Ford Motor Changes Top Exec Roles Again

Posted on 7 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Ford Executive Shuffle

The botched Explorer launch finds a scapegoat?

Ford Motor Company today announced that Jim Farley has been named chief operating officer of Ford, reporting to Jim Hackett, the company’s president and CEO, as Ford continues trudging toward self-proclaimed transformation into a higher-growth, higher-margin business selling smart, connected vehicles and services. Ford said that Joe Hinrichs is retiring as Ford’s President, Automotive after less than one year in the position. (2020 Ford Explorer – OK, Not Good in Crash Ratings, Two New Safety Recalls at Ford Motor – F-Series and Explorer, Driving 2020 Explorer: Big Size and Complexity, Bigger Price, Ford Shakes Up Top Management. Again )

The changes come as Ford is restructuring operations, investing in the product portfolio and reducing bureaucracy. Ford lost $1.7 billion (42 cents a share) during Q4 2019 compared to a loss of $100 million, or 3 cents a share, year-over-year.  This  included a previously disclosed $2.2 billion charge for underfunded pensions. Adjusted for one-time items, Ford said it gained 12 cents a share during the year, compared with 30 cents a share a year ago. Revenue fell 5% to $39.7 billion from $41.8 billion a year ago. Global sales, share, earnings, and profits all decreased, as new product launches such as the Explorer were problematic. (Ford Posts Weak Q4 Earnings Losing $1.7 Billion, Weak Ford 2018 Financial Results Prove Need for Shakeup)
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in financial results, mobility company, people | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Midwest Automotive Media Pick 2020 Kia Telluride and Lincoln Aviator as Family and Luxury Vehicles of the Year

Posted on 6 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Lincoln Aviator - Matthew McConaughey ice-fishing ad

Matthew McConaughey’s ice fishing acting is as cold as the fish or is this the new luxury cool? Award winning ad campaigns don’t mean winning in the sales race, but Lincoln sales increased 8% to 112,000 in 2019. Click to Enlarge.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that the 2020 Kia Telluride has been named the winner of its 10th annual Family Vehicle of the Year award. The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the winner of the second annual Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year award.

To qualify for the award, vehicles had to have four doors, appear at one of MAMA’s two annual rallies, and be new or significantly updated within a year of the 2019 Spring Rally, which took place last May. (AutoInformed.com on MAMA Finalists for Family Vehicle of the Year Awards,Midwest Automotive Media Association Family Vehicles of Year,Pacifica Family Vehicle of Year – Midwest Auto Media Assn)

Voting took place at both the Spring and Fall Rallies, which narrowed down the field of contenders. Mainstream finalists were the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Gladiator, Kia Telluride, Mazda 3, and Subaru Outback. The finalists in the luxury category were the BMW X7, Cadillac XT6, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Nautilus, and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 53 Coupe. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, awards, engineering, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, people, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Carryover 2020 Nissan Frontier Has Next Gen Powertrain

Posted on 6 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on 2020 Nissan Frontier - Chicago Auto Show Debut February 2020

Along with the 49-horsepower improvement compared to the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy is expected to increase. Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier’s improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission.

At a media reception last night, Nissan revealed the 2020 Frontier which has an all-new 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission – both of which are key aspects of the next-generation Frontier.

The 2020 Frontier as the last model year of the current generation, will have best-in-class horsepower, while also providing improved fuel economy and emissions performance.* It will go on sale in spring 2020.

Helping celebrate the transition to the next-generation Frontier was Brian Murphy and his 2007 Frontier, which just last week crossed the 1-million-mile score – proof of the durability and reliability of the Nissan Frontier, especially when the oil is changed, and regular maintenance performed.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing, people | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Oscar Winner Regina King in New Cadillac ‘Make Your Way’ Ad

Posted on 6 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Oscar-winning actress Regina King

Girlz in the Hood…

Oscar-winning actress and director Regina King will help introduce Cadillac’s new “Make Your Way” ad campaign this Sunday during ABC’s presentation of the 92nd Oscars. King will tell the “Make Your Way” story of success achieved through strength and determination in a special spot with the all-new 2021 Cadillac Escalade, which was introduced Feb. 4 in Hollywood. (First Look – 2021 Cadillac Escalade)

“Cadillac has always represented success…there’s a swagger, a sexiness, to the vehicles. There’s also a realness and a sense of ambition that I identify with. Through sheer perseverance, I’ve found my way through doors some never thought possible. There’s a real connection for me with Cadillac, and that is why I wanted to get involved,” said paid pitch-woman King.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chicago Auto Show to Open Its 112th Edition  

Posted on 6 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Chicago Auo Show

Chicago Auto Show South Hall 2019.

