CARB Eases Portable Generator Rules Because of Wildfires

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The current fire weather conditions in California pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of Californians through on-going wildfires. Utility customers who have lost power may want to use a portable generator to power critical equipment, such as medical devices and refrigerators. In California, every portable generator rated at or below 19 kilowatts must be certified to California emission standards in order to be legally sold. [1]

“However, in some areas, there is currently a shortage of California certified portable generators available for sale due to the increased demand resulting from on-going wildfires. During this emergency, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will exercise maximum discretion with regard to the sale and use of new generators less than 19 kilowatts in size by temporarily allowing (through June 30, 2025) the import, distribution, sale, and offer for sale of U.S. EPA certified generators,” CARB said over the weekend. Continue reading →

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New Tesla Recall for Bad Computers

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Tesla, Inc. is recalling ~240,000 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and 2023-2025 Model Y vehicles because a computer circuit board may short circuit, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“On a small percentage of affected vehicles, upon vehicle power up, a reverse current may cause a shorting failure on the car computer board, resulting in the loss of rearview camera functionality,” Tesla said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995

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Chevrolet has finally announced pricing for the 2025 Corvette ZR1,* the fastest, quickest and most powerful Corvette yet. With a top speed of 233 mph on the track, 0-60 in 2.3 seconds [footnote 1] and 1064 horsepower, the Corvette ZR1 is unmatched by any current production car priced under $1 million. The 3LZ coupe is available for a starting MSRP of $185,995 (excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees, optional equipment. Dealer sets final price) or $195,995 for the 3LZ convertible. Production of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 will begin at Bowling Green Assembly sometime during Q2.

“ZR1 is an example of design and engineering excellence, one where we push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of performance,” said Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet. “It was important for us to stay true to Corvette’s promise of a vehicle whose world-class capabilities completely outmatch its price.” Continue reading →

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Ian Callum Wins 2025 Lifetime Design Achievement Award

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ian Callum Wins 2025 Lifetime Design Achievement Award

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A group of the world’s automotive designers selected Ian Callum as the winner of the 2025 EyesOn Design Lifetime Design Achievement Award for his outstanding career in vehicle design, it was announced at the Detroit Auto Show today. Callum will receive the 2025 Lifetime Design Achievement Award at a black tie event on June 13, 2025 as part of the week-long series of EyesOn Design activities. These culminate in its annual automotive design show, held every Father’s Day on the grounds of the lakefront Eleanor & Edsel Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.

“Callum, who was born in Scotland, knew he wanted to design cars at a young age after he saw a Jaguar E-Type in a dealership window while on a trip to Glasgow with his grandfather. Later, he would work for the storied English brand, where he and his team designed some of the most striking Jaguars, including the R-Coupe, the F-Type, F-PACE and I-PACE, a World Car of the Year Award winner,” EyesOn Design said. Continue reading →

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Seventh Big Rigging Guilty Plea in Michigan Asphalt Industry

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The former president of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty last Wednesday for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan, the U.S. Justice Department said today. Documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, show that Timothy Baugher, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), conspired with F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied), and employees from those companies to rig bids in each other’s favor. Baugher participated in the conspiracy from July 2017 through May 2021.

“Americans deserve to pay a fair, competitive price to fix transportation infrastructure,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who cheat consumers by undermining the competitive process.” Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Sales Flat in 2024

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volkswagen Sales Flat in 2024

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Volkswagen brand* delivered ~4.8 million vehicles to customers worldwide last year – 1.4 % fewer than in the previous year. However, it was the market leader in Germany with a market share of 19.1% , according to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).**

“Around the globe, 2024 was a difficult year with sluggish economic activity, political challenges and intense competition – particularly in China,” said Martin Sander, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “Yet, we are beginning the new year with optimism. Not only do we have attractive products, but we are meeting the needs of a wide variety of customer groups with our extensive, diverse model range that covers all drive types.” Continue reading →

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High-Visibility Clothing Thwarts Crash Avoidance Systems

Posted on 9 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on High-Visibility Clothing Thwarts Crash Avoidance Systems

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The reflective clothing that makes pedestrians stand out to human drivers may make them invisible to automated crash prevention systems, a new study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates. This a serious problem because most fatal pedestrian crashes happen at night. Automakers are acting to stop the issue in response to IIHS ratings that now emphasize nighttime performance. However in actual road use a variety of factors are involved.

“These results suggest that some automakers need to tweak their pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “It’s untenable that the clothes that pedestrians, cyclists and roadway workers wear to be safe may make them harder for crash avoidance technology to recognize.” Continue reading →

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First Look – Elaphe Sonic.1 Performance EV Motor

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - Elaphe Sonic.1 Performance EV Motor

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Elaphe debuted a high-performance front-wheel in-wheel motor (IWM), dubbed Sonic.1, at CES 2025. Sonic 1 it’s – claimed – is a drop-in performance upgrade for ICE and BEV vehicles where it was previously not possible to fit additional drives.

