Ford Misses Q4 and Full Year 2022 Forecasts. Loses $2B

Posted on 2 February 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) after the markets closed on Thursday reported a 2022 full-year net loss of $2.0 billion. During Q4 Ford posted an adjusted EBIT $10.4 billion, and operating cash flow $1.2 billion for the quarter, $6.9 billion for the year. This was in stark contrast to GM, which reported a record $14.5 billion in earnings for 2022 earlier this week. (autoinformed.com: GM Posts Record $14.5 Billion in Earnings During 2022)

“We should have done much better last year,” said CEO Jim Farley. “We left about $2 billion in profits on the table that were within our control, and we’re going to correct that with improved execution and performance.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – GM and Netflix Promoting EVs

Posted on 2 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annuals of Marketing – GM and Netflix Promoting EVs

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that  it is working with Netflix “to give electric vehicles the stage they deserve, reflecting society’s increasing excitement about an all-electric future.” It starts with a launch spot, “EVs On Screen.” As part of the deal, Netflex will increase the occurrence of EVs in Netflix-produced shows and films, where relevant, while also claiming it is taking steps to enable more sustainable productions.

“Entertainment has a huge impact on culture. We want to make EVs famous on streaming, small and silver screens to build an EV culture through storytelling that incorporates the experiences of driving and owning an EV,” said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl.
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Nissan Shows Max-Out EV Convertible Concept

Posted on 2 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Shows Max-Out EV Convertible Concept

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Nissan Motor will hold Nissan Futures to demonstrate how Nissan working on sustainable mobility and innovative design at its Global Headquarters Gallery from 4 February to 1 March 2023.

Nissan has unveiled a physical concept model of its Max-Out EV convertible, which was previously shown in virtual form as part of the Nissan Ambition 2030 announcement in November 2021 under the Nissan Futures banner. The Max-Out will be on display for the duration of the event. (autoinformed.com on: Nissan Establishes Carbon Neutral Goal for 2050; Significant 2021 Automotive Stories and Trends) Continue reading →

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FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII

Posted on 1 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII.

Drones are now quite sophisticated and used widely as weapons of war and terrorism. Click photo for more information.

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LVII. Drones will be restricted before and during the 12 Sunday February. Drone operators who enter the so-called TFRs – aka Temporary Flight Restrictions – without permission and a clearance could face drone confiscation, fines that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution. (autoinformed.com on:FAA Issues Waiver for Drones with Parachutes, New Supersonic Rulemaking, 737 Max Modifications Still Stalled; FAA Playing Catchup on Drones. Again.)

The FAA maintains the safety of our National Airspace System with regulations that cover aircraft in the sky to ensure safety in spite of politicians disrupting or attempting to fiddle with or remove its funding. They restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for specified times. Continue reading →

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Toyota Joins Third Row Parade – First-Ever Grand Highlander

Posted on 1 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Joins the Third Row Parade With First-Ever Grand Highlander

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Toyota today teased the inside of the first-ever 2024 Grand Highlander SUV ahead of its world premiere on 8 February 2023. This is the latest trend from off-shore automakers – Mazda, Mercedes Benz recently – to try and capture the growing and profitable full-size SUV market dominated by the traditional Detroit Three, Ford, GM and Chrysler now Stellantis.  (autoinformed.com on: Three Rows Have It – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts)

“A unique SUV with room for all and the ‘stuff’ we need, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short excursions to cross-country adventures. With a spacious third row with ample legroom for adults and children coupled with enough cargo space to fit seven pieces of luggage in the back – the freshly designed, three-row SUV is fully functional for the road ahead,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Adds 2024 GLE 400e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

Posted on 31 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz Adds 2024 GLE 400e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

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Mercedes-Benz said today that the GLE model range is updated for 2024 with a tweaked exterior and interior, as well as more technology and equipment. Powertrains are now electrified throughout the range with the new GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, in addition to mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE model range will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023. (autoinformed.com: Mercedes-Benz to Open a Global EV Charging Network)

The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. With an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger. Continue reading →

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Three Rows Have It – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts

Posted on 31 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Three Rows Have It - 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts

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In a nod to US tastes and market reality, Mazda North American Operations today introduced the first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 due at dealers this spring. Built on Mazda’s new large platform, the three-row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers becomes the company’s new flagship vehicle that is wider and longer than any previous Mazda before after its long-standing hookup with a leading SUV maker, Ford Motor, which ultimately dissolved.

