In fact, while the drop in the SAAR is notable, January sales results historically are not particularly indicative of future sales performance,” says Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading

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Donald Trump is a Scab – UAW Endorses President Biden

“This November, we can stand up and elect someone who wants to stand with us and support our cause. Or we can elect someone who will divide us and fight us every step of the way,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “That’s what this choice is about. The question is, who do we want in that office to give us the best shot of winning? Of organizing. Of negotiating strong contracts. Of uniting the working class and winning our fair share once again, as our union has done so many times in our nation’s history. We need to know who’s going to sit in the most powerful seat in the world and help us win as a united working class,” said Fain. Continue reading

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GM and Honda Fuel Cell JV Starts Mass Production

“This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda are the first full fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond,” said FCSM president Suheb Haq. “We begin the process with raw materials for membrane and electrode all the way through completed systems. Ongoing investment and commitment by both companies is driving our success at FCSM. This commitment aligns with our mission of making high quality, durable and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.” Continue reading

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Ford Recalls 1.88 Million Explorer SUVs for Trim Detachment

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~1,880,000 (~2.2 million globally) model-year 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs because the A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged. This allows the trim to detach creating a safety hazard for other vehicles, which Ford initially maintained was not a safety problem. Continue reading

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Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit

Volkswagen Group of America said today that  model year 2023 ID.4 compact SUVs with SK On battery components and model year 24 Volkswagen ID.4 models when released with SK On components placed in service in 2024 are eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit* on a purchase by a qualifying purchaser. Model year 2023 ID.4 vehicles with LG components do not qualify. During 2023, the ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US market. Continue reading

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Manheim – Used-Vehicle Prices Drop in January

Wholesale used-vehicle prices decreased 1.0% from December during the first 15 days of January, according to data just released by industry expert Manheim.* The Manheim mid-month Used Vehicle Value Index dropped to 201.9, which was down 10.2% from the full … Continue reading

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Like the Weather, Grey is Top Car Color in Old Blighty

“2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of color options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform

“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading

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GMC to Add New Markets – Australia, New Zealand, China

GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that it is adding three new international markets. The premium truck brand at General Motors said customers in Australia, New Zealand and China will have the choice of the Yukon full-size SUV in these high-growth markets. China sales are expected to begin in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand following in 2025. This announcement follows the launch of GMC in South Korea in 2023 with the GMC Sierra LD pickup truck, pioneering the premium pickup market in the country. These new markets add to GMC sales in the US, Mexico, Canada and Middle East. Continue reading

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Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Production. Ups Bronco and Ranger

“We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability. Customers love the F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling EV pickup,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, who last year was boasting about his ability to increase prices on the Lightning. “We see a bright future for electric vehicles for specific consumers, especially with our upcoming digitally advanced EVs and access to Tesla’s charging network beginning this quarter,” Farley claimed.

Ford of course is hemorrhaging red ink in it’s EV business as Tesla (Cybertruck), GM (Chevy, Cadillac Lyric SUV, GMC, Hummer) and Stellantis – (electrified Jeeps) increase theirs. Ford’s EV business – Model e – lost $1.3 billion on electric vehicles even though it reported 44% higher shipments of electric vehicles, and 26% revenue growth during Q3 of 2023. Continue reading

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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading

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Western European Market Diesel Car Sales Down in 2023

“The slowdown in BEV growth will no doubt have boosted the internal combustion engine (ICE) sector to some degree and perhaps fed into the relatively buoyant end to the year as far as diesel is concerned,” said GlobalData. “All markets ended 2023 with a smaller diesel share than seen in 2022 except one. Our figures indicate that Germany, with a diesel share of 24.4% for 2023 saw a rise from the 2022 value of 23.6%. Diesel demand has held up well in the country, supported by plenty of product from the dominant domestic brands and driving patterns that highlight the value available from diesel versus alternatives very well.” Continue reading

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EU Car Market Drops in December after 16 Months of Growth

During 2023, the EU car market concluded with a 13.9% expansion compared to 2022, reaching a full-year volume of 10.5 million units. All EU markets grew in the past year except for Hungary (-3.4%). Double-digit gains were recorded in most markets, including three of the largest: Italy (+18.9%), Spain (+16.7%), and France (+16.1%). Conversely, Germany recorded a more modest 7.3% year-on-year increase, influenced by its weaker December performance. Continue reading

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American Honda 2024 Sales Forecast – Acura and Honda Up

“In 2023, we were finally able to meet the pent-up demand for our products with both brands rebounding and American Honda finishing the year up over 30%. We projected a strong recovery, and we achieved that,” said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of Sales. “This year we will continue to capitalize on hybrid models and light trucks as we begin sales of our first high volume BEV models. Along with a continued investment in our ICE products, we are anticipating increased annual sales for both Honda and Acura in 2024.” Continue reading

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