Ford Motor Expanding Home Pickup & Delivery

Posted on 9 September 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford is expanding its at-home Pickup & Delivery serviceOn Monday, Ford Motor is expanding its at-home Pickup & Delivery service by making it available to all its 8.5 million FordPassRewards members nationwide.

The company is also complicating its loyalty program by adding tiers – Blue, Silver and Bronze levels – to reward and recognize its most loyal customers. Members in the top two tiers, Blue and Silver, will be eligible for annual complimentary Pickup & Delivery services*.

With more than 3,100 dealers in the U.S., Ford appears to be the only full line auto brand to offer Pickup & Delivery to millions of customers. Since March 2020, Ford says it has made ~100,000 Pickup & Delivery services in the U.S. The process requires  customers call their local dealer to schedule an appointment and request an at-home or at-work pickup. On the day of service, customers receive updates via phone, text or e-mail to keep them informed of their vehicle’s progress, and it’s delivered back as soon as the service is complete. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, marketing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda and Cruise to Start Testing Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads

Posted on 8 September 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda and Cruise to Start Testing Autonomous Vehicles on Public RoadsHonda says it will start a testing program for autonomous vehicles later in September 2021, taking a step toward an autonomous vehicle mobility service (MaaS) business in Japan. Honda plans to launch MaaS in collaboration with Cruise and General Motors.

The testing program for MaaS technologies will be conducted in Utsunomiya City and Haga Town, Tochigi Prefecture. To start, a high-definition map of the area will be created using a special vehicle for mapping. Once the high-definition map is ready, an autonomous vehicle – a Cruise AV will be driven on public roads to develop and test autonomous vehicles adapted to the traffic environment and the relevant laws and regulations in Japan. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in autonomous vehicles, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

US August Light Vehicle Sales Continue Shrinking Trend

Posted on 8 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on declining US new light-vehicle sales in August

Click to Enlarge.

New light-vehicle sales in August continued to decline with diminishing inventory on dealer lots. Sales in August totaled a SAAR of 13.1 million units, the lowest level since June 2020’s 13 million. August’s sales rate reduced the year-to-date SAAR to 16.1 million units from 16.5 million last month. August began with record-low inventory levels, and by month’s end total inventory had fallen an additional 5.2% for a new record low of 1.06 million units.

“Given the continuing announcements of plant shutdowns throughout the industry, sales for the rest of the year will likely be limited by these inventory constraints,” said Patrick Manzi, NADA Chief Economist. (Read AutoInformed.com on August Vehicle Sales to Drop as Prices Hit Record High; US Auto Sales Forecast Down Again in August) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, sales | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Christine Feuell New Chrysler Brand CEO at Stellantis

Posted on 7 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Christine Feuell will join Stellantis as Chrysler Brand CEO

What’s missing from this picture? Hint – it has wheels…

Stellantis said today that Christine Feuell will join Stellantis as Chrysler Brand CEO on September 13, reporting to CEO Carlos Tavares. Previously Feuell was Chief Commercial Officer at Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS).

SPS claims “to provides products, software and connected solutions that improve productivity, workplace safety …through mobile devices, software, cloud technology and automation solutions, the broadest range of personal protective equipment and gas detection technology, and custom-engineered sensors, switches and controls.” (see AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts Record H1 Results. Full-Year Guidance Upped) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bosch Simplifies Electric Vehicle Charging Cables

Posted on 6 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Bosch Smart Charging cable

The Bosch cable comes with adapters for Type 2 and household plugs.

Bosch says its new smart charging cable has integrated control and safety technology without the usual “charging brick” – slang for the in-cable control box – when charging at a 230-volt power socket. The flexible smart charging cable weighs less than three kilograms. This Bosch estimates is ~40 % less than conventional charging cables with a control box.

