Honda Recalls a Recall on 2002-06 CR-V Models for Fire Hazard

Posted on 26 December 2020 by Ken Zino

What started out as a recall on CR-V power window master switches has resulted in a recall of that recall because the recall fix (NHTSA ID 12V-486) of applying butyl tape to seal the power window master switch (PWMS) from moisture was “insufficient.”

The butyl tape could separate from the master switch  if improperly applied. Moisture can then enter through an open driver’s window and reach the switch on the door. Over time, moisture can cause electrical resistance in the switch, which ultimately can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch made in Japan by Nidec Mobility and potentially damaging an associated wire harness. If a switch melts, it could produce smoke and increase the risk of a fire. Continue reading →

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FAA Grants Santa Claus Special Flight and Launch Permissions

Posted on 24 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Santa and COVID Christmas

Ho, ho, ho…

The Federal Aviation Administration has granted Santa Claus and his reindeer-powered sleigh special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services directly to rooftops throughout the United States on Christmas Eve.

In addition, for the first time ever, the FAA issued Santa a special commercial space license for a crewed mission to the International Space Station using his StarSleigh-1 space capsule powered by the Rudolph Rocket. The mission license includes both launch and reentry operations and will occur from a U.S.-based spaceport.

Santa knows this Christmas is different from other years and agrees with the FAA decision to give priority to flights carrying COVID-19 vaccines and other cargo critical to the nation’s response to the ongoing public health emergency that was made worse by a naughty and decidedly not nice Republa-Grinch group. Follow Santa’s progress as he travels across the U.S. by visiting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) website, where NORAD tracks Santa’s Christmas Eve voyage. Continue reading →

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Telematics – New Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Enable Insurance Company Monitoring of Your Driving Behaviors

Posted on 23 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Explorer was a leader at Ford Motor with its embedded telematics.

During the last 12 months, Ford  has secured agreements with key insurance carriers*,  that can help customers save money on insurance premiums based on driver behavior, with built-in connectivity technology on many Ford and Lincoln vehicles#. Ford Insure and Lincoln Motor Company Insure also offer usage-based policies through FordPass and Lincoln Way apps. Connected vehicle data also enables the usage-based insurance products offered through Ford Credit’s insurance agency subsidiary, American Road Services Company. Telematics data is shared with insurance carriers through Ford’s embedded modem that is now standard on all new vehicles – and enables the carrier to use that information to analyze driving habits and offer potential savings.  The embedded modem eliminates the requisite plug-in devices.

This is part of a sweeping change in the pricing of auto insurance. It also raises yet again  larger privacy issues for the owners of connected vehicles along with intelligent phones , computers and appliances. A vast amount of owner information is now available to companies – from Google and social media apps or computers running on Microsoft Dos or Apple computers and iPhones – for resale or for their own cash flows, sometimes without owner’s consent or any usage fees given back to the creators of the data. In Ford’s case, customers have a choice. (AutoInformed on – Pew Research Center on Americans’ Views About Privacy, Surveillance and Data-Sharing)

Continue reading →

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New LG and Magna Joint Venture in Powertrain Electrification

Posted on 23 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken ZIno of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Bolt EV and Magna and LG Electronics

Chevrolet Bolt EVs and Sonics are assembled at a GM plant in Orion Township, Michigan.

LG Electronics and Magna International said today that they have a proposed joint venture to manufacture e-motors, inverters and on-board chargers and, for un-named automakers, e-drive systems to support the growing global shift toward vehicle electrification. The transaction is expected to close in July of 2021, subject to several conditions including obtaining LG shareholder approval and all necessary regulatory approvals. The question in AutoInformed’s opinion is to how many electrification parts and services will be brought in-house by automakers and how much will go to suppliers?

The new company, tentatively called LG Magna e-Powertrain, is said to combine Magna’s strength in electric powertrain systems and automotive manufacturing with LG’s expertise in component development for e-motors and inverters. The stated goal is to hasten both partners’ growth in the electric powertrain market. The market for e-motors, inverters and electric drive systems is expected to have significant growth between now and 2030, and the JV will target this fast-growing global segment. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls 737,000 Accord, Insight Cars for Bad Software

Posted on 22 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Honda is recalling 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles because a Sumitomo software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other components. Various malfunctions of windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, audible warning of a stopped vehicle, and power window operation can occur.

These Hondas fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 103, “Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems” and number 111, “Rear Visibility” as well as FMVSS numbers 104, 108, 114, 118, and 305. Continue reading →

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November EU Commercial Vehicle Sales Flat. YTD -20%

Posted on 22 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EU Commercial Vehicle Sales Demand for commercial vehicles in the EU was flat in November with new registrations up 0.1% to 167,315 units. Sales of vans and buses slowed down last month, while the heavy truck segment posted +6% to the tally.

The four biggest markets posted mixed performances in November, with registrations contracting in Spain (-7.0%) and France (-3.1%), while the Italian (+11.7%) and German (+4.3%) markets expanded.

Year-to-date reflects the ongoing Covid catastrophe. Sales at 1.5 million units  were down -20.3% 11 months into 2020. All EU27 markets – including the four major ones – have recorded double-digit declines so far in 2020, although less steep than in the preceding months: Spain (-28.4%), France (-18.4%), Germany (-16.3%) and Italy (-15.6%). Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Announces Safety Defect Recalls on 2020-21 Ford Explorers, E-Series, and Lincoln Aviators

Posted on 21 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company issued three safety recalls in North America this morning. Recalled are 2021 Ford E-Series vehicles with the 7.3-liter engine, as well as 2020-21 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs. Continue reading →

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2021 Nissan LEAF Starts at $32,545

Posted on 21 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 2021 Nissan US LeafThe all-electric 2021 Nissan LEAF is on sale now starting at $3254 with the small battery pack with a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 110-kW electric motor that delivers 147 horsepower, 236 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 149 miles of range in idea conditions. It’s available in two trim levels, S and SV. With more than 500,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles sold worldwide, but the advanced technology remains expensive for a small 5-passenger car. (Read AutoInformed.com on Milestones – 10th Anniversary of First US LEAF Delivery, Milestones: Nissan Production of 500,000 Leaf EVs, Nissan LEAF at 400,000 Sales as IMQ Crossover EV Due in 2022, Nissan Leaf Debuts in U.S. at $32,780)

The “extended range” LEAF PLUS has a standard 62-kWh lithium-ion battery and 160 kW electric motor, delivering an EPA range of up to 226 miles. Every 2021 LEAF has standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. PLUS also has a more powerful 160 kW motor that produces 214 horsepower – an increase of 45% – and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. LEAF PLUS has three trim levels – S PLUS, SV PLUS and SL PLUS starting at, gulp, $39,145 and going to $44,845. Continue reading →

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Fisker Ocean to Be Made by Magna in Europe

Posted on 18 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Fisker Ocean SUV EV

Claimed starting price below $40,000?

Fisker (NYSE: FSR) says it has entered a definitive “operational phase” platform-sharing and initial manufacturing agreement with Magna International, finalizing the agreement announced on 15 Oct. 2020. The Fisker Ocean will initially be manufactured exclusively by Magna in Europe, where it currently produces several vehicles for other brands.

Fisker claimed that interest in the Ocean continues “to build at an encouraging pace, with global paid reservations now standing at more than 10,400. Fisker plans to unveil a production-intent prototype of the Ocean in the summer of 2021. Production of the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV is projected to commence in Q4 2022. Continue reading →

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COVID Changes – Digital Auto Lending Infected

Posted on 17 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on auto lending satisfaction

Click to Enlarge.

COVID-19 pandemic has simultaneously strained day-to-day operations and pushed more transactions than ever to digital, according to the J.D. Power, which released the 2020 U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study.

“The pandemic has severely disrupted dealer-lender communication, with many dealers reporting that lenders were delayed or not available when they needed them, or not able to assist in a timely manner,” said Patrick Roosenberg, director of automotive finance intelligence at J.D. Power. This of course begs the question of there’s another solution – such as borrowers dealing directly digitally with lenders, which will eliminate a lucrative profit center at dealerships. Continue reading →

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Artificial Intelligence Will Bring Scooter Riding to Bike Lanes?

Posted on 17 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Spin and Artificial Intelligence

Doesn’t look like a typical New York sidewalk.

Spin today announced an exclusive partnership with Drover AI to incorporate their PathPilot technology into the next generation of the Spin Insight e-scooter monitoring platform to cities in the United States, across the United Kingdom and other regions around the world in 2021.

“With nearly all municipalities prohibiting scooter use on sidewalks, Spin Insight data— in combination with Spin’s in-app mapping technology that enables riders to find routes that maximize bike lane use— can be used as a key tool by cities to help enforce local regulations and promote safe riding behaviors in dense, urban environments like New York City,” said Derrick Ko, Chief Executive Officer at Spin.

The micro-mobility part of Ford Motor Company claims Spin Insight Level 2 with Drover AI’s computer vision and machine learning platform, equips Spin’s vehicles with a camera, an array of sensors, and on-board computing power. Spin claims Drover’s technology is highly adaptive and easily scaled to new environments, allowing an e-scooter to” understand its surroundings in real time and assist riders in making safe riding decisions.” Not a word was mentioned of potential privacy or legal issues or who owns the customer data produced and how it will be used. Future capabilities planned include detecting wrong-way riding, adjusting vehicle speed based on riding conditions, and collision warnings. Continue reading →

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Hendrick Motorsports Making Chrome-Moly Steel Roll Bars for New GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle

Posted on 17 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle

GM Defense will manufacture 649 ISVs and will support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years. This is the first major award and delivery for GM Defense since it was reestablished in 2017.

GM Defense today announced that it has started renovations a GM building in in Concord, North Carolina to make the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), an all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-soldier squad. The facility, located in Concord, North Carolina, will produce ISVs for the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million contract awarded to GM Defense in June 2020. (see AutoInformed – GM Defense Delivers First Infantry Squad Vehicle to US Army)

A key supplier is North Carolina-based Hendrick Motorsports, which brings its extensive experience developing race cars in NASCAR’s high-load, high-risk, highly political environments. Hendrick is responsible for providing the chrome-moly steel exoskeleton of the vehicle frame, including the ISV rollover protection system. Continue reading →

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COVID Changes – Porsche Starts Online Car Sales in Europe

Posted on 16 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on PorscheAfter a successful start in Germany in October 2019, the Porsche online sales channel has been launched in eight more European countries. Customers in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, France as well as in Poland, Slovenia and Estonia can buy new and used vehicles from dealers in the respective market via the digital sales channel. UK will follow soon. The stated aim is to create a marketplace for all Porsche products and services.

The dealers in the nine countries offer most of their new and used cars on the platform. These include standard variants of the Porsche models as well as rare derivatives. There are also plans to further expand the platform, claims Porsche, who is dependent on dealers for distribution unlike Tesla. (AutoInformed – Porsche – First Virtual Annual Meeting Declares Risky €676 Million in Dividends. No Earnings Forecast Yet, Porsche Q3 in Black at €437 Million Because of VW, Online Car Buying Trends)

Continue reading →

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Lyft and Motional to Deploy Fully Self-Driving Vehicles in 2023

Posted on 16 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Lyft and Motional Self Driving progress

We will see…

Lyft with Motional said today they will launch their fully driverless vehicles on the Lyft network in 2023 in multiple US cities. This is the first promised deployment partnership between a rideshare company and a driverless technology provider for transportation. Motional will develop and manage the fleet of driverless cars with an” integrated driverless system with no one behind the wheel, while Lyft will provide the “rideshare network and rider experience.”

Lyft with abundant self-interest and General Motors backing claims a rideshare network is “vastly important to making AVs become a reality.” This thesis in search of proof will balance AVs operating on Lyft’s network with human drivers and other options including bikes, scooters, and transit.  Lyft claims it can ensure riders always have reliable transportation options regardless of where they need to travel. Lyft also claims that riders want a ride to arrive within minutes of requesting one and it’ll take years for AVs to reach the scale and technological sophistication needed to meet this service level for all ride scenarios. Rideshare networks might be where riders experience self-driving technology for the first time. Continue reading →

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First Look at a Technological Tour de Force – Toyota Gen 2 Mirai Fuel-Cell Electric Sedan, $9000 Cheaper vs Gen 1

Posted on 16 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 2021 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell EV

The resulting air released from the FC system is cleaner than the intake air.

With a switch to the Lexus LS400 platform, a price cut of -$9000 less with a MSRP of $49,500, and up to $15,000 of Hydrogen Fuel included with a Mirai purchase or lease, the technology tour de force sedan is poised to be a dream for US buyers and a nightmare for German and Korean automakers.

In short, the streak continues. The 2016-2020 Mirai was the first production fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) offered for sale to retail customers in North America. Now, for 2021 Toyota has re-positioned the Mirai as a premium rear-wheel drive luxury FCEV with space age technology, with claims (unverified here) of a more engaging driving performance and a significantly longer EPA-estimated range rating of 402 miles. AutoInformed opines – a technological tour de force – NASA levels of man-on-the-moon magic at a down to earth price. Think of it a cordless EV. Continue reading →

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