Automotive makers, exhibitors and enthusiasts from across the globe are in the Windy City for the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. The nation’s largest and best-attended auto show – it’s claimed – is  held annually at McCormick Place. The public opening is Saturday, Feb. 8 and runs through Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 17. The show is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day of the show when it closes at 8 p.m.

“Chicago Auto Show fans are in for a treat this year as the 2020 show will offer unfettered access to nearly 1,000 vehicles on display, four indoor test track experiences, three outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities, brand-new engaging displays, interactive activities for people of all ages and a robust lineup of special events throughout the entire show,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairman Tony Guido.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in marketing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

2020 Ford GT More Power, Special Edition Trim at $750k

Posted on 6 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on 2020 Ford GT Liquid Carbon

Deliveries of the 2020 Ford GT are ongoing, with production stopping in 2022.

Ford Performance today at the Chicago auto show confirmed tweaks to the GT supercar for 2020 with increased engine power to 660 horsepower and improved cooling. With 13 additional horsepower compared to 2017-19 GT, the 2020 EcoBoost engine has a broader torque band and revised engine calibration. Gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils are borrowed from the limited-edition, track-only GT Mk II, which has more than 700 horsepower at $1.2 million.

Additional engine cooling and airflow updates includes new buttress air ducts designed to increase air flow by 50% while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power for high-temperature sessions at the track. Suspension damping is increased in track mode to increase handling and body control, particularly for those high-speed transient sections of closed-course circuits.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in performance, racing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

General Motors Posts Huge Q4 Strike Losses and a Weak 2019

Posted on 5 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on GM 2019 Global Vehicle Deliveries

Click to Enlarge.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported 2019 full-year earnings that were heavily damaged by a UAW strike in Q3 and Q4. However, sales of GM’s all-new full-size pickups and the company’s ongoing cost-cutting actions ameliorated what would have been a total rout for GM investors.

U.S. market share declined year-over-year because of the UAW strike and discontinuation of some passenger cars. China market share declined y-o-y due to segment shifts, lower demand for outgoing models and the slower rate of adoption of new fuel-efficient technology.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in financial results | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – 2021 Cadillac Escalade

Posted on 5 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Cadillac Escalade 2021 Model

Media look at the 2021 Cadillac Escalade Last Tuesday  in Hollywood, California. The new Escalade has been completely redesigned and is said to have improved driving dynamics and significantly greater passenger and cargo capacities.

Cadillac last night unveiled the all-new 2021 Escalade in Hollywood, an SUV that is longer than Scorsese’s Irishman, and likely far more enjoyable. With (thus far) exclusive technology including a curved Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, the first AKG automotive audio system and Cadillac’s  Super Cruise driver assistance technology. The fifth-generation of Cadillac’s flagship will expand – it’s hoped – on its more than 20 years of enriching GM’s coffers.

Launching in the third quarter this year in North America, the 2021 Escalade built in Texas – as befits its size – has been  redesigned to deliver improved driving dynamics and significantly greater passenger and cargo capacities. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in autonomous vehicles, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Posts Weak Q4 Earnings Losing $1.7 Billion

Posted on 4 February 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Ford Financial Challenges

Can Hackett, well, hack it any longer?

Ford Motor Company lost $1.7 billion (42 cents a share) during Q4 2019 compared to a loss of $100 million, or 3 cents a share, year-over-year.  This  included a previously disclosed $2.2 billion charge for underfunded pensions. Adjusted for one-time items, Ford said it gained 12 cents a share during the year, compared with 30 cents a share a year ago.

Revenue fell 5% to $39.7 billion from $41.8 billion a year ago. Global sales, share, earnings, and profits all decreased. Warranty costs reached $5 billion in 2019, up $1.5 billion in recent years — and fixing vehicle launch problems that have also cost an estimated $1 billion.

AutoInformed.com on Weak Ford 2019 Results

Click to Enlarge.

“Financially, the company’s 2019 performance was short of our original expectations, mostly because our operational execution, which we usually do very well, wasn’t nearly good enough,” said Chief Executive Jim Hackett in an understatement. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in financial results | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Global Light Vehicle Sales Slump. The Party’s Over?

Posted on 31 January 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Global Light Vehicle Sales 2017-2020

Looking like Harry Truman for a one-handed economist?

With 2019 as the second successive annual decline in global Light Vehicle sales, and a lifeless year projected for 2020, our friends at LMC Automotive are pondering whether we have reached peak auto. “Was the 2017 high of 95.2 million units the best we will ever see?”

LMC posits we must look at why the market has dropped 5 million units below the 2017 record. A recent blog entry entitled 2019 Review highlights some of the challenges faced by the auto industry. Chief among them are developments in China, with a protracted hangover from the temporary tax cuts of a few years ago, disruption coming from the launch of State VI-compliant vehicles (which varies region by region), along with a slowing economy.
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

GMC Hummer EV – Its First All-Electric Truck

Posted on 30 January 2020 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed.com on GMC Hummer EVGMC says it will introduce the Hummer EV with “remarkable capability” to the overcrowded electrified vehicle segment  during this weekend’s Super Bowl event with an ad titled “Quiet Revolution.” It’s scheduled to air during the second quarter.

