Tesoro Refining to Pay Penalty for Consent Decree Violations

Posted on 27 April 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Justice today announced that Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company will pay a $27.5 million penalty for violating a 2016 consent decree ordering the company to reduce air pollution at its petroleum refinery in Martinez, CA. Simply put, Tesoro failed to limit air emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), a pollutant that contributes to smog.

“Tesoro did not meet the consent decree pollution limit because it did not install adequate pollution controls,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As this settlement shows, EPA will seek substantial penalties when companies delay installing appropriate pollution controls to meet environmental obligations.” Continue reading →

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GM to Move to Unified Automotive Software Standards

Posted on 27 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM to Move to Unified Automotive Software Standards

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is joining the Eclipse Foundation, a so-called open-source software foundation. GM has also contributed “uProtocol” as a starting point for standardization. In theory, this will allow increased software productivity across the automotive industry. GM said it can lead to easy-to-use, software-enabled customer experiences. The protocol aims to speed up software development by streamlining the creation of software that is distributed across multiple devices within vehicles as well as across the cloud and mobile applications.

GM will join the Eclipse Foundation’s Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Working Group, which is focused on accelerating innovation of automotive-grade software stacks using open source and open specifications developed by and for a growing community of engineers and member companies. Collaborators on GM’s Ultifi software platform include Microsoft, Red Hat, and other automakers, participate in the group. Continue reading →

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US New Vehicle Sales Soar in April 2023 at 1.3 Million

Posted on 27 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Total US new-vehicle sales for April 2023, including retail and non-retail transactions will reach 1,316,500 units, a 9.8% increase from April 2022, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive* released today. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 5.7% from 2022. Either way, the economic recovery continues under the current administration.

“The industry is poised for another favorable month in April, with projected retail sales expected to increase 5.9%, accompanied by a 2% increase in average transaction prices. Consequently, it’s expected that consumers will spend ~$47.5 billion on new vehicles this month, reflecting 2.9% growth compared with the same month a year ago,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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OTA – More Horsepower for Mercedes EQE, EQS Customers

Posted on 26 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said in Atlanta today that EQE and EQS customers in North America can now opt for more performance with the new “Acceleration Increase On-Demand upgrade,” available as an Over-the-Air update (OTA) This applies to Sedan and SUV models. The upgrade raises the vehicle’s output by as much as 80 horsepower.

Mercedes claims that this improves acceleration from 0-to- 60 mph by as much as a full second. The upgrade is available to customers in the “Mercedes me connect Store.” There are several options – a one-time purchase for the lifetime of the vehicle or monthly and yearly choices. Welcome to the world of web marketing and instant customization. This being Mercedes, it is perhaps pricey at $60-90 a month or $3000 lifetime or maybe not. Continue reading →

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EPA – Children Especially Vulnerable to Climate Change

Posted on 25 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EPA - Children Especially Vulnerable to Climate Change

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Climate change-related effects in childhood can have lifelong consequences due to effects on learning, physical health, and housing security, according to an EPA report released today. The new national-scale, multi-sector EPA report shows some of the ways children are especially vulnerable to a variety of health effects from climate change due to physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social factors.

“Understanding health risks to children is critical for developing effective and equitable strategies that will protect our current and future generations,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s report will help further efforts being taken by the Biden Administration across the Federal government to address the climate crisis and advance environmental justice.” Continue reading →

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GM Posts 2023 Q1 Revenues of $40B, Earnings of $2.4B

Posted on 25 April 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today reported first-quarter 2023 revenue of $40.0 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.4 billion – EBIT-adjusted $3.8 billion. Earnings per share of $2.21 increased from $2.09 (diluted and adjusted) year-over-year. GM delivered 1.38 million vehicles globally, off slightly from Q4 2022. Overall, the decent, arguably championship, performance was highlighted by the restructuring of General Motors International (GMI) that resulted in record profits, excluding China. GM left Wall Street expectations in its dust as it surpassed them. 

“Once again, we delivered strong earnings thanks to healthy customer demand for our vehicles, our intense focus on operational excellence, and great teamwork between General Motors, our dealers, our suppliers and our unions. I want to thank everyone for their efforts,” said CEO Mary Barra. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Group, SK On Approve US Battery Cell JV

Posted on 25 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Group in Seoul today said that its Boards of Directors approved plans to set up an electric vehicle (EV) battery cell production joint venture in the US with partner SK On. The Group affiliates Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation and Hyundai Mobis each approved the plan at their respective board meetings. 

In November 2022, the Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK On to secure EV battery supply for North America. The total investment amount for the joint venture is expected to be  ~$5 billion, with the Group and SK On each holding a 50% stake. Continue reading →

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GM, Samsung SDI Announce New US Battery Cell Plant

Posted on 25 April 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Samsung SDI announced today they plan to invest more than $3 billion to build a new battery cell manufacturing plant in the United States. The plant will have more than 30 GWh of capacity and will bring GM’s total U.S. battery cell capacity to about 160 GWh when it is at full production in ~2026. The companies plan to jointly operate the facility, and it is projected to have production lines to build nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical cells.

