UAW Say GM’s Lordstown JV Battery Plant Dangerous

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Say GM's Lordstown JV Battery Plant Dangerous

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The United Auto Workers Union today released a study called “High Risk & Low Pay: A Case Study of Ultium Cells Lordstown,” that emphasizes “the dangerous working conditions at General Motors’ joint-venture battery cell plant in Lordstown, Ohio.”* It includes worker testimonials and health. The white paper follows a video released last week, “Our Defining Moment,” with Ultium workers speaking out on the risk of a failed transition to electric vehicles if companies like General Motors continue to pursue what the UAW led by a progressive Shawn Fain calls “a low-road approach.” (AutoInformed: UAW Blasts Biden and Inflation Reduction Act)

“This case study of Ultium Cells Lordstown shows there is a real danger that hundreds of billions in taxpayer dollars will subsidize an EV industry that underpays and endangers workers. Ultium is a joint venture of General Motors and LG Energy Solution. Its Lordstown, Ohio, plant makes the battery cells that power GM’s growing EV fleet. Ultium’s Lordstown plant could qualify for tax credits worth more than $1 billion a year,” the UAW said. Continue reading

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Toyota Auto Insurance Now in Colorado, Georgia, Oregon

Toyota Auto Insurance  said today it is now available to customers residing in the states of Colorado, Georgia and Oregon. Introduced to select markets in 2021, Toyota Auto Insurance claims to provide customers with quality, customizable coverage at affordable rates. Customers in these additional states will be able to receive an immediate upfront discount and may be able to save even more with good driver, good student, or multi-policy discounts.*

“We’re excited to continue our rollout of Toyota Auto Insurance, expanding our reach to even more customers,” said Rob Spencer, Toyota Insurance President. “We look forward to offering our customers in Colorado, Georgia and Oregon exceptional value and top-tier service to enhance their Toyota ownership experience.” Continue reading

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Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – Acura, BMW, Corvette Win

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Acura, BMW, Corvette Win

The N 60 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Acura ARX-06 had enough fuel…

Meyer Shank Racing led an Acura 1-2 sweep of yesterday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport finishing second for Acura. The demolition derby or multiple shunt race was finished behind the safety car.

Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor chased down the leaders Sunday and won the GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class of the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The victory was the first for the team in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship since March 2022. Before the slump, Corvette had won five of the previous seven season championships in IMSA GT classes. Continue reading

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UAW Blasts Biden and Inflation Reduction Act

Late Friday the UAW once again blasted the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act in its latest attempt to protect the jobs, health, and safety of its members. Using data from a new Good Jobs First* report, “Power Outrage: Will Heavily Subsidized Battery Factories Generate Substandard Jobs?” the union pointed out that “Under a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, some factories making batteries for electric vehicles will each receive more than a billion dollars per year from the U.S. government, with no requirement to pay good wages to production workers. Thanks to the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, also called 45X for its section in the Internal Revenue Code, battery companies will receive tax credits that they can use, sell, or cash out.” Since this is a UAW contract year the outlook for Automakers remains stormy, with strikes clearly a threat. (AutoInformed on EV Politics – Biden versus the UAW)

“The so called 45X program alone will cost taxpayers more than $200 billion in the next decade, far more than the $31 billion estimated by Congress’s Joint Committee on Taxation. On top of 45X and other federal incentives, factories manufacturing electric vehicles and batteries have also been promised well over $13 billion in state and local economic development incentives in just the past 18 months,” the UAW said. Continue reading

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US States Lagging Badly on EV Adoption Policies

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US States Lagging Badly on EV Adoption Policies

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While some states are clearly leading and strengthening policies to enable widespread use of electric cars, trucks, and buses, all states will have to significantly step up their efforts to enable a full transition, says a new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The 2023 State Transportation Electrification Scorecard evaluates states’ policies to encourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Only nine states scored more than half the points available. (AutoInformed: Watt? Electric Cars Cause Another Great Generational Divide

“We are seeing incremental progress, not transformational progress. States will have to move far more aggressively to do their part to enable the electric vehicle transition that the climate crisis demands,” said Peter Huether, senior research associate at ACEEE and the lead writer of the report. “Auto manufacturers are expanding their EV options and consumers are increasingly choosing them, but supportive state policies are needed to ensure that the electric grid is ready and that all households and businesses, including those in under-served communities, can use EVs and have adequate access to charging.” Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz NA adding Tesla Supercharger Network

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz NA adding Tesla Supercharger Network

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Mercedes-Benz  said today that drivers can use Tesla Superchargers in North America starting in 2024, in an attempt to expand electric vehicle sales appeal by providing full access to all major charging networks. The move follows other major automakers already in the process of plugging in to the network – notably Ford and GM – since there are more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America right now. Mercedes-Benz will be the first German automaker to implement the so-called NACS ports into its new electric vehicles starting in 2025 as part o an attempt to have one universal charging system hookup.

As part of a phased transition, Mercedes-Benz will initially offer an adapter (these can be clumsy to use – AutoCrat) that enables the company’s existing CCS BEVs to charge on the NACS network from 2024 onwards. Even though more public charging stations are in operation than ever, customer satisfaction with public Level 2 charging declined from last year, dropping to 633 (on a 1,000-point scale) from 643 in 2021, while satisfaction with the speedier DC (direct current) fast charger segment remains flat at 674, J.D. Power told AutoInformed last August. Continue reading

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2024 BMW CE 02 – A Two Wheel EV

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 2024 BMW CE 02 - A Two Wheel EV

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BMW Motorrad USA today announced the new 2024 BMW CE 02 – an electric two-wheeler something or other. BMW said (marketing babble alert> “it’s electric, designed to appeal to young people and it’s neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter. It’s an eParkourer (sic), created for the urban environment. Nimble, practical, tough, and reduced to the essentials in terms of design. Large wheels meet the demand for robustness and at the same time ensure riding fun on many differing terrains.” Whatever it is, when it rolls into the US, the MSRP will be $7599 plus destination, plus accessories, plus taxes. CE 02 has a top speed of 59 mph, a zero-to-30 mph acceleration time of 3 seconds, and a range of ~56 miles.

“With the CE 02, we are striving for something new at BMW Motorrad and want to be pioneers once again. Thanks to its unusual proportions and striking graphics, the new CE 02 is an uncomplicated, youthful form of single-track mobility. The reduced design language stands for lightness and fun. The focus is not on utility, but on emotional appeal, riding pleasure and uncomplicated, almost intuitive use,” said Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. Continue reading

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GMC Shows 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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