Tesla is recalling about half of all 2021-2022 Model X vehicles. The left or right front-row side curtain air bags may not deploy as intended when the windows are lowered and not protect the occupant.
As such, these vehicles with a major safety defect fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” All of the more than 7000 unsafe vehicles involved remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. Continue reading
The Lloydminster Female U13 Blazers from Alberta have made history as the first all-female minor hockey team to become season champions. The Blazers are also the season six winners of The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, Chevrolet said today.
The team will donate the $100,000 grand prize provided by Chevrolet Canada to Inclusion Lloydminster. The donation will be used to create better accessibility in their new local rinks allowing more community members of varying abilities to play, volunteer and access the ice. Continue reading
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The western European diesel car market-share fell back in March as the BEV segment gained share, according the LMC automotive consultancy. February’s diesel share of new car sales in the region was at 21.4% while March preliminary data has it at 18.0%. Many buyers opted for electrified cars, in particular BEVs with Tesla providing a “strong showing,” according to LMC. In terms of volume, March, despite the declining diesel share, saw a higher volume of diesel cars being delivered than either January or February: 184,000 were sold versus 154,000 in February.
“Notwithstanding the share decline in March, it could be said that diesel share remains in relative stability that has been in place during the last two quarters following lengthy decline. March’s 18% figure is in fact a little higher than that seen in September of 2021,” said LMC.
“Further decline is inevitable though and may be accelerated by steep price increases at the diesel pump. Gasoline prices have risen a little less, which heightens the attractiveness of that fuel type over diesel while BEV looks increasingly alluring from a fuel price standpoint as liquid road fuels continue at near-record price levels across the region,” noted LMC.
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The Alpine Alumni Association (AAA), the Dieppe Alpine Club (CAD), and the Dieppe Alpine Factory Club (CAUD) will be there.
On May 28th and 29th, 2022, about 1000 Alpine models of all generations will take to the lawns of the seaside city of Dieppe to celebrate 100 years since the birth of Jean Rédélé, Alpine said today. The Alpine A110 will be unveiled in a special trim in tribute to its founder. Dieppe is home to the brand’s historic industrial site, the Manufacture Alpine Jean Rédélé de Dieppe, recently renamed by Luca de Meo, CEO Renault Group.
Participants and visitors will be taken on a journey through the major milestones of the brand’s history. This will include an exhibition of Jean Rédélé’s famous vehicles, belongings, and personal memorabilia, as well as an Alpine parade through the streets of Dieppe. Continue reading
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced a new work-from-home policy that affords flexibility to employees whose jobs can be performed from home, with no required minimum number of days in the office, a benefit more common among cutting-edge technology companies than automotive brands.
This appears to be an automaker first, or at least one from a company of some size. With headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, and corporate operations in California, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Florida and Virginia, MMNA directly and indirectly employs more than 8,000 people across the United States. (AutoInformed.com on: COVID-19: Fiat Chrysler Starts Work from Home, Distances Workers, Prepares for Possible Temporary Factory Shut Downs; COVID-19: Globally – Ford Motor Employees to Work Remotely) Continue reading
Playing catch up on regulating the burgeoning drone industry.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced $4.4 million in drone research, education and training grants to seven universities. Research will focus on three areas: electromagnetic compatibility, detect and avoid classifications, and cybersecurity oversight.
The FAA has badly lagged on regulating drones, but their ongoing popularity with consumers and businesses are now a pressing issue. The universities receiving grants are University of North Dakota, University of Kansas, Drexel University, The Ohio State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mississippi State University and Oregon State University. Continue reading
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The automotive industry’s rush to replace conventional controls with touchscreen interfaces is at risk of alienating customers, compromising safety and drawing the ire of regulatory bodies, says software company VNC Automotive*, not without self-interest. Connectivity pioneer VNC, a company with its technology installed in more than 35 million vehicles worldwide, questions whether today’s touch-based interfaces are really the best solution. Worst case – are they creating dire safety issue?
“Car manufacturers are locked in a race,” says Tom Blackie, CEO, VNC Automotive. “Not the kind that demands ever-increasing power outputs or shrinking zero-to-sixty times, however. Instead, the results of this contest are measured in inches.” Continue reading
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Electrify America* said today it has expanded kilowatt-hour (kWh) pricing to 30 states and the District of Columbia. This allows customers to pay by the amount of energy used to charge their electric vehicle. The company now offers kilowatt-hour pricing in more states including Idaho, Indiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and South Carolina.
“Electric vehicle owners like the transparency of kilowatt-hour pricing – letting them pay for the amount of energy used to charge their EVs,” said Robert Barrosa, senior director, business development & marketing of Electrify America. “We are continuing work to expand kilowatt-hour pricing to even more states.” Continue reading
Everrati Automotive Limited* today said it has a new partnership with Aria Group** to make electric Porsche 911 conversions, aka 964 series, for the US market. Aria has manufacturing plant in Irvine, California, with extensive low-volume manufacturing and composites experience. Today’s announcement follows the recent establishment of Everrati North America in Calabasas, CA.
