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

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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 →

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GMC Debuts Electric Sierra Pickup

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

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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)
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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 →

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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%

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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 →

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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

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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

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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 →

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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 →

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Mobile Music – New Mercedes-Benz Dolby Atmos Symphony

Posted on 16 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mobile Music - New Mercedes-Benz Dolby Atmos System courtesy of and copyright Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz in Paris today said it has launched a new collaboration with Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) that aims to change how music is created and how it’s played back in the car.

The new collaboration, following a previously announced ZYNC streaming deal, adds the integration of Dolby Atmos immersive audio to the optional Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound systems*offered in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest MBUX generation. Dolby Atmos will first be available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV. (See autoinformed.com on: Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz Group and ZYNC) Continue reading →

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Global Light Vehicle Sales Fall in September

Posted on 14 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Light Vehicle Sales Fall in September

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The Global Light Vehicle selling rate ended a four-month growth streak in September by falling to 85.8  million units/year from a high of 91  million units/year seen in August, according to data just released by the respected LMC Automotive* consultancy. The year‐to‐date (YTD) raw sales figure is down 2.0% from the weak base of 2021.

However, LMC noted that notwithstanding a reduced global selling tempo, China’s market remained “robust with year-to-date growth of 8.0%. North America and Europe, however, both experienced a sharp decline in their selling rates as supply issues continued to affect these markets.” Continue reading →

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CARB settles with FCA for $5.6M on Air Quality Violations

Posted on 14 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on RAM recalls. Photo copyright FCA

A second CARB action against FCA, now part of the Stellantis merger.

Late yesterday the California Air Resources Board reached a settlement agreement with FCA US of Auburn Hills, Mich. for $5,601,090 for violations of CARB’s air quality regulations.

The FCA vehicles involved include MY 2012 through 2018 Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles, equipped with 5.7-liter gasoline engines. This engine configuration was found to not comply with certification emission standards when it was tested by CARB. More than 30,000 vehicles were part of  the emissions violation.
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Stellantis to Build Fiats in Algeria

Posted on 13 October 2022 by Ken Zino

A framework agreement was signed today in Algiers between Mr. Samir Cherfan, Chief Operating Officer of Middle East & Africa region of Stellantis, and Mr. Boussoussa Zineddine, Director of Cooperation of the Algerian Ministry of Industry. The agreement covers a project for “the development in Algeria of industrial, after-sales and spare parts activities for Fiat, one of the brands of Stellantis, as well as the development of the automotive sector in Algeria. This ceremony was chaired by Mr. Ahmed Zaghdar Algerian Minister of Industry and Mr. Carlos Tavares Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis in the presence of the Algerian and Italian Ambassadors.

This sets Stellantis on a path to manufacture Fiat vehicles in Algeria. Continue reading →

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Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe

Posted on 12 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe

Carlos Ghosn then head of the Nissan Renault Alliance in 2012 announcing a takeover of Russian avtovaz. The Alliance sold 878,990 cars in Russia in 2011 – its third largest market that year.

Nissan’s Executive Committee has approved the sale of its Russian operations to NAMI, the Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute. This follows the suspension last March of operations in the market. Under the new ownership of the NMGR*, a State Research Center of the Russian Federation, all of Nissan’s employees in the market will receive employment protection for 12 months.

The sale is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks following approvals from the authorities, which sure looks inevitable since it’s being sold to the Russian government. The terms of the sale are hedged. It would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years. It’s the latest example of global automakers shutting operations in a totalitarian state. Will China be next? Continue reading →

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Global Debut – All-Electric Lexus UX 300e

Posted on 12 October 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Debut - All-Electric Lexus UX 300e. phot copyright Toyota Motor Corp.

Another SUV EV. Click to Enlarge.

Lexus announced the global debut of the new UX 300e in Europe this morning. Toyota’s luxury brand claimed “a significant evolution of the brand’s first production BEV model launched in 2020*”

The updated UX 300e joins the new UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in spring 2023. What is significant is its larger battery pack that increases range.
 Continue reading →

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