GM’s Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Customers Can Now Access Preferred Electric Vehicle Charging Providers

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on General Motors and BrightDrop Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Charging Services

With Ultium Charge 360, GM Fleet, OnStar Business Solutions and BrightDrop customers will be able to customize plans and select from preferred providers for their fleet electrification in the US and Canada.

General Motors and BrightDrop today announced the Ultium Charge 360 fleet charging service, said to be  comprehensive approach designed to help make the switch to electric vehicles seamless for fleet customers by connecting them with services, features and resources. The new business created and wholly owned by GM “is reimagining EV commercial delivery and logistics.”

The Ultium Charge 360 fleet service “will be one of the industry’s most holistic solutions offering, where available.” In addition, Ultium Charge’s approach will help to enable support for home charging and provide drivers access to more than 60,000 public places to charge while en route. As part of the solution, GM is working with preferred providers, including four depot infrastructure providers – eTransEnergy, a Duke Energy company; EVgo; In-Charge Energy; and Schneider Electric. (GM Ups Bet by $35B in Autonomous, Electric Vehicle Games) Continue reading

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Automated Mapping – Toyota to Buy CARMERA

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Toyota buying CARMERA

The Woven Alpha team claims it will develop AMP to become the most globally comprehensive road and lane network HD map platform, enabling high-precision localization support to automated vehicles.

Woven Planet, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation,  has announced the acquisition of CARMERA, a U.S.-based spatial AI company, which studies bringing next-gen road intelligence to automated mobility for mass production. This is the second major deal for Woven Planet in North America, following the April 2021 announcement to acquire Level 5, the self-driving division of Lyft. (Toyota’s Woven Capital Invests in Ridecell for Mobility Services)

If the deal is closed, the CARMERA team will report into the Automated Mapping Platform (“AMP”) organization of Woven Alpha. Woven Alpha explores new strategic areas for business expansion and incubates several projects such as Woven City and Arene, which is Woven Planet’s open software platform. AMP is a connected crowd-sourced software platform that helps the creation, development and distribution of high-definition maps―a key aspect of so-called smart and safe automated mobility. Continue reading

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Nissan Starts Advanced Brain Training for Formula E Drivers

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on  Brain Function Development For Formula E Drivers

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In what is an inevitable development in the unending quest for speed, Nissan said today that it is using brain function and anatomy research for training and development for its Formula E drivers Sebastien Buemi and Oliver Rowland. The program, called Nissan Brain to Performance, uses advanced brain imaging and analysis to determine the anatomical specifics of high performance, professional drivers. The program aims to develop custom optimized training to enhance the brain functions and anatomy related to driving and racing.

The program will be directed by Japanese resident Dr. Lucian Gheorghe. He is knowledgeable in the field of brain analysis and training, and part of the ongoing Nissan advanced research on how to enhance the connection between people and vehicles. The immediate priority of the Nissan Brain to Performance program is to enhance the performance of Nissan’s Formula E racers. It of course has broad applicability to connected and autonomous vehicles and their drivers/occupants. Continue reading

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Electrify America to Double its Current EV Charging Network

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Electrify America to More than Double its Current EV Charging Network

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Electrify America today announced its “Boost Plan” to more than double its current electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada. It says it will have more than 1,800 fast charging stations and 10,000 individual chargers installed by the end of 2025. The expansion will increase the distribution of 150 and 350 kilowatt chargers – the fastest speeds available today.

The announcement builds on Electrify America’s previous commitment to invest $2 billion over 10 years in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, education, and access in the U.S. In addition to adding to its existing network in the U.S., Electrify America will also expand its Electrify Canada charging network, which began installations in 2019. Continue reading

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GM Design Jettisons North Hollywood for Pasadena

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Design Jettisons North Hollywood for Pasadena

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General Motors today announced a more than $71 million investment to establish a new campus in Pasadena, California, for GM’s Advanced Design Center operations, a move that will substantially increase the center’s capacity. The new 8-acre site is closer to technology centers on the West Coast and creates a recruiting opportunity with its proximity to leading universities and design schools. The facility’s relocation from its existing space in North Hollywood to a149,000-square-foot campus will make room for expanded advanced technology teams that will help accelerate GM’s goal of “zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.” The current North Hollywood Design Center will continue to be utilized for advanced design operations as work on the new facility is completed through the second half of 2022.

