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Category Archives: transportation
Honda, Astrobotic Start Study of Lunar Power
American Honda Motor Company and Astrobotic Technology today announced a joint-development agreement aimed at developing a scalable and integrated power supply for sustained lunar surface missions.
“The collaboration between Honda and Astrobotic marks a pivotal step toward creating scalable power solutions for long-term lunar surface missions. Powered by core Honda technologies, our regenerative fuel cell system is designed to provide efficient energy storage and regeneration to support sustained human life on the Moon, as well as advance zero-emission applications on Earth,” claimed Derek Adelman, chief engineer, Space Development Division, American Honda Motor Company. Continue reading
Posted in electronics, energy, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged Astrobotic, Astrobotic VSAT, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bobby Rolley, Derek Adelman, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, lunar missions, Space Development Division American Honda Motor, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Delays ZEV Requirements for Truck Fleets
Heavy-duty vehicle public fleet owners subject to California’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF)* regulation have new flexibility in meeting the regulation’s requirements along with streamlined processes for applying for exemptions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval of amendments to ACF yesterday that will help state and local fleets continue introducing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to their fleets while “providing clarity, certainty and flexibility in ACF’s implementation.”
“Today’s approval of amendments to ACF – a critical component in the state’s efforts to achieve emissions reductions for a healthier future for all residents – keeps California advancing towards the cleanest fleet in the nation and provides flexibilities to help ensure a smooth implementation,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading
Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Advanced Clean Fleet regulations, California Air Resources Board, carb, greenhouse gas emissions, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, nitrogen oxide emissions, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule
Zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales continued to rise in California during 2024, with manufacturers reporting 30,026 zero-emission trucks, buses, and vans sold — representing nearly 23% of all new Class 2b–8 vehicle sales. The data is according to information reported by manufacturers to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which released it today. That figure is more than double the minimum statewide requirement for the 2024 model year and marks the highest total of sales ever reported. Since 2021, more than 57,000 ZEVs have been sold in California’s medium- and heavy-duty market, and statewide ZEV truck sales have now increased for the fourth consecutive year.*
“This continued growth in zero-emission truck sales shows that manufacturers are stepping up to meet California’s clean air goals and that the transition to cleaner fleets is accelerating,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With strong sales, a growing credit surplus, and rapid innovation, the industry is proving that zero-emission technology is ready for wider deployment.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, cap-and-trade, carb, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, HVIP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, sales of new medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows
A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving behaviors, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. David Yang, Dr. Jose Torres, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Chair Liane Randolph to Retire
Late yesterday, California governor Gavin Newsom announced that California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph will be retiring from state service effective 30 September 2025. Newsome named Senior Advisor to the Governor for Climate Lauren Sanchez to serve as the next CARB Chair. Chair Sanchez starts 1 October 2025 and assumes Chair Randolph’s current term which ends in December 2026. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation. It is inarguably the most powerful position in the Clean Air movement now that the US EPA has abandoned its role on protecting the environment and dealing with planet threatening Global Warming. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Climate Investments program, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Cap-and-Invest program, cap-and-trade, carb, Community Air Protection Program, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, Liane Randolph, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Has Tentative Contract at GE Aerospace
The UAW said today that after a two-week strike over “unfair labor practices,” UAW Local 647 members at GE Aerospace now have an agreement that addresses the principal issues. The tentative agreement covers a five-year term. However, all picket lines at both the Erlanger, Kentucky and Evendale, Ohio sites will continue until the UAW Local 647 membership (~600) at GE Aerospace holds a ratification vote on Friday 19 September 2025. The strike was the first UAW strike at GE since 1988. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brian Strunk, GE Aerospace, GE Aerospace Erlanger Kentucky and Evendale Ohio plants, Ken Zino, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Has Tentative Contract at GE Aerospace, Shawn fain, uaw, UAW Local 647, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Gasoline Prices Stable as Summer Travel Ends
“The national average for a gallon of regular is down about a penny to $3.19. There remains an abundance of crude oil supply which is outweighing demand. The seasonal transition to winter-blend gasoline – which is cheaper to produce – is also beginning. While the national average has been relatively stable, drivers in the Pacific Northwest are feeling pain at the pump. Gas prices in the area have jumped more than 20 cents in the past week due to the shutdown of a major pipeline that transports fuel from Washington to Oregon. The pipeline is reportedly expected to resume operations in a few days,” said AAA Continue reading
Nissan Testing Cooperative Congestion Management