“It is a great pleasure to take the very first step to create a long-term industry-leading partnership with GM in the U.S. EV market,” remarked Samsung SDI President and CEO Yoon-ho Choi. “We will do our best to provide the products featuring the highest levels of safety and quality produced with our unrivaled technologies to help GM strengthen its leadership in the EV market.” Continue reading →

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CARB Approves Toyota HD Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain Kit

Posted on 24 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CARB Approves Toyota HD Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain Kit

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Toyota (NYSE:TM) announced today in Texas that it was recently granted a Zero Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its new heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain. The hydrogen-fueled powertrain kit includes hydrogen fuel storage tanks, fuel cell stacks, batteries, electric motors, and transmission. It offers an viable alternative to traditional diesel powertrains used in commercial goods transportation as companies look to transition fleets to zero-emission vehicles. (autoinformed.com on: Toyota, Hino to Make Class-8 Fuel-Cell Electric Truck)

“Toyota aims to reduce or eliminate emissions for all mobility solutions, and our fuel cell electric powertrains have proven that hydrogen can play a significant role in the emissions reduction of emissions from heavy-duty transportation,” said Scott Friedman, senior program manager advanced mobility, Toyota Motor North America. “Receiving the Zero-Emission Powertrain Executive Order from CARB is a key achievement for our teams who have dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort, and we are excited to offer this powertrain commercially in the near future.” Continue reading →

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Marketing Annals – Dream Chaser Trax to Great Lakes Activist

Posted on 24 April 2023 by Ken Zino
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Chevrolet today announced the winner of its “Lead Dream Chaser,” a three-month contest reward for one person to pursue their dream or passion project with a cash prize and three months use of the 2024 Chevy Trax, which arrives this spring. (autoinformed.com on: Marketing Annals – Chevy Trax Dream Chaser Contest Opens)

Meag Schwartz, described as a local Michigan activist and environmental educator, won on the basis of her pursuing protecting and cleaning up the Great Lakes. “Known as “The Great Lakes Litter Lady,” Schwartz is a dedicated advocate for freshwater and dreams of growing her marine debris removal passion project, “Great Lakes Great Responsibility”. She will receive $100,000 and three months with the new 2024 Chevy Trax to help make her dream possible,” Chevrolet said. Continue reading →

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Drip, Drip – GMC Debuts 3X Trim for HUMMER EV Pickup, SUV

Posted on 21 April 2023 by Ken Zino

GMC in Detroit released today new specifications for the 2023 HUMMER EV Pickup and the 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV, including the 3X trim for both models of what it calls “the supertruck.” The GMC HUMMER EV line now comes standard with 4-Wheel Steer, CrabWalk3 and Watts to Freedom4 on the Edition 1 and the 3X trim for both Pickup and SUV.

As with the other former ‘Detroit Three ‘companies, marketing is having it two ways for an EV – fast on-road performance and with off-road capability. It is working, at least for GMC – reservations are currently full for the HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV. Just bring money – lots of it – these are priced well over $100,000. (AutoInformed.com on: Annals of EV Marketing – GMC and EarthCruiser; GMC Adds Hummer SUV EV. Direct Selling Without Dealers?) Continue reading →

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Troubled Asset Relief Program Report – Same Villains

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CBO - Taxpayer Cost is $31B for Troubled Asset Relief Program

Republicans and their deficits – here we go again.

The Congressional Budget office said today in its latest report on the Troubled Asset Relief Program that TARP’s net cost will be $31 billion. This estimate is about the same as what the agency last reported in May 2022 and similar to OMB’s* latest estimate. As always, the auto industry bailout was positive because it paid a return of $12 billion to taxpayers on capital invested.

The villains here were and are financial institutions. To AutoInformed’s knowledge not one person at the firms responsible has been successfully prosecuted for what was rampant financial fraud that caused the housing and stock markets to collapse as the ratings agencies paid by the swindlers continued to claim the complex financial instruments issued were investment grade when they were indeed junk. Junk bonds – never has a financial instrument been named so honestly . (AutoInformed: CBO – Taxpayer Cost is $31B for Troubled Asset Relief Program) Continue reading →

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Ford F-150 Lighting Debuts in Norway in 2024

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford F-150 Lighting Debuts in Norway in 2024

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Ford Motor said today in Dearborn that the F-150 Lightning will make its global export debut in Norway’s thriving, electric vehicle market. Norwegian customers can also apply to purchase a limited number of so-called special F-150 Lightning Lariat Launch Edition pickups. The Mustang Mach-E, now available in 39 global markets, debuted in Norway during 2021 and is among the top five vehicles in the market. Ford Motor said last year that it is pursuing zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.

“In my 25 years at Ford, I’ve never seen anything like the passion and demand I’m seeing from drivers right now to get behind the wheel of our F-150 Lightning. I’ve had customers literally banging on my door and pleading for us to bring the electric pickup to Norway,” said Per Gunnar Berg, managing director, Ford Norway. Continue reading →

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Marijuana – Feel Different Then You Drive Different

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Marijuana - Feel Different - Then You Drive Different

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Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country. One thing that hasn’t changed. Impaired driving. Is still illegal. Thursday, 20 April 2023, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday.” So odds are there will be an increase in marijuana use, says  the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“High, stoned, wasted, zonked – doesn’t matter what term you use, if you’re impaired, don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” suggests AutoInformed. “We are asking our readers to use judgement, obey the law, and above all make safe choices before your drive any type of vehicle.” Continue reading →

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VW 2023 ID.4 EV Gets $7500 Fed Tax Credit

Posted on 19 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VW 2023 ID.4 EV Gets $7500 Fed Tax Credit

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Volkswagen said today that all MY23 ID.4 EV models that placed in service this year will be eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit. ID.4 has a MSRP of $38,995, plus delivery and dealer fees, with the dealer setting the actual selling price. Volkswagen appears to be at this time the only international automaker or offshore brand to have a full battery electric vehicle eligible for the full credit because of local sourcing and assembly.*

“This is great news for consumers in the U.S. because it expands the choice of truly affordable EVs,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “This shows that we made the right decision to localize production of the ID.4 in Tennessee and invest even further in battery production, components and innovation.” Continue reading →

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