Mazda CX-90 is available with all-new electrified powertrains, including an inline 6-cylinder turbo and a plug-in hybrid. Detailed specs and pricing are not yet available, but we are betting this will be in the $40,000 to +$52,000 range. (autoinformed.com on:IIHS Mazda CX-50 earns Top Safety Pick+) Continue reading →

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GM Posts Record $14.5 Billion in Earnings During 2022

Posted on 31 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts Record $14.5 Billion in Earnings During 2022

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General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that fourth-quarter 2022 revenue was $43.1 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.0 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $3.8 billion. GM’s full-year 2022 revenue was $156.7 billion, net income attributable to stockholders was $9.9 billion and EBIT-adjusted was a record $14.5 billion. Results were at the high-end of the company’s revised EBIT-adjusted guidance range. GM stock was up almost $3 per share immediately after the announcement.

GM led the US industry in total sales and delivered the largest year-over-year increase in market share of any OEM, because of strong consumer demand for its products and improved supply chain deliveries. GM was number one in total sales; sales of full-size pickup trucks, sales of full-size, large luxury SUVs; and number one in the sales luxury sports cars. (autoinformed.com on  GM Investing in Full-Size Truck and SUV Production; Electrifying – Fastest Corvette in History is a Hybrid) Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Cuts Prices on Mustang Mach-E

Posted on 30 January 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor said today it is increasing production of the Mustang Mach-E and reducing prices* to keep it competitive in the growing EV marketplace. Virtually all of Mustang Mach-E’s growth to date is incremental to the Ford brand with two-thirds of customers coming from competitor brands. In addition to lower pricing, Mustang Mach-E vehicles ordered between 30 January and 3 April 2023 are eligible for Ford Credit “special rates as low as 5.34%.”

Ford also offers EV customers a full-size truck, SUV and van, and said it “has secured the batteries and raw material to scale production of all these models in 2023.” The prices of those products were not changed today, probably awaiting competitive and customer reactions. Continue reading →

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IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona Thrills Largest Crowd in History

Posted on 30 January 2023 by Ken Zino
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What was said to be a record crowd at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this past weekend were on hand to view some of the closest, fierce racing in recent IMSA history that resulted in several cars contending up to the checkered flag in four out of the five classes after two circuits around a Rolex watch. So in AutoInformed’s opinion the “sport” of Sports Car Racing is healthy and off to what should be a great 2023 season.

Given the crowd size and a new broadcast contract with an international audience and specifically tailored automaker advertisements keyed to the Rolex 24, the “business” of racing is good as well. These successes will no doubt play into the “politics” of racing with as yet unknown effects as there will be pressure to adjust performance output specifications and other rule changes from competitors. (Rolex 24 At Daytona Results ) Continue reading →

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NASCAR – Johnson, Rockenfeller, Button to Drive Camaro ZL1 at the 24-Hour Le Mans Race in June

Posted on 28 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NASCAR - Johnson, Rockenfeller, Button to Drive Camaro ZL1 at Le Mans

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NASCAR* today in Daytona announced just before the start of the IMSA* Rolex 24 the driver lineup for its Garage 56 entry in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 100th anniversary of the race. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, and 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button will share the driver’s seat of the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which is anticipated to be approved for entry by l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in the coming weeks. As of today the required ACO official invitation hasn’t arrived yet. (autoinformed.com: Le Mans 2022 – Toyota, Porsche, Jota, Aston Martin Win)

