Barrett-Jackson Flagship Scottsdale Auction Adrift to ???

Posted on 11 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Barrett-Jackson Postponing Flagship March Auction

Scheduled on the auction block when it was postponed was one of the last ten 1965 Shelby GT350s made.

Barrett-Jackson today announced it’s rescheduling a January 2021 Scottsdale Auction to the week of 22 March 2021.  Exact dates are not set due to the ongoing Covid Crisis that the outgoing Trump Administration and millions of Americans refuse to take seriously. More than 3,000 Americans are now dying from Covid-19 every day.

“We were widely praised for the safety protocols we put in place for our recent Fall Auction, and we want to be able to provide customers and fans the same safe environment and great Barrett-Jackson experience during our Scottsdale Auction this spring,” claimed Craig Jackson chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson.

Barrett-Jackson did not respond to multiple requests about data supporting claims of safety. It is unknown if any pre-testing, monitoring, post auction testing or – if needed contact tracing – were done on the workers or attendees involved in the October auction.
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CARB Regulation Limits Chemical Refrigerants to Lower Levels

Posted on 10 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on new CARB Regulations curbing refrigerant use

The rules will contribute to reversing the growth trend in HFC emissions.

Today the California Air Resources Board, aka CARB, approved rules to curb the impact of powerful artificial refrigerants that pose a growing danger globally to efforts to contain the worst impacts of climate change. The first-in-the-nation program is designed to reduce climate “super pollutants.”

The refrigerants, known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, are super pollutants because they trap heat in the atmosphere thousands of times more effectively than carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas. These rules can serve as a national model for super pollutant reduction and come at a time when the newly elected Biden Administration is promising to do something about Global Warming after years of Republican resistance or malfeasance. Before 2018, California was the only state that regulated HFCs. Sixteen other states have now passed legislation, based on California’s rules, or are in the process of doing so. Continue reading →

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Cadillac to Have Manual Transmission V-Series Blackwings?

Posted on 10 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cadillac 2022 V-Series Blackwing with a manual transmission

Cadillac says a manual transmission connects you with a performance car. The younger generation seems more connected with their I-phones…

Cadillac’s introduction of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will revive something called the manual transmission. Both will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offer an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The CT4-V Blackwing appears to be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual. This six-speed manual transmission is claimed to be quieter and more durable than the previous generation.

Whether there is any market for what used to favored among older driving enthusiasts remains to be seen when the limited-edition cars go on sale during the summer of 2021. Cadillac says that two-thirds of American adults know how to drive a stick shift, and more are interested in learning. This comes from a GM commissioned Harris Poll study conducted on behalf of Cadillac about the current knowledge and adoption of the manual transmission. Continue reading →

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Toyota Gen 2 Prototype Fuel-Cell Trucks to Start Drayage Runs at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach. Carbon Free Hauling

Posted on 10 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on ota Kenworth Class 8 Heavy-Duty Fuel-Cell Prototyp

The second generation Toyota fuel cell system delivers a claim of more than 300 miles of range at a full load weight of 80,000 lbs.

Toyota said today that its next generation fuel cell electric technology is now powering a new set of Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. Using the same fuel cell system as the all-new 2021 Mirai sedan that goes on sale this month, Toyota Motor North America Research and Development engineers have developed a set of production-intent prototype trucks that are being prepared to run drayage routes at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach to validate their performance, efficiency and drivability. (AutoInformed – California AG, CARB File Motion To Shield LA Area Communities From Port of Los Angeles China Shipping Terminal Air Pollution)

Toyota claims they are designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of a wide variety of OEM truck makers. The new fuel cell electric system in the latest prototypes has been adapted to a Kenworth T680 chassis. A more compact hydrogen storage cabinet behind the cab houses six hydrogen tanks with the same capacity as previous prototypes while a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery helps smooth out the power flow to the electric motors. In this configuration, the second-generation fuel cell system delivers more than a claimed 300 miles of range at a full load weight of 80,000 lbs. Toyota also claims they will demonstrate exceptional drivability, quiet operation, and zero harmful emissions. Continue reading →

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A £70,000 Drink? Warns RoadSmart Charity

Posted on 9 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Drink Drive in UK

None for the road, mate…

The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart*, today warned motorists of the severe financial penalty they could face as the consequence of a drinking and driving conviction.

The charity has calculated that the personal financial cost of drink driving could be as high as £70,000 ($93,715) or more when considering fines, legal fees, higher car insurance premiums, alternative transport costs and potential loss of earnings following conviction. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Vans eSprinter on New Versatility Platform

Posted on 9 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz Vans eSprinter

The US is lagging badly in the global conversion to carbon free transportation.

Mercedes-Benz Vans said today that electrification will make all European model ranges available with a battery-electric drivetrain. The usual attributes were cited: reliability, quality and optimized total cost of ownership. Mercedes-Benz Vans developed a new “Electric Versatility Platform” for the large van segment. This e-drive platform will form the technical basis for the next eSprinter.

As government regulations and customer preferences prompt the ecological and economic advantages of battery-electric vans, MB will not be alone in this endeavor. The Ford Transit – to name just one competing offering – is also well along the way toward electrification. Moreover Toyota and Hino appear to be leading in the use of hydrogen fuel in electric commercial trucks.  All makers will eventually push forward plans to bring electrically powered vans to market in all segments. (Europe’s F-Series – All-Electric Ford E-Transit Revealed, Ford to Offer All-Electric US Transit in 2022, California Air Resources Board Has Airport Shuttles Transitioning to Zero-Emission Technology by 2035, Toyota and Hino Heavy-Duty Fuel-Cell Electric Truck Verification Tests Start in the Spring of 2022, Japan Inc: Toyota and Hino to Pioneer Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks with Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson) Continue reading →

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2021 Daytona Thrice as COVID keeps NASCAR Racing in Place

Posted on 8 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on eNASCAR iRacing Simulation

E-Racing simulation of Daytona by NASCAR earlier this year. It sure looks like racing – except for the smells, tire screeching and the roar of the crowd.

NASCAR said today that due to challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need for significant advance planning, NASCAR will drop two race weekends immediately following the 63rd running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday 14 February. All three NASCAR national series will now remain in Daytona to run twice more on Feb. 19-21 before the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series to Homestead-Miami Speedway on Feb. 27-28.

The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the Daytona road course replace events originally scheduled to take place at Auto Club Speedway on Feb. 27-28; The Camping World Truck Series race is moved from venue originally scheduled to take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday 19 Feb. Continue reading →

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Japan Inc: Toyota and Hino to Pioneer Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks with Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson

Posted on 8 December 2020 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation and Hino Motors together with Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, and Lawson have agreed to jointly consider introducing light-duty fuel-cell electric trucks (light-duty FCETs). The goal is to establish an environment for widespread use in the future, targeting a sustainable society that respects global warming and energy diversification.

Growth in the demand for hydrogen will increase with fuel-cell commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, that use more hydrogen compared with passenger vehicles. With commercial vehicles, depending upon use, it is possible to know the driving range and to plan operations systematically, including handling of refueling with hydrogen. The five companies are also making efforts to promote the establishment of an environment for the popularization of fuel-cell vehicles, not only of light-duty trucks, but also of commercial and passenger vehicles. Continue reading →

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Japan Hydrogen Association Bolstered by Toyota Membership

Posted on 7 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel-Cell and Japan Hydrogen Association

Maybe we should have a Hydrogen Infrastructure week under the Biden Administration. Global warming deniers need not apply.

Toyota has joined the Japan Hydrogen Association* (JH2A), a new trade group of nine private companies that promotes global collaboration and the formation of a hydrogen supply chain in the field. JH2A says that it will work with various stakeholders to ensure that Japan continues to lead the world in the use of hydrogen, which is expected to play a central role in combating global warming. Continue reading →

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Bosch All In on Fuel Cell Power Stations. Production in 2024

Posted on 7 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Production of Ceres solid oxide fuel cells at the Bosch site in Bamberg

Bosch and Ceres are betting fuel-cell technology has a vital role to in future power supply.

Bosch says it will try and start full-scale production of distributed power stations based on solid oxide fuel-cell technology in 2024. The aim is an annual production capacity of 200 megawatts – enough to supply ~400,000 people with electricity in their homes. Bosch plans to invest hundreds of millions of euros in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). SOFC systems can in theory ensure sustainable power supplies – with zero emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulates, and CO2. With an overall efficiency of more than 85% claimed, the solid oxide fuel cell is arguably superior to any other energy converter.

As a precursor, Bosch is now increasing its alliance with Ceres Power. Following what Bosch says is a successful prototype construction phase, the two companies will continue to explore the commercialization process for stationary fuel cells. Bosch holds a technology license from Ceres Power and has been manufacturing fuel cells and stacks in-house since 2019. Pilot plants based on solid oxide fuel cells are already being successfully tested at various Bosch locations. (AutoInformed – Bosch Buys Small Piece of Fuel-Cell Specialist Ceres Power) Continue reading →

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Trump’s Losing Trade Wars – Auto and Other Deficits Grow

Posted on 6 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump's Losing Trade Wars

Click to enlarge.

The US international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $63.1 billion in October from $62.1 billion in September as imports increased more than exports.*

Despite magical thinking from the Trump Administration, the October imports of automotive vehicles, parts, and engines ($32.2 billion) were the highest since July 2019 ($32.4 billion). Worse, October imports from Mexico ($33.1 billion) were the highest on record. US vehicles sold in China are now at a distinct price disadvantage to European and Asian imports because of retaliatory tariffs. In fact, U.S. trade in goods with China year-to-date is a whopping -$25,289,400,000. Continue reading →

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English Covid Crisis Reigns. November Auto Sales Drop 27.4%

Posted on 4 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on November 2020 UK Car Market Collapse

The negative local effects of a Global crisis: The auto industry is a key part of the UK economy at £78.9 billion in annual sales. Click to Enlarge.

The UK new car market saw a decline last month again as registrations in November fell -27.4% year-on-year, or 42,840 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This means a – gasp-  -£1.3 billion revenue drop in November as 42,840 fewer new cars than November of 2019 joined British roads at an average price of £30,000. The market is now down -30.7% year to date or 663,761 units.

During November when showrooms across England had to close due to new lockdown restrictions, the industry recorded 113,781 new registrations, taking trade back to levels last seen during the 2008 Great Recession. Continue reading →

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A Grim Covid Reaper Lurks as November US Auto Sales Drop

Posted on 4 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInfomred.com on US Light Vehicle Sales during Nov 2020

Click to Enlarge.

New light-vehicle sales fell to 1.19 million light vehicles in November – a likely dark foreshadowing of things to come as the Covid virus runs rampant in the US in a surge of the waning days of the Trump Administration, which ignored the crisis with the result it lost a reelection. One American is now dying every 34 seconds, unemployment is rising so much that 12 million Americans could lose their jobless benefits by year’s end, and an earlier Covid federal relief package expires at the end of December meaning extended unemployment benefits and help for small businesses will evaporate as millions will face evictions. This is not a recipe for improved consumer confidence.

The November 2020 SAAR of 15.6 million units is a decline of -8.4% from November 2019 and -4.5% from October 2020. This was before the Thanksgiving Holiday travel rush that saw Americans ignore or defy the CDC’s recommendation to stay at home. The increasing COVID-19 infections will assuredly continue to set records for the near future.
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GM Signs MoU with Nikola to Supply Hydrotec Fuel Cells

Posted on 3 December 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on General Motors Gen 2 Hydrotec Fuel Cell System

Nikola and GM are attempting a partnership that begins with the Badger and promises “cost reductions” at all of Nikola’s programs, including the Badger, Tre, One, Two and NZT. As part of the deal Nikola will use GMs’ Ultium battery system and Hydrotec fuel cells. It’s a slow step toward commercialization of fuel cells for GM after decades of casual dabbling.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Nikola Corporation for a global supply agreement to provide its Hydrotec fuel cell system for Nikola’s Class 7/8 semi-trucks. (The MoU replaces a transaction announced 8 Sept. 2020. Nikola and General Motors Partner! Nikola Badger Truck to be Engineered and Manufactured by GM)

Despite decades of fuel cell research, GM appears to be far behind Toyota in the market use of fuel cell commercial vehicles – increasingly looking like a mandatory segment for survivors of the commercial truck wars.  (Toyota to Use Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Zero Emission Trucking, Toyota, 7-Eleven Japan to Study Fuel Cell Trucks, Toyota and Hino to Develop Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck, JR East, Hitachi, Toyota to Develop Fuel Cell Railway Vehicles) Continue reading →

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Whither US Vehicle Sales in 2021? Is 14 Million a Stretch?

Posted on 2 December 2020 by Ken Zino

On the eve of US sales reports for November 2020 after a miserable 2020 made worse by ex-president Trump’s denial of the grim reaper reality of Covid-19, the question is where does the industry and where do jobs and the economy go from here? The quest for an answer is compounded by dismal Q3 sales results* that were not influenced by the current “at least one U.S. death a minute” that is now repeating daily with prospects it will get worse indefinitely. (Latest data one death every 40 seconds – editor)

Most automakers while talking positively where they can, actually have enough loopholes in their predictions to easily comply with SEC requirements on so-called forward looking statements. Nonetheless they are tacitly acknowledging that their futures are not in their own hands and subject to unpredictable forces. We will call 15 million units – give or take the output of a few factories – the new normal. This will be devastating for he already ailing economy.
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