Category Archives: transportation

Hybrid Crossing Beacons Often Ignored by Pedestrians

Posted on 22 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Traffic signals known as pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) allow walkers who need to cross a busy road to evoke a stoplight by pressing a button. However, while the devices are great at getting drivers to yield, many pedestrians don’t bother to activate them before crossing, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Pedestrians are more likely to activate rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), even though they’re less effective at getting drivers to stop.

“It’s well-documented that both of these common pedestrian warning signals make drivers more likely to yield and allow walkers to cross the street safely,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “But they can only do that if pedestrians push the button to activate them. This study offers valuable lessons for how we can make that more likely.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2025 BMW R 18 Heritage Series Motorcycles

Posted on 21 January 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Motorrad USA today announced an updated R 18 family of Heritage series of cruising motorcycles, presumably not to take advantage of the non-cycling weather. MSRP pricing for the new 2025 BMW R 18 models, not including destination, is $15,395 (R 18), $18,395 (R 18 Classic), $18,995 (R 18 Roctane), $20,375 (R 18 B), and $24,395 (R 18 Transcontinental). There’s an increase of 4 lb.-ft. of torque to 120 lb.-ft for all R 18 models. And all are Euro 5+ emissions compliant. For 2025, all R 18 models gain 4 ft.-lb. in torque at 3000 rpm ( up to 120 lb.-ft) and meet the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. More than 110 lb.-ft. of torque is available between 2000 – 4000 rpm. Power from the 1802 cc air/oil cooled boxer twin engine remains at 91 horsepower.

“Even more riding fun ,that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We have refined the design, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard,” said Markus Lederer, Head of BMW Boxer Series Continue reading →

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Illegal Chinese Diesel Engines – Fayat Group Fined

Posted on 20 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a settlement agreement with Fayat S.A.S. and nine of its subsidiaries – BOMAG GmbH, Bomag Americas Inc., BOMAG (China) Construction Machinery Co. Ltd., MARINI S.p.A., RAVO B.V., Charlatte of America Inc., PTC S.A.S., Secmair S.A.S. and MATHIEU S.A. – for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s mobile source emission standards regulations.

“Fayat failed to ensure that the equipment it introduced into the United States market complied with Clean Air Act requirements designed to protect the public’s health from harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We will not tolerate violations of Clean Air Act standards. The settlement requires both a substantial civil penalty and a project that will reduce emissions in the Mobile, Alabama, area and contribute to improved public health.” Continue reading →

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More Green Economy Jobs Coming to Michigan

Posted on 17 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Four economic development projects in Southeast Michigan  representing~ $55 million in capital investment and 167 jobs in Wayne and Oakland counties were announced today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 3E Nano Inc, dba NxLite is a company providing nano-thin energy and solar control coatings for the polymer, glass, and window industries. Robert Bosch LLC., part of the Bosch Group intends to create a Regional Hydrogen Research and Development Hub at the company’s Farmington Hills headquarters. Envergia recovers minerals and metals from recycling of industrial lithium-ion and EV batteries. Software company dSPACE.

“Today, we are investing in advanced manufacturing companies across Southeast Michigan to create 167 good-paying jobs and build on our work to grow Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “From battery recycling to software testing to research and development, we are bringing good-paying, high-tech jobs home to Michigan, creating opportunities for our workers and securing the automotive supply chain.” Continue reading →

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Toyota’s Hino Motors Emissions Fraud – $1.6B Plea Deal

Posted on 16 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), FBI, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and State of California reached criminal and multiple civil resolutions, valued at more than $1.6 billion, with Hino Motors Ltd., Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. and Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc. (collectively, Hino) for violations related to the submission of false and fraudulent engine emission testing and fuel consumption data to regulators and the illicit smuggling of engines into the United States. These resolutions are subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

“Hino knew the requirements that engines must meet to be certified to operate in the United States, yet it falsified data for years to skirt regulations,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) yesterday. “Hino’s actions led to vast amounts of excess air pollution and were an egregious violation of our nation’s environmental, consumer protection and import laws.” Continue reading →

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Seventh Big Rigging Guilty Plea in Michigan Asphalt Industry

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The former president of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty last Wednesday for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan, the U.S. Justice Department said today. Documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, show that Timothy Baugher, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), conspired with F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied), and employees from those companies to rig bids in each other’s favor. Baugher participated in the conspiracy from July 2017 through May 2021.

