U.S. GDP Growth Puny in Q4 2024

Posted on 3 February 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on U.S. GDP Growth Puny in Q4 2024

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Fiscal policy increased U.S. GDP growth by 0.3 percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Hutchins Center Fiscal Impact Measure (FIM)* released today shows. The FIM translates changes in taxes and spending at federal, state, and local levels into changes in aggregate demand, showing the effect of fiscal policy on real GDP growth. GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the government’s latest estimate. The 0.3 percentage point increase in the fourth quarter was largely the result of slightly stimulative taxes and transfers.

“We expect the FIM to turn negative in the next quarter and remain so through the end of our forecast period (the fourth quarter of 2026), largely driven by weak growth in federal and state purchases and only partially offset by strong growth in net transfers. Continue reading →

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More Stellantis Executive Changes as Stock Drops

Posted on 3 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today it is taking more steps to simplify its organization aligned with its shakeup in December 2024. These measures allow for the right balance between regional and global responsibilities to enable speed of decision and execution. They further reinforce Stellantis’ commitment to listening to the voice of the customer and lay the ground for renewed growth. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Carlos Tavares Out as Stellantis CEO and Stellantis Q3 2024 – Shipments and Revenues Plunge)

“Through targeted organizational adjustments, the regions now have enhanced local decision-making and execution capabilities in respect of product planning, product development, industrial and commercial activities, while maintaining coordination with the Company’s global functions to best serve their customers,” Stellantis said. However, there still is no new permanent Chief Executive Officer from the Special Committee of the Board of Directors at a time when Trump’s executive orders – viz tariff’s – are wreaking havoc in the auto industry. Stellantis shares are down ~8% this morning. Continue reading →

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State Privacy Laws Failing to Protect Your Data

Posted on 31 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on State Privacy Laws Failing to Protect Your Data

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Nearly half of states that passed consumer privacy laws get a failing grade for protecting consumers’ data, according to “The State of Privacy,” an updated scorecard released today from the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Of the 19 states with laws, eight received Fs, and none received an A. Since 2018, 44 states have considered consumer privacy bills that allegedly aim to protect consumers’ privacy and security. Many of these bills, however, have been heavily influenced or bought and controlled by companies such as Amazon, leading to significantly weakened consumer protections across the country. The U.S. currently has no comprehensive federal privacy law.*

The more data companies collect about us, the more our data is at risk. When companies hold your data, the greater the odds it will be exposed in a breach or a hack and end up in the hands of identity thieves, scammers, or shadowy companies known as data brokers that buy and sell a huge amount of data about Americans “Many of these ‘privacy laws’ protect privacy in name only,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of EPIC. “In effect, they allow companies to continue hoarding our personal data and using it for whatever purposes they want. Big Tech should not be allowed to write the rules.” Continue reading →

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Ford to Return to Le Mans in 2027

Posted on 31 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford to Return to Le Mans in 2027

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Ford Motor Company is returning to the pinnacle of prototype sports car racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in 2027. Ford Performance field a full factory team entering with the aim of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Between 1966 and 1969, Ford captured four consecutive overall victories in the city of Le Mans, France. Since then, Ford has focused on class victories  in 2016 with the Ford GT in GTLM and more recently with the Ford Mustang GT3. The Mustang won its first 24-hour race in the production-based GTD Pro class at the Rolex 24 in Daytona last weekend.

“We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!’” The announcement didn’t mention Carrol Shelby who not only coined the “go like hell” phrase on a pit board message to a driver, but was instrumental in Ford’s first LeMans win. Shelby is the only man to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and automotive manufacturer.* Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Leads Global 2024 CY Sales at 10.8M

Posted on 30 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (7203.T) today posted its sales, production, and export results for December 2024 , and significantly the total from January to December 2024, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors. (click here for data by market and type.)With 10.8 million sold – down ~3.7% because of regulatory compliance issues in Japan and the ongoing EV price war in China – TMC easily out sold the Volkswagen group, which reported a 2.3% drop in global sales for 2024 at ~9 million. This makes TMC the undisputed global sales leader for the fifth straight year.

Lexus announced today its 2024 global sales were a record high at 851,214 units (a 103.3% increase compared to the previous year). This growth was attributed to strong demand, particularly in North America and Europe, along with the recovery of stable parts supply contributing to increased global sales. The new LBX and LM models have been well received, according to Lexus, with strong sales of the core RX and NX models. Battery EV (BEV) models, such as the “RZ” and “UX300e,” also achieved strong sales with a year-over-year growth of 119%, contributing to the electrified vehicle* ratio reaching a record-high 52% of total Lexus sales. Continue reading →

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Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota to Release EV Mini-Commercial Vans

Posted on 29 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota to Release EV Mini-Commercial Vans

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Suzuki Motor Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation said today that they have decided to aim for the release of their mini-commercial van electric vehicles (BEVs) respectively in fiscal 2025.*

“This mini-commercial van BEV, jointly developed by the three companies, combines Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in creating small-size cars with Toyota’s electrification technology and is equipped with a BEV system suitable for mini-commercial vehicles. Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation also participated in the planning to achieve a vehicle with optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics,” the companies said in a joint release. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Buys All of the Punch Powertrain JV

Posted on 29 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Buys All of the Punch Powertrain JV

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) announced today that it has acquired all the shares in the joint venture created in 2018 with the Belgian multinational Punch Powertrain, an original equipment maker of transmission and propulsion systems in the automotive sector. In the complex world of global automakers, the JV worked in the plants at Metz (FR) and Turin, at the Mirafiori complex (IT), where the advanced eDCT (Electrified Dual Clutch Transmission) gearboxes are produced. They will be seen in the entire Stellantis range of Mild Hybrid (MHEV) vehicles and the new generation of Plug-in (PHEV) vehicles. (read AutoInformed.com on Tilt! Stellantis Now Favoring Hybrids in Europe)

“With this decision, Stellantis assumes full management of the design and production activities of the eDCT transmissions, characterized by class leading performance in terms of weight and production cost, fuel savings and reductions in harmful emissions,” the muti-national auto maker said in a release. Continue reading →

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Software Recall for Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX

Posted on 29 January 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor (7267.T) is recalling ~295,000 model year 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.

In the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Honda said: “Due to improper programming of the fuel injection electronic control unit settings, sudden changes in the throttle opening could cause the MIL [Malfunction Indicator Light] to illuminate and/or the engine to lose drive power, hesitate and/or stall.” Continue reading →

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Quantum Materials Discovery by Honda Research Institute

Posted on 28 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Quantum Materials Discovery by Honda Research Institute

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Honda (7267.T) said today that scientists at Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) have made a significant breakthrough in the fields of quantum materials and quantum communications “by developing a novel method for growing atomically thin “nanoribbons” (one atom thick and tens of atoms-wide ribbon-shaped materials) enabling unbreakable secure communication of sensitive information.” The technology allows for precise control over the thickness and width of transition metal dichalcogenides nanoribbons (NR), and their electronic properties, which is essential for their application in advanced quantum optoelectronics.

“Our technology provides a new pathway for the synthesis of quantum nanoribbons with precise width control, leveraging their unique mechanical and electronic properties as a single photon light source to realize secure communication known as ‘quantum communication’,” said Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, Senior Chief Scientist, Honda Research Institute USA Inc. and the leader of the quantum research. Continue reading →

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GM Posts Record 2024 EBIT, EPS and Cash Flow

Posted on 28 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts Record 2024 EBIT, EPS and Cash Flow

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today posted full-year 2024 net income attributable to shareholders of $6.0 billion at an EBIT-adjusted $14.9 billion. Full-year revenue increased ~9% to $187.4 billion. Investors in GM earned a 50% total return as GM ended the year with an outstanding share count of 995 million ahead of its announced buyback plan. Fourth quarter net income was reduced by more than $5 billion in special charges, primarily by $4 billion of non-cash restructuring charges and impairment of GM interests in certain China Joint Ventures, and $0.5 billion in charges related to the decision to stop funding the Cruise robotaxi business.

