New Porsche Panamera Bests Old Time at Nürburgring

Posted on 15 July 2024 by Ken Zino
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Porsche said today that the new Panamera on the Nürburgring Nordschleife beat the old model’s time last Friday. With Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel, a pre-series variant of the high-performance touring sedan completed the course 5.64 seconds faster than the comparable model of the previous generation. Kern thereby set a new best time of 7:24.17 minutes for luxury class cars with combustion engines and hybrids, in what is the future top of the line model of the Panamera series. Kern had previously set class records on the Nordschleife in 2016 and 2020 in the Panamera, most recently in the Panamera Turbo S at 7:29.81 minutes. (see the lap – click here)

“On the Nordschleife, the transverse dynamic capabilities of a car are particularly important,” said  Kern. “The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences in particular, such as between the ‘Hohe Acht’ and ‘Brünnchen’ sections of the track section, it responds with noticeably greater agility.” Continue reading →

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FCA US Recalls 332,000 Vehicles for Bad Airbags

Posted on 15 July 2024 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling 332,000 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles because a  seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front-seat air bag from deploying as intended. FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace the connector by directly wiring the sensor to the harness with a solder tube.

In the required filing just made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FCA said “A disrupted connector on the buckle switch hall effect may affect the conduction on the connectors of the seat wiring and buckle which may cause the front seat air bag to not perform as expected during a crash.” The part in question was made by ZF Group in Italy as Molex part number 98817-1025. Continue reading →

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Takata Airbag Shrapnel – BMW Recalls 400,000 3-Series Models

Posted on 12 July 2024 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling 400,000 older 3-series models equipped with a Takata airbag inflator on the driver’s side steering wheel. Some 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles are affected with this deadly safety defect.

The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with a Takata inflator that can explode during deployment. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Continue reading →

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IIHS Pooh-Poohs Merits of Partial Automation Systems

Posted on 12 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Pooh-Poohs Merits of Partial Automation Systems

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Crash records and insurance data “offer little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions,” according to the latest research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute. The evidence cited comes from studies of BMW and Nissan vehicles that have been on the road for a number of years. HLDI studied these vehicles in 2021. Now a new study of the same vehicles from IIHS confirms that partial automation in these vehicles doesn’t confer additional safety benefits beyond those of crash avoidance features like front automatic emergency braking (AEB). [Read AutoInformed on IIHS Toughens Front Crash Prevention Testing, and IIHS Tightens Top Safety Pick Awards Criteria]  

“Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” said IIHS President David Harkey. Continue reading →

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Largest Ever Clean Air Act Fine Imposed on Marathon Oil

Posted on 12 July 2024 by Ken Zino

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached a settlement with Marathon Oil Company* over Clean Air Act violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The settlement requires that Marathon pay a civil penalty of $64.5 million, the largest ever for violations of the Clean Air Act at stationary sources, which include downstream facilities such as oil and gas tank systems. Under the settlement agreement, Marathon will implement extensive compliance measures to achieve major reductions in harmful emissions from more than 200 facilities across the state.

“The complaint alleges that Clean Air Act violations at nearly 90 Marathon facilities resulted in thousands of tons of illegal emissions. The work that Marathon will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 2.25 million tons of reduced carbon-dioxide emissions over the next five years and also eliminate nearly 110,000 tons of VOC emissions. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our environmental laws to protect the health of the American people,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. Continue reading →

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Polestar 6 Concept EV Hill Climbing at Goodwood

Posted on 11 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Polestar 6 Concept EV Hill Climbing at Goodwood

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Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) is at Goodwood Festival of Speed showing its expanded model line-up with the new Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 electric SUVs joining the Polestar 2. They are accompanied by the Polestar 6 Concept, marking the dynamic debut for the electric roadster concept.

“Now we are a brand with three models in production it’s great to see them here together for the first time at a global event. Goodwood Festival of Speed is full of the most exciting cars and the most enthusiastic crowds,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, a Chinese-owned company. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert on Faulty Replacement Airbags

Posted on 11 July 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that used car buyers and owners need to be aware of cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators that can cause death or serious injury in a crash. In the last year, three people have been killed and two people have suffered life-altering, disfiguring injuries due to these faulty aftermarket replacement air bag inflators.

