Labor Day – UAW Struggles Are Key to The American Dream

Posted on 4 September 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Members Vote Yes to Authorize Big Three Strike

The labor movement fight for economic justice continues on.

Labor Day was likely first observed on 5 September 1882 when some 10,000 workers amassed in New York City for a parade. Today as then, labor movement workers continue to face fearsome opposition from wealthy people and politicians funded by special interests. Labor Day at AutoInformed this year is of particular significance given the ongoing struggles of a resurgent United Auto Workers Union trying to negotiate a new contract that would give UAW members and the middle-class communities they sustain some security and a piece of profits that CEOs and Board of Directors at the Big Three want to retain for themselves or others.

“As we head into Labor Day, we ought to take a step back and take note of the fact that America is now in one of the strongest job-creating periods in the history of our country, President Biden said three days ago when the latest jobs report was released.” However, AutoInformed along with the UAW observes that there are dark forces at work against working people. Continue reading →

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Gen 5 Three-Door MINI Cooper is Electric

Posted on 2 September 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Gen 5 MINI Cooper is Electric

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Entering its fifth generation with a first, the purely electric 3-door MINI Cooper now has digital experiences, modern assistance systems and a pure electric powertrain. BMW is hoping it remains a MINI in buyer’s minds, while at the same time marking the brand’s all-electric future. This transformation starting now will make MINI an all-electric brand by 2030. (AutoInformed: Mini Countryman Grows Larger, Adds Plug-in Hybrid)

“With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI. Continue reading →

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Ford UAW Offer – Pay Increases, Tiers Gone. UAW says No

Posted on 1 September 2023 by Ken Zino
Battle of the Overpass Ford Rouge Plant - 26 May 1937 Robert Kanter, Richard Frankensteen and Walter Reuther - courtesy of Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

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Ford Motor Company released late yesterday a proposal on the upcoming contract that would provide hourly employees with 15% guaranteed combined wage increases and lump sums, and improved benefits over the life of the contract. Wages (including overtime) and lump sum bonuses for Ford’s UAW-represented hourly workers would increase from $78,000 on average in 2022 to $92,000 in the first year of the contract.

After this occurred UAW president Shawn Fain met with members electronically and in essence tossed the Ford proposal into a trash can. “What has Ford proposed? A 9% general wage increase over the life of the contract. And instead of cost-of-living, they’ve offered one-time lump sum bonuses. Companies love lump sum bonuses because they keep your base wages low, reducing your lifetime earnings. Ford’s wage proposals not only fail to meet our needs, it insults our very worth,” said Fain. Continue reading →

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DOE Loan to Eos Energy for Zinc Bromine Battery Storage

Posted on 1 September 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced a long-duration energy storage (LDES) sector “conditional commitment for an up to $398.6 million DOE loan guarantee to Eos Energy Enterprises (Eos) for construction of four manufacturing lines to produce next generation utility- and industrial-scale zinc bromine battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.”

This so-called grid-scale storage allows utilities and industrial customers to store clean energy when there is a surplus. They can then it when energy is relatively more expensive or clean power is unavailable. “Making technologies like these are a crucial part of making our grid more reliable, flexible, and affordable for all Americans,” DOE said. Continue reading →

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Tadano Group Fined for Selling Dirty Diesel Engines

Posted on 31 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Tadano Group Fined for Selling Dirty Diesel Engines

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The Justice Department announced today that Japan-based Tadano Ltd. and its subsidiaries (Tadano Group) will pay a $40 million civil penalty to resolve allegations that it violated Title II of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The Justice Department worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the settlement deal, which resolves allegations in a complaint filed with the settlement that Tadano Group imported and sold heavy, non-road cranes with diesel engines not certified to applicable CAA emission standards. The Tadano Group also violated related CAA and regulatory requirements.

