Once Unthinkable. New Supercars from Nissan, Toyota

Posted on 28 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Once Unthinkable. Two New Japanese Supercars from Nissan, Toyota

Click for more information.

What was once unthinkable to German performance car makers continues today as two new versions of Japanese super-cars were announced. The 2023 Nissan GT-R is now on sale at elite US Nissan dealers with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $113,540. Toyota Gazoo Racing has also launched an updated GR Supra GT4* race car for the 2023 season with claimed enhanced braking, handling and engine performance. Toyota said it has extensively used “customer and driver feedback to improve the dedicated race car, which is already a champion in three regions, Japan, the United States and Europe, and has earned over 100 podium finishes.” (AutoInformed.com on: Daytona This Weekend Starts 2022 IMSA Racing Season)

The Nissan 2023 GT-R Premium’s 3.8-liter DOHC twin-turbo V6 is rated at 565 horsepower and 467 lb.-ft. of torque, linked with a standard dual-clutch, paddle-shift 6-speed transmission and the so-called ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. Moreover, GT-R NISMO, $210,740, has the same turbochargers developed for the GT3 GT-R race car, increasing the engine’s output to 600 horsepower and 481 lb.-ft. of torque.  It has a NISMO-tuned suspension, carbon fiber bodywork, larger Brembo® carbon-ceramic brakes. ** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Posts Q3 Net Loss of $827 Million

Posted on 26 October 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today posted Q3 2022 revenue of $39.4 billion and an $827 million net loss, a result of special items. The adjusted EBIT was $1.8 billion.

During Q3, Ford decided to shift its capital spending from the L4 advanced driver assistance systems being developed by Argo AI to internally developed L2+/L3 technology. The move was forced on Ford when Argo AI failed to attract new investors. Ford recorded a $2.7 billion non-cash, pretax impairment on its investment in Argo AI, resulting in an $827 million net loss for Q3. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes were $1.8 billion, higher than the $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion the company estimated in September. Quarterly revenue was $39.4 billion, up 10% from a year ago. (AutoInformed.com on: Ford Motor Q3 Earnings to Take $1B Cost Hit; Ford Motor Posts Good Earnings But Weak Net Income) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in financial results, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

GM Has Enough Renewable Energy for all US Sites by 2025

Posted on 26 October 2022 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM) said today it has finished renewable energy sourcing agreements required to secure 100% of the energy needed to power all its US facilities by 2025. This is keeping with the accelerated target announced in September 2021, which is 5 years ahead of the 2030 target announced in early 2021, and 25 years ahead of the initial target of 2050 set in 2016.

It’s the latest move in the climate wars by automakers that no longer deny the real damages incurred by fossil fuel use. By using renewable energy, GM aims to avoid 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions that would have been produced between 2025 and 2030. This equals the emissions produced by burning 1 billion pounds of coal. (AutoInformed.com on: Climate Change Car Wars – GM to Reach 100% Renewable Energy in 2025) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Another Kia Sportage Recall for Fires in ABS System

Posted on 26 October 2022 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today that Kia America has issued a new recall for 72,000 Model Year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles due to a continued risk of fire. An engine compartment fire originating from around the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) for the braking system may occur while the vehicle is parked or being driven. (AutoInformed.com on: NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert on Hyundai, Kia Fires) Kia “strongly urges owners of these vehicles to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures until their vehicles have been repaired.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Earns $4.3 Billion in Q3 2022

Posted on 25 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Earns $4.3 Billion in Q3 2022

Click for more information.

General Motors today posted Q3 earnings of $4.3 billion on global sales 966,000 vehicles. This came from record revenue and double-digit EBIT-adjusted margins. GM expects to double company revenue to $275 to 315 billion by 2030.