“In all five cases, the vehicles had previously been involved in a crash, and their original equipment air bags were replaced with defective, substandard inflators, in most cases confirmed to have been manufactured overseas. These dangerous aftermarket parts malfunctioned in subsequent crashes, sending large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes and faces, killing or severely injuring drivers in otherwise survivable crashes,” NHTSA said in a relatively rare Consumer Alert* this week. Continue reading →

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New MG HS SUV Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Posted on 11 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Revised MG HS SUV Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

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MG today showed petrol (gasoline) and plug-in Hybrid updates of its HS SUV with revised styling, more space and new infotainment offerings at Goodwood Festival of Speed where MG is celebrating its 100th anniversary.* Chinese-owned MG claimed that the plug-in Hybrid model delivers best-in-class electric-only range. The gasoline HS SE 1.5T is available starting at £24,995, with the most expensive HS Trophy PHEV priced from £33,995. Both come with a 7-year/80,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty at 160 UK dealers.

“The outgoing HS SUV has been immensely popular,” said David Allison, Head of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK. “However, the new SE and Trophy models raise the bar with even more equipment and functionality, a distinctive MG appearance that sets the HS apart from other SUVs and a choice of advanced petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This strong MG all-rounder is now adding even more to its game.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Sales Up in EU for First Half of 2024

Posted on 10 July 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 (NYSE: STLA) said today that it posted a 0.9% increase in  passenger car and commercial vehicle volumes (PC, CV) in the so-called EU29 markets during the first half of 2024, at an 18.2% market share (footnote 1 below). Citroën, Dodge, Jeep® and Lancia brands increased sales versus last year. The company is Number One in France, Italy and Portugal year-to-date (YTD).

“We will sustain our growth by seizing opportunities and managing disruptions,” said Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer, Enlarged Europe. “With our solid market position, strategic partnerships, and robust product lineup, we enter the year’s second half with strong momentum. We’re excited for the coming months, driven by our team’s fighting spirit and exciting new products – as planned this year in our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan – to continue growing in Europe.”
 Continue reading →

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Toyota Joins IONNA EV Charging Network in North America

Posted on 10 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Joins IONNA EV Charging Network in North America

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IONNA and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) said today announced that Toyota has joined seven other automakers as an investor in IONNA* to support the build-out of its charging network for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across North America. This is an attempt to allow Toyota and Lexus customers access to the public network of DC fast chargers IONNA will begin deploying later this year. IONNA plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, and stations will include both NACS and CCS connectors to support all BEV drivers.

“We are excited to announce our support of IONNA to deploy DC fast chargers throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “We believe this will not only promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology, but it will provide our Toyota and Lexus customers with access to IONNA’s rapidly growing charging network in North America.” Continue reading →

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Global Automakers in the US Out-Build Detroit 3 During 2023

Posted on 10 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Automakers in the U.S. Out-Build Detroit 3 During 2023

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The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) and Autos Drive America in their 2024 Economic Impact Report say that during 2023, for the first time, international automakers in the United States out-produced the Detroit 3. Last year, Autos Drive America’s members produced 4.9 million light vehicles in the U.S. compared to 4.6 million produced by the Detroit 3. In total, last year 8.7 million new vehicles were sold in 9401 international nameplate dealership franchises, accounting for 57% of all new vehicle sales in 2023.

“At AIADA, we publish this report annually as an important reminder that America’s more than 9400 so-called “foreign” dealerships are vital contributors to our nation’s economic health and development,” said Cody Lusk, AIADA President and CEO. “Every day, I see firsthand the many ways in which international nameplate dealers serve their customers, create jobs, and establish themselves as economic engines for their communities. The continued growth and success of these dealerships, as detailed within this report, is a reminder that with a level playing field, superior products, pricing, and service will always rise to the top,” Lusk claimed. Continue reading →

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VW Group – €2.6 Billion Exposure Over EV Plant Closing

Posted on 10 July 2024 by Ken Zino

In an ad hoc release late yesterday, the Volkswagen Group slashed its annual financial results forecast over the costs of the potential shutting down of an Audi EV plant in Brussels. In total, this will lead to a “burden on the operating result of up to €2.6 billion in the 2024 financial year.”

“The Board of Management of Volkswagen AG has been informed today that the Supervisory Board of AUDI AG, against the background of the development of demand for the Audi Q8 e-tron model family in certain markets, has decided at its meeting today to support an information and consultation process at the Brussels site as required by Belgian law. In this process, the Board of Management of Audi Brussels S.A./N.V. is working together with the responsible social partners to develop solutions for the site. At the end of this process, the site may, among other things be closed down. The expenses expected as a result of alternative uses or a plant closure, which are expected to be accrued in the third quarter, in conjunction with the other unplanned expenses in the Volkswagen Group, will have a significant impact on the operating result of the Volkswagen Group in the 2024 financial year,” VW said. Continue reading →

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Tilt! Stellantis Now Favoring Hybrids in Europe

Posted on 9 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Tilt! Stellantis Now Favoring Hybrids in Europe

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that is changing its self-described multi-energy approach to respond to the sharp rise in sales of hybrid vehicles in Europe, including models equipped with its new “advanced hybrid eDCT technology.”* The company will offer 30 hybrid models in Europe during 2024 but now plans to bring six more to market by 2026. Hybrid versions reduceCO2 emissions somewhat, at a more affordable price than cleaner 100% electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Stellantis currently produces hybrid vehicles in more than 70% of its European sites. Through a joint venture with eTransmissions, Stellantis and its partner are currently manufacturing eDCTs in Metz, France and Turin, Italy, feeding 11 car production sites, with a combined capacity of more than 1.2 million eDCTs per year.

“Combining sustainable development and innovation, Stellantis reaffirms its ultimate commitment to offer advanced hybrid technology to its European customers,” said Uwe Hochgeschurtz, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis Enlarged Europe. “This technology not only improves the efficiency and performance of traditional combustion engines, but also drives us to a low-emission future, with increased vehicle range and a more affordable price for our customers. ” Stellantis offers a range of  fuel system technologies, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric. Continue reading →

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Biden Administration – $1.6B in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Posted on 9 July 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Biden Administration - $1.6B in Semiconductor Manufacturing

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The US Department of Commerce today published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to open a competition for new research and development (R&D) activities that it said will establish and accelerate domestic capacity for semiconductor advanced packaging. The CHIPS for America program predicts that up to $1.6 billion in funding will go to five R&D areas.* These were first outlined in the vision for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP).** Through potential cooperative agreements, CHIPS for America would make several awards of ~$150 million federal funding per award in each research area.

“President Biden was clear that we need to build a vibrant domestic semiconductor ecosystem here in the U.S., and advanced packaging is a huge part of that. Now, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in America, the U.S. will have multiple advanced packaging options across the country and push the envelope in new packaging technologies. This announcement is just the most recent example of our commitment to investing in cutting edge R&D that is critical to creating quality jobs in the U.S. and making our country a leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche 4Kids and LEGO

Posted on 8 July 2024 by Ken Zino
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Porsche said today that its free Porsche 4Kids summer holiday program this year is Porsche meets LEGO. To celebrate the latest LEGO Technic GT4 e-Performance model, the program running from 30 July to 18 August 2024 is entirely about the all-electric racing car. Because the LEGO company also evokes childhood memories for grown-ups, the Schwabenstein 2×4 e.V. club is building unique LEGO models and landscapes for the Porsche Museum, which are not for sale and which will be part of the LEGO activity area during the program and can only be seen in the museum.

“Our younger visitors can look forward to meeting Tom Targa and Tina Turbo as walking acts in the museum on the weekends of 3/4 and 10/11 August 2024. The Porsche mascots will be walking through the museum every hour on the hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with lots of time for souvenir photos, high fives and all kinds of fun,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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