VW Patents High-Speed Wireless EV Charging System

Posted on 18 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VW Patents High-Speed Wireless EV Charging System

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Volkswagen said today it has patented a unique coil and charging pad design with silicon-carbide materials to optimize charging speed and safety. The object is to make charging an electric vehicle as easy as pulling into a parking place. In the first early trials with what is called a silicon-carbide inverter, the prototype system has shown high efficiency. A research team* has been able to increase the charging power level up to 120 kW with this prototype from an earlier 6.6kW prototype, with a future goal of 300 kW.

“We are accelerating innovation within electric vehicles and contributing to more sustainable transportation in America by focusing our efforts on some of the most transformative automotive research being done in the country,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO at Volkswagen Group of America. Continue reading →

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GM Names Norm de Greve Chief Marketing Officer

Posted on 18 July 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM) today named Norm de Greve as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. De Greve, 54, joins GM from CVS Health, where he has served as chief marketing officer since 2015.De Greve’s appointment is effective 31 July 312023. He will report to GM President Mark Reuss.

“Norm is an experienced marketing leader with a proven track record of building brands and supporting business growth in a digital world,” said Reuss. “His broad background, including time spent at Digitas working with GM, is the perfect fit as we continue our technology-driven transformation. Continue reading →

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Alfa Romeo and Dodge Top Maker Website Satisfaction Study

Posted on 18 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Alfa Romeo and Dodge Top Maker Website Satisfaction Study

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Alfa Romeo ranks highest among premium manufacturer websites and Ram ranks highest among mass market manufacturer websites, according to the J.D. Power* 2023 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation StudySM  – Summer, released today.

“Website satisfaction can be volatile and automotive websites are not immune to changing preferences,” said Jon Sundberg, director of digital solutions at J.D. Power. “However, manufacturers have shown to be very agile when it comes to website design and ensuring their sites meet modern standards, more so than many other industries, as exemplified through the study data.” Continue reading →

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Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Prices by $6000 to $10,000

Posted on 17 July 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor said today that it is lowering the MSRP of F-150 Lightning® electric vehicle for all customers by $6000 to $10,000. The largest price cuts are on the least expensive models. The Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Michigan is currently closed completing changes that will triple the plant’s annual capacity to a targeted 150,000 F-150 Lightning trucks beginning this fall. Tesla, of course, surprised the industry with its recent price cuts.* The increasing supply of semi-conductors is also adding to downward pricing pressure. (AutoInformed: Ford EV Customers to Get Access to Tesla Superchargers)

“Shortly after launching the F-150 Lightning, rapidly rising material costs, supply constraints and other factors [profits?] drove up the cost of the EV truck for Ford and our customers,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “We’ve continued to work in the background to improve accessibility and affordability to help to lower prices for our customers and shorten the wait times for their new F-150 Lightning.” Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Traverse Adds Off-Road Z71 Model for 2024

Posted on 17 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Traverse Adds Off-Road Z71 Model for 2024

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The new Chevrolet Traverse in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment is joining the off-road parade in both Canada and the US during the 2024 model year, Chevrolet said this morning. Chevy also said it has more SUV-like proportions, key safety features with families in mind, and more horsepower. It also has the new-age equivalent of a bold, new grille.

“Our new Traverse is designed and engineered to act and look more like an SUV,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “Led by the all-new Z71, the 2024 Traverse builds on the success of its predecessor and will undoubtedly enable us to be in more customer driveways. Four distinct trims – LS, LT, Z71 and RS – offer unique design and greater content choices.” Continue reading →

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Ford, Chrysler and BMW Top 2023 Recall List

Posted on 17 July 2023 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released today the latest safety defect recall list by manufacturer for the 2023 year-to-date. Ford Motor Company with 31 recalls of more than 4,100,000 vehicles – 15% of all recalls – clearly led the list. Chrysler (aka FCA) with 27 recalls of more than 1.7 million vehicles (13%) was second. BMW was third with 19 recalls of 157,000 vehicles (9%). Forest River and Navistar rounded out the terrible top five.

