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
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Performance Driving - Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

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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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West European July New Car Market Diesel Share at ~15%

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

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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Brittany Blue Added to Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino
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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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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

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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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X Marks Labor Sore Spot – IndustriALL Against Musk, Trump

Posted on 15 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on X Marks Labor Sore Spot - IndustriALL Against Musk, Trump

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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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GM Has Renewable Solar Power Deal for Three Plants

Posted on 15 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Has Renewable Solar Power Deal for Three Plants

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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 →

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CARB Settles Nuisance Odor Case at AB&I Foundry

Posted on 14 August 2024 by Ken Zino

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 →

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July 2024 Global Light Vehicle Sales at 91 Million Year’s Best

Posted on 14 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on July 2024 Global Light Vehicle Sales at 91 Million Year's Best

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The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate neared 91 million units/year in July, the best result of the year so far, according to numbers just released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* In a year-on-year (YoY) comparisons market volumes were marginally down on July 2023. Year-to-date (YTD), the market remains in positive territory, up just under 2%.**

“Sales in China maintained a solid pace as NEVs sales continue to gain traction. In the US, YoY sales declined as high vehicle pricing and concerns over the economy weighed on vehicle consumers. The same can be said for Western Europe, which saw its selling rate struggle in July. Meanwhile, the Japanese market surged as supply has begun to catch up from the losses created by the previous vehicle certification issues,” the Global Data Light Vehicle Forecasting Team said. Continue reading →

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IIHS On Intelligent Speed Assistance

Posted on 13 August 2024 by Ken Zino
There’s nothing like hands on the wheel experience in AutoInformed’s view. A new post from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety caught our attention. What follows is courtesy of an copyrighted by IIHS – all rights reserved.

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There’s nothing like hands on the wheel experience in AutoInformed’s view. A new post from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety caught our attention. What follows is courtesy of an copyrighted by IIHS – all rights reserved.

“The first time I got behind the wheel of a loaner SUV kitted out with an aftermarket anti-speeding device this spring, I was nervous. As a safety researcher at IIHS, I’ve studied the benefits of intelligent speed assistance (ISA), which can detect the speed limit and restrict the power output of your engine to keep you from exceeding it, said I’ve more or less argued it should be required in all new vehicles to help stem a speeding epidemic that kills thousands of Americans every year. But I’d never driven with it before and secretly worried I might hate it. Was I about to put myself in an awkward position?” said Ian Reagan, a Senior Research Scientist, IIHS. Continue reading →

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Takata Flack II – Mazda Issues Do Not Drive Alert

Posted on 13 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Mazda North American Operations today issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning about its vehicles equipped with non-desiccated Takata air bags that were recalled, buts still are unrepaired.  NHTSA made the documents public. Mazda apparently did not bother to alert media outlets about this life threatening safety defect. Ford Motor to its credit did. (Read AutoInformed on More Takata Flack – Ford Issues Do-Not-Drive Advisory )

“If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced,” The National Highway Traffic safety administration said in a relatively rare Consumer Alert. To date, NHTSA has confirmed 27 people in the U.S. have been killed by defective Takata air bags that exploded. In addition, at least 400 people in the U.S. reportedly have been injured by exploding Takata air bag inflators. “Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries. Older model year vehicles put their occupants at higher risk, as the age of the air bag is one of the contributing factors,” NHTSA said.  Continue reading →

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