Toyota Research Institute Launches AI Study of Human Behavior

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Ken Zino

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI)  in Los Altos is expanding research with the launch of Machine Assisted Cognition (MAC), a new initiative to develop and demonstrate artificial intelligence tools that can understand and predict human behavior in the context of decision making.

Translation: A computer can take control of a vehicle if the driver is doing something dumb. This is an extension of  so-called driver assist systems (intelligent cruise control, pre-crash braking and belt tightening, automatic emergency dialing, lane wandering alerts and such that are already in widespread use in luxury vehicles) and a necessary step on the bumpy road to autonomous vehicles. There also are much broader applications in human enterprises to help people think. Continue reading →

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Ford Safety Recalls for Engine Stalling, Doors Opening

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls for North America and one for Canada only. On 2014-15 Ford Fiesta, 2014-16 Ford Fusion and 2014-16 Lincoln MKZ vehicles the door-latch pawl spring-tab cracks and fails in areas with high ambient temperatures.

A door latch with a fractured pawl spring tab results in a “door will not close” safety defect. If the customer is able to latch the door after repeated attempts, the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
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Mazda Stops Asian, Japanese and Mexican Production

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino

Mazda Corporate has announced plans (24 March) to suspend production for 13 days and operate daytime-only shifts for eight days at the Hiroshima Plant and Hofu Plant from March 28 to April 30. Mazda intends to transfer part of the production originally scheduled for this period to the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2021 or later as it monitors how the situation develops.
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Aston Martin Stops All Manufacturing Operations in UK

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino

Aston Martin is today (24 March) confirming the temporary suspension of all manufacturing operations at its UK plants in line with the latest UK Government instructions on the fight against COVID-19. The suspension will come into force at all sites simultaneously tonight.
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General Motors Draws Down Credit Lines in COVID-19 Fight

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM)said today that it intends to drawdown approximately $16.0 billion from its revolving credit facilities. GM is also suspending its 2020 guidance due to uncertainty around the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This increases GM’s cash position and preserves financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will supplement the company’s cash position of approximately $15 billion to $16 billion expected at the end of March. Continue reading →

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Ford to Delay N.A. Plants Resuming Production

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino

In a statement just issued Ford Motor says, “In light of various governments’ orders to stay and work from home, Ford is not planning to restart our plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico on Monday, March 30 as originally hoped.
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Ford Motor to Help 3M and GE Healthcare Expand Respirator and Ventilator Production

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Ford COVID-19 Medical Equipment Production

The arsenal of Democracy re-enlists…

3M and GE Healthcare are working with Ford Motor to expand production of respirators for healthcare workers, and ventilators for coronavirus patients. (see GM to Provide Logistical Support for Ventilator Production) Ford, in cooperation with the UAW, will assemble more than 100,000 plastic face shields per week at an idled Ford manufacturing site to help medical professionals, factory workers and store clerks. Ford also will also use its in-house 3D printing capacity to produce components for use in personal protective equipment.
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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500-3500 Hoods Fly Open

Posted on 24 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Boycott of GM products in Canada

A simple heat treating mistake.

General Motors is recalling 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly by Motor City Stamping in Chesterfield MI. This can cause them to fracture allowing the hood to fly open. GM says it is not aware of any field claims alleging that a striker wire fractured. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Hino to Develop Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck

Posted on 23 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Toyota Hino Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck

A hydrogen society is closer each year.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Hino Motors, Ltd. have agreed to jointly develop a heavy-duty 25-ton fuel cell truck, and to proceed with initiatives toward its practical use through verification tests. Cruising range will be set at approximately 600 km.

Toyota and Hino are “determined to take proactive action toward resolving global environmental issues as one of the most important corporate tasks.” The two companies have declared large-scale goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050 and are developing electric vehicle technologies for widespread use in society.  Continue reading →

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Ford Stops Production in India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam

Posted on 23 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on COVID-19

Ford exports to growth markets from its manufacturing plant in Chennai.

Ford Motor Company is suspending vehicle and engine production at its International Markets Group (IMG) manufacturing sites in response to the growing impact of the coronavirus. It did not say if workers will be paid in these low-wage areas.

The IMG production suspensions began Saturday, March 21, and will continue for several weeks depending on the pandemic situation, national restrictions, supplier constraints and dealer stock requirements.
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Cooper Tire Stops Manufacturing in the Americas

Posted on 22 March 2020 by AutoCrat

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:CTB) announced on Friday 21 March that it will shut down its tire manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico to protect the health and safety of employees and respond to market demand that has been declining by the coronavirus pandemic as the U.S. heads into a recession.

The process of phasing down production at the plants will begin today and proceed on a rolling schedule over the coming week, with facilities expected to be closed for two to three weeks. Cooper will continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust timelines as necessary.
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GM to Provide Logistical Support for Ventilator Production

Posted on 21 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Ventec Life Systems VOCSN Machine

Americans versus American’ts.

GM and Ventec Life Systems, in cooperation with StopTheSpread.org*, are collaborating to help Ventec increase production of its respiratory care products to help against the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Ventec will use GM’s logistics, purchasing and manufacturing expertise to build more of its critically important ventilators.

“With GM’s help, Ventec will increase ventilator production,” says Chris Kiple, Ventec Life Systems CEO.  “By tapping their expertise, GM is enabling us to get more ventilators to more hospitals much faster. This partnership will help save lives.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid

Posted on 21 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Hyundai 2021 Elantra

Click to Enlarge.

Hyundai officially launched its all-new 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood last week just before the mandated California shelter in place lock-down in an event  broadcast around the world. About half the Elantras sold in the U.S. are built in a COVID-19 hot spot – South Korea.

The 2021 Elantra has hybrid electric vehicle technology, and segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea as the Avante, and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter.
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VW Touts Vehicles by Your Zodiac Sign?

Posted on 20 March 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInfomred.com on VW Zodiac Marketing Campaign

We’ve seen worse marketing…

A car is not just a means of transportation, observes Volkswagen, it also offers clues to your personality, lifestyle and character traits. “To explore these cosmic connections from a different angle,” VW has a guide that purports to pair the attributes associated with your zodiac sign to current and classic Volkswagen models. The whimsical marketing campaign follows:  Continue reading →

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Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Delayed to October 2020

Posted on 20 March 2020 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed.com on Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’EsteBMW says that “in light of current events and growing measures to contain the coronavirus, not to mention our duty of care towards our guests and staff, it is with a heavy heart that the Organization Team of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este has decided not to proceed with this year’s edition on the planned dates of 22 through 24 May). Instead, we plan to hold the Concorso from October 16th to 18th, 2020.”
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