CARB Fines Walmart for Selling Harmful Hair Spray

Posted on 2 April 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Walmart’s smog-forming hair sprays

Walmart agreed to pay $147,200 toward a Supplemental Environmental Project.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today announced a $409,000 settlement with Walmart, Inc. of Arkansas, for selling private label “hair finishing spray” that violated state air quality regulations. The product was manufactured by Canada-based Apollo Health and Beauty Care, Inc., specifically for Walmart.

The fine results from a 2018 investigation when CARB inspectors tested the hair products and found that they did not comply with state limits for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Hair Finishing Spray category. In addition to paying the fine, Walmart plans to provide an educational platform for its online marketplace sellers to bring awareness to CARB’s consumer products regulations. Continue reading →

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IMSA – 2022 Roar Before the 24 At Daytona to Use Dirt Circuit

Posted on 1 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on being an April FoolWhen the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns to Daytona International Speedway next January, there will not only be a “Roar,” but also a “Whoop!” IMSA said today. Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee Ricky Carmichael, who for the past 14 years has designed the course used for the annual Supercross event at Daytona International Speedway, has been enlisted to design an infield dirt circuit to be used by the WeatherTech Championship sports cars during the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The circuit will be used for a special, 20-minute-plus-one-lap race featuring all five WeatherTech Championship classes which will take the green flag at 12 a.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 and will air live on NBC. Each car’s finishing position in the race will be used to establish its starting position for the Motul Pole Award 100, which is used to establish each car’s starting position for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Continue reading →

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Ford Sets New Interim Carbon-Neutral Targets. Greenwash?

Posted on 1 April 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Are Ford’s New Interim Carbon-Neutral Targets Greenwash

Click to Enlarge.

Ford Motor has released what it says is its first-ever integrated sustainability and financial report of accomplishments and aspirations. It also announced claimed science-based targets toward the company’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050, in line with terms of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The problem with all such reports is that saying something doesn’t mean that other areas of the company are actually supporting the stated goals. “Combining sustainability and financial performance in a single report,” Ford said, “is significant.” Well, given this, as I recall Ford has actively opposed attempts by stockholders at the last few annual meetings to reveal its PAC contributions. “Is this still the case? If so, what assurances can employees, stockholders and people have that you are not pursuing different anti-environmental policies out of public view under the Capital Dome by the politicians you are supporting?” is how I put it yesterday as a stockholder to T.R. Reid Director, Corporate and Public Policy Communications. Thus far no response. (Ford Proxy – Shareholders Want Political Spending Info) Continue reading →

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2020-21 GMC Savana, Chevrolet Express Recalled for Fire Risk

Posted on 31 March 2021 by Ken Zino

GM today issued a safety recall (NHTSA ID 21V-189) for fires occurring in 2020 and 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles with 6.6L gas engines. If a battery short circuit occur, drivers may get a low battery voltage warning, the battery may die, or a fire may occur in the engine compartment. NHTSA immediately issued a critical Recall Safety Alert given the grave nature of this safety defect. NHTSA said, “Until these recalled vehicles have been repaired, the safest place to park them is outside and away from homes and other structures.” Continue reading →

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Free2Move eSolutions – New JV Linking Stellantis, Engie EPS

Posted on 31 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Free2Move eSolutionsIn another step towards the completion of their Joint Venture announced in January,  2021, Stellantis and Engie EPS today said the name of the new entity is Free2Move eSolutions. The board of directors was also appointed. Now with all antitrust clearances attained, completion of the JV is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2021. (Stellantis Reports Legacy FCA, PSA 2020 Financial Results, Stellantis – a Mega Merger of Auto Companies Names Execs, Bye Bye FCA and PSA. Hello Stellantis)

Free2Move eSolutions has the lofty ambition to support and ease the transition to electric mobility by offering “innovative and tailor-made electric solutions” for both private and business participants of the so-called – wince – value chain. Free2Move eSolutions activities will range from charging infrastructures (installation, servicing and operations), public and home charging subscriptions with monthly fee, to battery lifecycle management and advanced energy services such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration and energy management solutions to reduce the total cost of vehicle ownership. Continue reading →

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Biden-Harris Administration Push Offshore Wind Power

Posted on 30 March 2021 by Ken Zino

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo today announced two new initiatives that will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals by harnessing the economic potential of offshore wind power generation to combat the climate crisis and create more clean energy jobs. The Commerce Department, along with the Departments of Interior and Energy, are announcing a shared goal to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind in the United States by 2030, while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use. This is significant for the future of electric vehicles as well since how the electricity is generated to recharge them determines how clean they really are.
Continue reading →

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NHTSA Warns Hyundai, Genesis Owners to Park Outside Away from Buildings Because of Computer Module Fires

Posted on 30 March 2021 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issued a Consumer Alert to Hyundai and Genesis owners because of fires caused by a computer control module. Hyundai issued safety recalls (NHTSA IDs: 21V-160 and 21V-161) this month for Model Year 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis, 2017-2020 Genesis G80 and 2019-2021 Genesis G70 vehicles.

The anti-lock brake system modules could malfunction internally and cause an electrical short over time, potentially resulting in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. “Until these recalled vehicles have been repaired, the safest place to park them is outside and away from homes and other structures,” NHTSA said. Continue reading →

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Baseball is Back! Wear a Mask, Get a Shot, Play Patriot Ball

Posted on 30 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on our current coaches – who are starkly warning that Covid Ain’t Over ‘til it’s OverWhile many governors of a certain QOP – aka GOP – persuasion are determined to continue the ruinous and seditious policies of the last losing administration, Opening Day tomorrow once again provides the promise of renewal across our land.

