US DOT Gives Spirit Slots at Newark as Airlines Bilk Flyers

Posted on 5 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US DOT Gives Spirit Slots at Newark as Airlines Bilk Flyers The US Department of Transportation today reassigned16 peak-hour runway timings, aka slots, previously operated by Southwest Airlines at Newark-Liberty International Airport to Spirit Airlines.

This comes as as weary people attempt to resume some sort of normal post-covid routines after the disastrous Trump mis-administration that ignored the deadly effects of a corona virus that is still mutating. Let the finger pointing start or rather continue. That said, AutoInformed notes once again that airlines are in effect a free international marketing tool that promotes the use of automobiles and automobility. Continue reading →

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Ford June US Sales Up 31%, YTD -8%

Posted on 5 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company said today that it was better than the overall industry in June with sales up 31% on a good  mix of F-Series and SUV sales. The F-150 Lightning was the best-selling electric truck in June as EV Vehicle Sales increase 77% and Lincoln SUV sales rose 44%. However, both of those numbers reflect an extremely small base when compared year-over-year.

Thus far high gasoline prices, rising interest rates and declining to non-existent incentives have not had the expected negative effect on demand. Passenger cars sales at Ford dropped again by -43.3% at 26,302. Continue reading →

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Test Drives Key to Chinese Sales Satisfaction

Posted on 5 July 2022 by Ken Zino

The percentage of consumers deciding to purchase their new vehicle during the test drive has notably increased year over year and has become a key factor, according to the J.D. Power 2022 China Sales Satisfaction Index* (SSI) StudySM. However, the size of  the auto market in China has significantly slowed to micro-growth levels in the Covid-Pandemic world.

The study also finds that although the core value of a test drive is offering product experience, the quality of the salesperson’s introduction to the product also influences the purchase decision. The percentage of consumers who say they had an excellent introduction during the test drive is 4% higher than among those who say they did not have an excellent introduction. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 66,000 2022 F-150 BEVs, Bronco, Ranger Models

Posted on 5 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2022 F-150 BEV vehicles equipped with 20″ or 22″ all season tires. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may not illuminate as intended, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. Ford Motor Company is also recalling 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. All of the potentially unsafe vehicles fail to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, numbers FMVSS 138 and FMVSS 212, respectively. Ford said the cause is unknown. Continue reading →

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July 4th 2022: An Unhappy 246th Birthday for Our Democracy

Posted on 3 July 2022 by Ken Zino
July 4th 2022: An Unhappy 246th Birthday for Our Democracy

Some of us still aspire to uphold these ideals in their most encompassing sense.

With AutoInformed still reeling from the revelations of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, our approach to this Fourth of July is one with a renewed sense of patriotism.

No more sunshine patriot or summer soldier behaviors in these times that try all our souls; Rather we have a renewed commitment to travel the road we set upon 246 years ago when the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen of America Q2 Sales Down -34% at 78,281

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen of America (VWoA) today reported Q2 2022 sales of 78,281 units, a decrease of 34.4% compered to the same period in 2021. ID.4 sales totaled 1,660 units in Q2. SUVs accounted for 79.3 % of total sales during Q2. The sales disaster went without comment from Volkswagen, which might mirror VW’s sentiments about the American market where it has been struggling for a long time. (Volkswagen Spending $20M on 50-State EV Dealer Fitness) Continue reading →

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BMW North America Q2 US Sales: BMW -18.3%, Mini -45%

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

During the second quarter of 2022, BMW brand sales in the U.S. totaled 78,905 vehicles, a decrease of -18.3% from the 94,144 vehicles sold in the record-setting Q2 of 2021. Based on preliminary data, it looks like industry sales will decline ~-20%. (US June Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down on Record Prices)

“We are pleased that demand remains strong, however this quarter was not without its challenges, as our sales were constricted only by the limitations of available inventory,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President and CEO, BMW of North America. Continue reading →

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Subaru of America June Sales Flat, Q2 -18%

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today reported 43,175 vehicle sales for June 2022, a +0.7 % increase compared with June 2021 (42,877). Based on preliminary data, it looks like industry wide sales will decline ~-20%. (see: US June Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down on Record Prices)

