NHTSA Investigation Opened on Ford Blue Cruise Fatalities

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting a preliminary investigation of Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle crashes with Blue Cruise autonomous driving on freeways at night according to documents made public by the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) today. The crashes which killed three people occurred when Blue Cruise was in use just before the collisions. What’s unclear is if the drivers were alerted in time by the system to avoid the crash? (see AutoInformed on: Ford Motor Establishes Latitude AI for Autonomous Driving)

More than 130,000 2021-2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 are covered by so-called PE24012 by the Office Of Defects Investigation PE24012 opened on 25 April 2024 by Joseph Teitelman, Peter Kivett and Tanya Topka at NHTSA. Continue reading →

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Ford Fund Now Ford Philanthropy

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Fund Now Ford Philanthropy

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that the Ford Motor Company Fund (aka Ford Fund), its philanthropic section is renaming itself to “Ford Philanthropy.” The rebranding is said to reflect a fresh and modern outlook that also highlights Ford’s mission to make the world a better place. Ford Philanthropy’s community partners, funding model, network of community centers and focus priorities – applying Ford’s mobility expertise to expand access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship – remain the same.

“With $2.3 billion in philanthropic contributions since 1949, together with Ford Motor Company, Ford Philanthropy remains unwavering in its commitment to invest in solutions that address unique community needs,” Ford said in a release. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Expands Genesis Sudden Power Loss Recall

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, GV80, G80, and G90 vehicles because  the fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. According to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is an expansion of a previous recall for the same safety defect. More than 31,000 vehicles are affected assembled at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama or imported for sale into the United States.

“The low-pressure fuel pump assemblies in the vehicles may contain impellers that can deform under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature. Deformation of the impeller could cause the impeller to interfere with the fuel pump housing, resulting in a mechanical resistance that could lead to a shutdown of the fuel pump,” the NHTSA filing said. Continue reading →

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Badass UAW Bargaining Committee Gets Record Daimler Deal

Posted on 27 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Badass UAW Bargaining Committee Gets Record Daimler Deal

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The UAW has reached a significant tentative agreement with Daimler Truck ahead of the contract’s expiration at midnight yesterday. This arose after a campaign and strike threat against the German auto industry giant. The four-year agreement contains major economic gains for 7300 workers, including raises of more than 25%, the end of wage tiers, and the introduction profit-sharing and Cost-of-Living (COLA) for the first time since Daimler workers organized with the UAW. In a direct address to membership last night, UAW President Shawn Fain outlined the deals, He also – Walter Reuther like – reflected on the historic nature of the fight for justice at Daimler Truck.

“Tonight, I’m in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I am honored to be joined by the badass bargaining committee representing over 7000 members at Daimler Truck North America,” Fain said. “We’re here tonight to announce a major victory for the members who build Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built buses. Today, we reached a tentative agreement with Daimler. What started thirty-two years ago this month at the Mt. Holly plant, when the courageous 17-day strikers stood up and won a historic, first of its kind agreement, has come full circle. Continue reading →

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UAW Live – Hours Before Daimler Truck Contract Expires

Posted on 26 April 2024 by Ken Zino

UAW President Shawn Fain, alongside the UAW Daimler Truck North America Bargaining Committee, will address Daimler workers and allies on Facebook Live just hours before the contract for more than 7000 UAW workers expires at midnight. (Ken Zino on Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler is Next)

The contract expiration comes just days after the UAW filed four separate unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Daimler Truck, citing violations of workers’ rights and federal labor laws amid ongoing contract negotiations. Continue reading →

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April US New Vehicle Sales Flat as Trade-in Values Drop

Posted on 26 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on April US New Vehicle Sales Flat as Trade-in Values Drop

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Total new-vehicle sales for April 2024, including both retail and non-retail transactions, are estimated to reach 1,304,600 units, a 0.9% decrease from April 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* April 2024 has 25 selling days, one fewer than April 2023.

“April is showing mixed results, with an increase in retail sales offset by a decline in sales to fleet buyers,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at Power. “This is a notable change from recent months in which manufacturers have increased fleet sales. Although sales to retail buyers are rising, the rate of growth is modest. This is due in part to discounts from manufacturers and retailers stabilizing, coupled with ongoing deterioration of used-vehicle values that results in shoppers having less trade-in equity.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Toughens Front Crash Prevention Testing

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Toughens Front Crash Prevention Testing

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today that it is updating its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and those in which the struck vehicle is a motorcycle or large truck.* Only one of the first 10 small SUVs evaluated earns a good rating under the new protocol.

“This is a vital update to one of our most successful test programs,” IIHS President David Harkey claimed. “The vast majority of new vehicles now come with automatic emergency braking, and our research shows the technology prevents as many as half of all front-to-rear crashes. This new, tougher evaluation targets some of the most dangerous front-to-rear crashes that are still happening.” Continue reading →

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Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler Next

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler Next

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In a blow to the economic poverty of low wages long promoted by US southern states formed under slavery, the UAW posted an historic and crushing union win at a Volkswagen plant last week when 73% of the workers voted to unionize. It was the last VW operation globally without a union.  (AutoInformed: Labor Day – UAW Struggles Are Key to The American Dream; VW Chattanooga UAW Vote Set for April 17-19)

The battle with VW management – a later day version of the Ford Rouge +Battle of the Overpass – included outrageous interference by VW management instead of the neutrality stipulated under US labor laws. The Chattanooga plant has now become the symbol and rallying point of the tough fight for workers’ rights, bringing national or global attention* to the struggles and potential of unionizing in the South. Daimler Truck is next. (AutoInformed: UAW Practice Picketing at Daimler Truck in the US South) Continue reading →

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EPA Finalizes Pollution Reduction Standards for Power Plants

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EPA Finalizes Pollution Reduction Standards for Power Plants

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a series of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants, which have been and likely will continue to be the subject of litigation paid for by special interest money. The rules under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, will significantly reduce climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector as they go forward. During 2024 the United States is forecast to build more new electric generation capacity than it has for two decades. About  96% of that will be clean, according to the Administration.

“Today, EPA is proud to make good on the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision to tackle climate change and to protect all communities from pollution in our air, water, and in our neighborhoods,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By developing these standards in a clear, transparent, inclusive manner, EPA is cutting pollution while ensuring that power companies can make smart investments and continue to deliver reliable electricity for all Americans.” Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q1 2024 Net Income of $1.3 Billion

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor Posts Q1 2024 Net Income of $1.3 Billion

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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) late yesterday posted weak 2024 Q1 operating results of $42.8 billion in revenue (+1.3B YoY), net income of $1.3 billion (-1.1%), and adjusted EBIT of $2.8 billion (-6%) as global sales dropped 11,000 vehicles to 1,045,000. Ford nonetheless declared a second-quarter regular dividend of 15 cents per share, payable 3 June to shareholders of record at the close of business on 8 May 2024. (AutoInformed: GM Posts $3 Billion in Q1 Earnings. Raises 2024 Guidance)

“Ford’s first-quarter 2024 operating results provided more evidence that its segmented, customer-centered strategy is delivering growth and profitability, sharpening capital efficiency and fortifying business durability. Customers want vehicles that they’re passionate about, choices in how they’re powered, quality that’s constantly getting better and great value,“ claimed President and CEO Jim Farley. Continue reading →

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Death of the Diesel – EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants

Posted on 24 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the launch of  a ~$1 billion Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program to fund the replacement of polluting heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. EPA said it will award competitive grants for projects that will reduce climate and air pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, support good-paying jobs and improve air quality for communities across the country, particularly those overburdened by air pollution.

“President Biden and his entire administration are working to ensure every community can breathe clean air. EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will slash climate, air pollution, and enhance the country’s infrastructure by funding the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles and installation of supporting infrastructure,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.* “The program’s historic investment in zero-emission vehicles will secure our nation’s position as a global leader in clean technologies that address the impacts of climate change,” Regan claimed. Continue reading →

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Toyota Tacoma Pickup Adds First Hybrid Powertrain in 2024

Posted on 23 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Tacoma Pickup Adds First Hybrid Powertrain in 2024

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Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today that the Tacoma the mid-size pickup will add the so-called i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack.

All told, the result roughly doubles the torque output of the third-generation Tacoma with its V6 engine. It is the strongest powertrain ever offered on a Tacoma with a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota now has more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker with 27 electrified options. Continue reading →

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GM Posts $3 Billion in Q1 Earnings. Raises 2024 Guidance

Posted on 23 April 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts $3 Billion in Q1 Earnings. Raises 2024 Guidance

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today reported Q1 2024 revenue of $43 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $3.0 billion (+24%), EBIT-adjusted at $3.9 billion. Globally GM sold 1,347,000 vehicles during Q1, down slightly from 1,382,000 year-over-year. GM’s global market share was put at 8.1%.

“As we continue to strengthen our ICE [internal combustion engine] portfolio, scale EVs and reinvest in the business, we are very focused on capital efficiency, enhancing profitability and free cash flow, and we will continue to take steps to create shareholder value,” said CEO Mary T. Barra. GM has produced more than $23 billion of Auto Adjusted Free Cash Flow during the last 24 months, and expects to generate more than $30 billion in the 2022-2024 period. Continue reading →

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Sudden Power Loss Recall – Bronco Sport, Maverick Trucks

Posted on 22 April 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling ~457,000 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and powertrain control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge. This can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

“An insufficient calibration strategy for detecting sudden battery degradations during a drive cycle can lead to (a) a vehicle that is unable to restart after an auto start/stop event or (b) experience a stall while coming to a stop at low speed. Either may be accompanied by a loss of 12-volt accessories, including hazard lights,” Ford said in the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which the Federal safety agency made public today. NHTSA prompted the recall.* Continue reading →

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Earth Day – Solar Grants from The Inflation Reduction Act

Posted on 22 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced 60 entities will receive $7 billion in awards through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects to over 900,000 households nationwide. The grant competition is funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda through the Inflation Reduction Act, which created EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.* Under this enlightened and awakened program, there will be lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. It will also deliver electricity during grid outages for low-income households.**

“Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.” Continue reading →

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