Wednesday’s guilty plea is the 10th in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into collusion in the Michigan asphalt paving industry. Baugher’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty for their participation in the conspiracy with Allied in January 2024. Allied and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in August 2023 for their participation in the conspiracy. On Aug. 15, 2024, ASI was sentenced to pay a fine of $6,500,000.
Continue reading →

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Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading →

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Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles today. Called the zūmo™ R1 Radar, it provides riders with rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device has two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles, while indicator lights on the handlebars make riders aware of approaching vehicles. suggested retail price is $599.99, and it is immediately available.

“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well,”said–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. Continue reading →

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EPA Fines Iowa 80 and Joplin 44 Truck Stops

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Two truck stops in Iowa and Missouri – Iowa 80, advertised as “the world’s largest truck stop,” and Joplin 44 – agreed to pay a combined $390,784 to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today. According to EPA, the truck stops failed to comply with regulations intended to protect water bodies from petroleum discharges.

“This settlement represents the federal government’s commitment to protecting our nation’s waterways and creating a level playing field for businesses who are complying with the law,” said EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad. Continue reading →

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Milestones 2025 – the Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary

Posted on 2 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Goodyear Blimp with flights over more cities to appearances at new events, and chances for fans to fly. There will also be “limited-edition … Continue reading →

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Significant 2024 Automotive Stories and Trends

Posted on 1 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Once again at the beginning of 2025 AutoInformed notes – matter-of-factly – that its vision is 20-20 on the consequences of long past occurrences. However, in the here and now our perception is cloudy. We do not have the advantages of historians re-assessing events years later with help from other news outlets, blogs, letters, memoirs, magazines and whatever new forms of expressed thought emerge. Thus far the most valued revisions and nuanced interpretations appear in books and essays after more documents and perspectives surface from the players or perpetrators engaged in them. These are not yet available, and under Trump 2.0 they would likely be banned anyway. Continue reading →

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US Electrified Vehicle Sales Soar in 2024

Posted on 31 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released its monthly update to National Transportation Statistics (NTS), a guide to historical national-level transportation trends. Of interest to AutoInformed are trends in Gasoline Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Sales; the Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation; and U.S.-Canadian and U.S.-Mexican Border Land-Freight Gateway Travel and Goods Movement.

A trend of note is that during the last three years, sales of Hybrids, EVs and PHEVs have come close to doubling, representing ~2,500,000 in annual sales during 2024. Continue reading →

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Supply Chain Resilience – U.S. DOT Four-Year Review

Posted on 19 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released a four-year review of the Supply Chains for the Transportation Industrial Base– a new assessment of progress made strengthening supply chains. It’s part of the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, which when t was established in January 2021 saw America’s supply chains in poor shape from the COVID-19 pandemic and decades of under-investment.

“In less than four years, we’ve gone from supply chain disruptions unlike anything we’ve seen in peacetime, to much higher levels of resiliency and reliability. That work has helped make it possible to move record levels of cargo in and out of the U.S., bring shipping costs down, and ensure essential goods arrive on time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading →

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California Advanced Clean Cars II Regs – EPA Grants Waivers!

Posted on 18 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“After reviewing the information provided by California, reviewing comments submitted by the public, and applying the limited criteria for waiver review under the Clean Air Act, EPA determined in each case that it would be appropriate to grant both waiver requests. The records, included in the waiver decisions, contain public comments on the programs’ feasibility, including costs to manufacturers and the lead time provided. EPA’s review found that opponents of the waivers did not meet their burden to show how either program is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. California has longstanding authority to request waivers from EPA to protect its residents from dangerous air pollution coming from mobile sources like cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s actions follow through on EPA’s commitment to partner with states to reduce emissions and act on the threat of climate change.” Continue reading →

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November Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate 93 Million

Posted on 16 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for November* stood at 95 million units/year, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.** a small improvement on the previous month, and the best result so far in 2024. Market volumes continued to grow in November as YoY sales were up 6% compared to November 2023. YTD sales stood at 80 million units.

“In November, sales saw sustained growth in key markets like the US and China. Chinese consumers are capitalizing on scrappage subsidies and a very competitive pricing environment. In the US, an extra selling day compared to the previous year contributed to increased sales YoY. Sales in Western Europe remain lackluster, mirroring previous trends, as political and economic challenges persist, exacerbated by recent government turmoil in Germany and France,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecast Team said. Continue reading →

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