Sedan Trends – Passat is Passe’ – VW Kills US Production

Posted on 19 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on VW Kills US Passat Production

Riding off into runaway global warming.

Volkswagen of America announced today that it will end assembly of the Passat sedan in Chattanooga with model year 2022, part of the plant’s conversion to build future electric vehicles. In a well-known marketing practice that occasionally works for a dying species, a short-run Limited Edition joins the lineup.

During the second quarter, light-trucks, crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), were 76.9% of all new vehicles sold in the US market. 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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New Stellantis Opel CEO Hochgeschurtz From Renault

Posted on 19 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on new Stellantis Opel brand CEO Hochgeschurtz from Renault Germany

New chapter of the Opel brand?

Uwe Hochgeschurtz, CEO Renault Germany, Austria and Switzerland, has been named Opel Brand CEO from September 1, 2021. The latest move from Stellantis comes at a time when German brand is attempting to grow in China as the conglomerate is attempting to survive the electrification era. He succeeds Michael Lohscheller who “has decided to pursue a new challenge outside Stellantis.”

Uwe Hochgeschurtz will join the Top Executive Team of Stellantis and will report directly to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. He started his career in the automotive industry in 1990 at Ford, before joining VW in 2001 and Renault in 2004. He studied business administration in Germany (Wuppertal & Cologne), the UK (Birmingham) and France (Paris Dauphine). Continue reading →

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EU Gets Tougher on Climate Change – Wants All EVs by 2035

Posted on 16 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Warming and CO2

It’s time to stop whistling past the CO2 graveyard.

The European Climate Law adopted in June 2021 transforms the European Green Deal’s political commitment to EU climate neutrality by 2050 into a binding obligation for the EU and member states. It increases the EU’s target for reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 from 40% to at least 55%, compared to 1990 level. Yesterday the Commission’s top executive branch presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package to align EU climate and energy policies and ensure the achievement of the more ambitious reduction target for 2030. (AutoInformed on EU Parliament Confirms Deal on Climate Neutrality by 2050, Environmental About Face – General Motors Ditching Internal Combustion Engines by 2035. Carbon Neutral by 2040?, CARB Warns of Toxic Metal Contaminants in Smoke from Fires, Ford Sets New Interim Carbon-Neutral Targets. Greenwash?)

Let the adverse lobbying begin by the plump, wealthy sacred cows of the polluting establishment – including countries such as Germany with a strong carbon-based economy and its global auto industry – who face butchering by increasing market incentives for consumers to force them to speed the move away from fossil fuels as not only the climate clearly heating up and changing – deadly floods in Germany and Belgium, as well as floods and fires in the Americas, scorching temperatures globally – but the political climate is heating up to do more now over what is clearly the growing negative effects of runaway climate change. Continue reading →

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Three More Ford Recalls – 885,569 F-Series, Explorers, Aviators

Posted on 16 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Explorer Recalls

Dave Schoch, then CEO Ford China, at the Chinese Explorer Launch in 2012.

Ford Motor Company today announced three safety recalls in North America on popular and highly profitable F-Series pickups, as well as Explorer and Aviator SUVs. In a release Ford said there are six allegations of injury related to the safety defects in North America. (Ford F-Series Recalls for Windshield Ejections, Wrong Labels, Ford Recalls 2017 Takata Airbag Inflators on F-Series, Mustang!, Shift Indicators Bad on Ford F-Series, Lincolns, Mustangs, Two New Safety Recalls at Ford Motor – F-Series and Explorer)

The largest recall and the one with associated injury claims covers 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles that may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint. Ford is issuing this safety recall for approximately 774,696 2013-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles that may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that may cause a fractured rear suspension toe link. Affected vehicles may experience a clunk noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel. Fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading →

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MILITEM Ferōx Adventure – Status or Expensive Jeep?

Posted on 16 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on the 2021 MILITEM Ferōx Adventure

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The new MILITEM Ferōx Adventure either represents the latest and finest in Monza based firms “American tech/Italian made” philosophy or an expensive $94,043 to $98,080 (plus VAT!) Jeep Wrangler JL package depending on your point of view, which will be higher because of the installed lift kit. After the Principality of Monaco, distribution partners for the brand are set to follow in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

The MILITEM Ferōx is based on the 4-door Wrangler JL. It has a 2.0-liter 272 horsepower petrol engine or a 3.6 V6 e-Torque Mild Hybrid, producing 285 CV. A 2-door version is offered with a 3.6 V6 and an e-Torque engine. The e-Torque Mild Hybrid system uses 48 V generator and recuperates and stores energy during braking. This is then used to start the Jeep when in start-stop mode and to provide more torque when overtaking, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, it’s claimed. All versions of the Jeep are fitted with 4WD and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The original reason for purchasing Jeep under the Iacocca at Chrysler regime is once again proven – Jeep is an international brand subject to local tastes, as well as commercial exploitation.
 Continue reading →

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Covid – Commerce NIST Grant of $153 million to National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals

Posted on 16 July 2021 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology – NIST – has made two awards totaling $153 million to the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). The awards were announced yesterday by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo at the NIIMBL annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

NIIMBL* will work to increase the shelf life and reduce the amount of refrigeration required for messenger RNA vaccines, boost capabilities for rapid production of antigens used in testing and screening for new variants and develop novel technologies for detecting counterfeit vaccines, among other things. Continue reading →

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IndustriALL – Organizing the Growing Battery Supply Chain

Posted on 15 July 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on IndustriALL Organizing the Battery Supply Chain

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With widespread workers rights’ violations and low union participation, IndustriALL, a global union umbrella organization, has been warily looking at the increase in battery demand during the next ten years. No surprise that IndustriALL and affiliates have started developing a strategy for workers along the supply chain. The question is can they make positive changes for the people who often do the work in a world were the non-tax paying rich rig the political, legal and social systems against them?

On 28 and 29 June, IndustriALL affiliates joined a workshop to discuss the next steps in developing a strategy on battery supply chains. With the demand for electric cars rapidly increasing, the project will focus on the auto industry. Organized workers are common of course at many auto manufacturers, but it decreases down the supply line. The further you get from the end product the smaller health and safety protections are in play. IndustriALL says its global networks will be central to the work, with increased cooperation between the different sector networks along the supply chain. Continue reading →

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

Posted on 15 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 15 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 14 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 13 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 13 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 13 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 12 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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

Posted on 10 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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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