US Auto Sales Soar in May

Posted on 2 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Auto Sales Soar in May

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Sales of light vehicles in the US increased by 22.6% at 1.36 million when compared year-over-year (YoY) in May, according to the latest numbers from the GlobalData* consultancy. However, the YoY result is distorted by abnormally weak year-ago sales, when a lack of inventory was severely hindering the industry.

“After a particularly robust result in April, it would not have been surprising if May sales were a little disappointing, but instead, we interpret May’s outcome as another encouraging one for the industry,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →

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GM Expanding Ultium CAM EV Battery Joint Venture

Posted on 2 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Expanding Ultium CAM EV Battery Joint Venture

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) and POSCO Future M announced today the second phase of their Ultium CAM joint venture, an investment forecast to exceed $1 billion to increase production capacity of Cathode Active Material (CAM) for EV batteries. While CEO Mary Barra admits that GM was slow to embrace EVs, GM is now clearly among the leaders in what is the future of automobility. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of actions GM has taken to build a more secure EV supply chain.

“Increasing CAM production capacity and adding pCAM to our joint venture is another significant step in building a more secure and sustainable North America-focused supply chain to support GM’s fast-growing EV production needs,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. Continue reading →

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Magna Buys Veoneer Active Safety Business

Posted on 1 June 2023 by Ken Zino
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Magna (NYSE:MGA; TSX:MG) said today that has completed the acquisition of Veoneer Active Safety from SSW Partners. The deal increases scale of sensor, software and systems engineering capabilities at the multi-national, Canadian based auto supplier. Magna is claiming it will generate more than $3 billion in sales in 2024, as the combined business builds a larger active safety portfolio across all relevant sensors, central computer systems and software in one of the growing market segments in automotive.

“Adding experienced talent and complementary capabilities to our strong foundation in active safety is core to our strategy of bringing more horsepower to this growing market,” said Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri. “This strategic move enables us to provide even more options and advanced solutions to a broader range of customers.” Continue reading →

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Ford Next with Uber to Offer Drivers Mustang Mach-Es

Posted on 1 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Next with Uber to Offer Drivers Mustang Mach-Es

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Ford Next is working through Uber on a new lease option for rideshare drivers who want an electric vehicle. Called Ford Drive, the pilot program offers Ford Mustang Mach-E models in San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Ford Drive’s Los Angeles vehicle deliveries began today.

“We understand uptime and ease of use are critical to every rideshare driver. As more of them make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re building the Ford Drive program around their unique needs,” claimed Bill Knapp, who heads Ford Drive. Continue reading →

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Stellantis, Vulcan Sign Deal for Renewable Energy at Mulhouse

Posted on 31 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: MTA. Euronext Paris: STLA), the mega-merger of FCA and PSA, and Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd. said today they have signed a “binding term sheet” for the first phase of a multi-phase project to develop new geothermal projects aimed at de-carbonizing the energy mix of Stellantis’ Mulhouse industrial site in France. The agreement represents the first joint project in France for the potential use of geothermal energy to de-carbonize and localize the energy supply for Stellantis’ European operations.

“Geothermal is one of many solutions we are exploring to achieve our carbon net zero goal by 2038, in alignment with our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan,” said Arnaud Deboeuf, Stellantis Chief Manufacturing Officer. The agreement with Vulcan Energy is Stellantis’ second potential use of renewable geothermal energy to de-carbonize and localize its energy supply at an industrial site. Continue reading →

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GM Adding Active Safety Systems to 98% of its 2023 Vehicles

Posted on 31 May 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Tweaks Trailblazer SUV for 2024

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General Motors (NYSE:GM) said today in Detroit that five active safety features will come standard on all GM electric vehicles for the 2023 and following model years. This includes every new EV launching this year, such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV. (AutoInformed.com on: Data Show GM Automated Safety Systems Prevent Crashes)

“GM has gone well beyond the safety commitment we made to our customers for the 2023 model year, with a handful of additional standard safety features shown to bring real-world results,” claimed John Capp, director, Vehicle Safety Technology, Strategy and Regulations. “As we look ahead toward a future vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, these technologies are significant building blocks with proven benefits for reducing common crashes.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Establishes Hydrogen Factory

Posted on 31 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation said this morning in Japan that it is establishing what it calls the Hydrogen Factory, a dedicated organization to accelerate customer-oriented product development and production in fuel cell or hydrogen-related products by strengthening alliances with local partners in Europe and China, where the hydrogen mobility market is rapidly expanding.

