Mazda Releases Certification Results in Japanese Fraud Cases

Posted on 3 June 2024 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC) in Hiroshima today said it investigated all of its 2403 tests (*1) for applications for Type Designation as requested by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT Notification No. 2018). “The investigation results confirmed irregularities in a total of five tests in two test categories, which was reported to the Ministry on 30 May. The irregularities identified this time encompass 150,878 units produced and 149,313 units sold. (*2),” Mazda said. The Japanese Transport Ministry is also investigating Honda, Suzuki, Toyota and Yamaha Motor, among other companies. (Read AutoInformed on: Toyota Releases More Details on Vehicle Certification Fraud)

“We would like to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, business partners, dealers, and all other stakeholders related to Mazda,” MMC said. Continue reading →

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Toyota Releases More Details on Vehicle Certification Fraud

Posted on 3 June 2024 by Ken Zino
AutoInformed.com

Akio Toyoda – scion of the Toyoda family and Chairman Toyota Motor Corporation.

Toyota Motor Corporation* and Toyota Motor East Japan are under investigation since January by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for fraudulently certifying that vehicles were complaint with required tests. Today, Akio Toyoda, Chairman said, “As the person responsible for the Toyota Group, I would like to extend my sincere apologies to our customers, car enthusiasts, and all stakeholders for this issue, following Hino, Daihatsu, and Toyota Industries Corporation. I am truly sorry.” AutoInformed here notes that Toyota certifies ~ 50 models per year, but over the years tens of thousands of reports are filed. Toyota stopped production in Japan of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross. The issue thus far doesn’t affect off-shore production.

“All the cases are related to certification. The certification system in Japan verifies whether a product meets the established standards mainly in the fields of safety and environment using measurement methods in accordance with rules. Vehicles can only be manufactured and sold after meeting certification test standards. The point of this issue is that the vehicles were mass-produced and sold without going through the correct certification,” Toyoda said. Continue reading →

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Michigan Central Station Reopening June 6th

Posted on 3 June 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Michigan Central Station Reopening June 6th

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that the Michigan Central Station* will offer a first look at the interior restoration of its ground floor this week, during its reopening as part of Michigan Central OPEN from June 6-16. Ford started the preservation project after acquiring the abandoned train station in 2018 to be the centerpiece of Michigan Central, a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. Michigan Central will bring Ford employees together with external partners, entrepreneurs, students, and competitors, to co-create new products, services, and technologies that add value to a new generation of Ford customers and help build a better world.

“Michigan Central means a great deal to us all. In many ways, this building tells the story of our city. This Station was our Ellis Island – a place where dreamers in search of new jobs and new opportunities first set foot in Detroit. But once the last train pulled out, it became a place where hope left. In 2018, I decided it was time to change that by re-imagining this station as a place of possibility again. Over the past six years, Ford Motor Company and teams of forward thinkers, designers, community leaders, and more than 3000 skilled tradespeople have worked to bring this landmark back to life,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. Continue reading →

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GM Changing Software and Services Organization

Posted on 3 June 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Optiq EV - Cadillac Introduces an Entry Level Compact SUV

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General Motors (NYSE:GM) said this morning that it is promoting Baris Cetinok and Dave Richardson to head its Software and Services organization as the company continues to develop electric, autonomous and connected vehicles. Cetinok and Richardson came to GM in September 2023 to work on vehicle operating and digital systems, “laying the foundation for software to become a central component of GM’s customer experience.” The former technology executives take over for Mike Abbott, who left GM in March 2024 less than a year after leaving Apple to join GM because of health reasons. They will be based out of the new GM Mountain View Technical Center in California.*

“GM’s journey toward a tech-forward future is clearer than ever, thanks to the exceptional talent within our team and the leadership of Baris and Dave,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “They bring energy and vision, combined with extensive technical and management experience, that will continue to strengthen our software engineering and product teams. These elevated roles will ensure continuity, speed, and quality as software becomes even more central to the vehicle.” Continue reading →

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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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