Toyota Adds Four New 2023 Hybrid Corolla Models

Posted on 1 June 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Adds Four New 2023 Hybrid Corolla Models

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Toyota said today that the 2023 Corolla line expands with four new Hybrid grades, including a more powerful hybrid system and optional all-wheel drive. It’s a half-step to the EV future that planet earth needs to survive.

On the retrograde gasoline side of the Corolla family, LE, the most popular version, now has the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in all other Corolla fossil fuel burners. Replacing a 139-hp 1.8-liter engine, it is quicker by two seconds to 60 mph. It is also more slightly efficient, improving on the previous engine fuel economy ratings by more than 1 mpg per gallon with a manufacturer-estimated 31 city/40 hwy 34 combined MPG. Continue reading →

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Embracing the Inevitable? – Buick all EVs by 2030

Posted on 1 June 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Embracing the Inevitable? – Buick all EVs by 2030

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There’s an old saying in the auto media biz that brand management means logos get bigger. Buick today changed its logo while teasing a 2024 Electra EV that is coming to North America. Buick’s future EV products will use the Electra name as it transitions to an all-electric line by 2030.

The latest badge, the first tweak since 1990, will be body-mounted on the front fascia of Buick products starting next year. No longer circular, the badge incorporates a horizontal layout that builds upon Buick’s tri-shield, which has roots in David Dunbar Buick’s ancestral heraldry. Continue reading →

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Breathing? Toyota Connected Cabin Awareness Uses 4D Radar

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Breathing? Toyota Connected Cabin Awareness Uses 4D Radar

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Toyota Connected North America* today introduced its Cabin Awareness concept technology that uses millimeter-wave, high-resolution 4D imaging radar to help detect occupants (including some pets) in cars and has the potential to detect them if they are left behind. The 4D imaging radar sensor, mounted out of sight above a vehicle’s headliner that can detect presence of a life form in the vehicle, even after a driver exits.

It has the capability to sense micro movements, defined as a heartbeat, motion and respiration of occupants across three full seating rows, the cargo area and footwells. It also classifies all occupants according to size, posture and position – supporting advanced safety applications. Continue reading →

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Honda Beats Chevrolet at the Brickyard. Record Purse Claimed

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Beats Chevrolet at the Brickyard. Record Purse Claimed

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The Indianapolis 500 purse record was set after a chaotic and red-flagged 106th race with winner Marcus Ericsson taking home $3.1 million from a total purse of $16,000,200.

The Chip Ganassi Racing Swedish driver’s prize in the No. 8 Huski (sic) Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda is also the largest winner’s payout ever for the claimed largest single-day sporting event. Ericsson has competed in 3 500s with a best finish of 11th in 2021. Before 2022, he had $709,934 in career 500 earnings. (AutoInformed: The Brickyard – Honda vs Chevy at Indy 500 Sunday) Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Van Software Recall on 164 Models

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. In a directly related recall, Daimler Vans USA is recalling 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. In all cases, an error in the communication module’s SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Expands Seat Belt Shrapnel Recall

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America  is recalling 239,000 2019-2022 Accent, 2021-2023 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles – in effect recalling a failed recall. The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment sending metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants.

This safety defect recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new repair remedy completed. (AutoInformed: Hyundai, Kia Recall 2022 Seat Belts for Shrapnel Explosions) Continue reading →

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Stellantis, Toyota Expand with New Large Commercial Van

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. and Toyota Motor Europe N.V. (TME) yesterday  announced the expansion of their existing partnership with an agreement for a new large-size commercial van, including a battery electric version. The new vehicle marks the third body type under the agreement, completing a full LCV line-up, with compact-, mid- and now a large-size LCV. (AutoInformed>Stellantis and Samsung SDI JV to Build EV Batteries in Kokomo; Stellantis to Repay Early €6.3B Fiat Credit Facility)

Stellantis and TME’s collaboration started in 2012 with the Toyota’s mid-size LCV produced at Stellantis’ Hordain plant in France, followed in 2019 by a compact-size LCV segment, produced at Stellantis’ plant in Vigo, Spain. The large-size LCV announcement allows Toyota to complete a full LCV line-up in Europe. It also – as many such emerging agreements do – offsets the ruinous development and production costs of the ongoing electrification of offerings demanded by governments and customers. Continue reading →

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The Brickyard – Honda vs Chevy at Indy 500 Sunday

Posted on 27 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino AUtoInformed.com on The Brickyard - Honda vs Chevy at Indy 500 Sunday

The 2013 500 winner Kanaan’s top lap today was 227.114 mph in the No. 1 The American Legion Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Teammate Marcus Ericsson was second at 227.004 in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

When the green flag drops the speculation stops this Memorial weekend at the 106th running of Indianapolis 500 starting at 11am Eastern Sunday on NBC.