The three-phase cable enables so-called mode 2 and mode 3 AC charging at up to 22 kilowatts. With the charging cable, there is no need for a wall-box when recharging at home. This is what customers want. In Europe, 84 percent of electric car drivers recharge their vehicle at home in the evening or overnight, claimed Bosch. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in aftermarket, electric vehicles, energy | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lyft Starts Driver Legal Defense Fund vs Abortion Vigilantes

Posted on 4 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Texas SB8 and vigilante mob rule against abortion

The Republican led mob that resulted in the assault on our capital in January was a prelude to this latest sanctioning of lawless vigilante rule.

The fallout continues after the passage of Texas SB8, a bill that is the most extreme yet limiting abortion rights and defying the U.S. Constitution. Planned Parenthood, as well as a growing number of other organizations are taking legal steps supporting women’s healthcare – including Lyft, which has created a Driver Legal Defense Fund to cover 100% of legal fees for drivers sued under SB8.

Justice Sotomayor of the Supreme Court wrote a blistering dissent over the court’s in-actions that allowed SB8 to proceed. She said the new law was “clearly unconstitutional under existing precedents” and “a breathtaking act of defiance of the Constitution, of this Court’s precedents, and of the rights of women seeking abortions throughout Texas.”

She singled out the law’s section that makes private citizens responsible for enforcing the law via civil lawsuits, putting a $10,000 reward on any suit that finds someone “aided” an abortion after six weeks. “In effect, the Texas Legislature has deputized the State’s citizens as bounty hunters, offering them cash prizes for civilly prosecuting their neighbors’ medical procedures,” Sotomayor said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, fools 'n frauds, litigation, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Labor Day – Majorities of Americans Say Unions Good

Posted on 4 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on union membership

Click to Enlarge.

Most Americans continue to say labor unions have a positive effect on the way things are going in the United States. Most Americans also say the long-term decrease in the percentage of workers represented by unions is bad for working people in the U.S., and for the country, according to recent Pew Research Center surveys.

As of July, 55% of U.S. adults say labor unions have a positive effect in the U.S., unchanged from August 2019, the last time the Center asked this question. While the overall figure has remained the same, Democrats have become more likely – and Republicans less likely – to say unions have a positive effect. (Covid Labor Day 7 September 2020 Sees a Sick Economy) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, labor issues, people | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Nissan, Waseda U. Testing EV Motor Recycling

Posted on 3 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Nissan and Waseda University in Japan testing recycling for electrified vehicle motors

In 2017, Nissan began collaborating with Waseda University, which has a record of researching non-ferrous metal recycling and smelting.

Nissan Motor and Waseda University today announced the start of testing in Japan of a jointly developed recycling process that recovers high-purity rare-earth compounds from electrified vehicle motor magnets. The testing is aimed at enabling practical application of the new process by the mid-2020s. EVs are potentially an ecological and political disaster since they rely on mining, refining and using potentially toxic rare-earth compounds. (Ford – EVs Present Environmental, Human Rights Issues)

Most EV motors in electrified vehicles use neodymium magnets, which contain scarce rare-earth metals such as neodymium and dysprosium. Reducing the use of scarce rare earths is essential not only because of the environmental impact of mining and refining, but also because the shifting balance of supply and demand leads to price fluctuations for both manufacturers and consumers. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, environment | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

No Surprises in J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study

Posted on 3 September 2021 by Ken Zino

New-vehicle quality improved only 2% from 2020, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Initial Quality Study1 (IQS). This is slightly lower than the average rate of improvement (3%) seen during the past decade. Infotainment systems – now becoming a long-standing trend – are the primary area preventing faster improvement, remaining the most problematic area for new-vehicle owners. (Duh – New Vehicle Quality Determined by Working Technology J.D. Power Says; Automakers Flub Launch of High Tech Vehicles, IQS Shows; Automakers Flub Launch of High Tech Vehicles, IQS Shows)  Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, electronics, quality | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Subaru Tweaks 2022 Forester, adds Wilderness

Posted on 2 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Subaru Tweaks 2022 Forester - $26,320 to $38,000+

Click to Enlarge.