But we will only make the playoffs, if we follow the coaching and read the signs of our current Administration – who are starkly warning that Covid Ain’t Over ‘til it’s Over. So please, please follow the guidelines; ignore heeding dangerous hecklers now on the sidelines, and get a shot or two before the late innings. Bask in the sun of our dawn’s early light and enjoy the athleticism of our fellow immigrants as they take us out to the ball game – safely… Continue reading →

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Voltswagen is New Name for Volkswagen After Dieselgate

Posted on 30 March 2021 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on the older New Look for The Volkswagen Logo

This new, now old logo in the future will be used on Gasoline powered VWs.

Volkswagen Group of America said today it will change its U.S. brand name from Volkswagen of America to Voltswagen of America. The announcement was moved from April because of a web faux pas yesterday that was reported by the Associated Press after USA Today noted the erroneously posted release before it was taken down. The rebranding includes a revised name, brand guidelines and VW.com design. It was supposed to be announced one month from now.

VW claims that “More than a name change, Voltswagen is a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment in e-mobility. By definition, Volts are the derived units for electric potential between two points. The new name and branding symbolize the highly-charged forward momentum Voltswagen has put in motion, pursuing a goal of moving all people point-to-point with EVs.” Continue reading →

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Wheels Falling Off New Nissan Rogues

Posted on 29 March 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Wheels Falling Off of New Nissan Rogues

The all-new Rogue has a claimed “most standard safety technologies in its class.” It is the latest model to have Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard across the entire lineup.

In a NHTSA filing just released, Nissan North America is recalling 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The incorrect wheel nuts may have been installed and may loosen causing wheel vibration. The wheel vibration may break the wheel studs and cause the wheel to separate from the Rogue. The customer can experience excess tire and wheel.

Nissan said that based on production records, this safety defect is unique to a small number of Model Year 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. Continue reading →

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Hummer EV Edition 1 Raises $2.5 Million at Auction for Charity

Posted on 28 March 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hummer EV Edition 1 Raises $2.5 Million for Charity

Zero emissions – if you ignore how the power is produced

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation* will receive $2.5 million from the sale of the first retail production unit of the Hummer EV Edition 1 at an auction on Saturday. Established to honor the memory of Sept. 11 first-responder Stephen Siller, the foundation builds mortgage-free, accessible smart homes for catastrophically-injured veterans and provides free homes for Gold Star families and families of first responders killed on duty. Continue reading →

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US Household Pulse – 32% Face Eviction or Foreclosure

Posted on 26 March 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on the Presendiatla Covid health and economic disasters

GOP demigods kill and were voted out. Click to enlarge.

The latest household pulse survey data from the US Census continues to affirm the bleak economic conditions American face as the corona virus pandemic infects on.

Only 34.2% of adults have received a Covid19 Vaccine. Worse, only 51.4% “definitely” will get vaccinated when available.

Roughly 20% of adults expect someone in their household to experience a loss in employment income in the next 4 weeks, based on responses collected March 3 to March 15. Crueler, 31.5% report eviction or foreclosure in the next two months is “somewhat or very likely.” Continue reading →

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US Should Cautiously Track Solar GeoEngineering Research to Mitigate Climate Change – National Academies of Sciences

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Solar Geoengineering Research

Click to Enlarge.

The US should conduct a research program for Solar GeoEngineering in coordination with other nations, subject to governance, and alongside a strong portfolio of climate mitigation and adaptation policies, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. There currently is no coordinated national effort for solar GeoEngineering research. (UN on Global Warming: Rapid, Far-Reaching Unprecedented Changes in All Aspects of Society Needed; and SEC Starts Task Force on Climate Change Investment Risks)

The report emphasizes that solar geoengineering is not a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar GeoEngineering discusses strategies designed to cool Earth either by adding small reflective particles to the upper atmosphere, by increasing reflective cloud cover in the lower atmosphere, or by thinning high-altitude clouds that can absorb heat. Continue reading →

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Meg Whitman and Mark Tatum Join GM’s Board of Directors

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Meg Whitman, former head of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the National Basketball Association, are joining the Board of Directors of General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) effective today, the company said.

With the election of Whitman, 64, and Tatum, 51, GM has 13 directors. Seven GM directors are now women. The company’s 12 independent directors have leadership and board experience in information technology, digital commerce, retail, higher education, investment management, international affairs, defense, transportation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals, among others, GM said. Continue reading →

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Census Survey – Stimulus Payments Eased Financial Suffering

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stimulus Payments Eased Financial Suffering

Vote Democratic to decrease working people suffering and end welfare for the rich?

By now the unnecessarily severe negative effects are well-documented from the previous Administration’s denials that Covid was a threat to public health and the American economy. Americans are about to receive a third round of stimulus checks through the new American Rescue Plan Act that the Biden Administration pushed past the do-nothing Republican congressional non-representatives of the people – none of them voted for it – in spite of overwhelming public approval polling ranging from 60% to 85% of the items therein.

Data from the US Census Bureau clearly support the need and positive effects of stimulus payments, unlike the failed Republican tax cuts for the rich that did not result in increased investments in the US economy because the off-shore holdings were largely fictional tax dodges not real investments in overseas businesses. There were no large amounts of capital that would return home and be invested in the US economy, although plenty of rich people including foreigners supped at the welfare for the rich GOP table.  Continue reading →

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