Toyota Slashes 2025 Electric Vehicle Prices $6000

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Slashes 2025 Electric Vehicle Prices $6000

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Toyota said today in Plano Texas that the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the 2025 bZ4X is $6000 lower for the XLE grade and $5380 lower for the Limited grade.** The 2025 bZ4X also adds a new Nightshade edition, making it the first-ever Toyota Nightshade Battery Electric Vehicle. There is more standard driver assistance technology on the Limited grade, including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

“For drivers thinking about going all electric, the Toyota bZ4X just made the choice even easier,” Toyota said. “With a smooth, quiet ride, and an EPA estimated range rating of up to 252 miles on FWD models, the bZ4X is a great value for drivers that want a BEV from a trusted brand. For 2025, that value starts at an MSRP of $37,070 on the XLE FWD grade, a reduction of nearly 14 percent. The XLE AWD grade’s MSRP starts at $39,150. The feature packed Limited grades also see an MSRP reduction, with models starting at $41,800 (FWD), a price reduction of $5380. The 2025 bZ4X is expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships nationwide in early 2025,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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Kenworth, Peterbuilt ABS Software Recall

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling ~221,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth buses, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU) according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“According to Bendix in its recall 24E-086, the ABS, Automatic Traction Control (ATC), or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may set an ABS fault or may stop operating. Other functions which strongly interact with ABS such as Active Cruse Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation System (CMS) may also fault. In extremely rare situations before the system faults or stops operating, if there is a stability event or an automated braking request, the system may respond incorrectly to the event. This may increase the likelihood of a crash,” PACCAR said in the required safety defect filing. Continue reading

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November Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate 93 Million

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on November Global Light Vehicle Sales Rate 93 Million

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The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for November* stood at 95 million units/year, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.** This was a small improvement on the previous month, and the best result so far in 2024. Market volumes continued to grow in November as YoY sales were up 6% compared to November 2023. YTD sales stood at 80 million units.

“In November, sales saw sustained growth in key markets like the US and China. Chinese consumers are capitalizing on scrappage subsidies and a very competitive pricing environment. In the US, an extra selling day compared to the previous year contributed to increased sales YoY. Sales in Western Europe remain lackluster, mirroring previous trends, as political and economic challenges persist, exacerbated by recent government turmoil in Germany and France,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecast Team said. Continue reading

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Airports – More Safety, Capacity Improvements On Way

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Airports - More Safety, Capacity Improvements On Way

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $20.5 million for 25 grants across 14 states and Puerto Rico to modernize airports under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law over a period of five years for airport and air traffic control infrastructure improvements.

“Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in our nation’s airports – investments that will make air travel safer and more efficient for decades to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With today’s funding, the latest to be announced under President Biden’s leadership, we’re making sure more airports across the country are equipped to handle Americans’ growing demand for air travel.” Continue reading

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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Odometer Tampering

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Odometer Tampering

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Drew Mitchell Schreiber, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to three counts of odometer tampering, The U.S. Justice Department said today. In all, Schreiber sold 140 rolled-back vehicles. Because many of these vehicles were more than 10 years old, Schreiber obtained so-called “exempt” titles that did not reveal the actual mileage of the vehicles.

“Just because a motor vehicle may be exempt from mileage recording on a title does not give a dealer the right to roll back odometers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “With vehicles remaining in use for longer periods of time, many Americans rely on older vehicles as their primary mode of transportation. Used car buyers deserve peace of mind knowing that the odometer reading in their vehicle is correct.” Continue reading

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December U.S. Auto Sales Start Strong

The Q4 2024 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) released today shows growing optimism among U.S. auto dealers. However, despite current weak market conditions, the post-election survey indicates increasing dealer confidence. The final Auto Market Report video of the year, noted that after a very strong November, December appears to be off to a strong start.

“We saw a surge in the outlook, technically the largest surge we have had quarterly in the history of the data,” said  Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “It is the best fourth quarter since 2021, which was the most profitable quarter in dealer history.” Continue reading

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Technical Tidbits – Porsche 1900 Wheel-Hub Motor

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Technical Tidbits – 1900 Wheel-Hub Motor

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“Almost 125 years ago, Ferdinand Porsche was involved in the development of an electric vehicle. It was powered by a wheel-hub motor,” Porsche said in a release today.

“It’s April 14, 1900, and a groundbreaking electric car, based on the Lohner-Porsche system, is celebrating its premiere at the Paris Exposition’s Palace of Electricity. It’s the innovative drive concept that brings widespread recognition of the Porsche name,” Porsche said. Continue reading

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French are Running Nissan Americas and in Japan

Christian Meunier has been named chairman, Nissan Americas, effective 1 January 2025. He replaces Jérémie Papin who has been appointed chief financial officer (CFO), Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. As chairman for Nissan Americas, Meunier will lead operations and strategy across all of North and South America as part of the company’s global business plan, The Arc. He will report to Guillaume Cartier, chief performance officer (CPO), Nissan Motor Co, Ltd. It’s the latest move at the struggling automaker whose, well, Arc is sinking.*

