Flying Hyundai Tucson, Santa Cruz Roof Moldings Recalled

Posted on 6 February 2023 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz crossover SUVs, the National Highway Traffic Administration said today in a filing just made public. The roof moldings of vehicles made at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama may have defective attachment hardware made by Keumgang in South Korea and fly off the vehicle. There are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fire related to this safety defect, according to Hyundai.

Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 1April 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 241. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 23V038000. Continue reading →

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January 2023 Western EU Passenger Vehicles Sales Plunge

Posted on 6 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on January 2023Western EU Passenger Vehicles Sales Plunge

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Well, the party’s over. The Western European passenger vehicles selling rate (SAAR) fell from 13.1 million units annually in December to 10.7 million units/year in January 2023, according to the latest analysis published by the respected LMC consultancy.* LMC noted that the 2022 year‐end had a stronger selling rate in part due to legislation changes pulling forward sales. However, in monthly registration terms, January 2023 was up 9.8% year‐on‐year (YoY), at 810k units.

“Vehicle supply constraints continues to persist into 2023 for West European countries as the demand for vehicles still outweighs supply. However, our forecast assumes that the production bottlenecks will ease during 2023, resulting in YoY growth in registrations for the year. That said, the market is expected to remain some way down on 2019 levels. From a macroeconomic point of view, West European countries are experiencing recessionary conditions, with higher prices and interest rates squeezing real household incomes. Although a clear downside risk to the outlook comes in the form of a more pronounced macroeconomic decline, order backlogs provide some cushion to this,” LMC said.
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Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure

Posted on 6 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure

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Renault, Nissan and the Alliance today said that they are taking new steps to increase value for stakeholders. These include operational projects in Latin America, India and Europe; enhanced strategic agility with new initiatives that partners can join; and a re-balanced Renault Group-Nissan cross-shareholding and reinforced Alliance governance. These have been approved by the Boards of Directors of Renault Group and Nissan Motor.

The transactions contained in the agreements would be subject to regulatory approvals, and completion is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the tangled web of individual country industrial policy this brings some measure of stability to a global, multi-national, politically diverse enterprise as the movement to electrified vehicles and other earth-saving technologies continues. The 24-year-old Alliance covers 100% of the world’s major global vehicle markets with Euro 85 billion in annual purchases. It already shares 60% of its vehicle platforms, and up to 90% of EV architectures, noted Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Alliance Board at the press conference. The upside for all is survival in a difficult environment, in our view. Senard also said that the French State is completely behind the agreement. Continue reading →

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Alpine, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Ford, Mercedes-AMG are V6 Power Unit Suppliers for Formula One in 2026

Posted on 3 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com Alpine, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Ford, Mercedes-AMG are V6 Power Unit Suppliers for Formula One in 2026

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The FIA today confirmed that six manufacturers have registered as Power Unit Suppliers for the 2026-2030 seasons of the FIA Formula One World Championship (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). The list raises several questions.

AutoInformed suspects that we will ultimately hear from General Motors and Honda, perhaps as suppliers to the New Andretti Formula One Team that is currently under FIA consideration. Also will Aston Martin stay with Mercedes? And who will Audi supply or will it just be the factory team? Sauber is the current selected future strategic partner for Audi’s campaign in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2026 onwards. (autoinformed.com on: GM, Andretti Global to Seek Formula One Cadillac Entry) Continue reading →

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US Light Vehicles Sales in January 2023 Weak at 1 Million

Posted on 3 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Light Vehicles Sales in January 2023 Weak at 1 Million

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US Light Vehicle sales totaled 1.04 million units in January, according to data just released by LMC Automotive.* This is a Year-over-Year gain of 4.5%, with the same number of selling days as in January 2022. Nevertheless, January 2022 was the first January to fail to reach 1 million units since 2012. LMC put it succinctly: “if we excluded last year, January 2023 would be the worst opening month of the year since 2014.”

The usual problems remain – record high transaction prices, economic uncertainty, the Federal Reserve’s determination to send the economy into a recession via its ongoing interest rate increases, skimpy inventory caused by supply chain disruptions for some major automakers, notably Ford and Toyota – all make for a rerun of the flop show Pandemic Blues. So good luck reopening that show in 2023 with the same cast and plot. Continue reading →

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Acura, Honda Takata Airbag Recall Upgraded to Do Not Drive

Posted on 3 February 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura, Honda Takata Airbag Recall Upgraded to Do Not Drive

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Honda today issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for 2001-2003 Acura and Honda vehicles equipped with un-repaired Takata Alpha driver side air bag inflators. If you own one of these vehicles and still have an open Takata air bag recall, do not drive it until this urgent, lifesaving recall has been completed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aka NHTSA, urges vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners need to contact their dealership or Acura/Honda customer service to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible, as well as free towing or mobile repair. Free loaner and rental vehicles are also available, if needed. Continue reading →

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Biden Recovery – Unemployment at Lowest Level in 54 years

Posted on 3 February 2023 by Ken Zino

Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released the monthly Jobs Report which shows the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% with more than a half million jobs created in January and 800,000 manufacturing jobs created in the last two years.

This follows the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis  in January that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 2.9% for the last quarter of 2022 and that real wages were higher last month than they were seven months ago. Continue reading →

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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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