VW Starts Car-Net Carrier of Choice with Verizon and T-Mobile

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Volkswagen Starts Car-Net Carrier of Choice with Verizon and T-Mobile

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Volkswagen of America will be offering through wireless providers Verizon and T-Mobile a so-called Carrier of Choice in late September. Volkswagen appears to be the first automaker working with both Verizon and T-Mobile to offer customers the choice from multiple wireless providers to enable Car-Net’s in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

In the fast-growing world of connected cars there remain large questions about anti-trust regulations and their application – if any has been attempted – to protect consumers from cartel or monopoly pricing. Car-Net, with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan, is standard equipment on most 2020 model year and forward Volkswagen vehicles. The Carrier of Choice program will be available starting late September this year.  Continue reading →

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US Auto Sales Forecast Down Again in August

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Forecast US New Vehicle Sales August 2021

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New-vehicle retail  and fleet sales for the month of August are expected to decline from August 2020 and decline from August 2019, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive. August 2021 has one fewer selling day than August 2020 and three fewer selling days than August 2019. Comparing the same retail sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 17.6% from 2020 and a decrease of 30.0% from 2019.

Overall new-vehicle sales for August 2021, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,094,500 units, a 13.7% decrease from August 2020 and a 25.3% decrease from August 2019. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 17.0% from 2020 and a decrease of 33.3% from 2019. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 13.1 million units, down 2.1 million units from 2020 and down 4.0 million units from 2019.
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Toyota to Assemble Fuel Cell Modules at Kentucky Plant

Posted on 25 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Toyota to Assemble Fuel Cell Modules at Kentucky Plant

The dual fuel-cell modules are a key component of an overall Fuel Cell kit. They weigh approximately 1,400 pounds and can deliver up to 160kW of continuous power.

Toyota said today that starting in 2023, a dedicated line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) will begin assembling integrated dual fuel cell (FC) modules destined for use in hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty commercial trucks. This will allow truck manufacturers to incorporate emissions-free fuel cell electric technology into existing platforms with the technical support of Toyota under the hood.

“We’re bringing our proven electric technology to a whole new class of production vehicles,” said Tetsuo Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Heavy-duty truck manufacturers will be able to buy a fully integrated and validated fuel cell electric drive system, allowing them to offer their customers an emissions-free option in the Class 8 heavy-duty segment.” Continue reading →

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BMW and Rolls Note Rolls-Royce Founder’s Birthday

Posted on 25 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 144th birthday of co-founder The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls on Friday 27 August 2021. In honor of the occasion, the BMW Group marque made a pilgrimage around London locations associated with the man’s life and career, capturing images of a RR Ghost at each stop along the way.

The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls was born  close to Berkeley Square on 27 August 1877. As the third son of Lord and Lady Llangattock, he was born into a life of wealth and privilege, going on to be educated at Eton and Cambridge and enjoying the freedom to indulge his passions for aviation and motor racing. By contrast, his business partner, Henry Royce, came from a humble background. (AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Design: Kaban at Rolls-Royce, Dukec at BMW; BMW Stops Sales and Leasing of Mini, 5-Series, X1 and Rolls-Royce models for Bad Seat Belts. No Accidents, Injuries Known; Rolls-Royce on CS Rolls’ Record Run in a Wright Flyer; Union Strike Saves Rolls-Royce Jobs in Barnoldswick)

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Mazda MX-30 EV Starts at $33,470 in CA this October

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Mazda MX-30 EV

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The all-new 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV is a baby step toward the brand’s lagging electrification. Initially launching in California dealerships this fall, the battery-electric MX-30 has an EPA estimated range of only 100 miles on a full charge[3]. The urban EV MX-30 is equipped with a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. MSRP starts at $33,470 [1].

Mazda has partnered with ChargePoint to give MX-30 owners a $500 charging credit that can be used for public charging or toward the purchase of an in-home ChargePoint Level 2 charger. For extended trips, Mazda is launching a program for MX-30 owners called, Mazda MX-30 Elite Access Loaner Program. MX-30 owners will have access to other vehicles in the Mazda family for up to 10 days per year for the first three years of ownership[2].
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Chinese Junk Watch – Six More Recalls from CPSC

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino

A glance at The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission web site once again reaffirms that China is manufacturing many products sold in the US. Moreover, recalls keep coming. CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction.

Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the US more than $1 trillion annually, according to the CPSC. CPSC triee to protect consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. However, in AutoInformed’s view, Chinese products remain a problem both in their design and manufacturing quality control. Herewith are some of the latest in Chinese Junk. Continue reading →

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Khan, Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Leaves Prompting Reorganization with Focus on Electric Only

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Mercedes CTO Leaves Prompting Reorganization

It’s come to this – not a car in sight…

Sajjad Khan will leave Mercedes-Benz “at his own request on 1 September 2021 in order to set up a technology venture-capital fund.” Sajjad Khan is currently a member of the divisional Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. As Chief Technology Officer, he is responsible for development in the areas of connectivity, autonomous, shared & services, and electric, aka CASE.

Magnus Östberg will assume overall responsibility for the MB.OS vehicle operating system as Chief Software Officer on 1 September 2021 – a newly created position that is the result of the unexpected executive shuffle. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Developing All-New LMDh Endurance Racecar

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Cadillac Developing All-New LMDh Endurance Racecar

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Cadillac today announced it is developing a fourth generation Cadillac prototype for the new IMSA and Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) LMDh regulations. The Cadillac LMDh prototype will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the WEC Championship beginning in 2023.

