Ford Reshuffling with Retirements, and a Defection Announced

Posted on 6 June 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said in Dearborn this morning that corporate officers are retiring after three-decade careers, an executive is returning to the auto industry to lead global supply chain operations, and an under warranty new Ford Blue executive is departing to become CEO of a major transportation and logistics business. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys Transolutions Truck Centers

Posted on 5 June 2023 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group* (NYSE: PAG), today announced that it has acquired Transolutions Truck Centers (TSTC), a retailer of medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks and buses, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Premier Truck Group,** PAG’s wholly owned commercial truck subsidiary, continues to expand its operations by establishing a presence in an additional Canadian province. (AutoInformed: Penske Automotive Ups Dividend, Will Buyback More Shares)

“We are thrilled to expand our North American presence with the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Bus brands. For more than 30 years, Transolutions Truck Centers has built a strong legacy of providing quality service to customers across Manitoba,” said Premier Truck Group President Ron Long. Continue reading →

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Ganassi Racing Honda Wins Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Posted on 5 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ganassi Racing Honda Wins Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Click on Palou’s Green Honda to enlarge.

Honda wrecked what was looking to be a Chevrolet Party at The NTT IndyCar Series’ seventh round. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (presented by Lear) presented a semi-race that was run almost one-third of the time under caution flags during its 100 laps. Alex Palou – starting on the pole for the second race in a row – in his No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda bumped and banged his way to victory. “It’s a crazy track, tight and short,” Palou said. AutoInformed couldn’t agree more. The start was waved off. Then on lap 2 – the restart – there was a pile up in the third turn… yawwwwwwn, and so it went.

From a racing fan’s point of view, AutoInformed remains worried about the lack of real racing in IndyCar. Street tracks present huge problems. Detroit, to our eyes, was too narrow, too short and way too bumpy. The longest straightaway needed to be resurfaced – like many Michigan roads the second half of it needs to be fixed – smoothed so passing can occur without bumps and carbon-fiber wing benders. This is an IndyCar problem. Restarts lead to more restarts, but on street circuits the best way to overtake and pass is on the restart where everyone is bunched up – more accidents, more flags, more restarts with little sustained racing. (AutoInformed: Josef Newgarden Driving a Penske-Chevrolet Wins Accident Marred Indianapolis 500) Continue reading →

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Pato O’Ward Fastest in Practice for Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Posted on 2 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pato O’Ward Fastest in Practice for Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

Pato O’Ward was fastest during Friday practice for Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.

The NTT IndyCar Series runs its seventh round of the 2023 season with this weekend’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. The new, 1.7-mile, nine-turn street circuit runs through parts of downtown and along Jefferson Avenue and back around to Atwater Street along the Detroit River, with a new split pit lane also part of the revived street race.

Pato O’Ward was fastest in during Friday practice for Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.  O’Ward led the first practice with his fastest lap on the streets of Detroit course at 1:03.0773.  Scott Dixon in a Honda powered car was a mere 0.0986-second behind. (AutoInformed: Josef Newgarden Driving a Penske-Chevrolet Wins Accident Marred Indianapolis 500) Continue reading →

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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
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna Buys Veoneer Active Safety Business

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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
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Short Circuit - Electric Vehicle Smartphone Apps

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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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