Illegally Towed Vehicles – DOJ Helping Service Members

Posted on 7 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on DOJ Consent Order for Service Members Illegally Towed Vehicles

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The US Justice Department said today that has entered into a consent order* requiring Steve’s Towing Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to pay $90,000 to settle a complaint alleging that the company violated the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

The complaint filed on 15 April 2022, alleges that Steve’s Towing failed to obtain court orders before auctioning off vehicles belonging to at least seven SCRA-protected service members, including two vehicles belonging to a member of a Navy SEAL team who was deployed overseas. This of course comes at a time when local, state and nationally elected Republicans are trying to de-fund and disrupt the US justice system. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Posted on 7 April 2023 by Ken Zino
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The latest version of the Toyota Corolla sedan, a perennial global best seller, finally made its US debut this week – the 2023 Cross Hybrid adding choices, along with the gas model launched in 2021. Both will be assembled at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama. (autoinformed.com on: Mazda Exporting US-made CX-50 to Mexico from Toyota JV)

Cross Hybrid debuts the Fifth Generation of the Toyota Hybrid System with increased performance and efficiency. In a bow to America’s large appetite for cross-overs and trucks, it comes only in all-wheel drive as a version of the so-called TNGA-C platform. It also a higher sight-lines, and higher prices ranging approximately from more than $30,000 to more than $35,000. The non-hybrid version starts at ~$25,000.  Continue reading →

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EPA Proposes to Reduce Toxic Chemical Plant Air Pollution

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a proposal to significantly reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical plants, including the highly toxic chemicals ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene. The reductions would dramatically reduce the number of people with elevated air toxics-related cancer risks in communities surrounding the plants that use those two chemicals, particularly in communities historically overburdened by air toxics pollution. EPA projects that more than 6000 tons of toxic air pollution annually with the new regulations.

This is part of President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Cancer Moonshot and to securing environmental justice and protecting public health, including for communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals. EPA administrator Michael Regan made the announcement at an event in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana – one of the communities the Administrator visited during his November 2021 Journey to Justice tour. Continue reading →

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FAA Grants $19M for University Research on Noise Reduction

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FAA Grants $19M for University Research on Noise Reduction

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The Federal Aviation Administration said today that it  has awarded $19 million to 14 universities in the US to work on jet noise and other environmental issues. It’s part of the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT) work that has invested more than $130 million in research since the progressive program began in 2014. In addition to the noise reduction and exposure studies, other projects focus on sustainable aviation fuel, alternative jet fuel supply chains, engine technology, commercial space and environmental measurement.

“Research is the gateway to breakthroughs. With the best minds, we can reduce noise and fly with net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. Continue reading →

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EPA Orders Valero Refining to Improve Chemical Safety

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to a settlement with Valero Refining-California to resolve violations of the Clean Air Act’s Chemical Accident Prevention regulations at its Benicia Refinery. The company will pay a $1,224,550 penalty and make changes to improve process safety at the refinery.

“This settlement sends a clear message that EPA will prosecute companies that fail to expend the resources needed to have a compliant, well-functioning Risk Management Plan to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Continue reading →

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Toyota, Huntsville Utilities Announce 168-acre Solar Plan

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota, Huntsville Utilities Announce 168-acre Solar Plan

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Huntsville Utilities, Toyota (NYSE: TM) Alabama and Toyota Tsusho America* (TAI) have announced a power purchase agreement to support a 168-acre, $49 million solar project. The 30-megawatt solar-generated system will be located in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, surrounding the Toyota engine plant. (autoinformed.com on: Milestones: 50 Million Toyota Corollas or 12 Generations )

“Toyota is taking a transparent, science-based approach to address climate change,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “By relying on the sun to power our operations, we will reduce our carbon footprint and create a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.” Continue reading →

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Bosch to Build First Automated Battery Recycling Plant

Posted on 6 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bosch to Build First Automated Battery Recycling Plant

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The Bosch Group estimates that electric vehicles will comprise ~70% of all newly registered passenger cars in Europe by 2030. This is increasing demand for batteries and for the recycling of the raw materials they contain, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Bosch has now developed special machinery, equipment, and software to do this. Its subsidiary Bosch Rexroth is supplying the so-called Battery Lifecycle Company*, a joint venture between REMONDIS subsidiary TSR Recycling and Rhenus Automotive, with what’s claimed to be Europe’s first fully automated system for discharging and disassembling battery modules.

“Electromobility can only establish itself in the long term if sufficient raw materials are available for battery production. Recycling plays a key role here, and helps place our output on a sustainable footing: we reuse what we use, and we recover raw materials,” says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. Continue reading →

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Biden-Harris Want Stronger Power Plant Toxic Air Standards

Posted on 5 April 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed to strengthen and update the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants to ensure the standards reflect the latest advancements in pollution control technologies. These progressive public health protections are especially important for people affected by hazardous air pollution, including children and vulnerable segments of the population such as Indigenous communities, low-income communities, and people of color who live near power plants, according to the EPA. (autoinformed.com: Power Plants Continue to Befoul Our Air During 2021; CARB, 21 Attorneys Generals, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York Demand Trump Stop Clean Air Act Gutting)

“America is leading the way in innovation, and our work to protect public health is no different. By leveraging proven, emissions-reduction measures available at reasonable costs and encouraging new, advanced control technologies, we can reduce hazardous pollution from coal-fired power plants, protecting our planet and improving public health for all,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s proposal will support and strengthen EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which have delivered a 90% reduction in mercury emissions from power plants over pre-standard levels.” Continue reading →

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GM Defense Gets US Army OK for Infantry Squad Vehicle

Posted on 5 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle

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GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors (NYSE: GM), said today that the U.S. Army provided a full-rate production decision for the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). GM Defense won the initial $214.3 million contract to develop the light and agile all-terrain troop carrier to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment in June 2020. GM Defense is manufacturing 649 ISVs with the ability to support the production of more than 2593 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years.