GM also improved supply chain interruptions so much so that it resulted  in another quarter of full-size pickup, full-size SUV and Cadillac Escalade segment leadership. Ford Motor reports earnings tomorrow. (AutoInformed.com on – GM Q2 Earnings at $2.3B Off -$1.1B YoY)

“This keeps us on track to deliver our third consecutive year of full-size pickup leadership, and our 22nd year as the full-size SUV leader. To build our truck leadership and help maintain our strong margins, Chevrolet and GMC recently unveiled new mid-size and heavy-duty pickups that will launch next year,” said GM chair and CEO Mary Barra. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, financial results, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BYD Toyota EV Technology Company Debuts bZ3 EV in China

Posted on 24 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BYD Toyota EV Technology Company Debuts bZ3 EV

Click for more information.

Toyota Motor Corporation in Beijing early this morning announced the Toyota bZ3, the second model in its bZ series. The battery electric sedan was developed between Toyota, BYD, and FAW Toyota under  a company called BYD Toyota EV Technology Company (BTET). The bZ3 will be  sold by the FAW Toyota dealer network in the world’s largest vehicle market that is leading the way toward the electrification of vehicles. (autoinformed.com: Toyota – Annual Global Sales of  3.5Mn Battery EVs by 2030)

The strategy has been successful, but doing business with totalitarian states can have dire outcomes as Putin’s war on Ukraine demonstrated for auto companies doing business in the region. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renault Group Q3 – 20% Increase in Revenue at €9.8B

Posted on 21 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault Group Q3 - 20% Increase in Revenue at €9.8B

Click for more information.

Renault Group (Euronext: RNO) posted a revenue increase today of €9.8 billion, up 20.5% compared to 2021 Q3. Automotive revenue reached €9 billion, up 21.7%1 based on global sales of 481,000 vehicles, down 2.4% compared to 2021 Q3. The E-tech range (electric and hybrid) accounted for 38% of Renault passenger car sales in Europe during the first 9 months, up 12 points compared to the first 9 months of 2021.

The Group’s orders in Europe remains at an historic level – the same in volume compared to the end of June. Renault Group also confirmed its 2022 financial outlook*, which will probably meet with analyst skepticism given the ongoing economic crisis in Europe and the negative global effects of Putin’s war against Ukraine. Balancing this is a renegotiation of the Alliance with Nissan, which could bring Renault ~$3.3 billion if it cuts it stake to 15% from 43%. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, mobility company | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

GMC Debuts Electric Sierra Pickup

Posted on 20 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC Debuts Electric Sierra Pickup

Click for more information.

GMC debuted today the Electric Sierra Pickup, with an emphasis on the most expensive and profitable 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition. GMC claimed it offers un-compromised capability, a GM-estimated 400 miles of range1 on a full charge and unique technology made possible by its dedicated EV truck platform.

The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available in early 2024 starting at, gulp, $107,000. GMC will introduce the Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation trims in the 2025 model year, which GMC says will be priced starting in the $50,000 range (AutoInformed.com on: GMC Teases Electric Sierra Denali Pickup)
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, electronics, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

EPA Hydrofluorocarbon Rule Attacks Global Warming

Posted on 20 October 2022 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a proposed rule to implement the next step of the nation’s HFC* (hydrofluorocarbons) phase-down to a 40% reduction below historic levels starting in 2024. HFCs are a class of powerful greenhouse gases regularly used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. Their negative climate impact can be hundreds to thousands of times stronger than the same amount of carbon dioxide.

The proposal follows the Senate’s bipartisan ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement to phase down HFCs and avoid up to 0.5-degrees Centigrade of global warming by the end of this century. It’s the latest step in assuring US Global Leadership on fighting Global Warming and Extreme Climate Change, which are people, jobs and planet killing. The Senate voted 69-27. Forty-eight Democrats and 21 Republicans voted aye. Four members abstained. The opposition largely came from the Republican party of Nope. The United States was the 137th country to ratify the amendment. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, environment, global warming | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Statistical Quirks Show September EU Car Sales up 10%

Posted on 19 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Statistical Quirks Show September EU Car Sales up 10%

Click for more info.

During September 2022, new passenger car registrations in the European Union rose by 9.6%, marking the second consecutive month of growth this year according to the latest data from ACEA*.