Subaru of America today announced pricing on the 2022 Forester compact crossover, it’s most popular model. For 2022, the Forester adds Wilderness, the newest model in the Wilderness marketing name. The fifth-generation Forester also has a mildly a redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, along with new safety and convenience items. Pricing ranges from – $26,320 – $38,000+.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Genesis Electrification Follows Hyundai Motor Group Ideas

Posted on 2 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Genesis says it will pursue electrification of its entire vehicle lineup of luxury vehicles from the Hyundai Motor Group

Click to Enlarge. Look familiar – see IONIQ.

Genesis says it will pursue electrification of its entire vehicle lineup of luxury vehicles from the Hyundai  Motor Group. With a dual electrification strategy, all new Genesis vehicles will be purely electric starting from 2025 comprised of fuel cell EVs and battery EVs. Genesis claims it plans to become a 100% zero emission vehicle brand by 2030 and aims to become carbon neutral by 2035. (IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed)

In a promotional film just released, GV60 was shown once again. It’s the brand’s first electric vehicle based on E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), the dedicated EV platform. Images of GV60 were revealed in August and the vehicle is to be released in the second half of this year in the Korean domestic market, leading the brand’s journey to electrification. North American deliveries of GV60 are expected in 2022. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Workers in Mexico Reject Corrupt Union to Form New One

Posted on 2 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Workers at General Motors Silao Plant Reject Corrupt Union to Form New One

GM Workers in Silao, Mexico.

Workers at General Motors plant in Silao, Mexico, have formed a new union – the national union of automotive workers, SINTTIA. The union seeks to represent GM workers and negotiate a new collective employment agreement. In a crucial vote on 17 and 18 August, workers rejected the current collective bargaining agreement, controlled by what they say is – with justification in AutoInformed’s view – the corrupt Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated to the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM).

Silao builds Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab, as well as GMC Sierra LD Crew Cab and Reg Cab trucks that are among GM’s most profitable vehicles. GM did not immediately respond to AutoInformed’s request for comments. (Variables Abound – Meet the New NAFTA; Collision Course – Trump, Mexico, NAFTA; Ford Invests $1.6 Billion in Mexico. NAFTA Sucking Sound of Lost U.S. Jobs Continues During Fierce Presidential Race) Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, labor issues, manufacturing, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis to Buy First Investors Financial Services

Posted on 1 September 2021 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire F1 Holdings Corp., parent company to First Investors Financial Services Group1, an independent auto finance company in the United States of America. The all cash transaction for ~$285 million, subject to adjustments for closing balance sheet and certain outstanding options from an investor group led by Gallatin Point Capital LLC and including affiliates of Jacobs Asset Management, LLC. The Transaction is expected to close by the end of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

This is either an opportunity or survival necessity, depending on your viewpoint. It will allow Stellantis to provide customers and dealers a range of financing options, including retail loans, leases, and floorplan financing in the near term. A so-called “captive U.S. finance company”  can provide revenue and marketing incentives in the digital age for customers who purchase Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, marketing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

FAA Data Show Trends in Dangerous Aircraft Laser Strikes

Posted on 1 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on FAA Data Show Trends in Dangerous Aircraft Laser Strikes

Click to Enlarge.

Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and can result in large fines and criminal penalties. Working to identify trends in laser strikes, the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a visualization tool that analyzes laser strike data from 2010 to 2020. The tool identifies trends that include geographic area, per capita data, time of day and year.

The FAA says it is sharing the information in the new format to draw attention to the dangerously high rate of laser strikes on airplanes.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in aviation, fools 'n frauds, litigation, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Canada Picks TELUS 5G Network

Posted on 1 September 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino AutoInformed.com on OnStar Guardian service plan extension to other people

Click to Enlarge.

GM Canada has selected for the first time a domestic communications company to provide connected-vehicle services for Canadian customers.

The move is key step in GM’s stated goal of adding new driver-assistance technologies, with zero crashes and zero congestion. It’s also part of the ongoing push toward autonomous vehicles. This and related moves by other automakers also raise antitrust and privacy issues that are thus far unaddressed. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in autonomous vehicles, electronics, mobility company | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment