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 →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, litigation, recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in aftermarket, design and styling, marketing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Tweet
Posted in economy, environment, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, labor issues, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

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

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in electronics, engineering, people, performance | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in design and styling, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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.

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

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

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

Click to Enlarge.

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 →

Tweet
Posted in environment, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Tweet
Posted in autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, labor issues, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on 9 July 2021 by Ken Zino

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 →

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

Stellantis Ups Electrification Strategy by $35.54 Billion

Posted on 8 July 2021 by Ken Zino
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 →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

California – Most Car Washes with $1.6 Billion Total Sales

Posted on 7 July 2021 by Ken Zino

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 →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment