Recession? US Consumer Auto Spending at Record Levels

Posted on 24 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on - Recession? US Consumer Auto Spending at Record Levels

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New-vehicle sales in the US for February, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,117,100 units, a 7.2% increase from February 2022, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive* just released. (autoinformed.com on: January US Vehicle Sales Up as Transaction Prices Hit Record)

Retail sales of new vehicles this month are expected to reach 907,900 units, a 0.1% increase from February 2022. New-vehicle transaction prices continue to rise, with the average price reaching a February record of $46,229, a 4.8% increase from a year ago. Consumers are forecast to spend ~$42.0 billion on new vehicles this month—the most ever for the month of February and an increase of 5.0% from February 2022, as the Biden Administration economic recovery continues. Continue reading →

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IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings

Posted on 23 February 2023 by Ken Zino

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today that it is strengthening the requirements for its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2023 by wanting better side crash protection and improved pedestrian crash prevention systems and eliminating weak headlights from the field of qualifying vehicles. (Award Winners click here)

The biggest change to the criteria for both awards is the replacement of the original IIHS side crash test with the updated evaluation launched in 2021. The updated test involves 82% more energy than the original test. Vehicles must earn an acceptable or good rating to qualify for Top Safety Pick, while a good rating is required for the “plus.” Notably absent from the highest Plus rating are products from what were once called the Detroit Three makers thus far. Continue reading →

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CHIPS Act – a Vision for America’s Technological Leadership

Posted on 23 February 2023 by Ken Zino
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US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo today delivered a speech titled “The CHIPS Act and a Long-term Vision for America’s Technological Leadership” at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. In her remarks, Raimondo outlined the  opportunity provided by the CHIPS and Science Act and the long-term goals she has set for the program to solidify America’s technology and innovation leadership while protecting America’s economic and national security. 

The CHIPS Act allocated $39 billion for manufacturing incentives to encourage companies to build and expand. Commerce will be announcing the first application next week. Continue reading →

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Celebrating 100 Years of BMW Motorrad – Berlin Festival in July

Posted on 23 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Celebrating 100 Years of BMW Motorrad – Berlin Festival in July

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BMW said this morning in Munich that the 21st edition of the BMW Motorrad Days from 7 to 9 July 2023 will be dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Motorrad. This year, for the first time, electric mobility will also play a central role at Pure&Crafted. BMW Motorrad, as the festival’s title sponsor, is “building a bridge from heritage to mobility concepts of the future, the Pure&Crafted program will present a world premiere, presumably of some advancement of an electric motorcycle.

“We successfully anchored the BMW Motorrad Days at the BMW plant location in Berlin last year with a new concept and there will be no shortage of highlights at this year’s 100th BMW Motorrad anniversary event,” said Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “This time, we will not only be offering a wide range of exciting activities at the central event in the Summer Garden at Messe Berlin trade fair, but also other event areas in and around Berlin to meet the wishes and interests of our customers and fans.
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Autonomous Vehicles, Entertainment: Mercedes-Benz Debuts a New Operating System in the Automobility Cosmos

Posted on 22 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Autonomous Vehicles, Entertainment: Mercedes-Benz Debts a New Operating System in the Automobility Cosmos

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Mercedes-Benz today in California detailed plans to become the architect and owner of its own operating system –  MB.OS, which will be introduced mid-decade with a new MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture). It’s a new purpose-built “chip-to-cloud architecture” that will be central to every future product with what is promised to be breakthrough software capabilities.

This is only one aspect of a visionary program intended to bolster the stated Mercedes-Benz desire to remain a preeminent luxury brand. Moreover, both are advanced aspects – or aspirations – of what the auto industry and its products are heading toward: a software defined vehicle and user experience, as well as the comprehensive use of data collection and artificial intelligence that will enable autonomous vehicles, along with ongoing software over-the air updates for entertainment feeds, traffic  alerts, subscription services, EV charging availability and range, among other aspects of a connected car from a connected car company and its connected dealers and other connected vendors. Continue reading →

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Dubious Milestones – Digital Guide for Opel Models

Posted on 21 February 2023 by Ken Zino
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Opel said today in Rüsselsheim that it is changing the format of its owner’s manuals from paper to digital starting immediately. From now on, in all new Opel cars, such as the Mokka, Grandland or new Astra and their electrified variants, there will be a concise booklet instead of a volume hundreds of pages long – as legally required in Germany. The so-called Quick Guide has a QR code so customers can quickly access the digital detailed owner’s manual for their car. Printed manuals will continue to be available for purchase from an Opel dealer.

“For Opel, responsibility is not only about becoming an all-electric brand by 2028. Responsibility also means conserving all resources related to the automobile, including the owner’s manual put in every car,” said Opel Germany Sales Director Stefan Moldaner. Continue reading →

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BMW Manufacturing is Largest US Automotive Exporter

Posted on 21 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Manufacturing is Largest US Automotive Exporter Again

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BMW Manufacturing led the nation in automotive exports by value, according to data released by the US Department of Commerce. The South Carolina plant exported 227,029 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes during 2022 with an export value of ~$9.6 billion, BMW said this morning in Spartanburg, SC.