Manufacturers that determine that a product or component of original equipment that either contains a safety defect or is not in compliance with Federal safety standards are required to notify NHTSA within 5 business days. NHTSA requires that manufacturers file a Defect and Noncompliance Report in compliance with Federal Regulation 49 (the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act) Part 573, which identifies the requirements for safety recalls. Continue reading →

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Global Light Vehicle Sales at 7.9M Up Again in June

Posted on 17 July 2023 by Ken Zino

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 93 million units/year in June, from 89 million units/year in May, according to the respected consultancy GlobalData.* All major markets beat June 2022 for just the second time thus far in 2023, supported by the easing of supply constraints. Global LV sales for last month were 7.9 million units (+10% Year-over-Year).

“For a second consecutive month, US light vehicles sales registered 1.4 million units (+20% YoY) as OEMs saw improved vehicle production levels following the easing of supply chain issues. China had the strongest month of the year so far, with a selling rate of 33 million units/year. All major West European countries reported positive YoY growth as their markets continue to recover from the market headwinds in 2022,” according to the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

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Lotus Eletre SUV EV at Goodwood

Posted on 15 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Lotus Eletre SUV EV at Goodwood

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Lotus has held its first ever UK test drives for its so-called hyper-SUV – the Lotus Eletre – at the Goodwood Motor Circuit last Sunday as part of a new electric vehicle promotional event staged in conjunction with the Festival of Speed or is that now the festival of marketing? The Lotus Eletre claims to be the first of a new breed of pure electric performance SUVs. It is positioned as a “lifestyle vehicle.” The first customer deliveries of the hyper-SUV are expected in the coming months. (AutoInformed on: Chinese Hyper EV – the Lotus Eletre SUV Debuts; Lotus Elise, Exige, Evora Production Ends)*

“It is aimed at a new generation of Lotus customers; those who value the world-class dynamic performance and striking design which have always been part of the Lotus experience, and who also need a practical, versatile and spacious family-focused vehicle – one that is packed with the latest digital technology to make their driving life safer and more convenient,” Lotus said. Continue reading →

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Coming This Fall a Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally

Posted on 14 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Coming This Fall Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally

Baja or marketing bah humbug? What would Parnelli Jones would say…

The marketing people at Ford Motor (NYSE: F) are betting they can sell what is an off-road Ford Mustang electric vehicle. In a PR stunt at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the “first rally-inspired electric SUV” from Ford was driven up the hill by Ott Tänak, current driver of the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 entry and former World Rally champion. 

“Mustang Mach-E took the freedom and fun of Mustang and made it free from emissions. Now with Mustang Mach-E Rally, we’re providing our customers the freedom to venture off the asphalt and beyond the beaten path,” said Darren Palmer, Vice President, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e. Continue reading →

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First Look – Electric Porsche Vision 357 Speedster

Posted on 14 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look Electric Porsche Vision 357 Speedster

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Porsche at the 30th anniversary of the Goodwood Festival of Speed debuted the Porsche Vision 357 Speedster. The new concept car shown on the grounds of the Duke of Richmond in West Sussex is a variant of the closed Porsche Vision 357, that the sports car manufacturer used to launch its 48th anniversary observances earlier this year.

“The Porsche Vision 357 is a nod to the first Porsche model line, Ferry Porsche’s dream sports car. And since the 356 has burned itself into the collective brand memory as both a convertible and a coupé, the same logic applies to the concept car: there can only be two,” said Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “The Porsche Vision 357 Speedster embodies the essence of the brand. Driving pleasure and driving dynamics combined with an extremely purist form. As with the Mission X that we presented just a few weeks ago, this model demonstrates that even with fresh design genes, the Porsche DNA shines through.” Continue reading →

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New Extended Range Option on 2024 Hummer EV 3X Pickup

Posted on 13 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Q1 $4 Billion. Net $2.9B

Hummer 2022 EV Pickup. 2024 photos haven’t been released.

