GMC Shows 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition

Posted on 6 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC Shows 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition

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GMC said today that the addition of the Ultifi* software and the first ever Canyon AT4X AEV Edition debut on the 2024 model. First introduced on the mid-size 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup, AEV Editions are now available across the truck lineup. With a more pronounced  lift and new AEV hardware, the 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition can now achieve a 38.2-degree front approach angle, a 26.9-degree breakover angle and an optimized 26.0-degree departure angle for serious off-roading.

“GMC is giving customers the ability to forge their own path within the premium off-roading space,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick-GMC. “GMC Sierra LD and HD AT4X AEV Editions delivered what customers were looking for in the off-roading space and now we’re applying that same formula to the next-generation Canyon.” Continue reading →

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June 2023 US Light Vehicle Sales Up Significantly

Posted on 6 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on June 2023 US Light Vehicle Sales Up Significantly

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US light vehicles sales grew by 20.5% compared Year-over-Year in June, to 1.38 million units according to numbers just released by the respected consultancy GlobalData.* The first half of 2023 has US LV sales estimated to have increased by 13.1% YoY, to 7.68 million units as the Biden Administration recovery continues.

“In recent years we have become accustomed to almost constant change, but the story in the first half of 2023 was remarkably consistent. Light Vehicle sales continued the trend of solid results in June, without quite hitting the heights seen before the pandemic,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →

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Toyota Teases New Land Cruiser

Posted on 6 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Teases New Land Cruiser

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Toyota Motor Sales USA from Plano, Texas today released two teaser images of what it claimed was the “all-new Toyota rugged SUV.” We are not sure how to say with “tongue firmly planted in cheek” in Japanese (頬にしっかりと舌を植えて ? – we are trying to keep a straight face here – expecting the usual long, slow marketing rollout hence the lack of the real name), but this is obviously the new Land Cruiser, unless the Republican Texas pox has removed from Toyota’s memory the legendary Land Cruiser nameplate. (AutoInformed:Toyota Unveils the New Land Cruiser)

Originally launched in August of 1951, the Land Cruiser was first called the “Toyota BJ,” a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a powerful engine. In the years since, it has  – as Toyota said at the last model change in 2021 – “sought to deliver safety and security to diverse customers and other people involved with the vehicle.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Shows New Global EV Platform – STLA Medium

Posted on 6 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Shows New Global EV Platform - STLA Medium

Click for more information. While the engineering technology is attractive, designers will need to add visual appeal for buyers.

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) has unveiled the so-called STLA Medium, a global Battery Electric Vehcle platform with a claimed best-in-class range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), energy efficiency, embedded power and charging power. The STLA Medium is the first of four global BEV platforms to be launched after an announcement at EV Day in July 2021. It will be used in several plants to support electrification, starting with Europe this year. (AutoInformed: Dare Forward 2030 – Stellantis Survival Plan Unveiled*)

“What we see today is the product of just over two years of no-compromise innovation to deliver clean, safe and affordable mobility, supported by our €30 billion investment in electrification and software through 2025,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading →

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Fourth of July 2023 – Reject Despots and Their Institutions

Posted on 4 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Fourth of July 2023 - Reject Despots and Their Institutions

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The Declaration of Independence was agreed upon today on the Fourth of July 1776 by the Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted our enduring manuscript of awakened American ideals. Jefferson, rightly regarded as the most eloquent writer, created what remains one of our core documents. It states that all of us equals could work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Today we remember 1776 when 13 colonies embarked on a notable experiment in self-governance as an independent, autonomous nation because the course of human events made it necessary to separate ourselves from our unjust rulers. That foundation led to an immense and thus far enduring enterprise in self-governance. The colonies had but 2.5 million people at that time of English and other ancestry. Small numbers in today’s world, but they were people with far bigger aspirations, following far, far larger ideas. Continue reading →

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Toyota Konpon Research Institute Debuts

Posted on 3 July 2023 by Ken Zino

The Genesis Research Institute since its beginning in 1996 has used disciplines such as natural science and the humanities to “further the development of energy and environmental technologies.” It was established on 11 June 1996 – the birthday of the late Kiichiro Toyoda – with joint funding from 12 Toyota Group companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation.

Today Toyota said that the Genesis Research Institute is renamed Toyota Konpon Research Institute. “Twenty-seven years on, society finds itself in an era of great transformation, with the rise of AI and advances in various other fields of science and technology. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 2019-2020 Fusion PHEVs for Fires

Posted on 3 July 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 2019-2020 Fusion Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles because the battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged resulting in sudden loss of power or fires This is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which today publicly released the relevant safety defect documents that Ford filed last month. Ford Dealers have been told Do Not Demonstrate or Deliver any new in-stock vehicles involved in this safety recall. (AutoInformed: More Ford Recalls Published – Millions of Vehicles Involved)

All of the so-called incidents occurred between March and May 2022 – more than one year ago. The fires occurred while the vehicles (built in Hermosillo Mexico between 6 December 2017 through 27 July) were at dealerships during a replacement Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) service to fix one or more voltage sense Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), a check engine light, no start, or loss of motive power defect. Continue reading →

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Alex Palou and Honda Outstanding at Mid-Ohio Indy 200

Posted on 3 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Alex Palou and Honda Outstanding at Mid-Ohio Indy 200

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Alex Palou continued his command of the 2023 NTT IndyCar season, winning the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio IN his #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Sunday at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Starting fourth as part of a first through sixth qualifying sweep for Honda power in the two-engine series – Chevrolet and Honda – Palou took the lead after the first round of pit stops and held it. Honda at 759 points leads Chevrolet at 693 points in the manufacturer’s championship.