This is really a mathematical quirk since the “increase” came from a low base of comparison from 2021, when the semiconductor shortage hindered vehicle production. It doesn’t reflect underlying demand or consumer sentiment. The four largest EU markets, Germany and Spain recorded double-digit gains (+14.1% and +12.7% respectively), while France (+5.5%) and Italy (+5.4%) showed modest rates of growth. For a more nuanced look see LMC Automotive. (Autoinformed.com on: Western Europe Car Sales Plunge in September) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, sales | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group to Spend $1.7B to Make Electric Vehicles in US

Posted on 19 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group to Spend $1.7B to Make Electric Vehicles in US - photo courtesy of and copyright BMW

X marks the spot. Click for more info.

The BMW Group said today it will make a new investment to expand Plant Spartanburg and increase its US manufacturing footprint.

Group Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse said that $1.7 billion will be spent, including $1 billion to prepare for the production of electric vehicles at the company’s existing factory in South Carolina. Furthermore, $700 million will go toward a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC. By 2030 BMW Group will build at least six fully electric models in the US. (Autoinformed on: BMW Group Posts Record Revenues, Earnings, Profits for 2021). Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, environment, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Auto Insurance Adds Texas

Posted on 19 October 2022 by Ken Zino

Toyota Auto Insurance said today that the automaker’s branded insurance creation is now available to customers in Texas. Toyota Auto Insurance* offers consumers a flexible policy purchase process via Toyota’s mobile app, call center agents, participating Toyota dealerships and the ToyotaAutoInsurance.com website.

“We’re thrilled to expand Toyota Auto Insurance to customers in our home state,” said Rob Spencer, Toyota Insurance chief operating officer. Toyota of course is not alone. At least 18 automakers have started insurance products based on telematics using connected car capabilities to determine rates.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in insurance | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tony Spiteri Named General Manager of NASCAR Canada

Posted on 18 October 2022 by Ken Zino

NASCAR announced today that veteran Canadian motorsports executive Tony Spiteri has been named General Manager of NASCAR Canada. In this newly created role, Spiteri will be responsible for “growing” all facets of NASCAR in Canada, including the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, the largest national motorsports series in the country. The announcement came just after the start of this year’s National Hockey League games. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing, racing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renault at Paris Motor Show – Vague Marketing for Unique Cars

Posted on 18 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault at Paris Motor Show - Vague Marketing for Unique Cars

Click for more information.

If you leave the marketing* babble aside, Renault at it home auto show in Paris this week has shown several strong products that point to a bright future. The oh-sooh si français brand is unveiling three cars for the first time worldwide at its stand (in Hall 6): 4EVER Trophy, R5 TURBO 3E and all-new Kangoo E-Tech Electric.

There is so much history here, it’s tough to know where to concentrate on the most significant. AutoInformed arbitrarily picks the Kangoo because it caught Ford of Europe napping 25 years ago while Renault was transiting, so to speak, into the leisure activity vehicle segment. With its pragmatic design and a sliding side door for the first time, Renault Kangoo merged two segments in Europe – a roomy car for families, and a work vehicle with a large-sized boot, err trunk, and durability for professionals. Renault has sold 4 million of them in 50 countries. Renault Kangoo is now available in an E-Tech Electric version for the first time in its history. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, mobility company, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jeep Avenger EV Debuts in Paris

Posted on 17 October 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Jeep Avenger EV Debuts in ParisAt the 2022 Paris Motor Show today, Jeep® revealed the all-new Avenger, the brand’s first battery electric vehicle.The compact Avenger will launch in Europe early next year. It will be made at a Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland.

The so-called B-SUV segment is the second largest in Europe in terms of volume. In 2023, the B- SUV segment is expected to reach an annual total of 2.2 million sales, which accounts for one in five vehicles sold in Europe. The new Avenger is positioned under Renegade complementing the Jeep brand offering, in the B-SUV segment.  Jeep predicts it will be its best-selling model in Europe by 2024. (read autoinformed.com on: Jeep Shows Recon and Wagoneer Electric SUVs) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment