Supplier Relations Study – Toyota Ascending, Ford Slumping

Posted on 2 June 2024 by Ken Zino

The results of the 24th annual North American Automotive OEM-supplier Working Relations Index® [WRI®] Study appraising relations between U.S. automakers and their suppliers by Plante Moran shows five of the six OEMs improved overall relationships while managing continued frictions over cost recovery issues related to materials and tooling, and the overall fairness of supplier-commercial relations in general. The Working Relations Index® measures the total commercial relationship, which is a function of perceived trust, timely communication, mutual profit opportunity, assistance, and a reduction in conflict in dealings with automakers. (AutoInformed on Toyota, Honda, GM Lead in Supplier Relations)

The two big  issues – cost and fairness – have been created and compounded by changing electric vehicle (EV) demand that sees automakers switching to hybrid configurations, or canceling EV programs and again ramping up conventional powertrain production. These are occurring while rising costs are squeezing automaker’s suppliers. Continue reading →

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Department of Labor Sues Hyundai U.S. Over Child Labor

Posted on 31 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Department of Labor filed a complaint yesterday asking a Federal Court to prevent three Alabama companies, including a Hyundai U.S. manufacturing plant, from employing children illegally. The suit also requests that the court require the three companies to surrender (disgorge in legalese) profits related to the use of oppressive child labor. Parts involved in the child labor suit are used in Hyundai Santa Cruz, Santa Fe and Tucson models. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC operates a plant in Montgomery. At the time of the events now before the court, SMART Alabama LLC manufactured component parts in Luverne. Best Practice Service LLC was a staffing agency in Montgomery that supplied labor to SMART Alabama.

“A 13-year-old working on an assembly line in the United States of America shocks the conscience,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman. “As we work to stop illegal child labor where we find it, we also continue to ensure that all employers are held accountable for violating the law.” Continue reading →

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Subaru 2025 WRX tS Debuts at Wicked Big Meet

Posted on 30 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru 2025 WRX tS Debuts at Wicked Big Meet

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Today Subaru announced its new performance 2025 model WRX tS will make its first public appearance at Wicked Big Meet, America’s largest Subaru enthusiast festival, on June 2. The tS trim level offers increased performance and handling capability and ride comfort with a new STI-tuned suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and revised suspension tuning. Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2025 model, which will be at dealers early next year. (AutoInformed on: SubieEvents Starts 2024 at Stafford Motor Speedway)

The WRX tS has Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine, rated at 271 horsepower at 5600 rpm and a broad torque curve with 258 pound-feet of torque from 2000-5200 rpm. Active Torque Vectoring is standard. Continue reading →

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Don’t Drive 2002-2006 Nissan and Infiniti Models

Posted on 30 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Takata Safety Defect Recalls

Shrapnel is on the left side of this screen capture from a NHTSA Takata testing video.

Nissan has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for 83,920 model year 2002-2006 vehicles equipped with recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags. If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced.

The warning covers certain model year 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra, 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles. Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their vehicle is part of this recall, or has any other unrepaired recalls. Continue reading →

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OPTIQ EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Optiq EV- Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

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Cadillac today revealed the new 2025 OPTIQ, an entry-level Cadillac luxury EV. OPTIQ is the least-expensive EV in lineup. This is Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the barely-selling LYRIQ mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. This fall OPTIQ joins the expensive ~$300,000+ CELESTIC sedan and the Escalade SUV (~$130,000). Next year, the VISTIQ appears in showrooms. OPTIQ pricing starts at an estimated $54,000 for the Luxury trim, Sport will be more  expensive [footnote 10],* including destination charges, excluding tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Obvious competitors include Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes-EQ EQB, and Lexus RZ.

“Cadillac has always defined American luxury, and OPTIQ is an example of how our bold, innovative spirit is propelling us into the EV future,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Over the past five years, Cadillac has welcomed approximately 1 million new customers to the family globally, while our percentage of younger buyers has increased 5% in the U.S. OPTIQ will be an important gateway to attract luxury EV intenders to Cadillac as we look to offer a fully electric portfolio by the end of the decade.” [ 4, 5] Continue reading →

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UAW Strikes Again – This Time at Penske Logistics in El Paso

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Members of UAW Local 286 walked off the job this morning in an “unfair labor practice strike” following the company’s “refusal to negotiate a first contract in good faith.” More than 40 workers in the clerical unit of the Penske Logistics operation in  El Paso, TX, voted to form their union more than a year ago. They have allegedly been stonewalled by the company in their attempt to win a first contract. Members are seeking fair pay, real paid time off, and better benefits, particularly health care.

“The company’s refusal to sit down with workers and hash out a deal with fair pay and benefits so workers can care for their families is unacceptable,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “It’s time for Penske to get serious and negotiate in good faith.”

“Penske Logistics continues to negotiate in good faith with the UAW in El Paso. Operations have not been impacted by the work stoppage,” a Penske spokesperson told AutoInformed. Continue reading →

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UAW Petitions NLRB Over Mercedes Alabama Vote

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The UAW is challenging the election results after workers at Mercedes in Alabama narrowly defeated a vote to join the UAW in an election that was made public late Friday night 17 May 2024. (2642 at 56% Against with 2045 For that tallies to a loss of 597 votes) This was in stark contrast to the record contract approved by workers at Daimler Truck or the ratification of the union at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alabama has been a so-called “right to work state (for less?) since 2016, meaning that union-membership is not required for employment. By late February, less than two months after Mercedes workers went public with their drive to join the UAW. Basically the UAW is saying the employer – MBUSI interfered with employees’ free choice in the election. The UAW is asking for a new election, and appears to have a strong case under US law. (See AutoInformed on: UAW Loses Mercedes Alabama Vote; Germany Opens Anti-Union Investigation at Mercedes-Benz)

“Over 2000 Mercedes workers voted yes to win their union after an unprecedented, illegal anti-union campaign waged against them by their employer. What that tells us is that in a fair fight, where Mercedes is held accountable to following the law, workers will win their union. All these workers ever wanted was a fair shot at having a voice on the job and a say in their working conditions. And that’s what we’re asking for here. Let’s get a vote at Mercedes in Alabama where the company isn’t allowed to fire people, isn’t allowed to intimidate people, and isn’t allowed to break the law and their own corporate code, and let the workers decide,” the UAW said in a statement to AutoInformed. Following is the filing. Continue reading →

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New Porsche 911 Carrera, GTS Carrera Hybrids Debut

Posted on 28 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Porsche 911 Carrera, GTS Carrera Hybrids Debut

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Porsche said this morning that it has fundamentally upgraded its famous 911 sports car.* The new 911 Carrera GTS is the first street-legal 911 equipped with a lightweight performance hybrid system. It has a newly developed 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with an electric turbocharger and an electric motor.

“Our product portfolio is younger than ever and highly attractive,” said CEO Oliver Blume. “It offers our customers even more customization options and exclusive experiences.” With the relaunch of its most famous model, Porsche has modernized four of its six model lines in just a few month –  Panamera, Taycan, Macan and 911. 
Continue reading →

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Mazda, Subaru, Toyota to Make Future Generation De-Carbonized Internal Combustion Engines

Posted on 28 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mazda, Subaru, Toyota to Make Decarbonized Internal Combustion Engines

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Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) said today in a joint release that each is committed to developing new multi-fuel capable – hydrogen and bio-ethanol – internal combustion engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. “This process has clarified the role that future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve stand-alone engine performance but also optimize their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each,” the Japanese automakers said.

This begs the question about further joint development and sharing of EV components and software. AutoInformed readers might remember that it was the exclusion of Toyota from the Partnership of New Generation Vehicles – whose goal of the 80 mpg car never was produced by the Detroit Three despite lavish taxpayer subsidies – that prompted Toyota with solid Japanese government support to  developed the first practical hybrid vehicles. (AutoInformed: Toyota Global Hybrid Sales Exceed 10 Million) Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Group Recalls ID.4 EVs for Bad Software

Posted on 27 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VW 2023 ID.4 EV Gets $7500 Fed Tax Credit

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Volkswagen Group of America is recalling ~80,000 2021-2023 ID.4 compact electric SUVs. Bad software in the affected electric vehicles may have center displays and instrument panel displays from LG Electronics in Poland that do not boot, or that sporadically reset. This can result in loss of speedometer information or loss of rearview camera image. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101 “Control and Displays” and 111 “Rear Visibility.” The initial investigation was prompted by queries from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration based on user complaints.

If the rear view camera display is delayed or not displaying an image, there is an increased risk of crash or injury when the vehicle is backing up. If the instrument panel display is not working or reboots, the driver would not be able to see important vehicle information, such as the vehicle speed, which could result in an increased risk of a crash. Continue reading →

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Old Fashion Racing as Newgarden’s Daring Pass Wins Indy 500

Posted on 27 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Old Fashion Racing as Newgarden’s Daring Pass Wins Indy 500

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Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Shell Team Penske Chevrolet, won the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, after a rain delay of four hours, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The victory at The Brickyard is Newgarden’s second in a row, winning from starting third on the grid. A daring, perfectly executed last lap pass overtaking Pato O’Ward in No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, earned him a sip of Hosier milk. O’Ward grabbed the lead from Newgarden at the white flag and later said he thought he could hold him off, but Newgarden kept his foot down in Turn 3 and went around the outside. O’Ward tried to swap places, but couldn’t. The One-Two separation at the brick finish line was a mere (not Mears) 0.3417 of a second after 500 miles.

“We just had an incredible car. I got just a little out of position at Lap 150; we were restarting eighth. I don’t think I got that sequencing correct. I really thought I went too soon, and then tried to back up and then put us in a hole. JD came over the radio and said you’re going to have to win this the old fashion way, I can’t help you. There’s not going to be stops, not going to fuel. So, I just went for it. I said alright, the car was good enough. You guys have done your job, let me drive to the front. They backed me the entire way. You can’t win this race without a great car,” said Newgarden. Continue reading →

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Hydrogen – Plug Power Energy Gets $1.6B Loan Guarantee

Posted on 24 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) today announced a conditional commitment to Plug Power Inc.’s (Plug) subsidiary, Plug Power Energy Loan Borrower, LLC, for an up to $1.66 billion loan guarantee to help finance the construction as many as six facilities across several states to produce clean hydrogen. The plants will use Plug Power’s own electrolyzer technology. (AutoInformed on: EPA Wants Toughest Federal Emission Standards Ever)

“Advancing clean hydrogen is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to building a robust clean energy economy that creates healthier communities, strengthens energy security, and delivers new economic opportunities across the nation. Today’s announcement will help unlock the full potential of this versatile fuel and support the growth of strong, American-led industry that ensures the United States remains at the forefront of the global economy for generations to come,” said Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office.* Continue reading →

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Norfolk Southern Settles East Palestine Derailment with EPA

Posted on 23 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement valued at more than $310 million with Norfolk Southern Railway Company to pay for the damage caused by the 3 February 2023, train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.* If the settlement is approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Norfolk Southern will be required to take measures to improve rail safety, pay for health monitoring and mental health services for the surrounding communities, fund long-term environmental monitoring, pay a $15 million civil penalty and take other actions to protect nearby waterways and drinking water resources.

“No community should have to experience the trauma inflicted upon the residents of East Palestine,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why President Biden pledged from the beginning that his Administration would stand with the community every step of the way. Today’s enforcement action delivers on this commitment, ensures the cleanup is paid for by the company, and helps prevent another disaster like this from happening again. Because of this settlement, residents and first responders will have greater access to health services, trains will be safer, and waterways will be cleaner,” Regan said. Continue reading →

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May 2024 US New Vehicle Sales Forecast Up

Posted on 23 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on May 2024 US New Vehicle Sales Forecast Up

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US new-vehicle sales for May 2024, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast at 1,446,800, a 2.9% increase from May 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* May 2024 has 26 selling days, one more than May 2023. This sales volume, not adjusted for the number of selling days is an increase of 7% from a year ago. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is estimated to be 16.1 million units, up 500,000 from May 2023.

“Expected new-vehicle sales results for May represent a mixed bag of outcomes. On the positive side, the total sales pace will exceed 16 million units for the first time this year. Also, discounts are similar to last month, despite May being a month in which discounts traditionally increase to take advantage of elevated shopping activity during the Memorial Day weekend. This is good news for manufacturer and retailer profitability. However, the industry continues to produce more vehicles than are being sold, leading to rising inventories and increasing the likelihood of elevated discounts as the year progresses,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Safe Summer Driving – 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Tips

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Safe Summer Driving – 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Tips.

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With the un-official summer driving season due to begin this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a NON-CRASH COURSE in safe driving. Harmless driving is more than keeping a gas tank sufficiently full. Always plan enough time on long trips to stop, to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Above all don’t drive distracted; defy speed limits, and do drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs whether legal or illicit can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. They can and do ruin the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time.

“A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown — or worse, a highway crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today. “Before heading out, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.” Continue reading →

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