GM Finally Recalls 3,456,111 SUVS, Pickups for Bad Brakes

Posted on 12 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on GM's reluctant bad brake recall.

If the vacuum level drops, customers may experience increased brake pedal effort, hard brake pedal, and/or potentially increased stopping distance. The Driver’s Information Centre “Service brake assist” alert will activate 2-5 minutes after the vacuum level drops, and a Diagnostic Trouble Code will also be set. The safety defect is more prevalent at low speed when softly applying the brakes. At all times, the brakes remain functional and exceed the requirements of S7.11 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems, GM claimed.

General Motors LLC is recalling 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle –  increasing the risk crashes on these large and heavy vehicles. GM did not disclose the source of the U.S.-made pump. Continue reading →

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Electric Vehicle Charging Emissions – Good and Better?

Posted on 12 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on WattTime Automated Emissions Reduction Software

Click to Enlarge. See text for electric power utilities studied in chart.

It’s a simple problem with potentially complex answers and political sub-problems. If EVs are the future of automobility because they pollute less than internal combustion cars, how much do they pollute when recharging? A new report from WattTime* explores the question and offers Automated Emissions Reduction software as a solution. It is in AutoInformed’s view a closely reasoned – albeit self-interested – argument that is devoid of the usual hype, omissions and prevarications of many EV producers and actors.

The number of electric vehicles (EVS) on U.S. roadways allegedly will grow from 1 million in 2018 to nearly 19 million in 2030. In tandem, electric vehicle charging points are also expected to increase, including nearly 10 million level 2 charging stations distributed across homes, offices, and public locations. Continue reading →

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alice + olivia: The Rag Trade Meets a VW Rag Top

Posted on 11 September 2019 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed.com on alice + olivia VW Beetle

Translating the fashion babble into an English-like language: The brand’s collection includes bold, striped jumpsuits, high-waisted trousers, cheeky, graphic t-shirts and silky nude evening gowns.

Fashion week in New Yawk City this year sees the Spring Collection of alice + olivia festooning a final edition model of the Volkswagen Beetle. Designer Stacey Bendet’s Spring 2020 fashion staging eschews a catwalk for nine “vignettes” described by Volkswagen as “social-media-ready sets ranging from frothy pink flowered swings to a backdrop of neon orange teddy bears.”

It’s a latter-day version of Janice Joplin’s bathtub Porsche without the superstar musical talent owner or the 1960s backdrop. This century, Volkswagen joined Bendet by displaying its Beetle Final Edition, wrapped in alice + olivia’s quirky hero print for Spring 2020. Guests were able to participate in the set “experience” and take pictures inside and around a whimsical VW Beetle – sort of a Jetta platform on hallucinogens.
 Continue reading →

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Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa Forced Out Over Ghosn Matter

Posted on 10 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Renault FCA Merger

This is starting to sound like Judy Garland singing the Company that Got Away from the law:  “The road gets tougher…

The Board of Nissan Motor Co. has “asked” Hiroto Saikawa to resign as representative executive officer and CEO of the company, effective September 16. The same day, Nissan’s representative executive officer and COO, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, will become acting CEO. Group Renault thus far has been silent on significant changes at its alliance partner.

AutoInformed.com on Carlos Ghosn Scandal

Details that are now known allege that from Japanese fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2017, Ghosn and former Representative Director Greg Kelly concealed a total of 9.078 billion yen in compensation payable to Ghosn.

Hiroto Saikawa is the latest casualty in the Carlos Ghosn matter that has turned into farce as investigations into Nissan corporate governance practices post Carlos Ghosn reveal layers of incompetence and/or malfeasance, as well as various degrees of criminal activity that are virtually unheard of in western corporations. (Was 2008 the Year When Carlos Ghosn Went Rogue? Ghosn’s Former Speechwriter on What He Did for Nissan – And What That Did to Him)

The move comes following a report from the beleaguered company’s Audit Committee that recognizes several instances of misconduct from the findings of the internal investigation that is only partially available publicly in filtered form. On May 14, 2019, Nissan belatedly issued numerous amendments to its past annual securities reports, correcting director compensation figures to reflect the amounts that should originally have been disclosed. Continue reading →

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Porsche Opens Zuffenhausen Factory for All-Electric Taycan

Posted on 10 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Porsche Taycan

German automakers whose entire reputations – especially in expensive segments – are built on technology and they are struggling to catch up with Toyota and Lexus on hybrid models and have few EV entries thus far. European Regulations are forcing the issue.

