Ford Building Cathode Plant in Québec

Posted on 17 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Building Cathode Plant in Québec

What’s missing is the reason for the potential Unifor strike – workers.

SK On, EcoProBM and Ford Canada said today they are spending C$1.2 billion to build a cathode manufacturing plant to provide materials and eventually supply batteries for Ford electric vehicles. Once production begins in the first half of 2026, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 45,000 tons of CAM annually. The new facility, Ford’s first investment in Québec, is part of the automaker’s plan to localize key battery raw material processing in regions where it produces EVs.

 “Ford has been serving customers in Canada for 119 years, longer than any other automaker, and we’re excited to invest in this new facility to create a vertically integrated, closed-loop battery manufacturing supply chain in North America designed to help make electric vehicles more accessible for millions of people over time,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. Continue reading →

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Public Charging Issues Could Hurt EV Growth

Posted on 17 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Public Charging Issues Could Hurt EV Growth

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The stressed public vehicle charging infrastructure is falling further behind as automakers continue to introduce new electric vehicles (EVs). It’s not surprising then that overall satisfaction continues to decline, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging StudySM released this week.

“Though purported to be the wave of the future, satisfaction with DC (direct current) fast chargers has declined even further, dropping 20 points to 654 on a 1000-point scale. More troubling is that satisfaction in both charging station segments has declined in nearly every attribute measured in the study. Since consumer skepticism regarding public charging availability is the primary reason vehicle shoppers reject EVs, this performance could prove to be a further hindrance to EV acceptance,” Power said. Continue reading →

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Big Three UAW Strike Could Top $5B in Losses

Posted on 17 August 2023 by Ken Zino

A new analysis presented to the Automotive Press Association today by consulting firm Anderson Economic Group (AEG)* estimates that a strike on all three automakers by 143,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members could result in a total economic loss of more than $5 billion after 10 full days. The UAW contract expires on 14 Sept, and it covers 150,000 autoworkers at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Wage losses if a strike occurs are at ~$859 million. AEG calculated the total economic loss by estimating potential losses to UAW workers, the manufacturers, and to the auto industry more broadly if negotiations are not successful before the current contract expires in September.

“When the UAW went on strike against GM in 2019, Michigan experienced a single quarter recession,” said Patrick Anderson, AEG’s principal and CEO. That strike, which involved 48,000 workers at more than 50 plants, lasted six weeks. In 2023, there appears that at the moment there is the potential that a strike could involve more manufacturers, workers and plants, which makes theoretical comparisons difficult until there are more data points. “If that (all makers are struck) happens, even a short strike would impact economies throughout Michigan and across the nation,” said Anderson.* Continue reading →

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GM Invests in Battery Materials Firm Mitra Chem

Posted on 16 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Invests in Battery Materials Firm Mitra Chem

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today in Detroit that it is leading a $60 million Series B financing round in Mitra Chem,* a Silicon Valley-based, AI-enabled battery materials innovator. The company’s AI-powered platform and advanced research and development facility in Mountain View, California, will be part of the commercialization of affordable electric vehicle batteries, GM claimed.

The companies will develop advanced iron-based cathode active materials (CAM), such as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), to power affordable and accessible EV batteries compatible with GM’s EV propulsion architecture,aka the Ultium Platform. GM’s funding will help Mitra Chem expand its current operations and to “expedite their novel battery materials formulation to market.” Continue reading →

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EPA Celebrates Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary

Posted on 16 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EPA Celebrates Inflation Reduction Act Anniversary

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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today is marking what it says is one year of progress implementing President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the most ambitious climate law in U.S. history and a core pillar of Bidenomics and the President’s Investing in America Agenda. Since the legislation was signed into law, EPA has put an historic $41 billion to work to reduce emissions, build a clean economy, lower energy costs for American households and businesses, create good-paying union jobs, and advance environmental justice across the country.

