August U.S. Auto Sales Highest Year-to-Date

Posted on 4 September 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on August U.S. Auto Sales Highest Year-to-Date

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After U.S. Labor Day holiday weekend sales, initial August new-vehicle sales results, as expected, are indicating healthy volume gains, according to Cox Automotive.* Full results will be in by the end of the week, but early reports suggest the extra selling days helped the auto market navigate August with strength, according to Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke  in his latest Auto Market Report released this morning. (Read AutoInformed.com on Slight Labor Day Jump Forecast for August US Auto Sales)**

“New- and used-vehicle sales volumes are at the highest level for 2024. With growing demand, supply has tightened, and prices are creeping up. For the first time this year, the popular 3-year-old product – a staple of the used-vehicle business our team tracks closely – experienced a price increase in both the wholesale and retail markets,” said Smoke.
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Digital Reveal – 2025 Nissan Armada Flagship SUV

Posted on 3 September 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Digital Reveal - 2025 Nissan Armada Flagship SUV

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The all-new 2025 Nissan Armada enhances on-road comfort, claimed greater levels of craftsmanship, the latest technologies and opens new off-road frontiers with the nameplate’s first PRO-4X grade, Nissan said today at the online reveal of its three row SUV. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date late this year.

The event used Extreme-Sports content creators – mountain biker Cam Zink, free climber Ashima Shiraishi and ultrarunner Matt James – as part of the show. There are five grades – SV, SL, PRO-4X, Platinum and Platinum Reserve. All offer a choice between rear-wheel drive and Intelligent 4WD, except PRO-4X, which has standard 4WD. The PRO-4X grade has all-terrain tires, an increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, an electronic locking differential and Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Chinese Auto Industry Steady in July?

Posted on 3 September 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chinese Auto Industry Steady in July?

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The Chinese automotive industry’s economic operations remained fundamentally stable in July, with just a minor dip in monthly production and sales, according to an analysis of the world’s largest auto market just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. Domestic light vehicle (LV) sales, excluding exports, totaled 1.8 million units, reflecting a significant year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 10.4% and a month-on-month (MoM) decline of 12.5%, affected by the high comparative base of the same month last year.

“The passenger vehicle (PV) segment saw a total volume reduction to 1.6 million units, with a 9.8% YoY decline and a substantial MoM decrease of 10.9%. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales also contracted to 162,000 units, recording a significant YoY decline of 15.6% and a 25.8% MoM decrease. From January to July of this year, LV sales reached 13.0 million units, experiencing a slight YoY decrease of 0.9%. Within this, PV sales accounted for a total volume of 11.5 million units, with a 0.7% YoY decrease. LCV sales, despite being a significant market segment, experienced a slight YoY downturn of 2.5%, at 1.4 million units,” according to the GlobalData Asia-Pacific Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team.** Continue reading →

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Various Ford and Lincoln Recalls for Sudden Engine Failures

Posted on 2 September 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling  2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a sudden loss of drive power.

Based on an analysis of returned fractured valves from failed engines, Ford identified that the potential root cause of the failures was engine intake valve failure due to valves that exceeded the designed specification for hardness, were brittle, and more likely to fracture. Ford determined that this was due to the supplier’s grinding processes and the sensitivity of the intake valve material to grinding processes that were not within control specifications. The intake valve material was changed for vehicles produced after 31 October 2021. The new material increased the valve’s robustness to keeper groove grinding processes outside of control specifications. Continue reading →

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Jaguar Again Recalls I-Pace Models for Battery Fires

Posted on 2 September 2024 by Ken Zino

Jaguar Land Rover is conducting a  safety defect recall campaign involving 2019 MY Jaguar I-Pace* vehicles built at the Graz Vehicle Assembly Plant from 9 January 2018 through 14 March 2019. The basis for the recall population is all Jaguar I-Pace 19 model year vehicles not included in the Jaguar H484 safety defect recall. The batteries in question were from LG Energy Solution in Poland. Recalled vehicles will receive a software update that will change the maximum state of charge of the battery to 80%. A permanent remedy is under development.

Owners are advised to park and charge their vehicle outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete and for 30 days after the repair has been completed. As an interim repair, dealers will update the battery energy control module software, free of charge as required by US safety regulations. The final fix is currently under development. Continue reading →

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Slight Labor Day Jump Forecast for August US Auto Sales

Posted on 30 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Slight Labor Day Jump Forecast for August US Auto Sales

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Absolute new-vehicle sales for August 2024, including retail and non-retail transactions, are set to reach 1,437,954, a 4.2% increase from August 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* August 2024 has 28 selling days, one more than August 2023. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 8.1% from 2023.

“New-vehicle sales in August are up from a year ago, as expected. A key element of the improvement is that this year, the Labor Day holiday weekend falls within the August** sales reporting period instead of September where it normally falls,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. “While the sales results for August will be positive, the seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR), which corrects for Labor Day timing, is relatively modest at just 15.3 million units.” Continue reading →

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GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

Posted on 29 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM BrightDrop Electric Commercial Vans To Join Chevrolet

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans* under the Chevrolet brand. The shift brings BrightDrop EVs to Chevrolet’s broad commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. BrightDrop EVs offer GM-estimated 272 miles of combined city/highway range** and advanced features to help keep drivers safe and alert. This give BrightDrop customers access to one of the industry’s largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks. All Chevrolet dealers will sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial EV requirements.

