SEMA – 2021 Strong Year for Specialty-Equipment Market

Posted on 20 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on SEMI - 2021 Strong Year for Specialty-Equipment Market

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SEMA, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assn, has released its “Future Trends – January 2022” report today. It says 2021 was a strong year for the industry amid high demand, with many companies reporting record growth. The specialty-equipment market should continue to grow in 2022, but at more muted levels, before returning to more normal (pre-pandemic) growth for 2023 and beyond, said the trade organization. According to the report, nearly three-quarters (74%) of industry companies expect sales growth in 2022. Key effects for the industry will be consumer demand, supply-chain disruption, rising costs and automotive sales.

SEMA report also reflects the ongoing Biden economic recovery as 2021 was a strong year for the U.S. economy amid record demand and consumer spending. Currently, the automotive industry has 2.91 million employees, only 4% below employment levels from before the pandemic in February 2020, making the automotive industry one of the best recoveries of any sector in the economy. Continue reading →

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Software – Honda Invests in US-based Helm.ai

Posted on 20 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Software - Honda Invests in US-based Helm.ai

Xcelerator – Smartphone as brain of a motorcycle in 2020.

Honda Motor Company yesterday in Japan, or today in the US, announced that in December 2021 it  invested in U.S. (California)-based Helm.ai to “strengthen its software technology development in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision*1 technologies.”  Honda claimed that Helm.ai “has key strengths in the area of AI-based image recognition technologies advanced through unsupervised learning”*2.

Helm.ai is an artificial intelligence software startup company established in November 2016. Honda and Helm.ai have been working in together since 2019 through Honda Xcelerator*3, described as a global open innovation program of Honda. Continue reading →

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Automobili Pininfarina Adds Dealers in North America

Posted on 20 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Automobili Pininfarina Adds Dealers in North America

The Battista Anniversario made its world premiere appearance during Monterey Car Week last August.

Automobili Pininfarina has expanded its US presence with the appointment of two new retail partners – Newport Beach Automotive Group in Orange County and Lake Forest Sportscars in Chicago will be responsible for the sale of the new Battista* pure-electric hyper GT, which enters production in Italy this spring. Indian-owned** Automobili Pininfarina now has nine retail “partners” in North America. Automobili Pininfarina also established its legal entity – Automobili Pininfarina Americas (APA) – as the company to develop its brand and business in the US market. There are 16 other retailers worldwide – ten based in Europe and six in the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

The pure-electric Battista hyper GT – the most powerful Italian car ever made – is in the final stages of its development with the first client deliveries set to commence in first half of 2022. With a total of 128 million interior combinations, the new hyper GT has complex levels of customization. Retailers will assist clients as they personalize the Battista to suit individual tastes. Price, oh, about ~$2.8 million. Continue reading →

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GM Plans to Expand Fuel Cell Sales Beyond Vehicles

Posted on 19 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Plans to Expand Fuel Cell Sales Beyond Vehicles

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it continues to expand new commercial applications of its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology. These planned fuel-cell generators could eventually replace gas- and diesel-burning generators with fewer emissions at worksites, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts and festivals. They could also back up or temporarily replace grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial enterprises at times of power disruption. Each HYDROTEC-based power generator has zero-emissions electric power generation output ranging from 60 kilowatts to 600 kilowatts, along with low noise1 and heat signatures2.

“Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger vehicles or even transportation,” said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of the global HYDROTEC business. “Our energy platform expertise with Ultium vehicle architectures and propulsion components and HYDROTEC fuel cells can expand access to energy across many different industries and users, while helping to reduce emissions often associated with power generation,” said Freese. Continue reading →

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Alpine 2021 – Year One Sales Increase on a Minuscule Base

Posted on 19 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault Sports Cars becomes Alpine

Alpine Sports Cars – A110 right and Megane RS.

Alpine grew in 2021 with 2659 vehicles sold over the year or 74% more than in 2020. In France, Alpine’s sales were up by 117% year-over-year. Alpine claims it is on track supporting the strategic plan announced a year ago when Alpine created a new business unit with the goal of boosting sales by using its image to sell internationally. (AutoInformed Renault Sport Cars Becomes Alpine Cars; )

The A110  remains key. The new A110 range presented in late 2021 will come to dealerships at the start of the year in the form of three models. Alpine’s first year in Formula 1 saw the brand reach podiums, including with its first victory in Hungary. Alpine claims it is  the automotive brand that is the most committed to motorsport, including the World Endurance Championship, rallies and customer competitions. Continue reading →

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General Motors Launches Online Parts Sales

Posted on 19 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on General Motors Launches Online Parts Sales

Customers can choose delivery or pick up at one of more than 800 participating dealers.

