Significant 2022 Automotive Stories and Trends

Posted on 1 January 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on State of the Union and the Auto Industry - significant stories and trends of 2022. Photo courtesy of the White House.

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AutoInformed once again notes, humbly and wryly, that its vision is mostly clear on the significance of long past occurrences. Nonetheless, with each passing year we still pause and attempt to bring insight into events of the time. When we get it right, our perspective observes that we are what we were, but that is only a partial influence amidst the chaos of the American present and our aspirations of becoming a more useful part of our society comprised of “We the People.” This American can-do spirit provides glimpses of optimism through the darkness and shadows that are obscuring a better tomorrow where mobility in all its forms remains key.

With that in mind, here’s our latest takes on the 2022 annum of automobility, from autonomous and electric vehicles needed to foil planet-killing global warming, to driving-caused deaths, to trade, tariffs, allies and, alas, the still ongoing threats from American fascism and racism that are opposing our collective growth. We undertake this with an awareness that AutoInformed conducts its education in public with our deficiencies apparent. We begin our annual taking stock with comments on significant automotive stories of 2022 as we look to endure another year of plagues – covid variants, political insurrections, social unrest and others unknown but still to come. Continue reading →

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US Recovering from Covid. Greenhouse Gasses a Problem

Posted on 30 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BTS - US Recovering from Covid. Greenhouse Gas Emissions a Problem

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The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released today the 28th edition of the Transportation Statistical Annual Report or TSAR.* Covered in the TSAR by legislative mandate are the State of the System; Passenger Travel and Equity; Freight and Supply Chain; Transportation Economics; Transportation Safety; Energy and Sustainability.

Transportation accounted for 8.4% of the US gross domestic product in 2021, up from 7.7% in 2020, but down from 9.1% percent in 2019. During 2021, the wholesale and retail trade sector continued to require more transportation services than any other sector to produce one dollar of gross output. Continue reading →

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Drowning Risk – Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Paddle Boards

Posted on 30 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Drowning Risk - Body Glove Tandem Inflatable Paddle Boards. Photo courtesy of Surf 9

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Surf 9 is recalling  Body Glove Tandem and ULI Inflatable Paddle Boards because of a drowning risk. The paddle boards were sold exclusively at Costco (Costco item# 2622049), The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said today in a release.

Users should immediately stop using the inflatable paddle-board and return to a Costco warehouse to obtain a full refund. About 12,000 units of the affected product in the US and 7,200 were in Canada are involved:  Sold from December 2021 to July 2022 in the United States and March 2022 to July 2022 in Canada. Surf9  has received 0 reports of injuries in Canada or the United States. Continue reading →

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Japanese Global Sales Weak in November. China is a Disaster

Posted on 29 December 2022 by Ken Zino

The global sales results of major Japanese automakers just released for November 2022 show weakness and an uncertain outlook for 2023. The world’s largest car market, China, as well Putin’s war against Ukraine are major culprits. Add in economically destructive monetary policy and it is our view that there are significant clouds with a chance of thunderstorms on the horizon for 2023. However, Toyota Motor is showing resilience to the sales flu thus far as winter sets in. 

It looks like a continuing trend of recent negative developments as November’s Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate eased back to 84 million units/year from October’s revised 85 million units/year, according to data and analysis by the LMC Automotive* consultancy more than a week ago. See AutoInformed.com on November Global Light Vehicle Selling Rate Lessens. Continue reading →

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Wayne Taylor Racing, Andretti Autosport Ink 2023 IMSA Deal

Posted on 28 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Wayne Taylor Racing, Andretti Autosport Ink 2023 IMSA Deal. Photo courtesy of and copyright WTR.

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Andretti Autosport* and Wayne Taylor Racing** announced a new, long-term partnership today that will see the championship-contending and winning teams combine to run in IMSA’s top classes.

Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport’s No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 and its No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX Evo22 will make their official debut at the 2023 Roar Before the Rolex 24 and will be on the grid for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The newly formed team will also compete in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series. For 2023, Andretti will continue to operate in IMSA’s LMP3 category with Jarett Andretti. Continue reading →

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Political Climate Change – Man Sentenced in Foiled Michigan Governor Kidnapping Conspiracy

Posted on 27 December 2022 by Ken Zino

As the Department of Justice is weighing whether to indict Donald J. Trump on Conspiracy to Defraud the United State, and aiding an insurrection – an effort to hold Trump directly accountable for his supporters who stormed the Capitol – it is moving ahead by bringing others to account for domestic terrorism. A Michigan man was sentenced today to 16 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to kidnap the Governor of Michigan and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property.

