Automobili Pininfarina: Battista Hyper GT Starts Production

Posted on 13 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Automobili Pininfarina: Battista Hyper GT Starts Production Production of  the Battista*, said to be the world’s first pure-electric hyper GT, has begun in a dedicated new Atelier space in Cambiano, Italy, Automobili Pininfarina** said today. Located in the Piemonte region of Italy, this  is a milestone in the tale of new Italian luxury carmaker. Battista is now being hand-crafted by a team of artisans in the bespoke 2,300 square-meter facility, with no more than 150 to be built over its lifecycle. Owners of Battista can look forward to “world-class customer service “through 25 experienced luxury partners in the Automobili Pininfarina global retailer network, as well its own team of Client Relations specialists.

During summer of 2021, the Battista Anniversario made its physical world premiere appearance during Monterey Car Week. All five models were sold during the event for the “world’s first pure-electric luxury car company,” as Automobili Pininfarina bills itself. (AutoInformed: Automobili Pininfarina Adds Dealers in North America) Continue reading →

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Stellantis Startup Awards Honor Technology, Innovations

Posted on 13 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Buys First Investors Financial Services

 “The startup partners and pilot projects showcased today prove that an intra-preneurship mindset and results-driven innovation can make a difference.”

Stellantis N.V. today awarded seven technology startups with the first-ever Stellantis Startup Awards. It said that this is a way of “recognizing the value of partnership between the Company and the best startup partners in seven different areas.

The mega-merger of FCA and PSA, used a digital event to “demonstrate the Company’s commitment to advancing its Dare Forward 2030 ambition of embracing breakthrough ideas and customer-centric innovations that enable clean, safe and affordable mobility for all.”
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Alpine Sales up 70% at 1710 for Q1 and Q2

Posted on 13 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault Sports Cars becomes Alpine

Alpine Sports Cars – A110 right and Megane RS.

Alpine said today in France that it recorded an excellent first half of 2022 with an increase in sales of +70.8%  to 1710 globally). The niche brand of Renault showed the strongest increase in Spain with +193.3%, followed by Austria (+115.4%), Germany (+81.7%) and France (+81.5%). A110 orders doubled in the first semester, prompted the maker Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé to increase its production rate. Recruitment has begun to increase production from 16 to 18 vehicles per day starting in  September 2022.

“Alpine turned in a remarkable sales performance in the first semester despite the challenging economic context. Over the last 18 months, the brand has set in motion a vigorous dynamic by restructuring, commercial development and the introduction of new models. These results highlight the professionalism and investment of all the partners in the Alpine network. All the teams are committed to reinforcing this progress in the coming months,” said Laurent Rossi, Alpine CEO. Continue reading →

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Our Threatened Middle Class: Union Election Petitions Up 58%

Posted on 13 July 2022 by Ken Zino

During the first nine months of Fiscal Year 2022* union representation petitions filed at the National Labor Relations Board  increased 58%, up to 1,892 from 1,197 the NLRB** said today.

This means that by May 25, FY2022, petitions exceeded the total number of petitions filed in all of FY2021. Unfair labor practice charges have also increased though Q3 16% from 11,082 to 12,819 as the Biden Administration recovery continues. (AutoInformed on: Biden Recovery: Transportation Jobs Equal Pre-Pandemic)
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Climate Change: UK Automotive CO2 Output Falls in 2021

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UK Automotive CO2 Output Falls in 2021

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The UK automotive industry’s production carbon footprint fell by -11.2% in 2021 compared with the previous year to reach its lowest level since records began, according to new research released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The report also pulls together data from where its manufacturing members are in meeting the so-called Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)* Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039. The question haunting the industry and people inhabiting Planet Earth as the death dealing effects of Global Warming continue unabated is whether this is too little, too late? Continue reading →

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Hyundai Again Recalls 2017-18 Ioniq HEVs, PHEVs for Fires

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat and cause a fire. Increased electrical resistance between the main relay contacts (main power relay or PRA) is the safety defect problem.

This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new repair completed. The main power relay or PRA was made by: LS IS Company in Korea. Continue reading →

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Auto Warranty Scams: FCC Acts Against Robocalls and Texts

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino

The FCC’s Robocall Response Team has announced a series of actions to cut off a deluge of possibly illegal robocalls marketing auto warranties targeting billions of consumers. The FCC and its partners believe upwards of eight billion robocalls have been generated by Roy Cox, Jr., Aaron Michael Jones, their Sumco Panama companies, and international associates.

