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 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
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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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
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
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 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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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
In July, for the 12th month in a row, diesel* captured around 15% of the West European new car market, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.**
“In fact, the preliminary July result was exactly that figure with June being confirmed at 14.2%. July historically is a robust month for diesel sales though the reason for this isn’t clear. So, while the Mont- over-Month diesel share was positive, the Year-over-Year comparison was more negative than seen in June,” said the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting Team. Continue reading
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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that the “Classic Brittany Blue paint color returns to the Mustang color palette for the Mustang 60th Anniversary package, joining previously announced Wimbledon White, Race Red, and Vapor Blue. Available only with the Fastback body and 10-speed automatic transmission, the 60th Anniversary Brittany Blue also includes the 401A package, Active-Valve Performance Exhaust, Brembo brakes, 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, 12-speaker B&O sound system, and Space Gray upholstery. (read AutoInformed.com on: More Horsepower for All 2024 Mustang Engines Next Summer)
“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager. Continue reading
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Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.
“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading
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The “right to strike and the right to organize” are vital the enfranchisement of workers. The International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98 maintain these rights are essential for workers and unions to protect their interests and assert their power against the enormous economic and political influence of employers. Central to these protections is the right to organize. This right allows employees to unite and advocate collectively on shared issues. (Read AutoInformed.com on: UAW Files Labor Charges Against Donald Trump And Elon Musk for Attempting to Intimidate and Threaten Workers)
“Elon Musk’s business model is one that is designed to avoid respecting human rights. We must defend workers and the rights that they have fought so long for. We stand with the UAW in their fight.” This conflict is not just about Tesla and its workers – it is a symbol of the broader battle for labor rights and the critical importance of the freedom to organize and strike. Without these rights, workers around the world remain vulnerable to exploitation and injustice. The right to strike is not just a tool—it is a crucial defense that ensures workers can stand up for themselves and each other, said IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie yesterday, citing UAW federal labor charges filed against ex US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Continue reading
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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it has a 15-year renewable energy purchase agreement with NorthStar Clean Energy for three GM assembly plants. NorthStar’s Newport Solar project in Newport, Arkansas, will support the electricity needs of GM’s Lansing Delta Township Assembly and Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, and the Wentzville Assembly site in Missouri by adding renewable energy directly to the grid sourced from. The Newport project has a capacity of 180 megawatts. NorthStar Clean Energy is a unit of CMS Energy.
“By expanding our renewable electricity portfolio, we are taking a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our broader sustainability goals,” says Rob Threlkeld, GM director of global energy strategy. “This facility not only supports our renewable electricity strategy, but also demonstrates our dedication to a sustainable future for all.” Continue reading
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) said today that they finalized a settlement with McWane, Inc., doing business as AB&I Foundry, of East Oakland, Calif., to resolve nuisance odors and permit violations stemming from its operations.
“CARB’s enforcement efforts are a critical component of upholding the state’s air quality regulations to resolve and remediate harms to the public, especially in disadvantaged communities, as was the case with AB&I Foundry. The residents of East Oakland can breathe cleaner air and no longer suffer from the foundry’s noxious odors,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading
Satisfaction With Auto Industry Up Slightly?
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 →