Another Tesla Software Recall – Pedestrian Warnings

Posted on 18 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A factory reset over the air (OTA) muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, “Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles,” which could increase the risk of collision.* This comes after Tesla said it will raise prices of its Model Y vehicles by €2000 (~$2200) in some European countries on 22 March. Tesla announced last Friday that prices for all US Model Y cars increase by $1000 on 1 April, aka Fool’s Day.

Recalled Tesla models have an Intel Infotainment processor and are or were operating a software release version from 2023.32 up to but excluding a software release with the remedy, when the vehicles received a factory reset. Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge as required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Continue reading →

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EV Bedfellows – Nissan and Mitsubishi Sign MoU

Posted on 18 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EV Bedfellows – Nissan and Mitsubishi MoU – courtesy and copyright Nissan March 2024 all rights reserved

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Nissan Motor (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Mitsubishi Corporation (8058.T) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pursue a new joint initiative in next-generation-mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles in Japan. The companies said today that Japan as a country has been addressing issues such as driver shortages due to a declining population, and difficulties maintaining public transportation services due to decreasing numbers of users. Nissan and MC have also been undertaking various initiatives to solve these problems.

Joint initiatives of course have potential economies of scale, reducing the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles. They are applicable globally. This is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups or strange bedfellows. Nissan and Honda, two of Japan’s Big Three automakers, previously announced that will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing, Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure; Chinese Auto Market is Flying High – Exports a Threat) Continue reading →

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Tracker Off Road OX EVs Recalled for Battery Fires

Posted on 16 March 2024 by Ken Zino

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Textron Specialized Vehicles is recalling Tracker Off Road OX EV light utility vehicles because the lithium ion battery pack catch on fire. Owners should immediately stop using the Tracker OX EV and contact their authorized Tracker Off Road dealer or service center to schedule a free inspection and repair of the battery module. (read AutoInformed.com on:Chinese Junk Watch – EVERCROSS EV5 Hoverboard Fires)

Textron advises that until the Tracker Off Road dealer or service center has completed this service, do not charge the recalled vehicle and park the recalled vehicle outdoors at least 15 feet away from any buildings or other vehicles. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Prologue AI Dream Generator

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInfomred.com on Honda Dream Generator for Prologue EV Launch Marketing Campaign – art courtesy of and copyright Honda Motor - March 2024 all rights reserved

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Honda said today it is celebrating the launch of the all-new 2024 Prologue, its first all-electric SUV, by taking families on an “unforgettable” trip powered by AI. The so-called artificial intelligence “Dream Generator” was developed for Honda in collaboration with Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab. It is said to create stories by combining user-provided inputs with AI-generated visuals to produce a custom and shareable animated film. Each member of the family is in the figurative driver’s seat as they build a Prologue adventure, say, through jungle terrain inhabited by dinosaurs, above the roads in a magic cloud world, through a microscopic garden jungle teeming with bugs or to outer space.

“The launch of the all-new, all-electric Honda Prologue is a pivotal moment for the brand, and we wanted our customers to enjoy an innovative and engaging campaign befitting Honda’s first zero-emissions SUV,” said Phil Hruska, Senior Manager, Honda Marketing. Continue reading →

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Cummins Settles California Diesel Emissions Case at $46M

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a  settlement with engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. The settlement resolves DOJ and CARB’s claims for violations of California engine emissions control and certification requirements. Cummins made undisclosed changes to ~120,000 engines in California after CARB had certified the engines for sale. In addition, ~2000 Cummins engines had undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices that altered the emissions control system and resulted in emissions that exceeded regulatory limits. This case signals CARB’s improving vehicle testing skills and use of technology to catch and correct air quality violations. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Cummins Diesel Penalties Finalized in $1.675B Settlement)

“At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to vigorously enforcing environmental laws that protect Californians and our environment,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today’s settlement makes clear that the DOJ will relentlessly continue its efforts to hold accountable those who seek to profit at the expense of people’s health and safety.” Continue reading →

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Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor (7201.T) and Honda Motor (7267.T) said today in Japan that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the areas of vehicle electrification and intelligence.

In what looks like a re-run of the Nissan Renault Alliance or Honda’s work with General Motors that pursued economies of scale, the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups. Nissan and Honda, Two of Japan’s Big Three automakers, will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. (AutoInformed on: Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure; Chinese Auto Market is Flying High – Exports a Threat) Continue reading →

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February Global Light Vehicle Sales at 85M Annual Rate

Posted on 15 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on February Global Light Vehicle Sales at 85M Annual Rate

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The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 85 million units annually in February2024, according to an analysis just released by the respected consultancy GlobalData.* This is an increase from 82 million units/year in January, which is still anemic compared to the second half of 2023. More than 6 million vehicles were sold in February, although year-over year (YoY) it was down -2.8% YoY largely due to a withering in China.

“Many key markets saw moderate selling rate growth in February. In Europe, it was a mixed picture as Western Europe’s selling rate grew while Eastern Europe’s rate slowed. China’s selling rate improved moderately from January, though it remains somewhat weaker than at the end of 2023. In the US, prices continued to ease, and incentives ratcheted up, supporting market expansion,” the Global Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team said. Continue reading →

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EPA – 2023 Top Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants

Posted on 14 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today recognized the 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a title for plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. These plants in sum prevented more than 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity use of more than 1.5 million American homes.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is breathing new life into energy efficient domestic manufacturing, and industry partners like those recognized today are leading the way,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These ENERGY STAR certified plants demonstrate that cutting the embodied carbon of our industrial products through energy efficiency doesn’t just make environmental sense, it makes economic sense.” Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Auto Execs Waffling on Growth

Posted on 14 March 2024 by Ken Zino

With hybrid electric vehicle sales soaring, and the badly needed EV charging infrastructure lagging, there is considerable discussion among auto executives and industry pundits about the EV market.*

As always a walk or in this case an electrified drive into the unknown provokes considerable speculation and anxiety about where things are added. Compounding the EV market grumblings are the intensive capital investments involved and the dire state of our climate with the deleterious effects of global warming increasingly laying waste to large areas of the planet. (AutoInformed: Honda Tops US 2023 HEV Sales with Accord and CRV)
 Continue reading →

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EV Grumblings – Tire Replacement Rates?

Posted on 13 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EV Grumblings – Tire Replacement Rates?

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J.D. Power said today that early data from its unpublished 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study shows that EV tires may fall short of meeting this expectation, with a higher replacement rate in years One and Two of ownership than with internal combustion vehicle tires. (AutoInformed: J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Down Again; J.D. Power and Motorq to Monitor EV Battery Health)

In what could be a stretch of a still to be verified conclusion based on a much needed larger sample size that doesn’t yet exist, Power claimed that “more than a quarter of new vehicle shoppers who are considering an EV cite reliability as a factor in this decision.” Well, duh, they might also prioritize other things such as saving the planet, eschewing fossil fuels, and charging at home. How this sorts out in a changing marketplace remains to be seen. Power did say that the gap in replacement rates appears to be closing. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing and Racing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity

Posted on 13 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing and Racing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity

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Cadillac said today that its view what the future of electric performance is contained in teaser look released of the Opulent Velocity concept vehicle. It is designed to market the past, present and future of Cadillac and its performance brand, V-Series. In marketing speak, Opulent Velocity represents the duality of the Cadillac brand defined in the name, Opulent + Velocity. (AutoInformed on: Driving the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe)

“Opulent Velocity is designed to foreshadow a zero emissions expression of performance and modern luxury leadership,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “We will share more later this year, so stay tuned.” Continue reading →

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Chinese Auto Market is Flying High – Exports a Threat

Posted on 12 March 2024 by Ken Zino

The Chinese auto market soared at the beginning of 2024, according to numbers and an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. Total Light Vehicle (LV) retail sales  – wholesales excluding exports – reached 2 million units in January with significant growth of 42% year-on-year (YoY) in the world’s largest auto market. Passenger Vehicle (PV) sales for January increased by 43% YoY to 1.8 million units. Commercial vehicles (CV) achieved growth of 30%, with 173,000 units purchased in January. The month-on-month (MoM) growth rate, saw PVs drop by 25.5%, and CV down 35.2% over the same time.

Looking at mass production, the total LV build in January was 2.3 million units, up 49% YoY. PV production (accounting for 90% of total LV production) in January was 2.1 million units, a YoY increase of 50%. CV production in January was 230, an increase of 41% YoY. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America R&D Leads in Patents

Posted on 12 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor North America R&D Leads in Patents

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Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) said today that it has been awarded more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than any other automaker, according to an annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO). Toyota Motor North America Research & Development – head office in Ann Arbor, Michigan – has led the automotive industry for 10th consecutive years. During 2023 there was 3% overall decline in patents granted across all industries in the United States. Toyota ranked seventh among all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2667 patents. Toyota globally spends ~$1 million per hour on Research & Development.

“Our focus is on creating sustainable and advanced technological solutions and contributing to the betterment of society and the industry at large, all while ensuring our innovations are recognized through filings with the USPTO,” said Sandra Phillips Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate Resources and chief legal officer at Toyota Motor North America. Continue reading →

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Taycan Turbo GT Sets Records at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring

Posted on 11 March 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Taycan Turbo GT Sets Records at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring

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Porsche said today that the upcoming Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach package set the fastest electric production car lap at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Taycan is scheduled to go on sale this spring* as part of the expansion of the premium line of its all-electric sports sedan to include the Taycan Turbo GT and the Turbo GT with an optional Weissach package. The Weissach setup is built for the track and eliminates the rear seats for a higher power-to-weight ratio. At peak power, both models can deliver more than 1100 PS (pferdestarke ~735.5 watts) or 1084.51 horsepower [1].**

“In combination with various lightweight construction and aerodynamics measures, these all-electric GT sports cars raise the bar in terms of driving dynamics,” Porsche claimed with reasonable degree of certainty in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading →

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Nissan and Infiniti Recalls for Bad Airbags

Posted on 11 March 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America (Nissan) is recalling model-year 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50 and 2023 Rogue vehicles because of bad airbags that might not  protect the driver, according to the required filing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public this morning. Quick action by Nissan limited the scope of the potential safety defect.

“In the recalled vehicles, the driver airbag inflator may have been mis-assembled with gaskets missing, which could allow moisture to enter the inflator and build up over time. Moisture exposure over a significant period of time can have an adverse effect to the propellant and result in a change in pressure of the inflator, which may impact the airbag deployment performance. If this occurs, the driver is at risk for injury,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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