“Billions of auto warranty robocalls from a single calling campaign. Billions! Auto warranty scams are one of the top complaints we get from consumers and it’s time to hold those responsible for making these junk calls,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  Continue reading →

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Off the Engine Rails: Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company has sent dealers a so-called “New Vehicle Demonstration / Delivery Hold”* covering 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. This means affected Aviator and Explorer SUVs fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and 301, “Fuel System Integrity.”

In the latest example of quality being off the rails at Ford, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The unsafe vehicles were built in Chicago during April and May of this year. Continue reading →

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Biden Recovery: Transportation Jobs Equal Pre-Pandemic

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Biden Recovery: Transportation Jobs Equal Pre-PandemicThe unemployment rate in the U.S. transportation sector was 4.1% (not seasonally adjusted) in June 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data updated today on the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Unemployment in Transportation dashboard.

The June 2022 rate fell 2.1 percentage points from 6.2% in June 2021 and was just the same as the pre-pandemic June level of 4.1% in June  of 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020, under the Trump Administration. Continue reading →

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CARB to Launch Small Fleet ZEV Conversion Incentives

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CARB to Launch Small Fleet ZEV Incentives

Cleaner, and likely much quieter.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said today that it is about to start a new pilot program that aims to help small trucking fleets make the transition to zero-emission trucks. The so-called Innovative Small e-Fleet pilot will focus on privately owned and non-profit trucking fleets with 20 or fewer trucks and less than $15 million in annual revenue. Continue reading →

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DOT Wants Airlines to Seat Families Together for Free

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Ken Zino

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is trying to help protect airline passengers. The following announcements come at a time when consumer complaints against airlines are up more than 300% above pre-pandemic levels. USDOT has published the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights and issued a notice to airlines to seat young children next to a parent. (AutoInformed on: US DOT Gives Spirit Slots at Newark as Airlines Bilk Flyers)

“Today’s announcements are the latest steps toward ensuring an air travel system that works for everyone,” said Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Whether you’re a parent expecting to sit together with your young children on a flight, a traveler with a disability navigating air travel, or a consumer traveling by air for the first time in a while, you deserve safe, accessible, affordable, and reliable airline service.”
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Expedition, Navigator Fire Fix Found After NHTSA Alert

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Expediton and Lincoln Navigator Fires.

Ford has received 21 reports of under hood fires, including five since the original recall filing.

Ford Motor Company said today that it has identified a remedy for customers affected by an under-hood fire recall on 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The company has communicated repair procedures to dealers. (AutoInformed on: NHTSA Consumer Advisory – 2021 Expedition, Navigator Fires)

Parts are still not available for some vehicles. Moreover, Ford is expanding the population to include a total of 66,221 Expedition and Navigator SUVs in the U.S. built between July 27, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 based on further analysis of the causes for the fires. Ford has received 21 reports of under hood fires – including five since the original recall filing in May – with 18 incidents on vehicles owned by rental companies.
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IMSA Prototype Challenge Nixed for VP Racing SportsCar Challenge

Posted on 7 July 2022 by Ken Zino

A new, multiple-class, sprint-race series makes its debut in 2023 by the  International Motor Sports Association. Dubbed the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, it replaces the current IMSA Prototype Challenge series. VP Racing Fuels has been a long-standing supporter of sports car racing.

All 2023 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge races will be streamed live in the United States on Peacock, with television coverage airing post-event on USA Network. Live race streaming for international audiences will be available on IMSA.com. This in AutoInformed’s view is the core IMSA problem – the lack of consistent access to all the races for all fans. Continue reading →

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US International Trade Deficit Decreased in May 2022

Posted on 7 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US International Trade Deficit Decreased in May 2022

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The US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $85.5 billion in May, down $1.1 billion from $86.7 billion in April, revised. May exports were $255.9 billion, $3.0 billion more than April exports. May imports were $341.4 billion, $1.9 billion more than April imports.

The May decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $2.9 billion to $105.0 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $1.7 billion to $19.4 billion. The average goods and services deficit decreased $0.9 billion to $93.3 billion for the three months ending in May.  Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Starting Global E-Learning for Employees

Posted on 7 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz Starting Global E-Learning for Employees

“Limitless opportunities for lifelong learning.”

Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart today said that the digital and electric transformation is changing all job profiles so it is starting lifelong learning with a global rollout of e-learning platforms.

Corporate management and the General Works Council have agreed to introduce an extensive range of further training and retraining via e-learning platforms for company and private use. The “customized learning paths” are for the entire professional life of production and administration personnel. (read AutoInformed on: Mercedes-Benz and Unions Agree on EV Production Plans) Continue reading →

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