The Garage 56 project is a business and/or marketing deal among NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet and Goodyear – the winning-est team, manufacturer and tire in the sport’s 75-year history. All three drivers will participate in next week’s two-day test at Daytona International Speedway. The Camaro will have to have working headlights and taillights of course, not the usual NASCAR decals simulating them at NASCAR races. Jordan Taylor, who currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship* for Corvette Racing, will serve as the backup driver and “help coach the drivers.” Taylor won the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE Pro Class and has finished on the podium four times. He is a four-time IMSA champion. Continue reading →

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Corvette Z06 GT3.R 2024 Racecar Shown at Daytona

Posted on 27 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Corvette Z06 GT3.R 2024 Race-Car Shown at Daytona

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Chevrolet today debuted the new Corvette Z06 GT3.R race-car, a year before it makes its competition at Daytona. Z06 GT3.R is Chevrolet’s first race-car that fully meets FIA technical regulations for GT3 cars. The mid-engine race-car is meant for customer teams. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R will race for the first time as part of the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO category at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona to open next year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“The Corvette Z06 GT3.R breaks new ground for Chevrolet and the Corvette Racing program,” said Mark Stielow, director, GM Motorsports Engineering Competition. “This customer-focused race-car leverages learnings from throughout Corvette Racing’s lengthy and successful history, plus the expertise of our Corvette production design, engineering and powertrain teams.” Continue reading →

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Ford Offers Free Pickup, Delivery and Mobile Service To All

Posted on 27 January 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford customers nationwide now can enjoy complimentary “Pickup & Delivery,” as well as expanded mobile services from participating dealers. With Pickup & Delivery, the customer’s preferred Ford dealer will come to their home or place of business, pick up their vehicle and return it when the repair has been completed. For light repairs and routine maintenance, a Mobile Service van can be dispatched with a trained technician to perform service at an eligible location of the customer’s choice.

The nationwide program is part of Ford’s commitment to improve the ownership experience by providing convenient, seamless options for vehicle service, from simple oil changes to recall repairs. Recalls have been infecting Ford Motor products for years. During 2022, Ford Motor led all makers in recalls with 67 totaling more than 8.6 million vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No word on when or if Lincoln Dealers will participate. Continue reading →

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Almost Autonomous – Mercedes-Benz 2024 S‑Class, EQS?

Posted on 26 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Almost Autonomous - Mercedes-Benz 2024 S Class, EQS Sedan?

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Mercedes‑Benz  today claimed it is the world’s first automotive company to bring SAE Level 3* automated driving to the US as Nevada became the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations, under certain conditions. At SAE Level 3 [1], the driver does not need to monitor the driving circumstances constantly but must take back control when the system requests. (autoinformed.com: SAE Autonomous Driving Levels)

If Mercedes is able to deliver model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedans late in 2023, then its optional DRIVE PILOT system would be the first and perhaps the only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on US public freeways. Mercedes‑Benz also aspires to expand to California later this year with the certification documents already filed with state authorities. General Motors, among other automakers, is also actively pursuing  autonomous vehicles. Several GM brands are partially there already with its Super Cruise system. (autoinformed.com: GM Expanding Super Cruise Hands-Free Driver Assistance; Mercedes EQS Sedan Valet Parks Itself in Los Angeles)
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January US Vehicle Sales Up as Transaction Prices Hit Record

Posted on 26 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on January US Vehicle Sales Up as Transaction Prices Hit Record

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Total new-vehicle sales for January 2023, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,043,100 units, a 5.4% increase from January 2022, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive* released today. New-vehicle transaction prices continue to rise; however the rate of growth continues to relax. The average price will set a January record of $46,437, an increase of 4.2% from a year ago.

The record transaction prices means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $39.9 billion on new vehicles this month, the highest level ever for the month of January, an increase of 2.4% from January 2022 despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts to send the US into a recession. The looming Republican creation of a depression over the deficit, aka Congressional contract hit on America II, remains ominous. Continue reading →

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