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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Infrastructure Law Funds Improving Airport Terminals

Posted on 7 July 2022 by Ken Zino

The Biden Administration today said nearly $1B in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to improving airport terminals. The latest projects will increase airport capacity, energy efficiency and accessibility. They are spread among small, medium and large communities across country. Historically, the FAA has invested in runways, traffic-control towers and back-of-house infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has dedicated funding to help with modernizing terminals.

“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading →

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West European Car Sales Remain Weak at 9.8M Annual Rate

Posted on 6 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on West European Car Sales Remain Weak at 9.8M Annual Rate

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The West European passenger vehicle selling rate remained at 9.8 mn units/year in June, bringing the H1 2022 average to just 8.8 mn units/year, according to the LMC Automotive Consultancy*.

New vehicle registrations remain poor because of ongoing supply constraints, with selling rates below annual results during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Continue reading →

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IIHS: Federal Rule On Truck Under-Ride Inadequate

Posted on 6 July 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS: Federal Rule On Truck Underride Inadequate

“IIHS crash testing has shown it’s possible to design guards that can withstand crashes with a narrow overlap, but the new rule does not require such testing,” said IIHS President David Harkey.

The IIHS said today that the National Highway Safety Administration’s announcement of an updated rule for rear under-ride protection on large trucks is an ineffective approach.

“In its long-awaited rule on truck under-ride protection, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) appears to be out of sync with the Safe System strategy adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) earlier this year. Continue reading →

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