The goal is to promote sustainable commercialization of hydrogen fuels. The former Hydrogen business area will be abolished as a result. This is in keeping with the global auto industry’s moves toward sustainable fuels. Continue reading →

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Chinese April Sales Soft – EV Exports Threaten Global Trade

Posted on 31 May 2023 by Ken Zino
Chinese April Sales Soft - EV Exports Threaten Global Trade

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Chinese light vehicle sales remained soft in April, according to data by the LMC consultancy.* Light Vehicle (LV) wholesales were 2.12 million, growth of 81% year-on-year (YoY) based on LMC’s observation that the year-earlier base was “abnormally low.” Passenger Vehicle (PV) wholesales, 1.85 million, showed an increase of 86% YoY. Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) wholesales grew to 271,000 – +51% YoY. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, PV and CV sales fell by 10% and 16%, respectively.

LMC noted that the electrification of the Chinese market “continues to accelerate.” At the Shanghai Auto Show in late April more than 80% of the new models that were displayed were so-called NEVs (New Energy Vehicles). The BYD Yangwang U8 electric SUV (which debuted at Shanghai priced at ~ $160,000) has more than 30,000 orders it’s said. The BYD Qin, the BYD Song, and the BYD Dolphin (all NEVs) were the top three selling models in the domestic market. (AutoInformed on: Ford CEO says China is the Main Competitor, Not GM) Continue reading →

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Toyota to Assemble Three-Row Electric SUV in Kentucky

Posted on 31 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today it  will assemble an all-new, three-row battery-electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company’s first U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina. The new battery plant, currently under construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company’s drive toward carbon neutrality.

“Toyota Kentucky set the standard for Toyota vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. and now we’re leading the charge with BEVs,” said Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky. “Our incredible team of Kentuckians is excited to take on this new challenge while delivering the same great quality and reliability that our customers expect.” Continue reading →

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Short Circuit – Electric Vehicle Smartphone Apps

Posted on 30 May 2023 by Ken Zino
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Usage of auto manufacturers’ mobile apps for electric vehicles (EVs) has increased, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. OEM EV App ReportSM released today*. EV owners are still more likely to use their apps more than other auto owners, especially for needs such as viewing active charging status or checking range information, Power noted. Two-thirds (66%) of EV owners use their brand’s app at least half of the time they drive, which is indicative of its increasingly important role in the EV ownership experience in Power’s opinion.

 “Even though EV app usage has increased over time, the app features EV owners say are most important to them are among those that have the lowest satisfaction,” said Jason Norton, senior manager of global automotive consulting at J.D. Power. “Manufacturers need to focus on improving the performance of the areas that matter most to EV owners in order to maximize their impact and elevate the user experience.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis, TotalEnergies, Mercedes-Benz Open Battery Factory

Posted on 30 May 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis, TotalEnergies, Mercedes-Benz Open Battery Factory

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz, celebrated today the inauguration of  the Automotive Cells Company’s (ACC) battery factory in Billy-Berclau Douvrin, France, the first of three planned in Europe. ACC was founded by Stellantis and TotalEnergies/Saft in 2020; Mercedes-Benz became a partner in 2022. With an initial production line capacity of 13 gigawatt-hours (GWh), rising to 40GWh by 2030, the facility will make high-performance lithium-ion batteries. It will be making batteries before the end of 2023. (AutoInformed.com:Italian Battery Plant Moves Ahead with Final Deal among Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, TotalEnergies/Saft)