“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is the game-changer America needed for climate action,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The EPA team has been hard at work designing innovative programs to cut emissions in every sector of our economy, while empowering communities across the country with the resources to take decisive action. We are centering environmental justice in everything we do, ensuring communities on the front lines of the climate crisis are benefiting from the public health, resilience, and economic opportunities unleashed by this transformative legislation. This is Bidenomics in action – achieving our ambitious climate and clean energy goals while investing directly in the well-being and prosperity of hard-working Americans.” Continue reading →

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M1 Concourse Running Overtime around Woodward Cruise

Posted on 16 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on M1 Concourse Running Overtime for Woodward Dream Show

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M1 Concourse said today that it has a new partnership with iHeart Media’s classic rock radio station, 106.7 WLLZ – Detroit’s Wheels. WLLZ will be on-site for live broadcasts during Woodward Dream Cruise (the free event on Woodward that over decades of time unofficially spilled over to days before and after the event, leading some locals in adjacent towns to think of it as a nightmare) and the Woodward Dream Show at the M1 Concourse that happens the Friday before cruise weekend (AutoInformed: Dream Cruise – Roadkill Nights Moves to Woodward Ave)

Both organizations have created M1 After Hours. This is a live concert with music from Katmandu, Captured Detroit, and the Brendon Lindsley Band. Family-friendly activities and entertainment are claimed to be a major segment of this show. The Kids Zone, presented by Meijer, will have fun activities for the whole family. Continue reading →

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BYD builds its 5 millionth EV in China

Posted on 15 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BYD builds its 5 millionth EV in China

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BYD in Shenzhen, China has built its 5 millionth new energy vehicle – a DENZA N7 – on 9 August 2023 causing it to become the first automaker in the world to achieve this milestone. BYD* spent 13 years producing its first million new energy vehicle. It then took another 18 months to reach three million.

“Today marks a historic moment for BYD as we witness our 5 millionth new energy vehicle rolls off the production line,” said Wang Chuanfu, Chair and President of the company, at the ceremony held at BYD’s global headquarters. “On this special occasion, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our customers across the globe for their trust in our products, our partners in the industry for this journey shared together, and every one of our employees whose hard work and dedication have made this landmark possible.” Continue reading →

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Porsche 911 EV Conversion from Sacrilege Motors

Posted on 15 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche 911 EV Conversion from Sacrilege Motors

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Sacrilege Motors, a custom restoration, performance and electric-conversion studio, has announced a partnership with powertrain supplier Fellten. Based in Bristol, UK, Fellten* is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of systems used in converting classic cars into electric vehicles. Sacrilege Motors also said it is also working with Fellten on cutting-edge electric powertrain development projects that will be exclusive to Sacrilege Motors.

For its first commission, Sacrilege Motors has restored, performance-tuned and EV-converted a Porsche 911 America Roadster, a US version of the Carrera 2 Cabriolet Turbo-look. It’s one of 250 built. Now dubbed BLACKBIRD by its owner in honor of the supersonic SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, the car debuts during Monterey Car Week, on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday 20 August 2023. Continue reading →

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Inflation Reduction Act Birthday – Changes Needed

Posted on 15 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on President Biden at COP 27 Renews US Leadership on Solving the Climate Crisis

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One year ago during August, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a progressive trade and manufacturing industrial policy gambit that is now well on its way toward a country powered by clean energy as it moves toward electricity and a fossil-fuel free future. However, many organizations think some changes are needed.

“Here’s what we’re thinking about,” said the watchdog group Good Jobs First. “The 45X – The Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit – called 45X for its place in the Internal Revenue Code, gives electric vehicle battery producers massive subsidies based on kilowatt hours. That Uncle Sam is hitting the gas pedal, er, accelerator pedal, for clean transportation is a huge plus, and 45X requires components to be produced in the US or territory. Continue reading →

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UAW and Big Three Makers – Biden Wants a Fair Deal

Posted on 14 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Biden Urges Fair Agreement Between UAW and Big Three Makers

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President Biden released a statement this morning about the contentious talks between the Big Three and the UAW. “As the auto companies and the United Auto Workers come together – a month before the expiration of their contract – to negotiate a new agreement, I want to be clear about where I stand. I’m asking all sides to work together to forge a fair agreement,” Biden said. The President of course is caught in the middle of the dispute. (AutoInformed: UAW Blasts Biden and Inflation Reduction Act; EV Politics – Biden versus the UAW; New Pattern Bargaining – UAW and Unifor Strike All Makers?)