Today GMC announced an extended driving range for the 2024 Hummer EV 3X Pickup of a GM-estimated 381 miles of range on a full charge on the 3X trim1 with the optional 24-module battery. This is a meager 26-mile increase when compared to the 2023 Hummer. There is also a GM-estimated 359 miles full-charge range for models equipped with the optional Extreme Off-Road Package2 – a 30-mile increase compared to the 2023 model year. (AutoInformed.com on Drip, Drip, Drip Marketing – Hummer Omega Edition)

“The 2024 GMC Hummer EV 3X Pickup will take you where you need to go, now with more driving range and confidence,” said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer, GMC HUMMER EV. Continue reading →

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Bosch Starts Mass Production of a Fuel-Cell Power Module

Posted on 13 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bosch Starts Mass Production of a Fuel-Cell Power Module

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Mega-supplier Bosch said today that it is entering the hydrogen age of mobility. At its oldest plant, Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Bosch has now begun mass production of its fuel-cell power module. Nikola Corporation, based in the US with a troubled legal history, will serve as the pilot customer with its Class 8 hydrogen fuel-cell electric truck, which is scheduled to enter the North American market in Q3 of 2023. (AutoInformed on: GM Signs MoU with Nikola to Supply Hydrotec Fuel Cells; SEC Charges Nikola Founder Trevor Milton With Fraud; Nikola to Pay $125 Million to SEC on Fraud Charges)

“Bosch knows its way around hydrogen, and Bosch is growing with hydrogen, “said Bosch chair Stefan Hartung. Bosch is spending ~€2.5 billion in H2 technology from 2021 to 2026. Bosch is active in the whole hydrogen value chain, developing technology for its production and application. By 2030, Bosch claims it will generate sales of roughly ~€5 billion with hydrogen technology. Continue reading →

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UAW Dumps Traditional Negotiation Opening Handshake

Posted on 12 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Dumps Traditional Negotiation Opening Handshake

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This morning, the reformed UAW initiated what it called a new UAW tradition, the Members Handshake in place of past practices. Instead of kicking off Big Three negotiations with what it called “a dog and pony show shaking hands with CEOs, we’re putting the membership first,” the UAW told members. Progressive, reform President Shawn Fain and International Executive Board members went to shake hands with workers at what previously would have been called Detroit Three plants. (AutoInformed:UAW Blasts Biden and Inflation Reduction Act)

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to make things right at the Big Three. We’re fighting to end tiers, to win back COLA and fair raises, and to secure our jobs in this transition to electric vehicles. If we stick together, as a united UAW, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. Let’s go make history,” the UAW said. Continue reading →

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NHTSA – Do Not Drive Recalled 2003 Dodge Rams

Posted on 11 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHTSA - Do Not Drive Recalled 2003 Dodge Rams

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed another Takata rupture fatality, the first due to an exploding passenger-side inflator that sends shrapnel about the interior. The incident is also the first in a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, which was one of the 385,686 recalled in 2015. As a result, If you have one of these vehicles, DO NOT DRIVE it until the recall is completed and your defective air bag is replaced, NHTSA said today.

“The older a defective Takata air bag inflator gets, the more dangerous it becomes. Please, get your air bag replaced now for your sake, and for the sake of those who love you,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “Don’t put yourself or someone you love at risk of dying or being seriously injured because of a defective, recalled Takata air bag. These repairs are absolutely free and could save your life.” Continue reading →

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Census Bureau – 1 in 4 People Vulnerable to Extreme Heat

Posted on 11 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Census Bureau - 1 in 4 People Vulnerable to Extreme Heat

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About 1 in 4 people in the United States are socially vulnerable and have low resilience to extreme heat exposure, according to new US Census Bureau data released today. The so-called “Community Resilience Estimates” (CRE)* for Heat, an awakened experimental data model released in April, measures the capacity of individuals and households in a community to withstand the stress of exposure to extreme heat based on their social characteristics.

The experimental climate-focused data product was developed with Arizona State University’s Knowledge Exchange for Resilience (KER). The product was released at a joint Census Bureau-KER climate resilience symposium in Washington, DC. The first CRE was published as an experimental data product in June 2020 to provide information about the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also published to garner feedback from data users and stakeholders on the quality and usefulness of such a product. Continue reading →

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