BMW and California Robotics Firm Testing Humanoid Robot

Posted on 6 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW and California Robotics Firm Testing Humanoid Robot

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The BMW Group said today that it is exploring the use of humanoid robots in production for the first time. During a trial run lasting several weeks at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the latest humanoid robot called Figure 02 from California company Figure successfully inserted sheet metal parts into specific fixtures, which were then assembled as part of the chassis. There is no definite timetable established for bringing Figure robots to the plant.

“The developments in the field of robotics are very promising. With an early test operation, we are now determining possible applications for humanoid robots in production. We want to accompany this technology from development to industrialization,” says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Racing Expands WEC Entries to Two Cars in 2025

Posted on 6 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cadillac to Run the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Three Entries

Cadillac’previous WEC entries.

Cadillac Racing said today that its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)* Hypercar program will expand to a two-car factory program to be named Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA** beginning with the start of the 2025 season. It’s a major realignment of two separate racing programs that have tried to beat each other for two seasons now. Jota is leaving Porsche. Drivers of the No. 12 and No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R racecars, powered by the purpose-built Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine, will be announced in the future.

“Cadillac is proud to be racing against the best in the world as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and that includes Hertz Team JOTA” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. Continue reading →

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Nissan Recalling More 2023 Ariya EV models for Power Loss

Posted on 5 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America is recalling  more 2023 Ariya hybrid EV models because the inverter software may misdiagnose an error, which can shut down the EV system, resulting in a  sudden loss of drive power, according to documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“All of these Ariya have been previously recalled under Recall 23V-657 (Nissan Ariya Inverter). Nissan Ariya vehicles that have received the reprogramming remedy for Recall 23V-657 no longer contain the issue and are not included in this recall,” Nissan claimed in the required NHTSA filing. (AutoInformed on: Nissan Recalls All 2023 Ariya EVs for Sudden Power Loss) Continue reading →

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Tesla Recalls More 1.8M EVs with Chinese Hood Latches

Posted on 5 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Tesla is recalling more than 1.8 million 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The Magna Chinese-made hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood after the hood has been opened, according to documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Rates of occurrence were higher in China for reasons unknown, as compared to lower rates of occurrence in markets in Europe and North America,” Tesla told NHTSA.

Tesla has an over-the-air (OTA) software update for free as required by US regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 22 September 2024. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-877-798-3752 on recall iSB-24-00-012. Owners may also contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 24V554. Continue reading →

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Soothsayer Shortfall – US Light Vehicle Sales Flat in July

Posted on 5 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Soothsayer Shortfall - US Light Vehicle Sales Flat in July

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US Light Vehicle (LV) sales fell by 0.4% YoY in July, to 1.30 million. When sales contracted in June largely as the result of the CDK cyberattack,* it was expected  by industry soothsayers that the market would experience a significant rebound in July. It didn’t happen. According to preliminary estimates released today by the respected GlobalData** consultancy, Light Vehicle (LV) sales fell by 0.4% YoY.

“According to initial estimates, retail sales totaled 1,148,000 units in July, while fleet sales finished at 152,000 units, accounting for 11.7% of total volumes. The low fleet total was likely due to a greater focus on serving retail customers whose purchases were delayed by the CDK cyberattack in June,” GlobalData said. Continue reading →

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Honda 1964 RA272 F1 Car to Lap Laguna Seca Historic Races

Posted on 2 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda 1964 RA272 F1 Car to Lap Laguna Seca Historic Races

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American Honda Motor said today that to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of its first F1 Race Entry that during Monterey Car Week on August 14-17the RA272 racer will lap the Laguna Seca Historic Races. Today is the 60th anniversary of Honda’s F1 debut at the 1964 German Grand Prix. The V12-powered Honda RA272 first won at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix in November as the first race car from a Japanese automaker to win a Formula 1 race. Los Angeles born driver Richie Ginther was at the wheel. Powered by a transverse-mounted 1.5-liter V12 engine capable of 13,000 rpm, RA272 ran most recently at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 (July 11-14) piloted by Miyagi-san and current F1 race driver Yuki Tsunoda. (read AutoInformed.com on: Honda Racing has a New UK Formula One Base)

“Soichiro Honda, a former racer himself, believed in competition as a means to improve his company, its engineers and its products. A key example of the Honda ‘Challenging Spirit’ in action, racing is ingrained in the corporate culture of Honda, more than any other automaker. Throughout its history, on two wheels and four, Honda has raced and won at the highest levels of motorsports all over the world,” Honda said in a press release. Continue reading →

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Magna Results Reflect Turmoil in OE EV Programs

Posted on 2 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna Results Reflect Turmoil in OE EV Programs

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Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported financial results for Q2 2024 with sales of $11B, essentially unchanged from the second quarter of 2023, which compares to a 2% increase in global light vehicle production, including 6% and 1% higher production in China and North America, respectively. This was partially offset by 5% lower production in Europe. AutoInformed* notes that Magna’s challenge as a global diversified supplier to automakers going forward is adopting to and making money from the delay, elimination or reduced volumes in larger automaker EV programs while retaining or increasing sales from the now extended life of vehicles  with internal combustion engines and their potential freshening and updates with increased content that this likely entails.

“Overall, our second quarter operating performance largely met our expectations, despite lower than anticipated volumes on certain key vehicle programs in North America. Our focus remains on factors we can control, including operational excellence, cost reductions, and flawless launches. These efforts, together with ongoing customer commercial discussions are enabling us to substantially maintain our 2024 Adjusted EBIT margin range,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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EPA – State Fuel Waivers for ExxonMobil Refinery Shutdown

Posted on 1 August 2024 by Ken Zino

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan today issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states whose supply of gasoline has been impacted by the shutdown of the ExxonMobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois.