Cadillac and constructor Dallara are designing the new Cadillac LMDh. The two companies’ cooperative efforts led to the design of the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R. A new GM developed engine will integrate with the LMDh common hybrid system. Continue reading →

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FIH Mobile, Stellantis JV Begun on Connected Car Technology

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Kia battery-electric EV6

Mobile Drive will develop infotainment, telematics, and a cloud service platform.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., (“Foxconn”) (TPE: 2317) together with its subsidiary FIH Mobile Ltd., (“FIH”) (HKG:2038) and Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA) (“Stellantis”) late yesterday announced that they have entered into a joint venture agreement dubbed Mobile Drive.

It will focus on delivering – marketing babble alert> “smart cockpit solutions for vehicles that will disrupt current design conventions and foster the development of intelligent connected vehicles.” Continue reading →

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Chinese Covid Recovery Policies is Zero-Sum Game for Automakers Overall. Luxury, Compact Segments Benefit Most?

Posted on 23 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Chinese Government Covid Recovery Policies Zero-Sum game for Automakers

The Chinese Passenger Vehicle market is on track for sales of ~22 million units in 2021 – equal to the 2019 level. But the segment mix will differ from 2019, and “the rate of recovery from the 2020 decline will be far from uniform across the various sales groups per LMC. In terms of market status the Premium share is expected to improve from 14% in 2019 to 18%. The Low-Cost segment is forecast to end 2021 with 2% market share, up from 0.5% in 2019. Click to Enlarge.

The Chinese central government put into action a series of policies focused on ample monetary funding and pro-active fiscal measures during the still ongoing Covid crisis. With the effective containment of the virus in China from strong government public health/common good rules and regulations, the government intervention resulted in a quick economic recovery. While the auto market in other major economies floundered during the second half of 2020, the Chinese auto market beat expectations. The recovery continues during 2021.

As with most statistics though, the devil is hiding in the details. Consultancy LMC Automotive says there is an enduring imbalance in the economy’s internal structure: the performance of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) among medium and large enterprises is significantly better than that among smaller enterprises. Continue reading →

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Eruption Green, Hot Pepper Red Paints Set for 2022 Bronco

Posted on 23 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Eruption Green, Hot Pepper Red Colors Set for 2022 Bronco

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The Ford Bronco’s early years are the inspiration for new Bronco color choices for the 2022 model year. Ford Bronco color and materials designers developed Eruption Green Metallic as a “modern interpretation” of Mallard Green, which was featured on first-generation Bronco models in the early- to mid-1970s.

New-for-2022  is Hot Pepper Red Metallic Tinted clearcoat. Both Eruption Green and Hot Pepper Red Metallic will be available for every Bronco series in the lineup. Continue reading →

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Toyota First Hypercar Winner at Le Mans in Fourth Straight Victory. Ferrari First then Corvette, Porsche in GTE Pro

Posted on 23 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Le Mans 2021

What no German factory teams competitive in Hyper Car?!

Toyota Gazoo Racing achieved a notable and theatrical fourth consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours victory to become the first Hypercar winners at the Circuit de la Sarthe. The No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Hypercar driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez ended their streak of mechanical disasters at Le Mans to take their first victory at the legendary 24-hour race, which this year saw the return of a limited number of fans.

The No. 7’s win is only the second time ever that an Argentine (Jose Maria Lopez) has won Le Mans and is the team’s seventh consecutive WEC race victory. The Hypercar finished two laps ahead of the sister No. 8 car with Brendon Hartley, Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi sharing the wheel. (Hypercar Hype or Close Racing Next Week at Le Mans? Toyota vs Alpine vs Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus; C’est Bien – Corvette Racing off to Le Mans 24 Hour; WEC SPA – Toyota One-Two. 24 Hours of Le Mans Next) Continue reading →

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Confirmed: General Motors to Recall more Bolt EVs at $1B Cost

Posted on 20 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on General Motors is expanding the current Chevrolet Bolt EV Recall

All Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are now recalled.

General Motors is expanding the current Chevrolet Bolt EV recall to cover the remaining 2019 and all 2020-2022 model year vehicles, including the Bolt EUV. With this expansion, all Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are now recalled due to the risk of the high-voltage battery pack catching fire.

“In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire,” GM said in a statement. GM will replace defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new modules, with an expected additional cost of approximately $1 billion.  (AutoInformed – NHTSA – Urgent Fire Recall Again on 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolts) Continue reading →

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C’est Voilà – Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel in Reality

Posted on 20 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on all-new Renault Trafic Space Nomad

The concept is now reality.

As we said earlier this month, here’s comes the Hippie Caviar Hotel concept built from the new Renault Trafic van. It debuts at the 2021 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. It claims to be the world’s largest van and camper show. Renault Design says it “chose the new Trafic to imagine a nomadic life with all the space, comfort and modularity necessary for all journeys.” The photo of the real thing – a production Trafic Space Nomad – has just been released from Switzerland. (Nouveaux Chic? Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel)

“Renault’s ambition is to expand its nomadic range in Europe, in a market that has been exploding for the last 10 years. After a successful test in Switzerland, all-new Trafic Space Nomad extends its scope to freedom aficionados,” said Thierry Plantagenets, LCV Global Sales & Marketing Director, Renault Group. Continue reading →

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Global Village – Record UK Used Car Prices. Demand High

Posted on 20 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Record UK Used Car Prices.

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Remarkably strong levels of consumer demand in the UK vehicle market are continuing to result in record price growth. Based on the ~400,000 used vehicles currently advertised on its marketplace, the average price of a used car increased 15.2% year-on-year (YoY) on a like-for-like basis last week (as of w/c 9th August 2021). This is according to the latest data from Auto Trader.

“It not only marks 66 weeks of consecutive price growth, but a huge acceleration on what is now a comparatively conservative 5.7% increase recorded during the week of 12 April when physical forecourts (that’s dealerships in ‘Merican – editor) reopened,” said Auto Trader. Continue reading →

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