GM is launching a new online parts market with 45,000 parts for Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac owners. This includes oil filters, engine and cabin air filters, batteries, brake pads, belts and wiper blades, among others.

GM forecasts that online sales of parts and accessories will make a $40 billion potential market by 2030. GM claims there will be significant revenue growth from its expanded e-commerce effort. GM online accessory sales began in 2015. It sells all of its 5,000 accessory products online. Continue reading →

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Blink Charging to Supply EV Chargers to GM Dealerships

Posted on 18 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Blink Charging to Supply EV Chargers to GM Dealerships

Blink IQ 200 chargers are the fastest Level 2 AC charging stations available.

Blink Charging (Nasdaq: BLNK, BLNKW) an owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle charging equipment and services, said today it is installing EV chargers at General Motors (dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. Blink is supplying its IQ 200 Level 2 chargers to participating GM dealerships by with ABM, a facility services supplier.

Working with ABM, which delivers turnkey EV charging installations, Blink has already started shipping chargers to selected GM dealerships and currently has orders on hand to supply GM dealers in the U.S. and Canada with additional charging stations over the next several months. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Warns of Large FY 2021 Special Items

Posted on 18 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor Warns of Large FY 2021 Special Items

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Ford Motor said today that there were several large special items that it intends to report in early February as part of the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 financial results. Special items are included in Ford’s reported GAAP net income and earnings per share but are excluded from its non-GAAP adjusted earnings before interest and taxes and adjusted EPS.

Ford is warning shareholders and the capital markets that the $8.2 billion it earned from its Rivian investment after the public offering will not be included in Ford’s full-year adjusted EBIT or adjusted EPS. When Ford last provided full-year adjusted EBIT guidance with its Q3 results on Oct. 27, a ~$900 million gain was included in the forecast range of $10.5 billion to $11.5 billion. Continue reading →

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Canopy – Ford Forms JV with ADT Home Security

Posted on 18 January 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford (NYSE: F) and ADT (NYSE: ADT) today said they will invest in a new joint venture called Canopy that combines ADT’s security monitoring and Ford’s artificial intelligence video camera technology. The goal is to help customers strengthen security of new and existing vehicles across automotive brands. Canopy expects to expand offerings to other manufacturers over time, the companies said.

New products will integrate the Safe by ADT platform to provide professional monitoring and help businesses protect work equipment in vehicles and individual owners improve security inside and outside of their vehicles. Canopy plans to launch industry-first, multi-sensor security systems with optional professional monitoring early next year.
 Continue reading →

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Renault 2021 Global Sales at 1,751,089 or -6%

Posted on 17 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Renault 2021 Global Sales at 1,751,089 or -6%

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Renault said today that worldwide sales reached 1,751,089 units (-6.7% vs 2020) with a market share of 4.7% (-0.6 pt.) vs 2020, without China and North America. In Europe, Renault reached a market share of 7.1% (-0.7pt) at 984,784 units. The company said that during 2021, it put in place a strategy of channel mix and pricing optimization, as did all automakers. The retail sales mix gained +10 pts between H1 (40%) and H2 (50%) with a higher net revenue per vehicle.

Markets outside of Europe now represent 44% of Renault’s sales (+2 pts vs 2020). The New Renault Duster launch registered sales: 41,000 units in Russia (+31% vs 2020), 22,000 units in Brazil (+15% vs 2020), 6,200 sales in Mexico (+55% vs 2020) and 9,100 sales in Colombia (+34% vs 2020). In India, the new Renault Kiger sold 29,000 units. This is 30% of Renault sales there. Renault claims this “upselling strategy” for this market is working. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor and Stripe Sign E-Commerce Deal

Posted on 17 January 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company and Stripe have signed a five-year agreement make automaker’s e-commerce capabilities faster and to deliver an always-on experience for Ford and Lincoln customers, the companies said today in a joint-release. For Ford and Lincoln dealers offering digital payment services today, Stripe’s service is expected to drive offer efficiency into processing of e-commerce payments, such as vehicle ordering, reservations and digital and charging services. Continue reading →

