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.
 Continue reading →

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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.
 Continue reading →

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J.D. Power Completes ALG Acquisition

Posted on 30 November 2020 by Ken Zino

Our colleagues at J.D. Power write today after its purchase of ALG from TrueCar that it will increase its “vision” of automotive residual value forecasting. This is important to Power, automakers and dealers as the industry prepares to launch many new electric vehicles. Along with this comes increased vehicle automation and other emerging technologies – all with uncertain levels of consumer acceptance, as well as variables caused by increasing government regulations and incentives along with resulting market dynamics.

The money involved right now is breathtaking. Determining an accurate residual value –  the value of a vehicle at the end of a lease term is the underpinning of auto leasing because it allows dealers and manufacturers to set the most competitive lease terms today, while protecting their profits tomorrow. About one-third of new vehicles sold each year are leased, typically for a three-year term. At any point in time, the value of vehicles in outstanding lease portfolios is estimated at $500 billion by Power.
 Continue reading →

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Mazda to Buy Out Sumitomo from MMVO, a JV Plant in Mexico

Posted on 30 November 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation trade war risks

Too soon to declare victory for anybody here. The only clear loser is Trump.

Mazda Motor Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation agreed today to let Mazda buy all the shares Sumitomo currently owns – 25% down from 30% initially – in Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation* (MMVO). After the transfer, MMVO will be a production base owned 100% by Mazda by the end of the fiscal year ending in March 2021. Since 2011 MMVO has become one of Mazda’s major production facilities with its cumulative production volume reaching as many as 1 million 4-cylinders engine and MX2, MX3, CX30 vehicles.

Given the ongoing effects of soon-to-be ex-president Trump’s losing trade wars with Canada, Mexico, China and Japan, among other nations, and the uncertainty around provisions of a new trade agreement now called USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), Mazda remains at risk on multiple fronts. The new Agreement went into effect, with no apparent enforcement, starting on July 1, 2020. However, the U.S. Congress has still not ratified it. What happens post inauguration of President Biden is unclear.
Continue reading →

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NHTSA Imposes Engine Recalls, Penalties at Hyundai, Kia

Posted on 29 November 2020 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has imposed “consent orders” with Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America related to engine stalling recalls for vehicles equipped with Theta II direct-injection gasoline engines. The combined penalties amount to $210 million for defects that caused stalling.*

These consent orders do not affect separate, ongoing investigations by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation regarding allegations of non-crash fires in certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles, some of which are equipped with Theta II engines.
 Continue reading →

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Toyota and Hino Heavy-Duty Fuel-Cell Electric Truck Verification Tests Start in the Spring of 2022

Posted on 25 November 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Toyota Hino Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck

The hydrogen society draws closer each year.

Toyota says that tests to verify the feasibility of using fuel-cell electric trucks to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics will begin in the Spring of 2022. The Japanese automaker appears to have a lead on using fuel-cells in heavy trucks to address the harmful effects of global warming. Toyota and Hino are jointly developing heavy-duty FCETs, and Asahi Group, NLJ, Seino Transportation, Yamato Transport, and Toyota will perform the road trials in their logistics operations.

The goal is to accelerate the early commercial application of heavy-duty FCETs contributing to the development of a sustainable society. The air quality goals may be achieved, at least in part, by reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty trucks, which account for approximately 70% of all CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles in Japan.
 Continue reading →

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CARB Alters and Adds Stationary Source Emissions Measurements to Improve Local Air Pollution and Health

Posted on 25 November 2020 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CARB Reporting of Criteria Air Pollutants and Toxic Air Contaminants

Emissions inventory data is critical to understanding the sources of emissions that may contribute to adverse health risks.

The California Air Resources Board has approved “significant changes to the requirements for reporting emissions from stationary sources to help communities assess air pollution at a local level.” It’s the latest step in CARB’s long-standing commitment to further reduce emissions of pollutants that cause smog as well as toxic air pollutants in communities.* The additional data collected is also required to support multiple state and federal programs, including regional air quality planning, toxics risk reduction and strategies to reduce criteria pollutants.

Once fully implemented, the amendments aim to create a unified reporting mechanism resulting in the most comprehensive emissions inventory programs in the nation. They also established expanded and consistent reporting applicability criteria that determines which facilities need to report their emissions data, CARB said.
 Continue reading →

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