The spot contrasts the, allegedly, staggering anticipated performance of GMC’s first all-electric truck with the quietness inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Mazda Marks its 100th Anniversary

Posted on 30 January 2020 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation celebrated its 100th anniversary today with an employee event at its headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan. Approximately 500 people including executives, employees and representatives of workers’ union and affiliated companies attended the ceremony.

“Mazda originated as a company producing cork and then took the path to manufacturing automobiles. Now, our cars have found friends with many customers from over 130 countries and regions. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the customers, dealers, suppliers, business partners and the local community, who have supported us over the years through good and bad times, to whom we owe our 100 years of existence,” said Akira Marumoto, Representative Director, President and CEO. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in milestones | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rivian to Develop Lincoln’s First All-Electric Vehicle

Posted on 30 January 2020 by Ken Zino

Rivian confirms it will develop an all-new electric vehicle previously announced as part of Ford Motor Company’s original investment in Rivian. (Rivian Gets $500 Million for New Ford Battery Electric Vehicle). Since Ford Motor struggles selling passenger cars, smart money will be on another SUV joining the line. However, no details were released.

What should become Lincoln’s first fully electric vehicle will join the Aviator and Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid vehicles as Lincoln plays catch up in a segment that is dictated by Chinese, EU and California regulations and dominated by the Germans and Tesla. Lincoln claims the so-called zero-emissions vehicle will have connected and “intuitive” technologies designed to (marketing babble alert) “create an effortless experience for Lincoln clients.”
 Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Groupe Renault Changes Execs – outsider Luca de Meo as CEO, Clotilde Delbos Deputy CEO

Posted on 28 January 2020 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Luca de Meo as Chief Executive Officer of Renault -July 2020

Luca de Meo will be Chief Executive Officer of Renault – July 2020.

After a year of chaos starting when then Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn was arrested by Japanese authorities, the Groupe Renault Board of Directors, meeting today under chair Mr. Jean-Dominique Senard appointed a 52-year-old Italian outside Mr. Luca de Meo as Chief Executive Officer of Renault S.A., and Chairman of Renault effective 1 July 2020. (Renault Board Confirms Expenses Improperly Used by Ghosn)

De Meo becomes the second executive to lead Renault (RNLSY) since Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018 and subsequently charged with financial fraud. Ghosn’s successor at Renault, Thierry Bollore, left last fall, in part it seems because he was a Ghosn protégé and after the collapse of a proposed merger with Fiat Chrysler in June that Nissan nixed. (Ghosn Shakeout is Ongoing as Thierry Bolloré, CEO Renault SA, is Fired by the Board of Directors, FCA Balks at French Government In-Laws. Renault Marriage Off, Renault’s Board of Directors Continue FCA Merger Study, Ghosn Shakeout is Ongoing as Thierry Bolloré, CEO Renault SA, is Fired by the Board of Directors)

Mrs. Clotilde Delbos, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Renault S.A. will continue until Mr. Luca de Meo takes office. In addition, the Board of Directors “gave a favorable opinion” on her appointment – bound to be controversial after she successfully held the job –  to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Renault S.A. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

MAMA Finalists for Family Vehicle of the Year Awards

Posted on 22 January 2020 by Ken Zino

The choices don’t get any tougher since they reflect the current automotive state of the art as Midwest Automotive Media Association members drove and debated and debunked family vehicle and luxury family vehicles at Road America in the spring and at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet this fall. AutoInformed was an active and vocal participant.

Voting MAMA members chose as Family Vehicle of the Year finalists: 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 Ford Explorer, 2020 Hyundai Palisade, and 2020 Subaru Outback. The Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award finalists: 2020 Cadillac XT6 and 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The above vehicles joined the list of finalists from the 2019 MAMA Spring Rally, and a final round of voting takes place online: 2020 Cadillac XT6, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Toyota Supra.

Reporter’s  Notebook – Family Vehicle of the Year Finalists:

Ford Explorer – The new 2020 model year Explorer is a 4300-4700 lbs. 6-passenger unibody SUV, with stronger construction, the broadest model lineup ever, more powerful EcoBoost engines and increased towing capacity.

AutoInformed.com on MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year

Most sophisticated and expensive Explorer yet.

Powertrain offerings include a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 at 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque using 93-octane gas, making this the most powerful Explorer ever. It’s also the most expensive, most complex Explorer ever, even though the all-new rear-wheel-drive and AWD platform is shared by the Ford Police Interceptor Utility and the all-new 2020 Lincoln Aviator and upcoming revisions to the Mustang. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in awards, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment