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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Bentley Joins Leather Naturally NGO for Sourcing

Posted on 22 August 2024 by Ken Zino
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Bentley Motors said today in an awakened announcement that it has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally,* said to the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) says it is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. In 2021, Bentley was the first automotive member of the Leather Working Group, promoting responsible business practices and environmental compliance within the leather industry.

“Leather Naturally is delighted to welcome Bentley as a member. As a brand synonymous with both luxury and leather, this partnership underlines its commitment to furthering sustainability and ongoing improvement through its Beyond 100 vision,” said Debbie Burton, Chair of Leather Naturally. Continue reading →

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Tech-Aches – Vehicle Owners Overwhelmed by New Gizmos

Posted on 22 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Tech-Aches – Vehicle Owners Overwhelmed by New Gizmos

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Vehicle owners are overwhelmed with technology features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use or are just too limited in functionality. The results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index* (TXI) StudySM released today shows that. The study, which focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technologies as they come to market, finds that while owners offer praise for some advanced features, others are found to be lackluster. (read AutoInformed on: Tech-Aches – J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study)

“A strong advanced tech strategy is crucial for all vehicle manufacturers, and many innovative technologies are answering customer needs,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “At the same time, this year’s study makes it clear that owners find some technologies of little use and/or are continually annoying. J.D. Power’s ability to calculate the return on investment for individual technologies is a major step in enabling carmakers to determine the technologies that deserve the most attention while helping them ease escalating costs for new vehicles.” Continue reading →

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Shareholder Warning – Ford Delays Next Gen Electric Truck

Posted on 21 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that it is it is delaying the launch of its groundbreaking electric truck code-named “Project T3” to the second half of 2027. The truck will have so-called Ford first technologies, including upgraded bi-directional charging capability and advanced aerodynamics. The truck will be assembled at BlueOval City’s Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center. This is a major change in course that will result in costly special item charges for shareholders.

“We are committed to innovating in America, creating jobs and delivering incredible new electric and hybrid vehicles that make a real difference in CO2 reduction,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “We learned a lot as the No. 2 U.S. electric vehicle brand about what customers want and value, and what it takes to match the best in the world with cost-efficient design, and we have built a plan that gives our customers maximum choice and plays to our strengths.” Continue reading →

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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

Posted on 21 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 Customer Deliveries Start

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GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money –  prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge.

“Alongside the HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, GMC is now the only brand with three electric trucks,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “The Sierra EV is the ‘Denali of EVs’ and the best truck ever made. Period.” (read AutoInformed.com on New Extended Range Option on 2024 Hummer EV 3X Pickup and GMC Shows 2025 Yukon with Partial Details) Continue reading →

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Satisfaction With Auto Industry Up Slightly?

Posted on 20 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Driver satisfaction with the automobile industry inches forward 1% to a score of 80 (out of 100) as inventory levels return to normal, accruing to the latest study from ACSI®. Satisfaction with both the mass-market (79) and luxury (81) segments is unchanged from the year before, while the smaller brands that comprise the “all others” measure lift the industry’s overall ACSI score by climbing 7% to 81.

“Despite automotive sales showing strong growth in 2023, many consumers remain cautious about making major purchases like new vehicles,” says Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Inflation poses challenges and there are real concerns over new vehicles becoming outdated quicker because of how fast technology evolves. Plus, factors like economic uncertainty and range anxiety around electric vehicles contribute to this hesitation.” Continue reading →

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Strength in August Auto Retail Market but…

Posted on 20 August 2024 by Ken Zino

In the Cox Auto Market Report* published this morning, Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke noted that  first half of August saw massive volatility in the stock market, but halfway through the month there is  strength in the retail sale vehicle market.”

“Keep your seatbelts buckled as the election, geopolitics and the Fed are all likely to create more volatility over the next several weeks,” Smoke cautioned. Continue reading →

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GMC Shows 2025 Yukon with Partial Details

Posted on 20 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC Shows 2025 Yukon with Partial Details

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GMC has shown the 2025 Yukon with technology additions and a refreshed interior design. The 2025 Yukon also introduces the first-ever AT4 Ultimate trim, timed to celebrate the fifth anniversary of GMC’s AT4 sub-brand. The 2025 GMC Yukon will be produced at Arlington Assembly in Texas [**see footnotes below – 13] and is expected to be available by the end of 2024.*

“Following the all-new GMC Acadia and next-gen GMC Terrain, the addition of the updated 2025 GMC Yukon completes GMC’s reimagined SUV lineup,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “We’re raising the bar on what our customers expect from GMC’s flagship and the addition of the AT4 Ultimate trim fuses ruggedness and capability with craftsmanship and refinement.” Continue reading →

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UAW Locals Preparing to Strike Stellantis – National Strike?

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that several UAW locals representing tens of thousands of workers under the national UAW Stellantis agreement are prepared to file grievances over the Stellantis’ failure to keep its investment commitments and honor the union contract,. This, of course leads to a  national strike at Stellantis, if necessary.

“This company made a commitment to autoworkers at Stellantis in our union contract, and we intend to enforce that contract to the full extent,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “On behalf of autoworkers everywhere, we’re standing up against a company that wants to go back on its commitments and drive a race to the bottom at the expense of the American worker.” Continue reading →

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Relatively Cheap – The 2025 Nissan Rogue On Sale

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on The 2025 Nissan Rogue is On Sale

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Nissan said today that the 2025 Nissan Rogue* is on-sale now with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [MSRP see footnote 2 below] of $29,230, a minor price increase following a less than successful mild changes for the 2024 model year and the addition of Google built-in [3].

“The 2025 Rogue now offers a new grade level with style and substance aimed directly at those with an adventurous spirit. Rock Creek features all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, HD Intelligent Around View® Monitor4 with Off-Road View, water-repellant leatherette seating, a tubular roof rack and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive5. Following in the tire tracks laid in the dirt by Pathfinder Rock Creek,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Six New Ford Motor Recalls on Various Safety Defects

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released today information about six more Ford Motor Company safety defect recalls covering a vast array of design, engineering, manufacturing and software defects.

Problems, some of them life threatening, include power windows, engine fires, windshield wipers, failing rear suspension knuckles, loss of steering, and body as well as powertrain control modules. NHTSA Campaign Numbers include: 24V590, 24V591, 24V593, 24V594, 24V597, 24V598. Continue reading →

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GM Recalls Cadillac LYRIQ AWD EVs

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling 21,469  model yeasr 2023-2024 Cadillac LYRIQ all-wheel-drive vehicles (AWD). The anti-lock brake system (ABS) may activate unexpectedly and release brake pressure in the vehicle’s service brake system. GM provides the software involved with this recall. Rear-wheel drive vehicles are not affected. 

According to documents made public this morning in the required safety recall filing, “In rare circumstances, during certain braking events on dry surfaces at speeds below 25 mph, the vehicle may exhibit overly sensitive anti-lock braking system (ABS) control. In these conditions, if ABS falsely activates and a specific sequence of wheel movements occurs, the vehicle’s ABS system will continue to release the braking pressure in the vehicle’s service brake system. A release of braking pressure can cause the service brakes to have reduced stopping performance or become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.” GM said it is not aware of any injuries or fatalities associated with this condition. Continue reading →

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Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino
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Acura today advanced its electrification strategy with the world-debut of the Acura Performance EV Concept, which previews the brand’s next generation all-electric model. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, the Acura concept performance SUV was developed by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles. Scheduled to go into production in late 2025 the all-new Acura will be the first model engineered on the new Honda-developed EV platform and the first EV produced* at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. The EV Concept is the fifth Acura concept vehicle displayed at Monterey Car Week during the last 11 years starting with the NSX Concept (2013), Precision Concept (2016), Type S Concept (2019) and Precision EV Concept (2022).

“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading →

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Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino
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Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”

“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional, if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading →

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