Everrati’s product range is now available in every major market, it claims. “Surging demand for Everrati products globally is being led by sustainability-conscious millennials and Gen-Z buyers who demand an iconic car from decades such as the 80s and 90s, and demand EV power over ICE,” Everrati said. Everrati buyers are also traditional car collectors with “a passion for the latest in automotive technology… there is one common thread, all Everrati customers are car enthusiasts driven by a desire to enjoy beautiful icons sustainably and responsibly.” Continue reading
Stellantis has costly plans for 75 new EV models.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: MTA – Euronext Paris: STLA) said today that intends to consolidate its auto financial services in China into a Stellantis wholly owned Auto Finance Company (AFC). The latest move comes after the restructuring of financial services in Europe and the United States. It is in keeping with its “asset light business model” developed in part given the extremely high cost of converting to electric and autonomous vehicles in what has become a global race for survival. Stellantis has plans for 75 new EV models by 2030. (AutoInformed on: Stellantis Consolidates Financial Services for All Brands, Dare Forward 2030 – Stellantis Survival Plan Unveiled )
Stellantis now says PSA Finance Nederland (PFN), a fully-owned financing subsidiary of BPF (Banque PSA Finance) and DPCA have entered into an equity transfer agreement with Dongfeng Group, whereby their respective shares in the JV Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Auto Finance Company (DPCAFC is the 15-year-old auto finance joint venture between Stellantis, DPCA and Dongfeng Group) will be sold to Dongfeng Group, subject to regulatory approval. Continue reading
Today Nissan announced the acquisition of the e.dams race team, thereby taking full ownership of its involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The team is currently based in Le Mans, France, and will continue to race as planned in Season 8. The change in ownership and new management structure will take place with immediate effect. Tommaso Volpe, general manager Nissan Formula E, will also become managing director at e.dams.
Nissan entered the series in 2018 in partnership with e.dams, with both companies racing together in the all-electric championship as the Nissan e.dams Formula E team. In March 2021, the Japanese automaker announced its commitment to the Formula E Gen3 era, which will run from Season 9 (2022/23) through to the end of Season 12 (2025/26) of the series. Continue reading
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Glencore and General Motors Co. announced today a multi-year sourcing agreement whereby Glencore will supply GM with cobalt from its Murrin Murrin (sic) operation in Australia. Cobalt is a vital metal in the production of EV batteries*. Cobalt is a metal that makes up a mere 0.001% of the earth’s crust. It is known for its heat-resistant properties and is added to lithium-ion battery cathodes to improve energy density and battery longevity.
By the end of 2025, GM plans to have capacity to build 1 million electric vehicles in North America – a doubling from earlier estimates. GM has announced actions to create a new and more secure EV supply chain, including projects targeting key EV materials and components. Cobalt processed from Australia will be used in GM’s Ultium battery cathodes, which will power electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC HUMMER EV and Cadillac LYRIQ. Continue reading
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A mildly changed 2023 Nissan Leaf appeared today during media days at the New York International Auto Show prior to its summer on-sale date. The 2023 budding LEAF will be available in two grade levels, LEAF S and LEAF SV PLUS. The trimmed model lineup, Nissan said, reflects the most customer-requested features and technologies. The updates include a tweaked front-end look, with a refreshed front grille, bumper molding and headlights that have a new black inner finish. The Nissan badge is now illuminated and has been updated to the brand’s new design. In addition, the shapes of the tire deflectors at all four corners, rear under diffuser and rear spoiler have all been modified for better aerodynamics, it’s claimed.
In 2022, Nissan lowered the MSRP1 of the LEAF to provide the “best value to customers.” The 2023 LEAF S and SV PLUS will continue this popular positioning, with both models maintaining similar starting prices for 2023. Qualified purchasers may also be eligible for a potential federal tax credit of up to $7,500.2 (AutoInformed.com on: US Battery Electric Vehicle Market – Progress or Proliferation? Tesla has a 75% Share. Is the Nissan Leaf a Best Buy?) Continue reading
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia late last week denied a challenge to EPA’s successful litigation of Clean Air Act vehicle importation violations, upholding the agency’s right to enforce the law and protect the public from dangerous air pollution.
Moreover the District Court also affirmed the $1,601,150 civil penalty assessed by the Administrative Law Judge. The challenge was brought by Taotao USA, Inc, Taotao Group Co., Ltd., and Jinyun County Xiangyuan Industry Co., Ltd. (plaintiffs). Continue reading
Toyota to Spend $383M in US for Gasoline Engines?
Toyota said today will invest $383 million in four of its U.S. manufacturing plants that build internal combustion engines Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The new investment supports the production of four-cylinder engines, including options for hybrid electric vehicles, at its Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee plants – all red states that are part of the ongoing Republican denial of climate change and its deadly human and planetary effects caused by the use of fossil fuels. Toyota’s U.S. plants produce roughly half of the vehicles it sells in the US. Continue reading →