First Look – Ferrari 296 GTS V6 Hybrid

Posted on 21 April 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ferrari 296 GTS - V6 HybridFerrari unveiled its first hybrid V6 convertible in Europe this week, the 296 GTS with no word when it will appear in North America. The hybrid uses a new 654 horsepower 120-degree V6, coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 122 kW (165 horsepower) which debuted on the 296 GTB.  It’s roughly a ~$400,000 version of an open wheel formula racer with a spider wrapping and a 2.9-second zero-to-100km/h elapsed time.

The 296 GTS’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system has instant pedal response time and delivers – it’s claimed – a 25km range in the all-electric eDrive mode. “The car’s compact dimensions and the introduction of control systems as well as meticulously honed aerodynamics ensure that the driver will instantly be impressed by its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands,” Ferrari said. Continue reading →

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EU Registrations: Q1 -12.3%, March -20.5%

Posted on 20 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EU Registrations: Q1 -12.3%, March -20.5%

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During March 2022, passenger car registrations in the European Union continued to decline (-20.5%), with 844,187 units sold, The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, known by its French acronym as ACEA*, said today.

The ongoing supply chain interruptions, further exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, negatively affected car production. As a result, most countries in the region recorded double-digit drops in sales, including the four key markets: Spain (-30.2%), Italy (-29.7%), France (-19.5%) and Germany (-17.5%). This compares to Passenger car registrations: -6.4% first two months of 2022; -6.7% in February, which means the trend line is increasingly negative. Continue reading →

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Endangered Species – Subaru BRZ Sports Car $29,615+

Posted on 19 April 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru BRZ Sports Car $29,615 - $33,815Subaru of America today announced pricing of  $29,615 – $33,815 for the 2023 BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports car, which arrives at Subaru retailers this summer.

An endangered species, along with its joint-venture partner Toyota GR86, the successor to the late Scion FR-S, BRZ is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 228 hp boxer engine paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or an optional six-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission. There is no turbo option compared to GR86. (AutoInformed on: Toyota Gazoo Racing Debuts New GR 86 Multi-Use Sports Car; Scion FR-S Morphs into Toyota 86) Continue reading →

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IonQ, Hyundai Motor to Explore Quantum Computing for AVs

Posted on 19 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IonQ, Hyundai Motor to Explore Quantum Computing for AVs

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IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a quantum computing firm, and Hyundai Motor Company today announced a new project to apply quantum machine learning to image classification and 3D object detection.

The goal is to improve the computation process for tasks such as road sign image classification, and simulation in a real-world test environment to expand 3D object detection. Image classification and 3D object detection are vital to autonomous vehicles. (AutoInformed.com on: Recalls – Unintended Acceleration on Hyundai Ioniq EVs; Hyundai Motor 2020 Business Direction – Electrification, Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility Services. Sound Familiar?) Continue reading →

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Toyota to Spend $383M in US for Gasoline Engines?

Posted on 19 April 2022 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Tesla Recalls Half of 2021-22 Model Xs for Bad Airbags

Posted on 18 April 2022 by Ken Zino

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 →

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First All-Female Minor Hockey Team Are Season Champions

Posted on 18 April 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First All-Female Minor Hockey Team Are Season ChampionsThe 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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Western Europe – BEVs Gaining Share. Diesel Threatened.

Posted on 16 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Western Europe - BEVs Gaining Share. Diesel Threatened.

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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.
 Continue reading →

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Founder’s Birthday Party – Alpine Fans to Meet in Dieppe

Posted on 15 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Founder’s Birthday Party - Alpine Fans to Meet in Dieppe

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 →

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Mitsubishi Starts Office-Free Work-From-Home Policy

Posted on 15 April 2022 by Ken Zino

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 →

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FAA Awards Drone Research Grants to Seven Universities

Posted on 15 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FAA Awards Drone Research Grants to Seven Universities

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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Software – Automakers Out of Touch with Drivers and Safety

Posted on 14 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Software - Automakers Out of Touch with Drivers and Safety

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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 – Kilowatt-Hour EV Pricing in 30 States

Posted on 14 April 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Electrify America - Kilowatt-Hour EV Pricing in 30 States

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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 →

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Quirky Startups – Everrati, Aria Group Porsche 911 EVs

Posted on 13 April 2022 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Quirky Startups - Everrati, Aria Group Porsche 911 EVsEverrati 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 →

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Stellantis to Consolidate Financial Services in China

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

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 →

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