The Biden Administration – facing more than its fair share of critics,  insurrectionists, white supremacists and election deny-ers, among others – has to be wary of an age-old Democratic party tradition as well. When Democrats form a firing squad, they usually stand in a circle. However, the Administration has proven deft at ducking bullets – remember the UPS strike that was going to upend commerce – widely predicted and welcomed by some on the right? It didn’t happen. And Bidenomics has proven so successful that some of the Republicans who voted against it are now taking credit for the jobs and economic activity it is producing in their home states. So much for the red wave, unless it’s waving good bye to civilized discourse and the common good of We The People. (AutoInformed: US Sales Lengthen Bidenomics Growth Streak in July) Continue reading →

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Apple Software Veteran Peter Stern Joins Ford Motor

Posted on 14 August 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it named Apple veteran Peter Stern to lead what is a newly formed group called Ford Integrated Services, which will create and market software-enabled services for Ford Blue, Model e and Ford Pro. Stern served as vice president of Services at Apple for more than six years through January 2023. Ford said, “he was a driving force behind the launch of Apple’s portfolio of services, including Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, MLS Season Pass and Apple One.” Ford’s electric business – Model e – is forecast to lose ~$4.5 billion during 2023. It lost $1.2 billion during Q2 or $40,000 a vehicle. (AutoInformed: Ford Motor Posts $3.8B Q2 Earnings on 12% Revenue Increase)

Ford and other former members of the old-style auto blacksmithing business – cast it, stamp it, weld it, machine it and put it together –  has been confronted with the need to cost effectively deal with so-called connected vehicles. The traditional way of pitting suppliers against one another and buying at lowest cost has failed since the software of the many individual computer modules on current vehicles isn’t always compatible with other computerized sub-systems – creating in effect an electronic Tower of Babble. Continue reading →

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Polaris, Bobcat, Gravely Vehicles Recalled for Fire Risk

Posted on 11 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Polaris, Bobcat, Gravely Vehicles Recalled for Fire Risk

Polaris has three reports of fuel leaks.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission in conjunction with Transport Canada today announced a recall for Polaris Off-Road Vehicles, Bobcat and Gravely Utility Vehicles, along with associated Fuel Pump Kits and Fuel Tank Assemblies. About 12,300 vehicles are involved. A fuel leak can occur at the fuel pump outlet connector on the fuel tank near a hot surface, posing a fire hazard. Some of these vehicles were previously recalled in March 2021 and July 2021 for different hazards. They were Manufactured in the US and Mexico.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact Polaris or an authorized Polaris (Polaris vehicles only), Gravely (Gravely vehicles only), or Bobcat (Bobcat vehicles only) dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. The dealer will replace the fuel pump or fuel tank, depending on the vehicle type, free of charge. Polaris, Gravely, and Bobcat have notified consumers to stop riding the vehicles and are notifying all dealers and registered owners about this recall. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys BMW and Porsche Dealerships

Posted on 11 August 2023 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced that it has acquired BMW of Wilmington and Porsche Wilmington. The move increases operations in the luxury vehicle segment. PAG forecasts that it will add ~$140,000,000 in revenue annually. (AutoInformed: Penske Automotive Group Buys Transolutions Truck Centers; Penske Automotive Group Ups Dividend Again)

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with these world-class brands and further enhance our premium retail automotive brand mix in the southeastern United States.,” said PAG Chair and CEO Roger Penske. “The greater Wilmington, North Carolina area is a growing market, and we look forward to continuing these dealerships’ legacy of exceptional performance under the guidance of The Baker Motor Company. We welcome the associates of these two dealerships to the Penske Automotive Group team.” Continue reading →

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General Motors Canada and Unifor Open Contract Talks

Posted on 10 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on General Motors Canada and Unifor Open Contract Talks

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The heads of  General Motors Canada and Unifor today opened 2023 collective bargaining for a new labor agreement covering ~4200 hourly workers at Oshawa Assembly Plant, St. Catharines Propulsion Plant and Woodstock Parts Distribution Center. Canada is GM’s third largest market and Unifor members are ~50% GM Canada’s total employment.

Ford and Stellantis executives are also working on new Unifor collective agreements. Confounding business as usual, for the first time since 1999 Unifor and the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) will be negotiating with the so-called Detroit Three concurrently. (AutoInformed: New Pattern Bargaining – UAW and Unifor Strike All Makers?) Continue reading →

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AC Cars Wins Right to AC Cobra Name

Posted on 10 August 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AC Cars Wins Right to AC Cobra Name

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AC Cars, arguably Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, and Acedes Holdings, have prevailed in a legal challenge from Clive Sutton Limited about the ownership of the AC Cobra name in a London High Court. As a result, AC Cars retains the UK trademark of the AC Cobra name for automobiles, cars and sports cars.

“We are delighted with the judgment, as it vindicates our desire and commitment to protecting our trademarks and intellectual property, and not to allow imitators of our products to benefit from our heritage,” said David Conza, CEO of AC Cars. Continue reading →

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