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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EV Grumblings – VW ID.7 Luxury Sedan Delayed or Killed?

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VW Microbus Will Come to the US in Three Trims

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In a terse statement issued by Volkswagen today in Reston, VA, the German automaker said that it is delaying the introduction of the ID.7 sedan in the U.S. and Canada, “as market dynamics continue to change.” Rough translation from AutoInformed: the car market in the US continues to shrink and VW has been a weak player in this segment for decades. More economic dollars and sense can be obtained promoting the ID.Buzz van due in the Fourth Quarter and marketing the already on sale 2024 ID.4 Sport Utility Vehicle. The upcoming tariffs on Chinese batteries and other things may be significant factors as well.  (AutoInformed: Milestones – Volkswagen 75th Anniversary in the United States; Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1)

“In Europe, the ID.7 has been on sale since 2023 and has become an industry standard, winning various international awards and comparison tests. After the introduction of the ID.7 Tourer, customer demand for the models is higher than expected, especially in Germany,” VW said. Continue reading →

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Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai said today that she is issuing a formal proposal in the Federal Register to increase tariffs on specific products in strategic sectors including electric vehicles, batteries  and computer chips. The notice also establishes the framework for an exclusion process for machinery, and proposes temporary exclusions for 19 tariff lines for solar manufacturing equipment. The notice establishes a 30-day period for public comment on these tariff changes. This means the EV and battery tariffs start on 1 August 2024.

“Today, I am following through on my commitment to stand up to the People’s Republic of China’s unfair trade practices by issuing a formal proposal to modify the tariff actions,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “The President has directed me to make substantial tariff increases on targeted, strategic products, and this is an important step to carry out that vision. The President and I will continue to fight for American workers, and for our economic future and national security.”* Continue reading →

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First Level 4 Autonomous Fuel Cell EV Truck Demonstrated

Posted on 22 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Level 4 Autonomous Fuel Cell EV Truck Demonstrated

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Hyundai Motor Company and an autonomous driving software firm called Plus* today unveiled what’s claimed to be the first SAE Level 4 autonomous Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck in the U.S. at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck, equipped with Plus SuperDrive™ Level 4 (SAE) autonomous driving technology, is on display at the Plus ACT Expo booth (#2044).

Ultimately, software driven vehicles can replace drivers completely so further developments put global truck makers and their customers on a collision course with driver’s unions. (AutoInformed on: Hyundai Motor Teases “Enhanced” XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck; Hyundai Shows its Hydrogen Value Chain; SAE Autonomous Driving Levels; Teamsters Union Agrees with UPS on New Contract) Continue reading →

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SubieEvents Starts 2024 at Stafford Motor Speedway

Posted on 21 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on SubieEvents Starts 2024 at Stafford Motor Speedway

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Subaru of America today said the return of annual SubieEvents will start the 2024 season with Wicked Big Meet on 2 June at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Subaru is the title sponsor of the series, taking place in six cities across the U.S. Typically it’s a gathering of thousands of Subaru vehicles, as well as competitions, interactive experiences, giveaways, vendors, and family activities. Events include chances for fans to test drive the updated 2024 Subaru Solterra EV, as well as to drive their own Subarus on specially designed autocross routes.

“The joy of Subaru fans celebrating together is the best part of the SubieEvents series. We have it all, from Lightning Lap leaders to Goodwood Festival favorites to enthusiasts’ own rides, and we’re excited to share amazing vehicles and experiences with even more attendees this year,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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Honda 2025 Civic Hybrid – Most Powerful and Safest Ever

Posted on 21 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda 2025 Civic Hybrid – Most Powerful and Safest Ever

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Honda said today that the 2025 Civic will be available in four trim levels, starting with LX (sedan only) and Sport, with the hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid as the most expensive models in the line. The new hybrid-electric models will represent about 40% of Civic sales as the next step in the Honda electrification strategy. The 2025 Civic sedan will begin arriving at Honda dealers next month, while the Civic hatchback will arrive later this summer. Positioned at the top of the lineup, the Civic hybrid,  with the two-motor hybrid system projected to receive an EPA combined fuel economy rating ~50 mpg1. Pricing remains an open issue.

“The new Civic hybrid is a perfectly-timed addition to the Honda lineup as hybrid-electric sales continue to grow, providing Honda with an important building block toward 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2040,” said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Company. “Honda hybrid-electric models represented over one-quarter of our overall brand sales in 2023, and the fun-to-drive Civic hybrid is a fantastic new product at the gateway of our popular electrified lineup along with Accord hybrid, CR-V hybrid and the all-electric Prologue.” Continue reading →

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Subaru to Relocate and Expand Central Region Office

Posted on 21 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America will expand its operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and increase its workforce by relocating its Central Region office and establishing a new customer support center in Coppell, Texas. The automaker’s new Dallas Business Center will be co-located with its existing distribution and training facility as part of a 200,000-square-foot expansion with Prologis.

“We are excited to expand our footprint and capabilities in the southern U.S., further supporting our customers and retailer network. Dallas is a vibrant area with diverse talent that will add fresh perspectives and further enhance our company culture,” said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer at Subaru of America. Last year, Subaru sold 632,086 vehicles in the U.S. through a network of more than 630 retailers. Continue reading →

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Team Penske Front Row for 108th Indianapolis 500, But…

Posted on 20 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Team Penske Front Row for 108th Indianapolis 500, but…

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Scott McLaughlin, driver of the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet, set the fastest pole-winning four-lap average in track history, and claimed the NTT P1 Pole Award for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 yesterday at the Brickyard, which Roger Penske now owns. Team Penske swept the front row, with Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske and Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Shell Team Penske Chevrolet, qualifying second and third, respectively.

Honda’s efforts to earn a fifth consecutive pole for the Indianapolis 500 failed, as Felix Roseqvist in the No 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda led the way for the manufacturer in second round qualifying, and will start next weekend’s Indianapolis 500 from the outside of the third row, ninth. “P9, so we did not make the Fast Six [the qualifying session for the pole], but I don’t think we would have made it, even with how good that run was. We definitely think we had more, that the track came back on us a bit, so we could have trimmed a bit more. But we’re super stoked to start in the top 10, hopefully we can get a top-10 finish. We’re in the game, the car has been good in race trim in practice,” said Roseqvist. Continue reading →

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Forced Labor Official Vehicles – BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, VW

Posted on 20 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee* in a report published today about its investigation into links between US automakers and forced labor within the People’s Republic of China** found exposure to forced labor [1] in the supply chains of major automakers, including BMW Group (“BMW”), Jaguar Land Rover and its wholly-owned sales subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover North America (“Jaguar Land Rover”), and Volkswagen.

“The Committee’s investigation has determined that BMW manufactured and imported vehicles containing parts presumptively made with forced labor; Jaguar Land Rover imported parts presumptively made with forced labor; and VW manufactured vehicles for the US market with parts presumptively made with forced labor and has ongoing business ties to manufacturing in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (“Xinjiang”).” Continue reading →

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UAW Loses Mercedes Alabama Vote

Posted on 20 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Workers File Union Busting Charges Against Mercedes-Benz and UAW Loses Mercedes Alabama Vote

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Workers at Mercedes in Alabama narrowly defeated a vote (2642 or 56% against with 2045 for) to join the UAW* in an election that was made public late Friday night. 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, a majority of them had signed union cards. Whether this is the end of the matter is far from clear. The UAW lost the vote at VW two times prior to its win.*

“Should the UAW suffer defeat, depending on how close the vote is, it will undoubtedly explore its legal options under the NLRB. While set back, the union will not lessen its resolve. It will assess where it went wrong and how to correct it. The fight to organize the non-union auto sector will only intensify, on both sides as the stakes mount,” the Center for Automotive Research said in a paper published just before the vote. Continue reading →

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Nissan to Use Only Low-CO2 Emission Aluminum by 2030

Posted on 17 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan to Use Only Low-CO2 Emission Aluminum by 2030

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Nissan Motor Company (7201T. NSANY ADR) announced today in Japan that it will use low CO2 emission aluminum parts [*1] made from green or recycled aluminum in new and current models from fiscal year [*2] 2024 onward. Nissan aims to complete the full transition to such parts by 2030.

“Nissan places sustainability at the core of its business, aiming for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. Nissan will continue to accelerate its efforts towards realizing a sustainable society,” said Nissan.
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April Global Light Vehicle Sales Tick Up Slightly

Posted on 17 May 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on April Global Light Vehicle Sales Tick Up Slightly

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The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate was 86 million units annually in April 2024, a modest improvement on the previous month, according to an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* With 6.8 million vehicles sold in April, this was a 2.8% improvement year-on-year (YoY), with year-to-date (YTD) sales increasing 3.8%.

Regional selling rates continued to see mixed results GlobalData said. In the US, the selling rate grew month-on-month (MoM). China’s selling rate eased despite the continuation of the price war. Europe also saw a moderate contraction in the selling rate in April versus March. In Japan, sales bounced back after production disruptions at major brands. Continue reading →

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