The race will determine how well  the teams reacted after a new qualifying regime last Sunday that saw NTT P1 Award winner Scott Dixon set the fastest pole speed in 500 history – 234.046 mph. Overall, Honda powered-cars dominated last Sunday. The three cars starting in the front row also set a record at an average of 233.643 mph: Dixon – Honda, Palou – Honda, Veekay – Chevy. Continue reading →

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Supply Chain Disruptions – Government Solutions Working?

Posted on 27 May 2022 by Ken Zino

The White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that Retired General Stephen R. Lyons, former Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, will be the new Port and Supply Chain Envoy to the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force.

Retired General Lyons will take over the role from John D. Porcari. General Lyons will work with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the White House National Economic Council (NEC), ports, rail, trucking and other private companies across our US supply chains to continue to address bottlenecks, speed up the movement of goods, and help lower costs for people. Continue reading →

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Adopt a Charger, Rivian Installing EV Chargers in MI Parks

Posted on 26 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Adopt a Charger, Rivian to Install EV Chargers in Michigan Parks

Republicans continue to oppose and block the badly needed Build Back Better legislation. Many governors are embracing the future in ways they can to promote clean energy.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan today joined state and local officials and representatives from Adopt a Charger and startup electric vehicle wanna-be Rivian* at the first of ~15 EV charging sites to be installed at state parks and a fish hatchery in Michigan during the next few years. Two Rivian Waypoints (sic) chargers were unveiled at the 142-acre state park in Ottawa County.

The state park charger installations deliver on Gov. Whitmer’s announcement in 2021 of a Lake Michigan EV circuit, an electric vehicle route with reliable charging options along Lake Michigan and key tourism clusters, creating “the best new road-trip for EV owners in America.” The Lake Michigan EV Circuit is part of ongoing efforts, such as the Charge Up Michigan program, to employ green technologies throughout the state, including solar-powered amenities, carbon sequestration and numerous efficiencies.  Continue reading →

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BREXIT Curse – UK Car Production Falls -11.3% in April

Posted on 26 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BREXIT Curse - UK Car Production Falls -11.3% in April

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UK car production fell -11.3% in April year-on-year with 60,554 units rolling off factory lines, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The ongoing global shortage of semi-conductors, the impact of the war in Ukraine on supply chains, model changes and broader industry structural changes all contributed to a volatile month’s output.

The same applied to year-on-year export comparisons, with the closure of a major UK car plant in 2021 continuing to impact export figures, particularly to the US. 7,752 fewer cars were made in the month than a year before and the total was -14.7% below the April 2019 pre-pandemic level.

Overall car output itself down -44.5% compared to April 2018, due to shutdowns rescheduled to mitigate against the possibility of a no-deal Brexit1 as that folly continues to haunt the industry and the government with strong independence movements growing in Ireland and Scotland.2 Continue reading →

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Pure EV Sales at All-Time Record in US

Posted on 26 May 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pure EV Sales at All-Time Record in US

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Sales of zero emission vehicles (BEV, PHEV, & Fuel Cell) accounted for 5.8% of total vehicle sales in April 2022 (71,714 units), up 2.8 pp from a year ago and down 0.1 pp from March 2022. Sales of battery electric vehicles led the way for ZEVs, accounting for 4.52% of total sales, up 2.4 pp from March 2021.*

Pure EV Sales at All-Time Record in US, whose transaction prices are close to a $70,000 making them a new category – Luxury Clean – in AutoInformed’s view. Republicans, with a long history of backing from Big Oil, continue to block the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better plan that addresses drastic climate change and prepares the way for a cleaner future.
Continue reading →

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Ford Joins 50 First Mover Coalition Companies

Posted on 25 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor said today that it will put its purchasing power behind emerging clean technologies as part of the First Movers Coalition’s new aluminum sector. Ford is committing that at least 10% of its primary aluminum* purchases will have near-zero carbon emissions by 2030, a small step in the right direction of addressing planet-killing and people-killing global warming.

Led by the World Economic Forum and the US Government, the First Movers Coalition targets sectors including aluminum, aviation, chemicals, concrete, shipping, steel, and trucking, which are responsible for 30% of global emissions – a proportion expected to rise to over 50% by mid-century without urgent progress on clean technology innovation. According to the World Economic Forum, aluminum represents 2% of global emissions. Continue reading →

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Semiconductor Crisis – Toyota Again Suspending Production

Posted on 24 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation said today that it is suspending production for the balance of  May and in June  at 16 lines in 10 plants – out of 28 lines in 14 plants – in Japan.

“We at Toyota would like to again apologize for the repeated adjustments to our production plans due to the parts shortage resulting from the spread of COVID-19, and for causing considerable inconvenience to our customers, suppliers, and other parties concerned,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Samsung SDI JV to Build EV Batteries in Kokomo

Posted on 24 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. and Samsung SDI today said that they have executed binding, definitive agreements to establish an electric-vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Kokomo, Indiana, US*.

Scheduled to start in 2025, the plant aims to have an initial annual production capacity of 23 gigawatt hours (GWh), with an aim to increase to 33 GWh in the next few years. The total capacity would increase further as demand for Stellantis electric vehicles is expected to rise. Continue reading →

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