“A year ago, I said that we were optimistic about 2024 given the choice we would offer customers, including industry-leading full-size pickups, new and redesigned SUVs and an expanding portfolio of EVs, said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “I also said that we would focus on execution and profitability, and our performance has been consistently strong.” Continue reading →

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Corvette 2025 ZR1 VIN 001 at Barrett-Jackson Auction

Posted on 27 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Corvette 2025 ZR1 VIN 001 at Barrett-Jackson Auction

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Last Saturday the first retail production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, VIN 001, sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for $3.7 million. All of the hammer price – 100% – of this Barrett-Jackson charity auction on 25 January, goes to the American Red Cross. Chevrolet said today that selected the Red Cross to benefit disaster relief efforts in areas impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as general relief to help people affected by disasters big and small, including wildfires, storms and countless other crises. (Read AutoInformed on Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995)

Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder introduced the quickest, fastest and most powerful Corvette ever before an audience of bidders in the room and around the world, alongside representatives from the Red Cross. The winning bid was placed by Rick Hendrick, founder and CEO of Hendrick Companies. Continue reading →

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Kia Niro Recalls for Air Bags or Seat Belts

Posted on 27 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Kia America is recalling 80,255 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles. The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.

In the required safety defect filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia said: “The floor wiring assembly located underneath the front passenger seat contains wires which control certain vehicle restraint systems. Repeated sliding adjustment of the manual front passenger seat may damage one or more of the wires in the floor wiring assembly due to variation in its routing. This may result in 1) the non-deployment of airbag(s) and/or seatbelt pretensioner(s), or 2) the inability to suppress the passenger frontal airbag fora child or small occupant, or 3) inadvertent deployment of the passenger side airbag (SAB).” Continue reading →

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Ford Bronco Recalls – Shocks and Batteries

Posted on 27 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling 149,449 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir. Ford is also recalling a previous recall on 272,817 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail. If the battery suddenly degrades during a drive it can lead to a vehicle that is unable to restart after an auto stop/start event or experience a stall while coming to a stop at low speed. Either of these conditions may be accompanied by a loss of 12-volt accessories, including hazard lights.

Both of the latest Ford Motor safety defect recalls were made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which prompted both recalls based on customer complaints. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Model Cadillac LYRIQ-V

Posted on 24 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2026 Model Cadillac LYRIQ-V

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Cadillac is adding a significant model to its high-performance V-Series family with the 2026 model LYRIQ-V – the first all-electric V-Series vehicle. Cadillac estimates it has 615 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. (880 Nm) of torque, which deliver a Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max. [footnote 1] This makes it the quickest Cadillac ever starting at $79,990. [10] The timing is unfortunate given Trump’s emerging trade and economic policies that likely will negatively affect Lyric’s prospects in the U.S., Canada and globally. LYRIQ-V will also be sold in the Australia, New Zealand, as well as other markets to be announced in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive. Production starts early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. [3]

“V-Series captures the spirit of Cadillac, embodying our relentless pursuit of engineering excellence through our racing and production vehicles,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “LYRIQ-V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era, pushing our performance pedigree of V-Series to new heights with a powerful, personalized and high-tech driving experience that fits perfectly into our customers’ lives.” Continue reading →

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Pre-Trump US Q3 EV Sales Set All Time Record

Posted on 23 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pre-Trump US Q3 2024 EV Sales Set All Time Record

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During Q3 of 2024, automakers sold 408,688 electric vehicles (EVs include battery, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles) in the United States, meaning 10.6% of overall light-duty vehicle sales. This represents a 0.6 percentage point (pp) market share increase compared to the second quarter of 2024 amounting to an increase of ~22,000 vehicle sales. Simply put this makes EV Sales volume in Q3 the highest on record according to data released today by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade and lobbying group for automakers. (read AutoInformed.com on: EV Market Stays as Customer Satisfaction Leader)

“Year-over-year (YoY), EV market share increased 0.47 pp from the third quarter of 2024. The total volume of all light-duty sales in Q3 2024 was 3% higher than Q3 2023, while the volume for EVs increased 8 % (~31,000 vehicles). For comparison, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle market share decreased by 3.8 pp during Q3 2024 compared to the same period last year. Continue reading →

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