“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done.” Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Hyundai Motor Changes Its Way

Posted on 28 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor said today it intends to leverage its expertise to bolster its position in the hybrid market under its new Hyundai Dynamic Capabilities strategy, a flexible response to the EV market based on core capabilities. Executive summary – Hyundai is modifying its EV strategy in the face of weak EV demand. Under this change in ways, Hyundai will expand the application of its hybrid system beyond compact and mid-size cars to small, large and luxury vehicles. This will increase its current range from seven to 14 models. This expansion will encompass not only Hyundai vehicles but also its luxury brand, Genesis, which will offer a hybrid option for all models, excluding those that are exclusively electric.

“In the electrification era, Hyundai has distinguished itself by rapidly launching a comprehensive lineup of EVs, catering not only to mass-market brands but also to the luxury and high-performance segments,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Building on our advanced technology and dedication to innovation, we aim to secure a leading position in the market as the adoption of electrified vehicles gains momentum.” Continue reading →

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Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers

Posted on 27 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers

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Acura said this morning that the refreshed 2025 RDX is now arriving at dealers ranging in price from $46,050 to $55,800 including destination. RDX has a new “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and “aggressive grille mesh.” Standard RDX now has a “premium gloss-black exterior trim.” All RDX models have new wheel designs, with standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels. New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic, and new to RDX – Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl.

Inside, the interior design team” enhanced the entire cabin experience with a redesigned center console boasting improved form and function with increased storage, larger cupholders and easier access to the wireless smartphone charger.” Moreover, the standard 10.2-inch HD center display now has a new wide-screen mode for its standard wireless Apple CarPlay5 [see footnotes following. This is 5] and Android Auto™6 compatibility. Continue reading →

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MINI Cooper SE 2 Doors Recalled for Battery Fires

Posted on 26 August 2024 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America is recalling 2020-2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE vehicles. Faults may occur in the high voltage battery or high voltage system, resulting in a short circuit, according to recall documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“This may lead to an overheating of the high voltage battery and, in rare cases a thermal event [fire] even when the vehicle is not in operation,” BMW said in the required safety defect recall filing. Continue reading →

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BMW Fire Recalls on More Than 720,000 Vehicles

Posted on 26 August 2024 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America, LLC. is recalling 720,796 vehicles because of an electrical system safety defect that can cause fires. Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH made the defective water pump that leaks.

“The recalled vehicles have been manufactured with a water pump that, due to insufficient sealing, could, over time, be susceptible to fluid ingress at the electrical plug connector, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Ford Reveals 2025 Bronco Sport – Sasquatch Off-Road Option

Posted on 26 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Reveals 2025 Bronco Sport - Sasquatch Off-Road Option

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport will have an off-road option with so-called Sasquatch Capability, as well as new technology both as standard equipment and available as options. All 2025 Bronco Sport models come standard with what’s claimed as the largest center display in the class, a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the SYNC(R) 4 system, Bronco Raptor-inspired 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Co-Pilot 360 Assist+. (read AutoInformed on: Shareholder Warning – Ford Delays Next Gen Electric Truck) 

“Bronco Sport customers love the outdoors and go off-roading 3.5 times as often as the owners of competitive vehicles, and camping twice as often,” claimed Matt Simpson, Ford Enthusiast Vehicles general manager. “They want to know they can overcome obstacles that come their way, which drove our designers and engineers to push Bronco Sport to a new level of capability and performance to let our customers do more and have more fun off-road.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV – 54 Miles Electric Range

Posted on 23 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz 2025 GLC PHEV - 54 Miles Electric Range

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Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this morning in Atlanta that the new 2025 GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV is best in its class at 54 miles of all-electric range, according to EPA certification [see footnotes below – 1]. The Hybrid SUV is available now at U.S. dealerships starting from $59,900 [2].

This in German marketing theory makes “most daily commutes more flexible and economical in all-electric mode without the need to rely on the internal combustion engine.” Further optimizing efficiency, the “Hybrid” drive program prioritizes electric propulsion for the most appropriate driving situations, for example, during city driving. The standard 60-kW DC charging capacity enables a full battery charge to be achieved in as little as 30 minutes [3]. Continue reading →

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EV Moves – Porsche Grabs Majority Stake in V4Drive Battery

Posted on 23 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Porsche 911 Carrera, GTS Carrera Hybrids Debut

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Porsche said today that it plans a majority takeover of V4Drive Battery GmbH via a capital increase mainly through a contribution in kind. In this entity, Varta pools its business with large-format lithium-ion round cells, which are used in the performance hybrid drive of the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. (read AutoInformed.com on: New Porsche 911 Carrera, GTS Carrera Hybrids Debut)

“Varta and Porsche are already working closely together on the topic of high-performance battery cells. With the planned majority takeover of V4Drive, we aim to drive the company forward and would make an important contribution to keeping key technologies in Germany,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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Canadian Government Halts Teamsters Canada Freight Strike

Posted on 22 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Canadian Government Halts Teamsters Canada Freight Strike

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Major automakers such as Ford Motor, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota assembling vehicles in Canada or shipping engines and various other components to the United States got a reprieve late today as a previously reluctant Canadian government intervened in a railroad freight strike.

“I’ve directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to assist the parties in settling the outstanding terms of their collective agreements by imposing final binding arbitration,” said Canadian Labor Minister Steve MacKinnon at a press conference. Continue reading →

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