GM claims it has a long-term commitment to maintain a physical presence in one of North America’s largest hubs for multi-disciplinary design and innovation. The new campus, which sits on 8 acres, will expand GM’s capacity to support emerging business opportunities in areas of advanced technology, software integration and future mobility solutions. Continue reading

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June Global Light Vehicle Selling Rate Drops to 82.4 Million

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on the recovery of the global auto industry is uncertain given the flawed vaccination polices of nations comprising the world’s largest auto markets.

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The Global Light Vehicle selling rate was 82.4 million units/year in June, according to the highly regarded LMC Automotive consultancy. This is a slight dip from what is now an upwardly revised 82.9 million units/year in May, which in itself was weaker than the preceding April and March.

The short-term trend is clear though. The recovery of the global auto industry is by no means assured given the flawed vaccination polices of nations comprising the world’s largest auto markets. Worse, the appearance of the aggressive and deadly Delta variant corona virus variant, as well as the ongoing semi-conductor shortage considerably cloud forecasting for the upcoming months. “The semiconductor shortage is clearly having an impact on selling rates in key markets. With no immediate remedy in sight, there is a risk of the situation worsening in coming months which could further disrupt the post-pandemic recovery in demand,” said LMC. Continue reading

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CARB Warns of Toxic Metal Contaminants in Smoke from Fires

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on air quality data during the deadly Camp Fire

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A new California Air Resources Board (CARB) analysis of air quality data collected during the deadly Camp Fire looks at exactly what was in the thick smoke that blanketed much of Northern California for two weeks in November 2018. At least 85 people died in 2018 as the deadliest wildfire in California history burned more than 150,000 acres in Butte County, destroying most of the town of Paradise and about 19,000 buildings.

Smoke produced from the Camp Fire exposed Californians to dangerous levels of particulate matter and contained concerning levels of toxic metal contaminants, including lead, which spiked for about 24 hours. Continue reading

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VW Group’s Supervisory Board Extends Chairman Herbert Diess’ Contract. Other Employees Face an Uncertain Future

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on VW Group Strategy 2030

“A successful outcome will accordingly require sustainable concepts for transforming the workforce and training employees in a broad range of fields.”

Dr. Herbert Diess will stay as head of the Volkswagen Group until October 2025. On Friday, the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG approved a new service contract with a corresponding term. Dr. Diess will remain the Chairman of the Board of Management until his 67th birthday. The Supervisory Board was also shown Strategy 2030* that will be revealed on 13 July.

The Group Board of Management presented this plan aimed at maintaining the Group’s role as a global leader in an automotive industry shaped by e-mobility and software. It’s called for the moment “New Auto.” Its essence acknowledges the obvious – autonomous driving in combination with other software-driven mobility services, are projected to lead to an automotive market doubling in size in the next 10 years. Continue reading

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2021 Q2 US Sales – Light-Trucks, Crossovers, SUVs Rule

An analysis of U.S. auto sales and the economy during Q2 of 2021 just released by NADA show just a modest increase in sales compared to Q1. They totaled a 17.0-million-unit SAAR, up slightly from the 16.9-million-unit SAAR in the first quarter of 2021. (Inventory Deficit Hurts June US Vehicle Sales. Again)

During the second quarter, light-trucks, crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), were 76.9% of all new vehicles sold. The segment is expected to continue to move towards an 80% market share. Pickups accounted for 17.6% of sales for the first half of 2021, down from 20.0% compared to the first half of 2020; crossovers represented 45.9% of sales, up from 41.8% one year ago. Continue reading

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Stellantis Ups Electrification Strategy by $35.54 Billion

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Stellantis Intensifies Electrification Strategy

A lot of blue sky in the presentation with nary a competitive cloud on the horizon?

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE / MTA / Euronext Paris: STLA) said today it has a comprehensive electrification strategy for its brands that will cost 30 billion euros ($35.54 billion). The conglomerate formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA said it will use in-house expertise, partnerships, and joint ventures to “deliver advanced technology at affordable prices.” The French company joins the EV investment rush with other automakers, while claiming it too will target “sustainable, double-digit Adjusted Operating Income margins in the mid-term.”

“The strategy we laid out today focuses the right amount of investment on the right technology to reach the market at the right time, ensuring that Stellantis powers the freedom of movement in the most efficient, affordable and sustainable way,” claimed Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, Stellantis. Continue reading

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California – Most Car Washes with $1.6 Billion Total Sales

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on car washesCalifornia had more car washes than any other state and the highest total car wash sales – $1.6 billion – in 2017, according to the 2017 Economic Census. However, the District of Columbia, which had few car washes for its population, ranked first in average sales ($879,000) per car wash. According to the Census 2019 County Business Patterns, there were 16,976 Car Washes with paid employees in the United States, 6.8% or 1,074 more than in 2015.