Subaru also reported year-to-date sales of 263,795, a -17.9 % decrease compared with the same period in 2021. Subaru said it continues to face inventory challenges as the result of microchip and supply chain issues affecting automakers globally. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor America June Sales Down -12.9%

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America reported total June sales of 63,091 units, a -12.9% decrease compared with June 2021. June retail sales declined -5.5%. Based on preliminary data, it looks like industry wide sales will decline ~-20%. (US June Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down on Record Prices)

June was the highest sales month in 2022.Hyundai sold 184,191 units in Q2 and 343,867 units during the first half of 2022. Hyundai had no fleet sales in the first half of 2022.
Continue reading →

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GM Q2 US Sales Down -15%

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today it sold 582,401 vehicles in the United States in the second quarter of 2022 and the company increased its sales and market share sequentially for the third consecutive quarter. GM’s second quarter sales were down -15% year over year, but market share was up 1 point to an estimated 16.3% , according to J.D. Power PIN data. GM does not report monthly sales data. Based on preliminary data, it looks like industry wide sales will decline ~-20%. (US June Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down on Record Prices)

However, GM outsold Toyota year-to-date at 1,095,247 vehicles to Toyota’s 1,045,697. Toyota is struggling with production because of chip shortages and COVID shut downs, particularly in China. (Toyota Motor North America June US Sales Down -17.9%)
Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America June US Sales Down -17.9%

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported US. sales in June 2022 of 170,155 vehicles, down -17.9% on a volume basis and -21.1% daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to June 2021. June 2022 sales of electrified vehicles totaled 39,965, or 23.5% of total monthly sales. Based on preliminary data, it looks like industry wide sales will decline ~-20%. ( US June Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down on Record Prices)

“Despite the ongoing inventory challenges, so far this year, we launched a number of highly anticipated new products, including the Toyota battery electric bZ4X, Tundra and hybrid Tundra, and the Lexus LX, while continuing to closely focus on taking care of our customers,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. “Later this year, customers can expect even more electrified, refreshed and limited-edition Toyota and Lexus products.” Continue reading →

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More Stellantis Startup Ventures Coming

Posted on 1 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on More Stellantis Startup Ventures ComingStellantis N.V. said today it will host the Stellantis Startup Awards on Wednesday 13 July 2022, at 2:30 pm CEST, 8:30 am EDT. The terse statement aimed at investors said, “The digital event will introduce seven key technology partners that will accelerate Stellantis’ transformation into a sustainable, mobility tech company and advance its Dare Forward 2030 ambitions.”

Stellantis, the mega-merger of  FCA and PSA,  claims it will be “the industry champion in the fight against climate change, reaching carbon net zero emissions by 2038.” The sweeping, difficult plan is aspirational – similar to other global automakers as the deadly effects of climate change worsen. Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, will share the Company’s latest strategic moves.  (AutoInformed Dare Forward 2030 – Stellantis Survival Plan Unveiled.  More below.) Continue reading →

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS

Posted on 30 June 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hyundai Ioniq 5 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS

Click to Enlarge.

The all-new 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, an electric small SUV now has a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

To earn either of the Institute’s two awards in 2022, vehicles must earn good ratings in six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Continue reading →

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GM Expands EV First Responder Training in US, Canada

Posted on 30 June 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Expands EV First Responder Training in US, Canada

Look out for orange-colored wiring that indicates high voltage.

GM (NYSE:GM) said today that it is expanding efforts to educate public safety, fire and emergency service providers throughout the United States and Canada as EV sales grow.

The company’s latest EV First Responder Training program will focus primarily on personnel in fire services, providing instruction and sharing of best practices on how to most effectively support emergency situations involving electric vehicles, including Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and Cadillac LYRIQ. The training consists of live presentations and other formats, including combinations of expert presentations, videos, animations and virtual demonstrations. Continue reading →

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Marco Fioravanti is New Nissan Americas VP Product Planning

Posted on 30 June 2022 by Ken Zino

Nissan Americas said today that Marco Fioravanti, currently vice president, Product Planning for Nissan’s AMIEO region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), will join the Americas region as vice president, Product Planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. (AutoInformed.com on: Nissan Posts First Annual Profit in Three Years.)

Fioravanti has been with Nissan for more than nine years in a variety of positions, including Product Strategy & Planning in Switzerland and France, as well as Product Marketing at global headquarters in Japan. Continue reading →

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