“Tadano Group imported and sold giant cranes with engines that didn’t carry valid EPA certificates of conformity, flouting federal law that protects the public from harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement holds Tadano accountable for its violations and requires completion of a project that will improve the quality of life for those living in the Port Arthur, Texas, area.” Continue reading →

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Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and HEMI Favorites Among Thieves

Posted on 31 August 2023 by Ken Zino

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger HEMI, once again top the Highway Loss Data Institute’s list of the most-stolen vehicles for model years 2020-22. Meanwhile, what HILDA called a “viral trend targeting Hyundai-Kia vehicles propelled four Kia models into the top 20.” Theft claims for the Charger SRT Hellcat were more than 60 times more frequent than the average for all 2020-22 models, relative to their numbers on the road, while theft claims for the Charger HEMI were more than 20 times higher than average, HLDI’s latest whole-vehicle theft report shows.

“If you own a Hellcat, you better check your driveway,” said HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. “These numbers are unbelievable.” AutoInformed also recommends checking your rear-view mirrors when driving any performance car for flashing blue lights. Continue reading →

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Extreme E, FIA Plan Off-Road Hydrogen Racing Championship

Posted on 31 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Extreme E and FIA Plan Off-Road Hydrogen Racing Championship

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The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Extreme E (EE) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to create the first-ever hydrogen off-road racing world championship EE said in London today. The hydrogen series, dubbed Extreme H, for hydrogen not hype, will become an FIA Championship from its inaugural season in 2025, with the intention that it will become an FIA World Championship from 2026, should unstated “requisite criteria be met.” Furthermore, the MoU says that in 2024 Extreme E, currently an FIA International Series, would be recognized as an FIA Championship.

“Establishing alongside the FIA a world-first hydrogen racing world championship will be a momentous milestone for Extreme E and the new Extreme H series,” claimed Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E. “Eventual accreditation as an FIA Championship and then an FIA World Championship means we would be amongst the top tier of global motorsport categories, and Extreme H would be the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Its European Dealers Sign New Contracts

Posted on 31 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis and Its European Dealers Sign New Contracts

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today in Amsterdam that it had completed the signing of new contracts with its European Dealer Network. With these new sweeping agreements it aspires to be first in customer satisfaction in all markets, products and services. The new retailer model will be fully effective from 4 September 2023, starting with three early test markets (Austria, Belux, the Netherlands), then gradually extend across Europe during 2024.

“This is a historic shift, not only for Stellantis but for the whole industry,” said Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer, Enlarged Europe. “We acknowledge the importance of the convergence effort put in place by the parties, which is a path we will follow with dialogue and determination, in a competitive context that we know is rapidly evolving – both in our industry and in the entire economy of the European region.” Continue reading →

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EPA Offers Grants to Cut Oil and Gas Well Methane Emissions

Posted on 30 August 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced today the availability of up to $350 million in formula grant funding to help monitor and reduce methane emissions and for environmental restoration of well sites.

Methane is a deadly gas responsible climate change coming from the oil and gas sector. The funding, provided by the Biden Administration’s slightly bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act, will help or subsidize oil and gas well owners, as well as operators of applicable facilities, to reduce methane emissions voluntarily and permanently from leaks and daily operations of low-producing conventional wells on non-federal lands. It’s an awakened initiative taking breakthrough.  Continue reading →

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Hurricane Idalia – EPA Issues Florida Summer Fuel Waiver

Posted on 30 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hurricane Idalia - EPA Issues Florida Summer Fuel Waiver

EPA concluded with DOE that it’s necessary to waive federal regulations to sell summer gasoline to minimize or prevent the disruption of an adequate supply to consumers.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan issued an emergency fuel waiver to address a fuel supply emergency in Florida caused by Hurricane Idalia, today. Yesterday a state of emergency was declared in 49 counties to prepare for potentially harmful impacts to multiple population centers throughout the state from Hurricane Idalia.

Storm preparations have resulted in the closure of multiple ports in the state that receive fuel and have restricted and interrupted fuel terminal operations, preventing an adequate supply of gasoline. In addition, evacuations – including mandatory evacuations – are straining available supplies. Waiving federal requirements to sell summer gasoline can help address these supply shortages. Continue reading →

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July 2023 EU Car Sales Up 15%

Posted on 30 August 2023 by Ken Zino

During July 2023, the EU car market continued recovering by expanding registrations by 15.2%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)*, which released the data this morning. It was the twelfth consecutive month of growth. New car registrations reached 851,156 units as the bloc mends from last year’s component shortages.

