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Category Archives: transportation
Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged 2027 Bolt, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bolt and Equinox EV, DC public fast charging, Global Chevrolet, Google Maps, Google Play, Hey Google’ voice assistance, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nacs charging port, Scott Bell, Super Cruise, U.S. Department of Energy, vehicle-to-home power, X @KenAutoinformed, X76 electric drive unit
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Negative Consequences – Trump Tariffs on Input Goods
“While income taxes have been the cornerstone of U.S. federal tax policy since the early 20th century, the Trump administration is shifting tax burdens away from income taxes and toward import taxes. Kimberly A. Clausing of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute estimate that a U.S. effective tariff rate of 20% would generate roughly $300 billion in revenue per year, which amounts to less than one-sixth of the revenue raised annually by personal income taxes. Tariffs also generate considerable deadweight losses—expanding import-competing sectors and shrinking export and non-traded goods sectors—that will amount to approximately $113 billion per year, or more than one-third of the revenue raised by the tariffs. Continue reading
Posted in economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kimberly A. Clausing, Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute, NBER Working Paper 34192, the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bosch Puts Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Into Service
Bosch said today that it has taken another step toward climate-friendly logistics. Its Nuremberg plant recently started using a fuel-cell electric truck in plant traffic. The truck is equipped with the Bosch fuel-cell power module (FCPM). [The Germans, who once scoffed at Japanese technological prowess appear to be trailing them in fuels cells – AutoCrat.]
“When we decided to make our plant traffic more climate-friendly, it was clear that we wanted a truck featuring Bosch’s FCPM,” said Alexander Weichsel, the commercial plant manager in Nuremberg. “This deployment is an important building block that helps us reduce our emissions in logistics. The fact that several thousand trucks with Bosch fuel-cell systems are already on the road worldwide shows that the concept is proving its worth.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, road test, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bosch Fuel cell power module, Death of the diesel, EV Fuel Cells, FCPM, Fuel cell truck, hydrogen, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Power Solutions, X @KenAutoinformed
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Gasoline Demand Dropping, Pump Prices Flat
“Tis the season for lower gas prices as demand drops and gas stations make the switch to winter-blend gasoline which is cheaper to produce. Crude oil supply remains robust as OPEC+ – a group of oil-producing countries – is likely to announce in the coming days another production increase in November. That surplus coupled with weaker demand is keeping pump prices down, even as some U.S. refineries are expected to go offline this month for seasonal maintenance,” said AAA. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, news analysis, prices, transportation
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crude oil supply, Energy Information Administration, EV public charging per kilowatt hour, gasoline demand, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, opec, 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
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged ai, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automation, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, climate technology, energy, George Kellerman, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Kenta Kon, sustainability, Toyota Invention Partners Company, toyota motor, Toyota Motor Corporation, Woven by Toyota, Woven Capital, X @KenAutoinformed
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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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HondaJet Flies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel!
Honda Aircraft Company today announced it has become the first twin-turbine very light business jet manufacturer to fly the HondaJet on a successful test flight running a 100% blend of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). HondaJet aircraft currently in service have been operated by customers on approved SAF blends of up to 50%. GE Honda Aero successfully completed tests of the HF120 engine on the ground utilizing 100% SAF fuel blends in 2022 and 2023, providing an early demonstration of the feasibility of the HondaJet’s recent test flight.
“We are immensely proud of our Honda Aircraft Company engineering team carrying forward our commitment to the future of aviation by demonstrating that the HondaJet is capable of operating on a 100% SAF blend,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “This achievement is a step toward aligning our business activities with the global Honda goal of decarbonizing our business activities by 2050.” Continue reading →