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MLK – Changes in African American People Since 1964

Posted on 17 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Martin Luther King Day

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In noting Martin Luther King day, here are data* about African Americans relating to differences between 1964 when Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and 2020 in the percentage of African Americans completing high school, the number of African American college students, and the percentage of citizen population voting in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been a U.S. federal holiday since 1986. The violent handling during the Spring of 1965 of protestors he was with over busing segregation by white segregationists and the police in Selma Alabama led to the passage of Voting Rights Act that August. AutoInformed still believes that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” as Dr. King said.  Continue reading →

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CARB – New Diesel Regs Cost Effective, Lobbyists Wrong

Posted on 14 January 2022 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board today released its analysis of cost estimates for lengthened warranties required under the new Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus Regulation, went into effect at the end of 2021 and is a key part of California’s Mobile Source Strategy for improving public health by reducing air pollution from the transport sector. The purpose of longer warranty periods for emission control-related equipment on heavy duty trucks is to ensure they perform as intended for the hundreds of thousands of miles trucks are typically driven. The new report looks at emissions reduction equipment used in 2024 model year and later heavy-duty vehicle engines. (read AutoInformed.com on Death of the Diesel – CARB Approves Truck, Bus Smog Checks; CARB OK’s Record $1.5B for Clean Vehicles, Mobility Options)

The report is in direct response to board direction to staff given when the board approved the regulation in August 2020. CARB* staff’s original warranty cost estimates were challenged by the Engine Manufacturers Association, and the board directed staff to form a working group to review their estimates in comparison to industry estimates. The group met more than 16 times over nine months. Based on the working group process and documentation in the report, CARB staff concluded no substantial changes to its original estimates are required.

A key part of the report AutoInformed thinks is when CARB staff compared 2022 model year warranty cost estimates made by CARB and manufacturers that reflect the intermediate impact of lengthening warranty periods. The report finds that, on a “per miles covered” basis, the industry data essentially agrees with CARB’s lower estimates for current model year vehicles. Continue reading →

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Mike Krack Leaves BMW for Aston Martin Formula One

Posted on 14 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mike Krack Leaves BMW for Aston Martin Formula One

While there has been some criticism of the feline-like snout, timing and scoring doesn’t care what the car looks like… Click to Enlarge.

Mike Krack the head of BMW M Motorsport is leaving the company at his request and moving to Aston Martin Formula 1 as team principal. Andreas Roos will take over responsibility for the motorsport activities of BMW M on 1 February, BMW said today. Roos with two decades of experience in motor racing and has led a variety of projects during his career.

BMW M Motorsport is in the midst of a LMDh project for the 2023 season (see AutoInformed.com on IMSA – Porsche Virtually Shows LMDh Car), as well as its ambitious racing plans for the coming year. BMW Team RLL, which has  been celebrating podiums with BMW M Motorsport since 2009, will compete in two LMDh* prototypes as of 2023, which will be called BMW M LMDh. Alongside the LMDh test program, BMW Team RLL will field two BMW M4 GT3s in the new GTD Pro category during the 2022 IMSA season.**The transition will be one to watch as it is not without extreme challenges.
 Continue reading →

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IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona – 61 Cars Entered

Posted on 13 January 2022 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona - 61 Cars Entered

The stands might be empty in Florida, but the racing will be solidly competitive as IMSA adjusts classes and becomes more international.

IMSA said today that the 60th running of the season opening 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway at the end of January has 61 cars entered for the Roar Before the Rolex 24 test session that precedes the race by a week. It’s the most entries since 2014. (read AutoInformed on: IMSA – 2022 Roar Before the 24 At Daytona to Use Dirt Circuit; IMSA Petit Le Mans Sees Cadillac, Corvette, Win Season Titles)

“The racing world turns its eyes to the Rolex 24 every year since it typically kicks off the season for everyone in the industry and draws such an immense amount of international driver and team talent together,” IMSA President John Doonan said. “That’s even truer (sic) in 2022 with more cars on the grid than we’ve seen at Daytona in the last eight years.” (read AutoInformed on: John Doonan Leaves Mazda Racing for IMSA Presidency) Continue reading →

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