Category Archives: results

Statistical Quirks Show September EU Car Sales up 10%

This is really a mathematical quirk since the “increase” came from a low base of comparison from September 2021, when the semiconductor shortage hindered vehicle production. This is an economic calamity because 12.7 million Europeans work in the auto industry, directly or indirectly, comprising 6.6% of all EU jobs. Moreover, 11.5% of EU manufacturing jobs, ~3.5 million, are in the automotive sector. Motor vehicles are responsible for €398.4 billion of tax revenue for governments within key European markets. Continue reading

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Global Light Vehicle Sales Fall in September

However, LMC noted that notwithstanding a reduced global selling tempo, China’s market remained “robust with year-to-date growth of 8.0%. North America and Europe, however, both experienced a sharp decline in their selling rates as supply issues continued to affect these markets.” Continue reading

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CARB settles with FCA for $5.6M on Air Quality Violations

FCA cooperated with CARB to resolve all allegations of violating Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Devices regulations. FCA’s settlement includes a $2.8 million civil penalty that will go to CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve California’s air quality. Continue reading

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Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe

The sale is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks following approvals from the authorities, which sure looks inevitable since it’s being sold to the Russian government. The terms of the sale are hedged. It would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years. It’s the latest example of global automakers shutting operation in a totalitarian state. Will China be next? Continue reading

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EV Battery Goldrush – GM and Queensland Pacific Metals

This latest long-term supply commitment follows other recent agreements that likely have already secured all battery raw material to support GM’s goal of 1 million units of EV capacity in North America by the end of 2025. Helping this energy independence and job creating program is that material sourced from Queensland Pacific Metals will help support EV eligibility for consumer incentives under the new clean energy tax credits from the Biden Administration. Continue reading

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Rivian Recalls 2022 Vehicles for Suspension Failures

The fastener connecting the front upper-control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened on 12,212 vehicles. An improperly torqued steering knuckle fastener could cause excessive wheel camber or a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading

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Western Europe Car Sales Plunge in September

Although supply constraints are still dictating the pace of vehicle sales, demand is also being eroded by low consumer confidence, high inflation, rising energy prices and contractionary monetary policy. Continue reading

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NADA Cautious on 2022 US Light Vehicle Sales Outlook

However, September 2021 was the weakest since May 2020, because of pandemic induced supply chain disruptions and parts shortages, which resulted in  the lowest saleable inventory for more than three decades. Continue reading

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Ford Motor US September Sales Drop 9%

However, Ford is notching some low-volume victories, which might bode well, if – big if – it can transition from its internal combustion engine legacy vehicles  – the heart of Ford Motor – while successfully surviving without missing a beat a transplant to an all-electric future. Continue reading

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American Honda Sales Escape Summer Doldrums

In fact, like the former Detroit Three automakers, Honda is thriving on trucks. Honda light truck sales continue to lead the Honda brand with CR-V topping 22,000 units and HR-V more than 8,000 in sales. The Ridgeline also set a new September record. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor North America September US Sales Up 17%

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today reported US September 2022 sales of 179,050 vehicles, up 17.1% on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to September 2021. September 2022 sales of electrified vehicles totaled 35,419, representing nearly 20% … Continue reading

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GM Q3 US Sales Up 24%

Three of GM’s vehicle brands posted double-digit total sales gains, with Chevrolet up 30%, GMC up 24% and Cadillac up 50%. GM also claimed ~3-point improvement in retail market share year over year (J.D. Power PIN data), as well as “significant sales gains” in the commercial fleet segment. Continue reading

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China Light Vehicle Sales Highest Ever in August

“PV wholesales and production numbers for August were in line with our expectation for the month. After the reopening of Shanghai, sales rebounded strongly for the second consecutive month in July, continuing to be boosted by pent-up demand and the temporary purchase tax cut on PVs (from 1 June to 31 December 2022). The local governments’ and automakers’ sales promotions also played a role in the brisk demand. In the recently three months, some of the premium brands have been promoted by the purchase tax preferential policy, and the recovery of the market is obvious,” said LMC. Continue reading

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Record September for US New-Vehicle Spending at $45,622

While there is a great deal of fretting about the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening, during September, new-vehicle prices remain at the highest levels, with the average transaction price expected to reach $45,622 – a record for September. This is a 6.3% increase from a year ago and the fourth highest of any month on record. The increase in sales volume, coupled with the near record level transaction prices, is resulting in consumers being on track to spend nearly $43.7 billion on new vehicles this month, the highest level ever for the month of September and a 12% increase from September 2021. Continue reading

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New Ford Recalls: 2022 Model Explorer, Ranger, F-Series

On some 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3-liter engines, the fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection. There is a potential for fires. On some 2022 F-150 vehicles. The right-side instrument panel cover may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag to not deploy as intended. During air bag deployment, the air bag cover my break and project fragments into the vehicle, or the air bag may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Continue reading

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