At the beginning of November Nissan Motor Company in Japan announced weak financial results for the six-months ended 30 September 2024. Net revenue decreased by ¥79.1 billion year-over-year (YOY) to ¥5.98 trillion yen, with consolidated operating profit decreasing ¥303.8 billion to ¥32.9B. This was a paltry operating profit margin of 0.5%. Net income was ¥19.2 billion. Global sales volumes decreased year-on-year to 1.6 million units. As a consequence Nissan revised its full year financial outlook for fiscal year 2024. The dividend was cancelled. Continue reading

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GM About Face on Robo Taxi Development

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM About Face on Robo Taxi Development

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) plans to realign its autonomous driving strategy and prioritize development of advanced driver assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles. GM will build on its Super Cruise program, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicle models and currently logging over 10 million miles per month. GM made the announcement on a conference call for analysts late yesterday. The move could mean significant savings next year on research and development costs at the embattled Cruise company.

“GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital efficient manner,” said Mary Barra, chair and CEO of GM. “Cruise has been an early innovator in autonomy, and the deeper integration of our teams, paired with GM’s strong brands, scale, and manufacturing strength, will help advance our vision for the future of transportation.” Continue reading

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Stellantis and CATL JV for LFP Battery Plant in Spain

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA )* and Chinese CATL (Shenzhen 300750) today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. The transaction is expected to close during 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory conditions.

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.” Continue reading

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Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring in under Seven Minutes

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mustang GTD Laps Nürburgring in under Seven Minutes

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A 2025 Ford Mustang GTD completed of the 12.9-mile at the 73-turn “Green Hell” in 6:57.685 at the Nürburgring Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today.* This means Mustang GTD is only the sixth stock, production sports car to complete an officially certified sub-seven-minute lap and the fifth fastest in the production sports car class according to the Nürburgring’s records. Driven by Multimatic Motorsports driver Dirk Müller, the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD ran the circuit nicknamed “The Green Hell.”

“The team behind Mustang GTD took what we’ve learned from decades on the track and engineered a Mustang that can compete with the world’s best supercars,” said Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO. “We’re proud to be the first American automaker with a car that can lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, but we aren’t satisfied. We know there’s much more time to find with Mustang GTD. We’ll be back.” Continue reading

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Tavares Out. Stellantis Back into ACEA!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Battery Electric Vehicle Sales In Europe Slumping

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A mere five days after Carlos Tavares* was ousted from the CEO job at Stellantis over his embrace of electric vehicles as the core of the global automaker’s strategy, Stellantis said it would rejoin the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association** (aka ACEA at AutoInformed), the lobbying group of 15 major European automakers. Under Tavares, Stellantis resigned from ACEA, which has been advocating slow-walking fines for automakers that fail to meet intermediate carbon reduction targets set for 2025. Battery electric vehicles sales in the EU have been tanking this year.

“ACEA welcomes the application from Stellantis to rejoin the association. Given Europe’s unprecedented competitiveness crisis and collective need to master the challenges of the green transformation, it is more important than ever to stand united. ACEA members may be competitors on the market, but they all share the same goal: a competitive and sustainable transition to zero-emission mobility, in a Europe that can stand its ground globally. This we will continue working on with full drive and commitment,” stated Luca de Meo, ACEA President and CEO of Renault Group. Continue reading

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US Light Vehicle Sales Strong in November

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Light Vehicle Sales Strong in November

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Light Vehicle (LV) sales* in the US grew by 11.8% year-on-year (YoY) in November, to 1.37 million units, according to data released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.** November had one more selling day compared to November 2023. However, it was the strongest sales result since May of 2021 as the Biden Administration job-creating recovery continues.

“Despite some uncertainty over the longer-term outlook for the industry amid potential changes in policy, November sales delivered a strong performance. Volumes were reminiscent of pre-pandemic times, after several years in which the market has been subdued. Continue reading

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November Western European Car Sales Up

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Car sales in Western Europe sold at an annual rate of 12.1 million units/year in November,* a continuation of the improvement seen in October, according to the latest data released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.** The year-on-year (YoY) comparisons showed sales volumes were down 3.5%. Italy and France were the biggest losers in November as sales were down 10.8% and 12.7% YoY respectively. The UK as well as Germany also saw declines, while growth in Spain remains strong with registrations in November up 6.4% YoY.

“Year-to-date (YTD) sales experienced a slight decline of 0.2% compared to the first eleven months of 2023. The recent collapse of both the German and French governments has heightened political uncertainty in the region. Despite support coming from rate cuts and new model introductions in2025, the combination of political headwinds, high pricing and challenges faced by domestic manufacturers will continue to challenge market activity in the short term,” the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team said. Continue reading

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Investing in America by Fixing Airport Control Towers

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Investing in America by Fixing Airport Control Towers

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that $20 million is going to 20 airport-owned airport traffic control towers across the country in 15 states. This funding will be used to upgrade existing or build new control towers across the country. This is because President Biden’s vision to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure through his Investing in America agenda. What happens next year during the Trump mis-administration is unknown, but his stated desire to end government programs and spending is well-known.

“Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration is supporting every part of our aviation system, including airports in small communities that drive local economies and help people get where they need to go,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With today’s announcement, 20 more airports will have the resources they need to upgrade operations and make travel safer and more efficient.” Continue reading

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