The BMWs produced at what is called Plant Spartanburg were exported through the Port of Charleston, SC (more than 182,000 units), and through five other southeastern ports: Savannah, GA; Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; and Everglades, FL. More than 17,000 BMWs were exported via rail. During 2022, Germany became the top export market from BMW Manufacturing (15.5% of export volume), followed by China (13.5%), South Korea (12.8%), Canada (7.5%), and Great Britain (5.6%). Continue reading →

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Cadillac Debuts 2024 XT4 SUV Without Pricing

Posted on 20 February 2023 by Ken Zino
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Cadillac introduced the 2024 XT4 SUV today saying it is a “modern take on the compact luxury SUV.” XT4 will be offered in Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims when it debuts this summer. No pricing was released for the compact in what is arguably the largest, fastest growing segment globally with annual volumes of more than 13 million. (autoinformed.com on: 2019 Cadillac XT4 Compact SUV Debuts In New York; GM, Honda to Develop New EVs for Sale in 2027)

“The XT4 continues to be a top-selling vehicle in its class, year over year,” said Rory Harvey, Global Cadillac Vice President. “Its balance of dynamic style, drivability and luxury has made it a favorite for many new Cadillac customers. Now with enhancements including our 33-inch-diagonal LED Color Touchscreen Display and new safety features, it will further demand a second look,” Harvey hoped. Continue reading →

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GM St. Catharines Plant to Build Ultium EV Drive Units

Posted on 20 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM St. Catharines Plant to Build Ultium EV Drive Units

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General Motors today told its St. Catharines, Ontario workforce that it plans to invest at the plant to manufacture new Ultium electric drive units for GM’s growing electric vehicle lineup. This investment plan would be expected to support around 500 jobs at the St. Catharines facility and enable the production of more than 400,000 EV drive units a year – subject to completing support agreements with the Canadian Federal and Ontario governments.

With hundreds of good-paying jobs at stake, it’s unlikely such supporting agreements won’t be forthcoming in AutoInformed’s view. We would be more troubled by the fate of the Toronto Maple Leafs as the NHL trade deadline and the Stanley Cup approach.
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Multiple Ford Motor Recalls for Rollaway Safety Defects

Posted on 20 February 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2020-2022 Explorer SUVs equipped with a 2.3-liter engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage that can lead to an unwanted rollaway. The recall numbers are Ford 23S05, NHTSA 23V069. Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge as required by US regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 20 March 2023, according to a NHTSA filing just made public.

Ford Motor is also recalling 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to “PARK.” These recall numbers are Ford 23S06 and NHTSA 23V070, according to another NHTSA filing just made public. Continue reading →

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Ram 2021-23 Pickups and Cab Chassis Recalled for Fires

Posted on 20 February 2023 by Ken Zino

FCA USA is recalling 2021-2023 model year Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine because an electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off. More than 300,000 Ram pickup are involved and they all have the safety defect, according to a filing just made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The problem period began on 3 August 2020, when production of Ram 2500 vehicles, equipped with the Relay began, and ended on 1 February 2023, when FCA US LLC no longer built vehicles with the defective relay. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798. (autoinformed.com on: Ram Recalls 1.3 Million Pickups for Sudden Tailgate Openings)  Continue reading →

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Le Mans 2023 – NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Entry Unveiled at Daytona

Posted on 18 February 2023 by Ken Zino
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NASCAR officially unveiled the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and livery it plans to race as the Garage 56 entry in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the events leading to the Daytona 500 tomorrow. The Garage 56 project, which is anticipated to be approved for entry by l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in the coming weeks, is a partnership between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear – the winning-est team, manufacturer and tire in NASCAR’s 75-year history. (read autoinformed.com on NASCAR – Johnson, Rockenfeller, Button to Drive Camaro ZL1 at the 24-Hour Le Mans Race in June; Hendrick Motorsports to Run Camaro ZL1 at Le Mans!)

“From the beginning of this project, it was important to us that the car we bring to Le Mans is a true NASCAR stock car,” said Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO. “While there have been some adjustments to allow the car to compete in a 24-hour endurance race, fans in Le Mans will be treated to the full NASCAR experience.” Continue reading →

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Another Tesla Self-Driving Recall

Posted on 17 February 2023 by Ken Zino
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Tesla is recalling 2016 through 2023 Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that have installed or are pending installation of a software release that contains the Autosteer on City Streets feature (“Full Self-Driving Beta” or “FSD Beta”). The number of vehicles involved – 362,758 – all have a safety defect that could potentially infringe upon local traffic laws or customs while executing certain driving maneuvers (listed below) which could increase the risk of a collision if the driver does not intervene.

The recall is a result of long standing investigations at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the controversial auto pilot system. Tesla, what seems to us arrogantly, did not agree with the NHTSA analysis but went ahead with the recall anyway. It is the latest pr disaster from the firm that no doubt will have social media, uh, all atwitter. Continue reading →

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January Western European Diesel Car Market Flat

Posted on 17 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on January Western European Diesel Car Market Flat

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Western European diesel car sales were flat, according to the latest data just released by LMC Automotive.* Even though the data are incomplete with the Greek market lacking, LMC notes that 147,000 diesel cars were sold in the month, the same as a year earlier.

Moreover, a month over a month increase in diesel share is likely the result of government tax policies – particularly in Germany – “connected to a dramatic fall in the demand for BEVs in January, many being pulled forward into December 2022 in advance of incentive cuts in Germany,” LMC said. German diesel car sales at 53,000 is roughly the same as a year earlier. Continue reading →

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IIHS – Crash Avoidance Technology Works But Tough to Fix

Posted on 17 February 2023 by Ken Zino

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a poll of owners of vehicles equipped with front crash prevention, blind spot detection, rearview or other visibility-enhancing cameras. Of those who reported that at least one of those new-age safety systems had been repaired for any reason, about half said they had issues with the system after the job was completed. (autoinformed.com on: Tech-Aches – J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study)

“Most of the more than 3000 owners we contacted said they had never needed to have their crash avoidance features repaired, but for the minority of owners who did, the problems weren’t always resolved easily,” said IIHS Senior Research Scientist Alexandra Mueller, who designed the survey. “Many had issues with the technology afterward, and some said they had to have the same feature repaired more than once. Still, the vast majority said they would buy a vehicle equipped with the technology again and most were satisfied with the out-of-pocket cost.” Continue reading →

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