“We do not anticipate changes in production volume through September 2023,” said a GM Defense spokesperson. “Achieving full rate production affirms the engineering and manufacturing processes that support the Infantry Squad Vehicle are meeting our U.S. Army customer needs and that production can be scaled to meet increased demand in the future. This important milestone adds credibility to the ISV program and validates our continued efforts to successfully deliver advanced commercial technologies to soldiers.” Continue reading →

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March 2023 Western EU Passenger Vehicle Sales at 10.9M

Posted on 5 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on March 2023 Western EU Passenger Vehicle Sales at 10.9M

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The Western Europe passenger vehicle (PV) selling rate dropped to 10.9 million units annually in March, from 11.7 million units in February, according to the latest data made public today by the LMC Automotive* consultancy. “However, the overall registration figure comfortably outstripped that of February, at 1.3 million units, in what is a seasonally strong month. In year-on-year (YoY) terms, the market was up 26%,” LMC said. (autoinformed.com on: February 2023 Western EU Passenger Vehicle Sales Up 11%)

All of the five largest Western European countries posted strong YoY growth in registrations. However, this was largely because 2022 provides a weak base of comparison, along with some easing of supply side challenges, aiding the pace of vehicle registrations LMC noted. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Recall for Bad Atlas Front-Passenger Airbags

Posted on 4 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling more than 143,000 2018-2021 model year Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles because the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may have a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied. According to the required filing, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public today, owners are advised not to use the front-passenger seat until the recall has been completed. (autoinformed.com on: KARPUT! Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, Sportwagen Die in 2019)

At this time, however, the repair that will be required is unknown by Volkswagen. The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed 26 May 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once the remedy becomes available. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q1 2023 US Sales Up 10%

Posted on 4 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor’s (NYSE: F) overall vehicle sales – Ford Blue, Ford Pro, Model e and Lincoln – totaled 475,906, up 10.% with estimated share up over a year ago, the Dearborn based automaker said this morning. Sales increased in the usual areas across Ford’s strengths, including trucks (up 19.6%); three-row SUVs (up 47.6%); Bronco brand (up 18.3%); Ford Pro Transit van (up 86%); Mustang (up 5.2%) and electric vehicles (up 41%) on a  year-over-year basis, which given last year’s dismal performance increased the percentage gains markedly. (autoinformed.com on: Ford Motor Q1 and March Sales off -17% and -26%. Cars Dying; GM Q1 2023 US Sales Increase 18% as Trucks and SUVs Lead)

“Ford’s sales growth and investments are a direct result of strong customer demand across our truck, SUV, and electric vehicle segments. And this year’s highly anticipated new product launches with Super Duty, Escape, Mustang and Ranger, will only add to this momentum,” said Andrew Frick, vice president, sales distribution, and trucks. Continue reading →

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Online Racing – Toyota Gazoo Racing 2023 GT Cup

Posted on 4 April 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Online Racing - Toyota Gazoo Racing 2023 GT Cup

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Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) today  announced details TGR GT Cup 2023, an online race in “Gran Turismo 7” for PlayStation®51 (PS5™) and PlayStation®41 (PS4®). The TGR GT Cup is a global competition held in “Gran Turismo 7” in which the GR lineup, dedicated racing cars, and other cars participate in competitive racing throughout the season.

This year’s racing will have a collaborative round with TGR’s partners in the Super Taikyu series, Mazda Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation. Seven qualifying rounds will be held online, and the world’s top 24 players will qualify for the final. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Simplifies European Financing and Leasing Services

Posted on 4 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA)* today confirmed a new, organization for financing and leasing services in Europe with the establishment of Stellantis Financial Services (formerly Banque PSA Finance) and Leasys (consolidating the activities of Leasys and Free2move Lease) organizations. Because of the two new organizations, Stellantis now has all-brand captive finance and leasing companies operating in Europe.

One objective is to become the European leasing leader with the target of reaching a fleet of one million vehicles by 2026. With its financial services arms, Stellantis wants to double its net banking income by 2030. (autoinformed.com on:Stellantis Consolidates Financial Services for All Brands; Stellantis to Consolidate Financial Services in China) Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North American Sales in March and Q1 Drop 9%

Posted on 3 April 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today reported March 2023 U.S. sales of 176,456 vehicles, down 9.1% on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus March 2022. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month represented 27.5% of total sales volume. During Q1 2023, TMNA reported sales of 469,558 vehicles, down -8.8. Sales of electrified vehicles for the first quarter totaled 118,836, representing 25.3 percent of total sales volume.

Toyota division posted March sales of 150,099 vehicles, down 12% on a volume and DSR basis. For the quarter, Toyota division reported sales of 401,306 vehicles, down 10.9%. Lexus division posted March sales of 26,357 vehicles, up 12.1 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the quarter, Lexus division reported sales of 68,252 vehicles, up 6%. Continue reading →

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