Most markets posted growth, including the four largest: France (+19.9%), Germany (+18.1%), Spain (+10.7%) and Italy (+8.7%). Battery electric vehicle sales now represent 13.6% of the overall market. However, year-to-date volumes are still 22% lower than in pre-pandemic 2019. There were double-digit percentage gains in most markets during this current seven-month period, including the four largest: Spain (+21.9%), Italy (+20.9%), France (+15.8%), and Germany(+13.6%). Continue reading →

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GM Expanding Google Cloud AI Initiatives

Posted on 29 August 2023 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Details Google Cloud AI Initiatives General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Google Cloud today added details on how the two companies collaborated to bring conversational AI technology into GM vehicles, which is continually expanding. Since its launch in 2022, GM’s OnStar Interactive Virtual Assistant (IVA), has used intent-recognition algorithms from Google Cloud’s conversational AI technologies to provide OnStar Members with responses to common inquiries, as well as routing and navigation assistance. The successful deployment of Google Cloud’s AI in GM’s OnStar service has led to future generative AI deployments being jointly piloted by GM and Google Cloud, the companies said.

“Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize the buying, ownership, and interaction experience inside the vehicle and beyond, enabling more opportunities to deliver new features and services,” claimed Mike Abbott, executive vice president, Software and Services, GM. “Our software-led approach has accelerated the creation of compelling services for our customers while driving increased efficiency across the GM enterprise. The work with Google Cloud is another example of our efforts to transform how customers engage with our products and services.” Continue reading →

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Unifor Picks Ford Motor Company as Detroit Three Target

Posted on 29 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Virtually All Unifor Members Authorize Big Three Strike

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The Canadian auto workers union Unifor said today that it has picked Ford Motor Company as the target automaker to set the pattern agreement in the union’s negotiations with the Detroit Three. Unifor represents 5680 Ford members at the Oakville Assembly Plant, Annex Engine Plant, Essex Engine Plant, Bramalea and Paris Parts Distribution Centers, Casselman Parts Distribution Center, Edmonton Parts Distribution Center, and office and clerical workers in Windsor and Bramalea. (AutoInformed: Unifor Opens Contract Talks with Detroit Three in Canada)

“Our bargaining team is up to the monumental task of going first in these precedent-setting negotiations,” said John D’Agnolo, Unifor Ford Master Bargaining Chair. “Our membership is united behind us to negotiate a framework for improved pensions, wages, and issues related to the EV transition.” The union will now focus on negotiations with Ford in the lead up to the contract expiry of 18 September at 11:59 pm. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz will expand EV Charging to 10,000 Points

Posted on 28 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz NA adding Tesla Supercharger Network

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Mercedes-Benz said in Stuttgart today that it will open its first high-power charging stations this fall. Starting in October, the first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs will go into operation in Atlanta (USA), Chengdu (China) and Mannheim (Germany). By the end of 2024, Mercedes-Benz now says it will further expand its global charging network to more than 2000 high-power charging places. The long-term goal is to create more than 2000 Charging Hubs with more than 10,000 charging points by the end of the decade.

“We firmly believe that electric mobility is the key to a sustainable, zero-emission future. Our goal is to create an infrastructure that offers electric vehicles reliable and easy charging options. In this way, we are actively supporting the transformation to electric mobility With the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, we are expanding global charging options and setting new standards in electric vehicle charging. We want to encourage our customers to switch to zero-emission vehicles and thus make a positive contribution to protecting our environment,” claimed Franz Reiner, CEO Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. Continue reading →

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Unintended Acceleration Recalls on Elantra Hybrids

Posted on 28 August 2023 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling 2021-2023 Elantra hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), according to a required filing just released by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Almost 40,000 Elantra hybrids have a speed control safety defect. (AutoInformed: Hyundai Fire Recalls – Palisade, Tucson, Sonata, Elantra, Kona; Kia Soul, Sportage, Seltos)

The motor control unit (“MCU”) software may detect a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault while driving triggering a “fail-safe” condition that temporarily results in slow, unintended acceleration after release of the brake pedal. Service brake functionality is unaffected and remains fully operational. Continue reading →

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