“The integration of the Sonic.1 in-wheel motor (IWM) directly into the wheel not only optimizes space and weight, but also contributes to a more controllable wheel. 20-times greater wheel control enables increased vehicle performance in acceleration, stability and braking. Furthermore, Sonic.1 design enables easy integration into existing and new supercar models. It enables significant design improvement opportunities, from aerodynamics, to component placement and styling,” Elaphe said. Continue reading →

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Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires.* The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading →

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Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Protypes Debut

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Prototypes Debut

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Honda today held the world premiere of the first two models in the company’s new 0 Series line of battery electric vehicles at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. The so called Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon (sedan in U.S. car speak) use the 0 as a reference to emissions levels and their SAE Level 3 eyes-off autonomous driving – not as seems appropriate here to the amount of styling that went into the boxes. Production models based on both prototypes will launch in North America in 2026 followed by global markets. Both will initially be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio.

Honda also debuted its original vehicle operating system (OS), the ASIMO OS, for use in Honda 0 Series models (read AutoInformed.com on: Honda Using ASIMO Robot to, well, Explain Itself). The use of the ASIMO name pays homage to the Honda ASIMO robot and the “Wise” value of the Honda 0 Series. Additionally, Honda announced an agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation to develop a high-performance system-on-chip, to be introduced on the next generation of 0 Series models in the late 2020s, as well as a new energy service through the Home Energy Management System to enable customers to enjoy “a stress-free EV ownership experience with reduced environmental impact.”** Continue reading →

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EV Market Stays as Customer Satisfaction Leader

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EV Market Stays as Leader in Customer Satisfaction

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The 2024 Car Buyer Journey (CBJ) Study by Cox Automotive* published today shows record highs in new-car buyer satisfaction, driven by advancements in digital tools helping seamlessly integrate online and in-dealership activities. This seamless integration – an omnichannel buying experience in industry jargon – saves time, reduces repetition and ultimately improves satisfaction with the overall car-buying journey. The 2024 CBJ also highlights the growing satisfaction among electric vehicle (EV) buyers, who are once again leading the way in satisfaction during the car-buying process.

“With the launch of the 15th Anniversary edition of the Car Buyer Journey, we are reminded again just how important it is to have an efficient vehicle buying process,” said Isabelle Helms, vice president of Research and Market Intelligence. “Auto dealers who embrace the latest technology and engage in a transparent, easy-to-navigate process have consistently delivered the highest levels of satisfaction. That was true 15 years ago and remains true as ever today.” Continue reading →

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BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X Debuts

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X Debuts

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The BMW Group today is providing the first opportunity to experience the “close-to-production version of the new BMW iDrive, complete with its so-called centerpiece, BMW Panoramic Vision, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Los Vegas. The software behind it is the new BMW Operating System X, which acts as the intelligence hub behind the new display and operating concept. The system will be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Software – Automakers Out of Touch with Drivers and Safety)

“High tech meets highly intuitive operation, a quarter of a century of pioneering work and technological leadership in operating concepts has been channeled into the new BMW Panoramic iDrive,” said Frank Weber, Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “The foundations are provided by the new BMW Operating System X. With this advance, we are giving one of the world’s best and most comprehensive infotainment systems even greater capability and once again setting the industry benchmark in multi-modal interaction. Starting with the first series-produced Neue Klasse model at the end of this year, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive will form an integral part of all future BMW models.” Continue reading →

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Mazda to Make its First Pure EV in Hiroshima

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation said today in Hiroshima that it will build a new module pack plant for automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The new plant will produce modules and packs of automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells procured from Panasonic Energy Co. The completed battery packs will be installed in Mazda’s first battery EV that uses a dedicated EV platform and will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. The annual production capacity is planned to be 10 GWh.

“Under the 2030 Management Policy, Mazda is steadily preparing for electrification technologies based on the multi-solution strategy that provides a variety of technological options to meet customer needs and regulatory changes, in order to contribute to solving the social issue of curbing global warming. In the field of batteries, one of the key components of electrified vehicles, the company signed an agreement with Panasonic Energy in May 2023 to procure cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for automotive use,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading →

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Tesla Recall for Bad Airbags and Windshields

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Tesla is recalling some 2024-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles for failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and 212, “Windshield Mounting.” The driver’s air bag could tear during deployment, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.*

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. Owner notification letters are not  expected to be mailed until 21 February 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-24-20-001. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to nhtsa.gov about NHTSA recall 24V967 or 24V-967. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Battery Fire Recalls – Escape and Corsair Hybrids

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) is recalling 20,484 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs from model years 2020 to 2024 because of defective batteries, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high-voltage battery cells used in the compact hybrid vehicles may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure. The supplier is Samsung SDI 950Hungary. Ford has been aware of the safety defect since September of 2024.* The high-voltage cell’s separator layer between its cathode and anode may be susceptible to damage as a result of the cell manufacturing process. Separator damage may result in a cell internal short circuit leading to sudden power loss and battery fires.

“In the event of a high-voltage battery cell internal short circuit, the customer will receive a “Stop Safely Now” message displayed via the instrument cluster,” Ford Motor told NHTSA in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Ford currently anticipates updated software won’t be ready until Q2 of 2025.
 Continue reading →

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