Category Archives: transportation

Toyota to Invest in Joby Aviation EV Taxis!

Posted on 15 October 2024 by Ken Zino

In a quiet, overlooked announcement earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation( NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced that Toyota will invest an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi.  The investment will be made in two equal tranches, with the first targeted to close later this year and the second during 2025. This is part of a trend of traditional automobile companies transitioning to mobility companies  on land, the seas, air or space.

“Today’s investment builds on nearly seven years of collaboration between our companies,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “The knowledge and support shared by Toyota has been instrumental in Joby’s success and we look forward to deepening our relationship as we deliver on our shared vision for the future of air travel.” Continue reading →

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GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

Posted on 29 August 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.

“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading →

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UAW Locals Preparing to Strike Stellantis – National Strike?

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that several UAW locals representing tens of thousands of workers under the national UAW Stellantis agreement are prepared to file grievances over the Stellantis’ failure to keep its investment commitments and honor the union contract,. This, of course leads to a  national strike at Stellantis, if necessary.

“This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, we’re standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker.” Continue reading →

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FAA Okays Automated Commercial Drone Flights

Posted on 30 July 2024 by Ken Zino

The FAA said today that it has authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace. In a first for U.S. aviation, Zipline International and Wing Aviation can now deliver packages while it’s claimed that  their drones safely separated  from other air traffic using so called Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology.

Previously, when operating drones, the drone pilot must be able to always see the unmanned aircraft. However, what the FAA claims are new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures are making these “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) flights routine. Considerable lobbying pressure no doubt is in play. The FAA budget was threatened by Republicans last year in latest fiscal year fiasco. The current budget expires on 30 September, so fasten your safety belt, this is going to be a stormy flight. Continue reading →

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Fleet Owners with EVs and Traditional Vehicles Favor EVs

Posted on 23 July 2024 by Ken Zino

“The electric-vehicle story is much larger than just the retail story,” said Zo Rahim, senior analyst of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive. “In many ways, electric vehicles can be an ideal solution for many fleet operations, which often have set routes of known distances, vehicles that routinely overnight in the same location, and operations that prioritize the cost of ownership. The fleet business is significant in the U.S. market, and we expect the EV share of the fleet market to expand in the coming years.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Sells Off-the-Road Tire Arm to Yokohama Rubber

Posted on 22 July 2024 by Ken Zino

“The sale of the OTR business marks an important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “We are grateful to our OTR colleagues who have driven the success of the business and are committed to working closely with Yokohama to ensure a smooth transition for customers and associates.” Continue reading →

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U.S. FHA – $5B More in Large Bridge Project Awards

Posted on 17 July 2024 by Ken Zino

“For too long America let bridges fall into disrepair, which left people less safe, disrupted our supply chains, and cost people time and money – but now the Biden-Harris Administration is changing that with the biggest investment in our bridges since the Eisenhower era,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “There are currently about 3,000 fewer bridges in poor condition than when our administration began, and today we are proud to announce funding to repair or replace 13 of America’s largest and economically significant bridges.” Continue reading →

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June 2024 U.S. Transportation Sector Unemployment at 4.8%

Posted on 5 July 2024 by Ken Zino

Unemployment in the transportation sector was higher than overall unemployment. BLS said that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in June 2024 was 4.3% or 0.5 percentage points below the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in June 2024 was 4.1%. Continue reading →

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Ex VP of KanRus Trading Guilty Exporting Avionics to Russia

Posted on 3 July 2024 by Ken Zino

Douglas Edward Robertson, 56, of Olathe, Kansas, the former vice president of KanRus Trading Company Inc., pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a years-long conspiracy to circumvent U.S. export laws by filing false export forms with the U.S. government and, after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. KanRus continued to sell and export sophisticated and controlled avionics equipment to customers in Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Justice Department said. The so-called Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB aka FSS) the main security agency of Russia, successor agency to the KGB of the  Soviet Union also used KanRus. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Adds Another $55 Million to Archer Aviation

Posted on 2 July 2024 by Ken Zino

“Few things rival the excitement of seeing a dream take flight. I applaud the innovation, expertise and hard work of the engineering and manufacturing teams from Stellantis and Archer,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With this additional investment in Archer, we remain on course for a future where freedom of mobility extends beyond today’s roads.” Continue reading →

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NHTSA Eases CAFE Regs For 2027-2031 Model Years

Posted on 7 June 2024 by Ken Zino

“Not only will these new standards save Americans money at the pump every time they fill up, they will also decrease harmful pollution and make America less reliant on foreign oil,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These standards will save car owners more than $600 in gasoline costs over the lifetime of their vehicle.” Continue reading →

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UAW Strikes Again – This Time at Penske Logistics in El Paso

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Members of UAW Local 286 walked off the job this morning in an “unfair labor practice strike” following the company’s “refusal to negotiate a first contract in good faith.” More than 40 workers in the clerical unit of the Penske Logistics operation in  El Paso, TX, voted to form their union more than a year ago. They have allegedly been stonewalled by the company in their attempt to win a first contract. Members are seeking fair pay, real paid time off, and better benefits, particularly health care. Penske Logistics did not immediately respond to an AutoInformed request for comment.

“The company’s refusal to sit down with workers and hash out a deal with fair pay and benefits so workers can care for their families is unacceptable,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “It’s time for Penske to get serious and negotiate in good faith.” Continue reading →

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Hydrogen – Plug Power Energy Gets $1.6B Loan Guarantee

Posted on 24 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come,” said Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office. Continue reading →

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Norfolk Southern Settles East Palestine Derailment with EPA

Posted on 23 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“No community should have to experience the trauma inflicted upon the residents of East Palestine,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why President Biden pledged from the beginning that his Administration would stand with the community every step of the way. Today’s enforcement action delivers on this commitment, ensures the cleanup is paid for by the company, and helps prevent another disaster like this from happening again. Because of this settlement, residents and first responders will have greater access to health services, trains will be safer, and waterways will be cleaner,” Regan said. Continue reading →

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Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Today, I am following through on my commitment to stand up to the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices by issuing a formal proposal to modify the tariff actions,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The President has directed me to make substantial tariff increases on targeted, strategic products, and this is an important step to carry out that vision. The President and I will continue to fight for American workers, and for our economic future and national security.” Continue reading →

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