Nissan said today that a trial with UC Berkeley and Contra Costa Transportation Authority showed how connected vehicles can help reduce congestion. Nissan’s Cooperative Congestion Management (CCM) trial resulted in 85% fewer hard-braking events and 70% less time stopped in traffic during 600 miles of testing. It’s the latest example of how connected vehicles can yield safety benefits, although there are still huge, unanswered questions about privacy rights and the lack of regulations with the impending monitoring by State and the Federal government entities. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, mobility company, news analysis, road test, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged 4g lte, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cooperative Congestion Management, Jerry Chou, Jonathan Lee, Joy Carpio, Ken Zino, Nissan ProPILOT Assist, Professor Alexandre Bayen’s lab at UC Berkeley, semi-autonomous driver assistance technology, U.S. Department of Transportation, X @KenAutoinformed, Zvi Guter
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CARB Files Comments on DOE Climate Misinformation
“This DOE document relies on the old tobacco industry strategy of undermining established science, spreading doubt about established reality and carelessly endangering fellow human beings,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “If the endangerment finding is rolled back, it will clearly establish that the federal government is further stamping its approval on a proposal that puts profits before the health of the people the administration claims to represent.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carb, federal climate programs, Hurricane Helene, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, Los Angeles wildfires, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. EPA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Joins Tokyo Hydrogen Fuel Venture
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) announced today that it has joined “TOKYO H2,” a new project launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on 3 September aiming to make Tokyo a global leader in hydrogen. As part of this public-private initiative, the Crown has been introduced into the fuel cell taxi fleet to expand adoption.
“The Crown combines the exceptional quietness unique to a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) with spacious rear seating and excellent ease of entry and exit, delivering comfortable and a premium travel experience unmatched by conventional taxis,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FCEVs, fuel cell vehicles, Ken Zino, TOKYO H2, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Toyota Crown, Toyota Mirai Showroom, X @KenAutoinformed
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Environmental Pillage Agency attacks California
This proposed disapproval comes after two complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in federal courts against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) about the State’s enforcement of emissions standards through its so-called “Clean Truck Partnership” with heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers. This politicization of the Justice Department – long attacked previously by President Trump as a misuse of power and directly opposed to the Republican party’s long-standing support of States’ rights, is yet another baffling move by the Trump mis-administration. A better name for the agency given its actions under Trump 2.0 is the Environmental Pillage Agency in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, blog, economy, energy, environment, global warming, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, Dr. Steven Cliff, Governor Gavin Newsom, Ken Zino, Lee Zeldin, Trump 2.0, U.S. Environmental Pillage Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, X @KenAutoinformed
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August New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Up. EVs at Record
Total new-vehicle sales for August 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,483,000, an 8.2% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast issued today by J.D. Power* and GlobalData.** August 2025 has 27 selling days, one fewer than August 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days is an increase of 4.4% from 2024.
“August new-vehicle sales are expected to climb 8.2% from a year ago, including a 7.8% increase in retail volume. A strong result, although the results should be viewed in the context of several unusual factors that are distorting typical monthly sales trends” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, transportation
Tagged August 2025 Auto Sales Forecasr, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, average new-vehicle retail transaction price, FICO scores, Global Sales Outlook, GlobalData, j.d power, Ken Zino, Labor Day weekend, monthly loan payments, Thomas King, X @KenAutoinformed
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Used Vehicle Prices Down as Consumer Sentiment Drops
“We started to see stronger sales trends in late July and early August for retail and wholesale markets, and that’s causing some additional volatility in wholesale pricing trends in recent weeks, against a stronger comparison from last year,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, autotrader, Cox Automotive, Jeremy Robb, kelley blue book, Ken Zino, Manheim, Morning Consult, University of Michigan sentiment index, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Starts a Strategic Investment Subsidiary
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the establishment of Toyota Invention Partners Company, Ltd. (TIP), a new strategic investment subsidiary with ¥100 billion yen (~$670 million) in capital. TIP will focus on accelerating collaborations between Toyota, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), Toyota Group companies, their affiliates, and external partners as part of Toyota’s ongoing transformation into a mobility company. Woven Capital, Toyota’s venture investment arm, has established Fund II with $800 million (~¥120 billion), matching the size of Fund I launched in 2021.*
“To ensure that mobility continues to bring smiles to people and remains vital to society, the Toyota Group has embraced the vision of ‘Inventing our path forward, together’. This vision places a particular emphasis on ‘Invention’, which has always been the foundation of the Group” said Kenta Kon, Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota and CFO and Director of WbyT. Continue reading →