Toyota to Invest in Joby Aviation EV Taxis!

Posted on 15 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota to Invest in Joby Aviation EV Taxis.

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In a quiet, overlooked announcement earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), a firm developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, announced that Toyota will invest an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby’s electric air taxi.  The investment will be made in two equal tranches, with the first targeted to close later this year and the second during 2025.* This is part of a trend of traditional automobile companies transitioning to mobility companies  on land, the seas, air or space, including Toyota’s Lunar Cruiser.**

“Today’s investment builds on nearly seven years of collaboration between our companies,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “The knowledge and support shared by Toyota has been instrumental in Joby’s success and we look forward to deepening our relationship as we deliver on our shared vision for the future of air travel.” Continue reading →

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NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network Launches

Posted on 15 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network Launches.

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Nissan announced today an “enhancement” to the MyNISSAN app that claims to simplify EV ownership by consolidating vehicle management and public charging into one app. Users store a default payment method in the MyNISSAN app, then once at a compatible charging station, simply tap an on-screen button to start a charging session within the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network. This new app will be available to MyNISSAN app users by November 2024. [footnote 1]

“Owning and charging a Nissan EV will become simpler and more seamless with the launch of the NISSAN ENERGY Charge Network. The new network allows Nissan Ariya and future Nissan EV drivers to use their MyNISSAN app to find charging stations, see real-time charger availability and pay for charging – all in one streamlined experience,” Nissan said in a release. Continue reading →

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September Western European Diesel Sales Continue to Drop

Posted on 14 October 2024 by Ken Zino

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An analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy* shows that the diesel share of new car sales in Western Europe during September 2024 fell to 11.9% with August confirmed at 13.8%.

“The MoM difference appears significant, and the trend remains negative, but the September figure is influenced by the large UK total market, and the lower-than-regional-average share that diesel occupies within it. This effect typically drags down the European result in September, though in 2023 it was offset by distortions in the German market caused by withdrawal of a key BEV incentive that increased the non-BEV share, including diesel,” GlobalData said. “When looking at the individual country diesel shares, it can be seen that the MoM diesel share decline at a market level was not unusually steep in September, though the trend remains broadly negative.” Continue reading →

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GM Recalls Blazer, Equinox Models for Sudden Door Openings

Posted on 14 October 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling Mexican-built 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox vehicles because the door strikers were not properly heat-treated, which can cause them to break, according to the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. This is an extension of a previous recall. (read AutoInformed.com on: New Year Recalls from BMW, Bombardier, Daimler, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota)

“Certain door strikers provided by Brano Group A.S. in the Czech Republic were not properly heat-treated to meet GM hardness specifications. Vehicles potentially built with suspect door strikers were recalled under NHTSA recall 23V869. Containment efforts initiated by GM’s Ramos Arizpe assembly plant for recall 23V869 did not effectively remove all stock of the suspect door strikers,” GM said in the filing. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Reveals DB12 Goldfinger Edition

Posted on 14 October 2024 by Ken Zino

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Aston Martin revealed today a DB12 Goldfinger Edition, crafted by its personalization service, Q by Aston Martin, in celebration of 60 years of the association between Aston Martin and the James Bond films.* Its 4.0-liter V8 Twin-Turbo engine is rated at a claimed class-leading output of 680PS/800Nm. This provides a zero-to- 60 mph acceleration time of ~3.6 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is limited to a run of 60 cars. Pricing was not disclosed.**

“What has become one of the most notable partnerships in cinematic history began with the release of Goldfinger in 1964, when the Aston Martin DB5 made its silver screen debut. The DB5 went on to become one of the world’s most recognizable cars and a crucial step in the brand’s illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline. Now, the latest evolution in that lineage is getting the 007 treatment,” Aston Martin said in Gaydon, UK. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sales Weak Through Q3 2024

Posted on 11 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Sales Weak Through Q3 2024

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Porsche AG today posted sales declines for the first nine months of the year. Overall global sales at 226,026 dropped -7%. China sales at 43,280 plunged -29%. “This reflects poor economy in the Chinese market” that is affecting all makers. Worse, there is now an outright trade war over tariffs between the EU and China. North American sales at 61,471 dropped -5%. In Europe (excluding Germany), Porsche delivered 52,465 vehicles in the first nine months, an increase of 1% compared to the same period last year. In the home market of Germany, the number of vehicles delivered rose by 8 % as 26,838 units were delivered to customers.

“Customer demand remains at a robust level and the feedback from our customers on the new models is very good. As product availability increases, we are optimistic about the final spurt for 2024,” claimed Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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Man vs Autonomous Machine Race Coming to Suzuka

Posted on 10 October 2024 by Ken Zino
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The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)* said today that a “Man vs Machine Showdown” is coming to the Suzuka Circuit in Japan next month. The exhibition race will be the first time Japanese spectators  can see a head-to-head race between human drivers and AI technology. It will take place on the Super Formula double-header season finale on November 9-10.

“In partnership with Japan Race Promotion, A2RL’s ‘Man vs Machine’ challenge will pit two Super Formula race cars against each other in a head-to-head competition. One car will be piloted by former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, A2RL’s development driver, while the other will be entirely controlled by advanced autonomous algorithms and robotics, showcasing cutting-edge technology,” A2RL said. Continue reading →

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Life Saving Seat Belt Reminders Improving

Posted on 10 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Life Saving Seat Belt Reminders Improving

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Automakers have moved quickly to install louder, more persistent seat belt reminders, the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today. IIHS began rating the devices in 2022. The first year, only 17% of the new models tested earned a good rating; 65% were rated marginal or poor. However, 62% of the 2024 models tested so far are rated good. Only 24% are rated marginal or poor.

“The math is pretty simple,” said David Kidd, the IIHS senior research scientist who led that research as well as the development of the seat belt reminder rating program. “We found that an audible reminder that lasts at least 90 seconds increased belt use by around 30%. That means we could save almost 1,600 lives a year if every vehicle on the road was equipped with a good-rated system.” Continue reading →

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Off The Grid! – New GM Energy PowerBank

Posted on 10 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Off The Grid! – New GM Energy PowerBank

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GM Energy said today that it is launching the so-called GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage product that allows EV owners the ability to store and transfer energy from the grid. It also has the option of integrating with solar power equipment. The General Motors* subsidiary has also expanded access to energy management products across all 50 states. It’s the latest step whereby EV customers can gain increasing independence from utility companies and the unreliable, climate change vulnerable power grid. It’s also the latest move that shows fossil-fueled stock analysts  – many of them reflexively negative on GM – are headed for extinction.

“One of the core differentiators of GM Energy’s portfolio is its modularity,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “The flexibility of our energy management tools, combined with one of the market’s largest lineups of vehicle-to-home-capable EVs, gives our customers more control over their energy use, helping to mitigate the impact of power outages, integrating renewable energy options and unlocking additional values.” Continue reading →

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First Glance – Volkswagen Tiguan Update via Tayron

Posted on 9 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Glance - Volkswagen Tiguan Update via Tayron

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The new Tayron SUV has arrived Volkswagen said in Stuttgart today. The large Volkswagen SUV with five or seven seats is positioned between the Touareg (premium) and the Tiguan (mid-priced). In the Tayron, five passengers have up to 885 liters of luggage space for holiday travels. A total of seven efficient drive systems will eventually be available. The new model range includes two next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (eHybrid). They can achieve electric ranges of more than 100 km and long journeys with up to 850 km between two refueling stops. With the ability to tow up to 2.5 tons, the Tayron is said to be a towing vehicle for trailers of all shapes and sizes. Pre-sales in Germany for the new Tayron open tomorrow 10 October 2024.

“The new Tayron is a bonafide Volkswagen: its quality is reflected in every detail; it is comfortable and practical for everyday life, and it is available with a wide range of drive systems. With this new Volkswagen SUV, we are further expanding our range in a growing segment and closing the gap between our best-seller, the Tiguan, and our luxury SUV, the Touareg. I am convinced that the Tayron will make its mark and be well received by our customers,”said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Continue reading →

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Sticky Steering Recall for 1.7 Million Honda and Acuras

Posted on 9 October 2024 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Co is recalling ~1.7 million 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed today.

“Due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear. In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the sliding force between the components. As a result of the reduced grease film thickness and increased sliding force, friction between the worm wheel and worm gear increases,” Honda said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading →

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Deputy CEO Björn Annwall Leaves Volvo Cars

Posted on 9 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.ST)* today announced organizational changes that it said, “are designed to increase simplicity, speed and collaboration and reduce complexity by flattening our structure in the Commercial part of the business.” It is enhancing responsibilities of the regions and empowering the employees that are closest to the customers to make key decisions. In a surprising move, Björn Annwall, the Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy CEO will support the transition of the new organization before taking his next step “outside of Volvo Cars.” The stock is currently trading at an all-time low.**

“In a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure our organization is equipped to navigate a more challenging market. We are now regrouping our commercial leadership team with a focus on making Volvo Cars even stronger with increased speed and efficiency,” said Jim Rowan, CEO at Volvo Cars. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Ford Bronco Free Wheeling Package

Posted on 8 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Ford Bronco Free Wheeling Package

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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) today announced a new 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package.* The retro marketing ploy adds red, orange, and yellow touches derived from Ford’s Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the 1970s and 1980s – back when Ford was able to sell passenger vehicles. 

“Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheeling’s looks kick that up a notch with its sunset inspired beach vibes,” claimed Steve Gilmore, Ford Vehicle Personalization chief designer. “We’ve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with today’s fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the exterior stripes and unique pops of color that come together in an optimistic way.”  Continue reading →

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Nissan Joins EV Grid Management Group ChargeScape

Posted on 7 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Joins EV Grid Management Group ChargeScape

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Nissan said today that it has entered into an agreement to invest in ChargeScape, a joint venture equally owned by BMW, Ford and Honda* concentrated on electric vehicle-grid integration. Once the transaction is complete, Nissan will become an equal 25% investor in ChargeScape and will roll out ChargeScape’s services to its EV drivers across the U.S. and Canada.**

“We are delighted to welcome Nissan to the ChargeScape joint venture,” said Joseph Vellone, ChargeScape CEO. “Nissan’s decision to join us underscores their commitment to helping customers charge more cheaply and sustainably and highlights ChargeScape’s central position in the vehicle-grid integration space.” Continue reading →

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DOE Loan Programs Office – $1B to Evgo for Charging Points

Posted on 4 October 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on DOE Loan Programs Office - $1B to Evgo for Charging Points

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The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced Thursday a conditional commitment to EVgo Swift Borrower LLC (EVgo) for a loan guarantee of up to $1.05 billion to expand the public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The loan guarantee, if finalized, will support EVgo’s deployment of ~7500 charging ports at ~1100 charging stations across the United States. The first deployments will include high-power 350kW fast chargers capable of charging two EVs simultaneously. EVgo plans to continue installing power sharing equipment over the 5-year deployment timeline.

“The Biden-Harris administration and DOE are building towards a future where EVs are affordable and accessible in every part of the country,” LPO said in a detailed release. Continue reading →

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