“At the outset of this partnership in 2020, we agreed to an ambitious global timeline to develop electric vehicle batteries that would power our plan to electrify mobility,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “As we execute our Dare Forward 2030 strategy and now move to hit our ambitious target of achieving carbon net zero by 2038, Stellantis is actively contributing to the European electrification transition with state-of-the-art EV solutions and supporting France’s crucial role in a sustainable future. I applaud every person involved in ACC for together we are building a strong coalition to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.” Continue reading →

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GM Defense and Black Sage Technologies to Work on Drones

Posted on 30 May 2023 by Ken Zino
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GM Defense and Black Sage Technologies* today announced an agreement to explore the development of a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) for use on GM Defense military vehicles provided to global defense and government customers at the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries (CANSEC) 2023 show. The two companies will collaborate on the research, development and market viability of a C-UAS on properties such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).

“We understand how critical optionality is for our customers, who look for ways to outmaneuver increasingly complex threats from around the globe,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “Our teaming agreement with Black Sage helps us offer greater flexibility to warfighters while continuing to develop mobility solutions that perform in diverse environments. This collaboration enables GM Defense and Black Sage to leverage the synergies of our respective companies, extend battlefield capabilities and showcase solutions that can drive mission readiness.” Continue reading →

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Heavy Duty – Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors to Merge

Posted on 30 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Daimler Truck, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Hino Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation today concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on accelerating the development of advanced technologies and merging MFTBC and Hino. MFTBC and Hino will merge equally and collaborate in the areas of commercial vehicle development, procurement, and production.

How this works under various anti-trust laws and regulations is unclear to AutoInformed. Details on the scope and nature of the collaboration including the name, location, shareholding ratio and corporate structure of the new holding company will be decided during the next ~18 months. The parties predict signing of definitive agreements in the first quarter of 2024. They aim to close the transaction by the end of 2024. Once all parties involved reach an agreement, they will move forward based on the approval of the relevant boards of directors, shareholders, and authorities. Continue reading →

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Josef Newgarden Driving a Penske-Chevrolet Wins Accident Marred Indianapolis 500

Posted on 29 May 2023 by Ken Zino
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Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet, took his first Indianapolis 500 victory in accident-befouled running of Indianapolis 500 that was halted by three red flags. When the racing resumed after the final red flag with only one lap remaining, Newgarden won by 0.0974 seconds,  fourth closest finish in 500 history, passing 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson on the last lap.* Santino Ferrucci – driving for four-time Indy winner A.J. Foyt came in third. Of the 107 Indy 500s raced, it was the first to have multiple red flags for crashes. (AutoInformed.com: Chevy Versus Honda in Fastest Field Ever at Indy 500)

All told, Newgarden led just five laps of the 200. Newgarden – a two-time IndyCar series champion – started the race 17th on the grid. For Tim Cindric, President at Team Penske, it was his ninth Indianapolis 500 win and the 19th for Roger Penske as team owner; the first came in 1972. However, it was Roger Penske’s first as the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since he bought it three years ago. Continue reading →

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Toyota, Honda, GM Lead in Supplier Relations

Posted on 27 May 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyota, Honda and GM finished at the top of the 23rd annual North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index® Study* that evaluates the relations between US automakers and their suppliers by mega- consultancy Plante Moran. GM, Nissan and Stellantis improved their scores. However, Toyota and Honda dropped slightly, and Ford, with a troubled supplier history, fell significantly. Stellantis showed the greatest improvement at +17 points, followed by GM (10) and Nissan (6). Nissan took over fourth place from Ford which dropped 23 points – the largest drop by an automaker this year. Toyota lost 7 points and Honda declined by 3 points.

“The industry continues to face unprecedented challenges in the shift to EVs that unless effectively addressed will only get worse,” said David Andrea, Principal in Plante Moran’s Strategy and Automotive & Mobility Consulting Practice, which conducts the annual Study. “During Covid, a ‘war room’ approach was adopted to quickly resolve critical issues. That approach is what auto manufacturers need to maintain during the transition to EV technologies. The industry needs that level of collaboration, even without the pressure of a crisis.” Continue reading →

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