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Recent Posts
- Honda Post Record Operating Profit of $7B in FY 24
- Toyota Motor Posts Record FY24 Net Income of $39.1B
- Nissan Motor Posts FY Net Profit of $2.7 billion
- Hyundai Capital America Fined for Civil Rights Violations
- BMW Group – Good Q1 Earnings on Slight Sales Increase
- Greenhouse Gases – EPA Final Rule for Oil and Gas Sector
- Annals of Marketing – Audi Electric Mountain Bike
- Ford Maverick Pickups Recalled for Tail Light Failures
- The 2025 Genesis SUV – $57,700 to $79,300
- The April 2024 U.S. Jobs Report – is Stable Good?
- April 2024 US Vehicle Sales Drop Slightly
- Mercedes-Benz Q1 2024 Profit Drops 25% as Sales Slump
- Penske Automotive Group 2024 Q1 Earnings Drop
- Stellantis Q1 Revenues, Shipments Drop – Transition or Trend?
- NHTSA Makes Automatic Emergency Braking Mandatory
Recent Comments
- Robert Kurnick on Penske Automotive Group 2024 Q1 Earnings Drop
- Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad on Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler Next
- Janet L. Yellen on EPA Celebrates Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary
- Lael Brainard on Auto Industry Continues to Rebound from Pandemic Lows
- United Auto Workers Union on EPA Finalizes Vehicle Pollution Standards for 2027-32
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Category Archives: transportation
Mercedes-Benz Q1 2024 Profit Drops 25% as Sales Slump
Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBG.DE) has reported Group Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of €3.9 billion (Q1 2023: €5.5 billion) a surprising drop of -25% but in line with struggles at European-based Volkswagen Group and Stellantis. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, financial results, marketing, news analysis, results, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Daimler Truck, EV transition issues, G-Class, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Q1 2024 financial results
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Penske Automotive Group 2024 Q1 Earnings Drop
“Our retail automotive service and parts revenue grew 9% to a quarterly record of $746 million. During the quarter, we experienced a recovery across our used vehicle retail automotive operations with profitability improving sequentially by $428 per unit retailed. Further, I was pleased with our focus on controlling costs as selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit improved by 30 basis points sequentially to 70.7%,” said Roger Penske Chair and CEO. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, results, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive and commercial truck retailers, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NYSE: PAG, penske automotive group, roger penske
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NHTSA Makes Automatic Emergency Braking Mandatory
“The new vehicle safety standards we finalized today will save hundreds of lives and prevent tens of thousands of injuries every year,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is not only making historic investments in transportation, but it’s also ushering in a new era of safer travel by ensuring new cars and light trucks are equipped with automatic emergency braking, making our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, DOT National Roadway Safety Strategy, FMVSS No. 127, Ken Zino, nhtsa, NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Automatic Emergency Braking
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Badass UAW Bargaining Committee Gets Record Daimler Deal
“Tonight, I’m in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I am honored to be joined by the badass bargaining committee representing over 7000 members at Daimler Truck North America,” Fain said. “We’re here tonight to announce a major victory for the members who build Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built buses. Today, we reached a tentative agreement with Daimler. What started thirty-two years ago this month at the Mt. Holly plant, when the courageous 17-day strikers stood up and won a historic, first of its kind agreement, has come full circle. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, people, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Daimler Truck North America, Daimler Truck UAW contract, Ken Zino, Shawn fain, Walter Reuther
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UAW Live – Hours Before Daimler Truck Contract Expires
UAW President Shawn Fain, alongside the UAW Daimler Truck North America Bargaining Committee, will address Daimler workers and allies on Facebook Live just hours before the contract for more than 7000 UAW workers expires at midnight. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, auto news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, customer satisfaction, Daimler Truck North America, economy, Freightliner trucks, Ken Zino, Kenny Dellinger, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, people, Shawn fain, Thomas Built Buses, uaw, Western Star trucks
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Baltimore Bridge – Japanese, Korean, German Makers at Risk
“Japan, Korea and Germany are the main origins for vehicles entering the US market, so brands with heavy production concentrations in those locations have the potential to be impacted more significantly, especially those in Europe,” said the GlobalData* consultancy. “It is no surprise that Hyundai and Toyota were the top importers, though General Motors (GM) was the third largest, with vehicles coming from Korea and China. VW Group is among the top 5 importers, while BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Stellantis are also exposed to potential disruption.” Continue reading
Heavy-Duty Emissions Standards – Missed Opportunity?
“The final rule also leaves more work to be done, and state legislatures should spur use of electric and other zero-emission trucks by adopting the Advanced Clean Truck rule. By delaying the final standards for sleeper cabs until model year 2030 vehicles, EPA missed out on the additional climate and health benefits that would have started accruing much earlier from some of the highest-polluting vehicles on the roads. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged ACEEE, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, Daivie Ghosh, federal highway administration, Ken Zino, National Highway Freight Network, National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, US Department of Energy, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles
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Greenhouse Gas Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles Set
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced final national greenhouse gas pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032 – the “Greenhouse Gas* Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3.” Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are central to the economy by moving goods and freight as well as providing services for industry, transit, among other sectors. Heavy-duty vehicles account for 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which is itself the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Under these new standards, the heavy-duty industry is expected to realize annualized savings of $3.5 billion compared to annualized costs of about $1.1 billion from 2027 through 2055 Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged air toxics, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, catastrophic wildfires, climate change, coastal flooding, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, greenhouse gas pollution, Inflation Reduction Act, Ken Zino, nitrogen oxides, nox, particulate matter, PM
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March US Vehicle Sales Up. Record Q1 Consumer Spending!
Total US new-vehicle sales for March 2024, are projected to reach 1,525,700 units, a 12.1% increase from March 2023, according to a joint forecast today from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 16.4 million units, up 1.6 million units from March 2023. New-vehicle total sales for Q1 2024 are projected at 3,830,500 units, a 4.5% increase from Q1 2023 when adjusted for selling days as the Biden Administration recovery continues.
New-vehicle retail sales for March 2024 are also expected to increase when compared with March 2023. Retail sales of new vehicles are forecast at 1,225,000 units, a 10.7% increase from March 2023. New-vehicle retail sales for Q1 2024 are projected at 3,066,500 units, a 4.5% increase from Q1 2023 when adjusted for selling days. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, milestones, news, news analysis, results, sales, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bidenomics, David Oakley, Elizabeth Krear, GlobalData, j.d power, Ken Zino, March US new vehicle sales, Thomas King
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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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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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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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Annals of Marketing – Audi Electric Mountain Bike
Audi of America said this morning that it will increase its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike – dubbed eMTB – powered by Fantic. It becomes available through Audi Genuine Accessories by the summer of 2024. The Audi eMTB has livery said to be inspired by the design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron race car. Audi eMTB at ~$9795 comes from a deal with Italian motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer Fantic based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike. Continue reading →