Porsche has opened the new factory for the Taycan in front of 320 guests from politics, business and media. “We have a level of responsibility for the environment and society. Production of the Taycan is already carbon-neutral. Heritage meets the future at our parent plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, which is the heart of the brand,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

The brand’s first all-electric sports car was revealed less than 48 months ago with the debut of the Mission E concept vehicle at the IAA motor show in 2015 and the start of production for the first Taycan customer vehicles. “The investment by Porsche sends out a strong message about Stuttgart. Where others just talk, Porsche acts,” said Fritz Kuhn, Mayor of Stuttgart not without self-interest. (Porsche Claims 20,000 Potential Taycan Buyers) Continue reading →

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Data Show GM Automated Safety Systems Prevent Crashes

Posted on 9 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on GM Automated Safety Systems UMTRI Effectiveness Study Sept. 2019

A nudge to NHTSA to prioritize or mandate certain safety systems?

A study of 3.7 million GM vehicles across 20 different models from 2013-2017 of automated safety systems show they work, according to GM, which is touting a zero-fatality automotive world at some point in the future. Fifteen different systems were evaluated using police report crash databases available to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute from 10 states.

After comparing the crash instances involving vehicles with and without active safety features, the study GM claims that certain features evaluated had an impact in preventing the types of crashes the features were designed to help prevent or mitigate. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls More than 1.1 Million Ram Pickup Trucks for Unexpected Tailgate Openings While Driving

Posted on 9 September 2019 by AutoCrat
AutoInformed.com on RAM recalls

It’s supposed to be a pickup not an automatic drop off.

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling more than 1.1 million RAM pickups because the tailgate may suddenly open while driving. The safety defect stems from a tailgate actuator limiter tab that may fracture and cause the tailgate to unlatch and pop open. The unsafe trucks were assembled in Mexico and the U.S. with bad parts from ADAC Plastic in Saranac, Michigan. (Chrysler Recalls 400,000 Ram Trucks for Tailgate Openings)

Affected are 1,103,479 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks equipped with an 8-foot bed and a power locking tailgate. Chrysler is also recalling all 2013-2014 and 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 with a 6- or 8-foot bed and a power locking tailgate. On August 29, 2019 Chrysler expanded the recall to include an additional 693,128 model year 2013-2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. Continue reading →

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Google Voice Assistant, Navigation and App to Debut at GM

Posted on 6 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on GM Infotainment Systems – Google Voice Assistant

With Google Assistant drivers can use their time on the road with just their voice. Distracted driving enabler? Another invasion of your privacy and personal data?

General Motors said today it plans to introduce new in-vehicle technology that will enhance the overall customer experience and make it easier for customers to bring their digital lives into future connected vehicles. It will do this by the integration of Google’s Voice Assistant, Navigation and App Ecosystem in GM Infotainment Systems in 2021. Whether this adds to the distracted driving problem remains to be seen.

GM said its research shows that many customers prefer an embedded technology in the vehicle, and increasingly expect seamless integration between the tech in their hands and the tech in their vehicle. GM will work with Google to bring new options for a voice assistant, embedded navigation and in-vehicle applications to compatible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in regions around the world beginning in 2021. Broad deployment across all GM vehicle brands is expected to roll out in the years following. Continue reading →

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Western European Car Registrations Fall by -8.5%

Posted on 5 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Western European Car Sales

Click to Enlarge.

Western European car registrations fell by 8.5% year-on-year (YoY) in August. The YoY contraction was “inevitable” claims consultancy LMC due to the distortion in the market in August 2018 caused by sales being pulled forward ahead of the 1 September 2018 implementation of WLTP emission tests after the German automaker diesel emissions scandal.  (WLTP How Does It Work? Will it Work?) However, the selling rate jumped to 16.9 million units/year in July, from 14.3 million units/year in July.

The introduction of WLTP in September 2018 distorted the market in August last year (the selling rate for that month was 18.4 million units/year), providing a very high base effect which was never likely to be matched this year. In addition, August has historically provided the lowest sales volumes in the year, meaning that relatively small changes in sales can have an exaggerated effect on the selling rate. Continue reading →

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Brexit – UK Car Production Declines -10.6%. Exports Hit

Posted on 5 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on UK Car Manufacturing - July 2019

Click to Enlarge.

British car manufacturing output declined -10.6% in July, with 108,239 units produced, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This was the 14th successive month of decline as ongoing weakness in major EU and Asian markets coupled with some key model changes affected performance. Casting a pall over it all is the unresolved Brexit fiasco/crisis by the conservative government.

“Another month of decline for UK car manufacturing is a serious concern,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “The sector is overwhelmingly reliant on exports and the global headwinds are strong, with escalating trade tensions, softening demand and significant technological change. With the UK market also weak, the importance of maintaining the UK’s global competitiveness has never been more important so we need a Brexit deal – and quickly – to unlock investment and safeguard the long-term future of a sector which has recently been such an international success story.” Continue reading →

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Drivers Say No to Tracking Devices in New Cars

Posted on 4 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on EU Car Privacy Issues

Well, at least they are not proposing – so far – tracking dirty cars.