The action comes after progressive Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the EPA, “requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and help mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans.” Continue reading →

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AC Cars Revives Cobra GT Coupe

Posted on 1 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AC Cars Revives Cobra GT Coupe

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AC Cars released today the first images of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe. The first ever official AC Cobra coupe set for production, working from an augmented version of the existing AC Cobra GT Roadster architecture. This road-going model, you might remember – if you are of a certain age and Monte Carlo Rally, LeMans and Kammtail resonate – draws on AC’s racing heritage. (read AutoInformed.com on: AC Cars Wins Right to AC Cobra Name)

“The reveal of the AC Cobra GT Coupe is a proud moment for us, and the story of a road-going AC Cobra coupe is one years in the making. To have been able to combine the timeless AC Cobra design into a car using the latest design and construction techniques breaks new ground for AC Cars. This means the limited Clubsport Edition will provide an incredible, racing car-like experience on either the road or the track,” said David Conza, CEO AC Cars.* Continue reading →

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Stellantis Pursuing Share Buy Backs?

Posted on 1 August 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Sales Up in EU for First Half of 2024

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) said today that pursuant to its Share Buyback Program* announced on 15 February 2024, covering up to €3 billion to be executed in the open market, it has signed a share buyback agreement for the third tranche of its Program with an investment firm that will make its trading decisions concerning the timing of purchases independently of Stellantis. This despite (or because of?) its dreadful performance thus far in 2024. (read AutoInformed.com on: Stellantis Tanks in First Half of 2024 – Net Profit -48%)

Stellantis said it “intends to cancel the common shares acquired through its €3 billion Share Buyback Program apart from a portion of up to €0.5 billion, which will be utilized to execute future employee stock purchase plan activities and equity-based compensation. This is intended to support the benefits of expanding and strengthening the ownership culture inside Stellantis, while avoiding dilution of existing shareholders.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts Lukewarm Q2 Results

Posted on 31 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts Lukewarm Q2 Results

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Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) today posted $7.7 Billion in revenue during Q2 2024, a quarterly record. Q2 included a 10% increase in quarterly retail automotive service and parts revenue to $753 million, which is also a quarterly record. However, net income attributable to common stockholders was $241.2 million compared to $300.8 million in the prior year period, and related earnings per share was $3.61 compared to $4.41 for the same period in 2023. Foreign currency exchange negatively impacted revenue by $0.8 million, net income attributable to common stockholders by $0.4 million, but had no negative effect on earnings per share.

“I am pleased to see that our service and parts business remains strong and contributed to our record total quarterly revenue of $7.7 billion. In addition, our focus on efficiency and controlling costs drove a sequential decline in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit by 50 basis points to 70.2%,” said Chair and CEO Roger Penske, which is more or less what he said about Q1 results. Continue reading →

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More Fines for Tampering with Emissions Control Systems

Posted on 31 July 2024 by Ken Zino

Diesel performance parts retailers GDP Tuning LLC and Custom Auto of Rexburg LLC, doing business as Gorilla Performance, and owner Barry Pierce were sentenced today in federal court in Pocatello, Idaho. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill for the District of Idaho sentenced Pierce to four months in prison. GDP Tuning and Gorilla Performance were sentenced to five years of probation. All defendants were ordered to jointly pay a $1 million fine. The companies and Pierce had previously pleaded guilty.

“The defendants knowingly and repeatedly flouted Clean Air Act regulations even after being told that this conduct was against the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to enforcing the law and holding individuals and businesses accountable.” Continue reading →

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More Toyota Certification Problems Emerge from MLIT Probe

Posted on 31 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com

Akio Toyoda.

Toyota Motor Corporation said today that it had received a “correction order” from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), that calls for “drastic reforms to ensure appropriate certification operations.” (Read AutoInformed on: Toyota Releases More Details on Vehicle Certification Fraud, Toyota to Restart Pixis Production and Shipments, Daihatsu Ousted from CJPT for Certification Fraud)

“We have also received suggestions and guidance on additional matters. It is with deep regret that we were not able to properly conduct our certification operations, and we apologize to our stakeholders for any concern or inconvenience this may have caused them,” Toyota said in a release. “Through a series of suggestions and internal investigations, we believe that these incidents were caused by both on-site and management factors,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Commercial Vehicle Sales Up in EU H1 2024

Posted on 30 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Commercial Vehicle Sales Up in EU H1 2024

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During the first half of 2024, new EU van sales increased by 15%, at 840,409 units, driven by double-digit growth in key markets, according to data just released by The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).*

“Germany led with a remarkable 19.3% rise, followed by Spain at 18.5%, Italy at 17.8%, and France at 10.5%. New EU truck registrations saw a more modest increase of 3%, at 183,295 units from January to June. This growth was primarily driven by an 18.2% increase in medium-truck sales, while heavy trucks remained stable with a 0.3% increase. Spain and Italy led with double-digit gains of 21.7% and 10.5%, respectively, while Germany (+8.1%) and France (+5.5%) also posted growth,” ACEA said. Continue reading →

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FAA Okays Automated Commercial Drone Flights

Posted on 30 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FAA Okays Automated Commercial Drone Flights

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The FAA said today that it has authorized commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace. In a first for U.S. aviation, Zipline International and Wing Aviation can now deliver packages while it’s claimed that  their drones safely separated  from other air traffic using so called Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology.

Previously, when operating drones, the drone pilot must be able to always see the unmanned aircraft. However, what the FAA claims are new advancements in air traffic technology and procedures are making these “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) flights routine. Considerable lobbying pressure no doubt is in play. The FAA budget was threatened by Republicans last year in latest fiscal year fiasco. The current budget expires on 30 September, so fasten your safety belt, this is going to be a stormy flight this fall.
 Continue reading →

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