The result marks Palou’s third IndyCar win in a row in 2023 and fourth in the last five races. It also extends his championship lead to 110 points over teammate and now-second place driver in the standings, Scott Dixon who finished second. Will Power, driver of the #12 Chevrolet IndyCar V6 Verizon Team Penske – a fierce rival of Chip Ganassi the owner of  Palou’s and Power’s race cars took third place. It wasn’t all roses for Chip Ganassi – previously second place in the championship in the fourth Ganassi Racing car, Marcus Ericsson was involved in a lap one incident, ending his race. Continue reading →

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Automotive Designer Peter Horbury Passes

Posted on 1 July 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Automotive Designer Peter Horbury Passes

Designer Peter Horbury.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Peter Horbury,” the Executive Vice-President of Design, Group Lotus said today. Peter Horbury passed earlier this week while visiting colleagues in China, “doing what he has always done – leading, inspiring and mentoring others to challenge conventions and be the best that they can be.”

“Peter’s timeless design is his legacy, and it can be found on roads across the world today, enjoyed by millions of drivers. His many friends, colleagues and admirers at Lotus, across the wider Geely business, and in the global automotive industry will all miss him greatly,” said Feng Qingfeng, CEO, Group Lotus.
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General Motors Buys Israeli Battery Software Startup

Posted on 30 June 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) announced today that it has acquired substantially all the assets of Israel-based battery software startup ALGOLiON (sic) Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition was led by the newly formed Technology Acceleration and Commercialization (TAC) organization, a group within GM that works to identify emerging technology that can support GM’s battery development through investments, acquisitions or partnerships.

“ALGOLiON has developed cutting edge battery analytics and prediction software that will help General Motors deliver great performing EVs for our customers,” said Gil Golan, vice president, TAC. Continue reading →

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US 2023 National Export Strategy – Jobs Through Exports

Posted on 30 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com anyzing the Trump and Covid economic slump

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A Biden Administration report to Congress this week establishes US trade promotion priorities and a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to help American companies and workers compete in global markets and grow through international trade. The so-called National Export Strategy (NES) highlights government programs and resources to assist US businesses – including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), historically underrepresented businesses, and those new to exporting – to overcome barriers to trade and sell their goods and services globally.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s generational investments in US industry, innovation, workforce training, and place-based economic development are setting the stage for inclusive economic growth and boosting US competitiveness on the global stage,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America EV Executive Shuffle

Posted on 30 June 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today said that there are executive changes coming because of ongoing vehicle electrification design and manufacturing modifications already underway.

Toyota now directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who design, engineer, and assemble what totals ~45 million cars and trucks at 13 non-unionized manufacturing plants. The Research & Development, Manufacturing and Product Support changes are effective 3 July 2023. Continue reading →

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Electrify America to add Tesla’s NACS EV Charging Connector

Posted on 29 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford EV Customers to Get Access to Tesla Superchargers

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Electrify America said today it will add the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector to Electrify America and Electrify Canada’s fast charging networks to broaden charging for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. NACS,  aka the Tesla connector, was introduced more than a decade ago by Tesla with its unique pin or plug design that can use both a/c and d/c charging. Electrify America will continue to provide the competing Combined Charging System (CCS-1) connector throughout its network as it transitions to also support automakers adding NACS charging ports. (AutoInformed: Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla; Ford EV Customers to Get Access to Tesla Superchargers; GM Adding Tesla Supercharger Network to Ultium Charge 360)

“We look forward to continuing to support industry-wide standards that increase vehicle interoperability and streamline public charging,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. The company will work to offer a NACS connector option at existing and future charging stations by 2025 to make charging as convenient as possible for EV owners. Continue reading →

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Cox Automotive Study – EV Consideration at Record High

Posted on 28 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cox Automotive Study - EV Consideration at Record High

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Cox Automotive* said yesterday that 1 million new EVs will be sold in the U.S. in 2023, a record and more than twice the volume sold in 2021 if the forecast holds. The industry’s sales growth has been pushed not only by Tesla’s rapid expansion, but also a flow of new EVs.

“Education for both consumers and dealers remains a critical factor in driving widespread confidence and adoption of electric vehicles,” said Kayla Reynolds, Manager of Research & Market Intelligence, Cox Automotive Mobility. “For dealers specifically, preparation is paramount, and our findings emphasize the urgency of equipping dealers with EV sales and servicing capabilities to meet the needs and demands of EV buyers.” Continue reading →

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IIHS – Small Crew Cab Pickups Flunk Crash Tests

Posted on 28 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS - Small Crew Cab Pickups Flunk Crash Tests

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Most small pickups fall short when it comes to protecting passengers seated in the rear, according to the latest crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released today. None of the five small crew cab pickups IIHS evaluated has a good rating. The Nissan Frontier is rated acceptable. The Ford Ranger earns a marginal rating, and the Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma are all rated poor. The ratings only apply to the crew cab versions. (AutoInformed: IIHS – Rear Seat Passengers at Risk in Small Cars)

“Our updated moderate overlap front crash test proved to be challenging for small pickups,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “A common problem was that the rear passenger dummy’s head came dangerously close to the front seatback, and in many cases, dummy measurements indicated a risk of neck or chest injuries. All these things tell us that the rear seat belts need improvement.” Continue reading →

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