A jury in an earlier trial was unable to reach a verdict. In my view, things have changed significantly in many people’s minds about the Big Lie and the associated, often violent, assaults against institutions and people as the January 6 Committee during the past year presented its devastating case of what went on and who was part of it. Call it a national warming toward protecting our Democracy after the melting of the last Republican ice age.  National security is also a critical issue in Trump’s case with his unexplained stolen documents. (See: The Hustings) Continue reading →

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Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla

Posted on 27 December 2022 by Ken Zino

Budget Rent A Car System as part of its new amendments to its rental car agreement terms released today, revised a section on Electric Vehicles with specifics added for Tesla. As such it is likely to be similar to other rental car company EV agreements as EV use grows. Hertz said in September it is investing to create the largest rental fleet of EVs in North America, with tens of thousands of EVs available for rent at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states. The company’s current goal is for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024. (Autoinformed.com: Hertz and GM Plot Major EV Rental Expansion)

“This EV Amendment simultaneously amends the terms of your rental from Budget with respect to the terms herein only. All other terms of your rental remain in full force and effect. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this EV Amendment and your other rental terms, the terms of this EV Amendment shall govern,” Budget said. In other words EVs are singled out. 
Continue reading →

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More Fuel Cell Vehicles from CJPT

Posted on 26 December 2022 by Ken Zino

Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) said today in Japan that it is has entered a partnership agreement that includes jointly implementing initiatives to expand the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles in the logistics industry, public transportation, and government use.

“The aim is to advance the development of a hydrogen society to achieve carbon neutrality.” Hydrogen is a key technology for carbon neutrality in the Japanese national government’s Green Growth Strategy. (AutoInformed.com: CJPT expels Hino over Emission Data Certification Fraud) Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt EVs Recalled for Fires

Posted on 26 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Bolt EVs Recalled for Fires

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General Motors is recalling 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles because after a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar.

More than 111,000 Bolt EVs are being recalled for repairs because of an incident in Korea. GM said that the estimated percentage of Bolt’s with the defect is 1%. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls Bronco and E-Series Vehicles

Posted on 26 December 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle. Ford is also recalling 2022-2023 E-350, E-450, and 2021-2022 F-59 vehicles used as buses. The paint along the weld seam of the fuel tank may peel and lead to corrosion of the exposed metal, which can result in a fuel leak.

Both of the latest recalls were made public this morning by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Stellantis to Buy a Large Part of Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen

Posted on 23 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis to Buy a Large Part of Faurecia Michelin Hydrogen

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Today, Faurecia,* Michelin and Stellantis (NYSE: MTA Euronext Paris: STLA) announced “exclusive” negotiations for Stellantis to acquire a substantial stake in Symbio,** a supplier of zero-emission hydrogen systems, joining existing shareholders Faurecia and Michelin.

Stellantis is tiptoeing into hydrogen mobility having launched mid-size vans in late 2021. Stellantis is pursuing an aggressive ambition as part of the so-called “Dare Forward 2030” strategic plan, which includes expanding its hydrogen offerings to large vans as early as 2024 in Europe and 2025 in the US while further exploring opportunities for heavy-duty trucks. (AutoInformed.com: Dare Forward 2030 – Stellantis Survival Plan Unveiled) Continue reading →

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Bah Humbug! SEMA on Congressional Inaction on Racing Parts

Posted on 23 December 2022 by Ken Zino

“Negotiators in Congress didn’t reach an agreement on language that balanced the need for federal law to protect racers and motorsports parts businesses from EPA enforcement with reasonable measures to ensure that race parts are not used on vehicles driven on roads and public highways,” SEMA said in a statement yesterday just before the Congressional holiday shut down.

SEMA was referring to the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM)* that has hobbled around congress for three years staring with the 114th Congress, including the 2021–2022 session of Congress. The Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee were involved in the bill, but members weren’t able to get it out of the House or Senate committees for lack of, well, horsepower. Perhaps the bills sponsors, who were overwhelming Republican (102 Rs, 30 Ds), were part of the problem. The Republicans aren’t known for their environmental policies, but rather the opposite as Global Warming repudiators often backed by the fossil fuel industry and perennial opponents to fuel economy or clean air regulations. Continue reading →

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Covid Pandemic Recovery Shows US Population Growing

Posted on 22 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Covid Pandemic Recovery Shows US Population Growing

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The US resident population increased by 0.4%, or 1,256,003, to 333,287,557 in 2022, according to the US Census Bureau’s “Vintage 2022 national and state population estimates” and components of change released today.*

Eventually the shifts in population will have effects on the automobile and transportation businesses as the economy evolves toward a sustainable future and the adoption of EVs, construction equipment, railroads and airplanes with non-fossil fuels, which local politicians will either support or sabotage. As the nation ages, there are also other mobility questions. Continue reading →

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December US Sales Up. Transaction Prices at Record Highs

Posted on 21 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on December US Sales Up. Transaction Prices at Record Highs

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Total new-vehicle sales for December 2022, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,254,700 units, a 5.3% increase from December 2021, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.* December 2022 has the same number of selling days as December 2021. The record transaction prices means that buyers are on track to spend nearly $48.2 billion on new vehicles this month, a slight -0.3% decrease from December 2021.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is forecast at 13.2 million units, up 7000,000 units from 2021. New-vehicle total sales in Q4 2022 are projected to reach 3,549,800, a 9.6% increase over Q4 2021 when adjusted for selling days. New-vehicle total sales for 2022 are projected to reach 13,687,000 units, an 8.4% decrease from 2021, adjusted for selling days. Continue reading →

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EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally

Posted on 20 December 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released by EPA, Well, Finally. Photo courtesy of and copyright BYD.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the strongest-ever national clean air standards to cut smog- and soot-forming emissions from heavy-duty trucks beginning with model year 2027.

The new standards are long overdue. They are the first update to clean air standards for heavy duty trucks in more than 20 years. EPA says they are more than 80% stronger than current standards. Continue reading →

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