The mostly small businesses had 163,178 workers – up from 153,970 in 2015 – who earned a meager average annual salary of $21,911 -up from $18,703 in 2015. California, the state with the largest population and a mania around car culture and the automobile ranked first in the number of car washes and car wash employees in 2019 (2,025 and 24,851, respectively). Continue reading

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Revolving Door – Steven Croley Now Ford Chief Policy Officer

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Steven Croley Now Ford Chief Policy Officer

At Latham & Watkins Croley assisted clients with legal policy and regulatory compliance.

Ford Motor has appointed former U.S. federal lawyer Steven Croley to become its chief policy officer and general counsel. In revolving door Washington, Croley has been a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Latham & Watkins*. From 2014 to 2017, he served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Energy.  Croley spent the previous four years in the White House, first as special assistant to President Obama for regulatory policy, then as deputy counsel overseeing legal policy.

The new policy leadership role was initiated last October when Jim Farley became CEO and announced organizational changes. Croley will report to Farley and work with Jon Huntsman, a member of the Ford board of directors who in April was appointed vice chair, Policy, an internal senior advisory role to Farley and Executive Chair Bill Ford. (Ford Motor Changes CEO from Jim Hackett to Jim Farley) Continue reading

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BMW Group Sales Up for First Half of 2021. EV Sales Surge

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on BMW Group Sales Q1 and Q2 2021

BMW iX xDrive50.

With 1,339,080 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles (+39.1%) delivered to customers, the BMW Group ended the first half of 2021 with a new all-time high in sales. All brands reported higher sales for the first six months of the year. During the same period, the company increased sales in all regions of the world. BMW Group sales for the first half-year were also higher than in the pre-covid crisis year 2019, with a modest increase of +7.1%.

With 153,267 units sold in the first half of 2021, the BMW Group grew its sales of both fully-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 148.5% year-on-year – making electric vehicles a major growth driver for the company in absolute terms. Sales of fully electric vehicles increased by 183.9% to a total of 36,089 and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 139.4% to 117,178 units. Continue reading

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Inventory Deficit Hurts June US Vehicle Sales. Again

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Drop in June 2021 Light Vehicle Sales.

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US light-vehicle sales fell for the second straight month in June. The 2021 SAAR totaled 15.4 million vehicles, an increase of up 18% compared to June 2020. However, this was down 9.9% from May 2021. Through the first half of the year franchised dealers sold 8.3 million new light vehicles, up 29.3% from first-half 2020 and down 2% from first-half 2019, according to the National Automobile Dealers Assn.

With too much demand chasing too little supply, it’s not surprising many vehicles sold at or above MSRP and automakers have slashed incentive spending. According to J.D. Power, in mid-June 75% of vehicles sold for MSRP or above, which is up from 67% in May 2021 and way higher from the pre-COVID average of 36%. AutoInformed thinks that an affordability crisis is starting to emerge, as the Biden Administration economic boom continues. (May US Light Vehicle Sales – Start of an Affordability Slump?, Ford Follows GM: Q2 2021 Earnings to Exceed Its Expectations) Continue reading

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Moving the Metal Downtown – Detroit Institute of Arts New Location for 2022 Concours d’Elegance of America

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Detroit Institute of Arts New Place for 2022 Concours d’Elegance of America

L to R: Salvador Salort-Pons, Director, President and CEO, Detroit Institute of Arts; Larry Moss, Chairman, Concours d’Elegance of America; and McKeel Hagerty, CEO, Hagerty present the Detroit Institute of Art as the new home of the Concours in 2022.

Hagerty says it plans to host next year’s 43rd annual Concours d’Elegance of America in Detroit during September 2022. The hub of the multi-location show will be the Detroit Institute of Arts, arguably the cultural center of the country’s automotive capital. This year’s event takes place July 23-25 at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, its host for a decade.

“We’re announcing two meaningful changes today–rescheduling from July to September and repositioning from the suburbs to downtown,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “This move honors Detroit’s heritage as a hub of commerce, industry, design and culture. We couldn’t think of a better place to recognize the automobile than the Detroit Institute of Arts. It, and its 65,000 works of art, serve as the perfect backdrop as we celebrate the automobile –another signature achievement of mankind.” (Sports Car Market Magazine Hooks Hagerty as Sponsor of The SCM Modern and Classic Touring Series. AMG Invitational First) Continue reading

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