Motorpoint – the UK’s largest independent car retailer – says two-thirds of motorists are opposed to tracking devices being installed in new cars. The web-based poll found 70% of drivers were against the introduction of so-called ‘black boxes’ into new cars.

Mercedes Benz recently made headlines in the UK after revealing they had fitted similar devices in their cars without warning drivers in advance. The news comes after EU proposals that could see all new cars made in Europe from 2022 fitted with location-tracking devices that would monitor a driver’s speed, driving behavior, as well as use of vehicle safety features. What’s worse in critic’s views, drivers would not be able to switch off these devices and the data collected could potentially be shared across countries. Continue reading →

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General Motors Target Automaker in UAW Contract Talks

Posted on 4 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on UAW Contract Negotiations - September 2019

United Auto Workers President Gary Jones (left), and General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra shake hands to open contract negotiations July 2019.

United Autoworkers President Gary Jones announced late yesterday that the UAW has decided to proceed on bargaining with GM as the target company. Detroit Big 3 contracts all expire at midnight the evening of Sept. 14. UAW GM local unions have all voted and sent a national bargaining team supported by the UAW International Union and their UAW GM Department. The UAW has 55 sites at GM.

Gary Jones, of course is under an investigation by the FBI in the fraudulent diversion of funds from FCA Fiat that were supposed to support UAW worker training. He refused to stand down as president during the contract talks as criminal investigations ensue. A two-year probe has already led to the convictions of five people affiliated with the UAW and three Fiat Chrysler executives. Michael Grimes, a retired senior official with the union’s GM division, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly receiving $2 million in kickbacks from UAW vendors pled guilty today to stealing from union members over a period of nearly 12 years, 2006 and July 1, 2018.

Grimes, if sentenced within the guidelines agreed upon in the plea deal, will spend a minimum of nearly four years in federal prison and up to four years and nine months.

Continue reading →

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FIA WEC – One-Two for Toyota at Rain Soaked Silverstone

Posted on 4 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on WEC Silverstone 2019 Season Opener

Pit stops proved to be an influential factor, with Toyota  gaining prized seconds at tire changes.

Toyota GAZOO Racing started the 2019-2020 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a one-two victory in an eventful 4 Hours of Silverstone. Home favorite Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López took victory from pole position in the #7 TS050 Hybrid to register the sixth consecutive win for the reigning World Champions. Toyota won despite its cars now carrying 99kg more weight than their nearest rivals under updated regulations.

The #8 TS050 HYBRID of Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley earned second place, less than two seconds behind its sister car, in front of a weekend crowd of 49,600 who saw a race conducted in changing weather conditions. The #3 Rebellion car  of Berthon, Derani, Duval finished third.

As the race approached the 90-minute mark, an intense rain shower-soaked Silverstone. A lengthy Safety Car period allowed cars to switch back to slicks as the track dried, and the #97 crew found themselves hunting down the leaders in the closing stages, with Martin proving he had the pace to challenge for victory. In the end he was only denied his chance to fight for the win by a slow back marker and a rebellious prototype. Continue reading →

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Record Number Join Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Program

Posted on 3 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com on Rolls-Royce Apprenticeship Program

For the first time since its launch in 2006, the program includes Sir Ralph Robins Degree Apprenticeships, where candidates study for a BEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Chichester to complement their on-the-job practical training.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars says a new record of 26 people have joined its award-winning Apprenticeship program for 2019 in a special ceremony at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. The 26 new apprentices and their families took part in the event, which was hosted by Johann Wolf, Director of Manufacturing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, together with senior managers and employees from the departments in which the apprentices will be based during their time at Goodwood.

The new recruits will train with the company for between two and four years, working alongside experienced craftspeople in Assembly, Woodshop, Surface Finish, Leathershop, Parts Quality and Total Vehicle Quality Management to learn the skills and techniques employed by the luxury manufacturer. They will also study for nationally-recognized vocational qualifications at Chichester College and other local further education establishments.  Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Wins Accident Marred Portland Grand Prix

Posted on 2 September 2019 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed on Indy Car Demolition Derbies

The accident predictably came in Turn One – as it did last year at Portland – at the start.

Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet IndyCar V6, won the NTT IndyCar race at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon. This is the second victory in the last three races for Power and the 37th IndyCar victory of his career, tying him for 6th place on the all-time list.

It was a Black Weekend for professional motorsports with the death of Anthoine Hubert, who died on Saturday during a horrific accident involving several cars after he went off course at Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. The 22-year-old Frenchman was racing for BWT-Arden in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Continue reading →

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