Nissan Cuts Ariya EV Starting Price to $41,340

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Cuts Ariya EV Starting Price to $41,340

Click on Ariya for more.

Nissan USA said today that it is cutting the starting price of the 2024 Ariya EV now on sale with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [1]* (MSRP) from $39,590 with “enhanced MSRP across all trim levels to appeal to a wider audience of EV buyers.” Ariya Engage, the entry point to the Ariya line-up, has been reduced by $3600 with other trim levels receiving a reduction of up to $6000.

“As the electric vehicle market continues to develop and grow, the revised pricing for the 2024 Ariya will improve the model’s competitiveness and ensure we are delivering maximum value to our customers,” said Trisha Jung, senior director, EV Strategy and Transformation, Nissan USA. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, milestones, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Posts 2023 Pro One Commercial Vehicle Results

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts 2023 Pro One Commercial Vehicle Results

Click to enlarge.

The Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that its Pro One* commercial vehicle business delivered “outstanding results in 2023, accounting for one-third of the €189.5 billion Net revenue reported by Stellantis for the year. Stellantis Pro One aspires to achieve global leadership in commercial vehicles by 2027 and to reach the targets outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts Record 2023 Results – €18.6B Net; Ayvens and Stellantis – 500,000 Fleet Sales Deal; Stellantis NA COO Mark Stewart Out. Carlos Zarlenga In)

“Our performance in 2023 reaffirms that Stellantis Pro One is a keystone of Stellantis business around the world,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business. “Propelled by the renewal of our entire van lineup and the widest offering of electrified propulsion, Stellantis Pro One is determined to be the most customer-focused product of choice. It is our customers who will drive us to our goal of market leadership by 2027.” Continue reading

Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Carmen Boulogne Driving Sim of Montjuïc Barcelona Debuts

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Carmen Boulogne Driving Sim of Montjuïc Barcelona Debuts

Click simulator for more.

Hypercar marketing linked with driving simulators this morning in Barcelona as Hispano Suiza* debuted the Carmen Boulogne simulator that has it running on a track that emulates the historic street racing circuit of Montjuïc in Barcelona. The Carmen Boulogne is a pure electric vehicle and arguably the most powerful one in the world. (Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hispano Suiza Teases Carmen Sagrera EV)

“From our first factory, through Sagrera, to our current facilities in Montmeló, Hispano Suiza continues to be a driving force for progress by fostering innovation,” said Sergio Martínez Campos, CEO of Hispano Suiza. “We are a very unique project, the only hypercar brand in our country, and we are literally blazing a trail. That is why, as we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to constant evolution.” Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, marketing, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS Tightens Top Safety Pick Awards Criteria

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Tightens Top Safety Pick Awards Criteria

“This year’s winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said today that it is making it harder to earn its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2024. In a never ending battle of the quest for improved safety going back at least to the landmark 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, IIHS – not without self-interest since it is insurance company funded – wants manufacturers to offer better protection for back seat passengers and to improve their pedestrian crash avoidance systems. The latest changes will improve the prospects for people in vehicles operating in the US.

If there is a regulatory debate here, it’s minor and irrelevant in AutoInformed’s view. The preservation and protection of human beings is part of an enlightened society with sound public, corporate and individual policies. The results are indisputable. Despite the more stringent requirements, 71 models qualify for 2024 awards. Of those, 22 earn Top Safety Pick+, and 49 earn Top Safety Pick from IIHS. (AutoInformed.com on: Automakers Slow to Make Vehicles Safer?; IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings) Continue reading

Posted in auto news, awards, blog, news analysis, people, public health, safety, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VW Recalls 261,257 Audi and VW Models for Possible Fires

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling ~261,257 front-wheel drive 2015-2020 model year Audi and Volkswagen vehicles for leaking fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.* Vehicles that were previously recalled under NHTSA 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy for the safety defect completed. The latest recall appears to have been prompted by NHTSA’s monitoring of the previous one.

In the required filing released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration VW said that a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister. Customers could experience refueling issues such as early stopping fuel nozzles or spillback when fuel has accumulated in the EVAP system. A fuel odor may also be noticed by the driver/vehicle occupants. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes USA Recalls 2023-24 Models for Sudden Stalls

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling ~32,000 models.* The 80-amp fuses used in them may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the fuses to fail. An 80-amp fuse that fails can result in a sudden loss of drive power or a loss of critical safety functions such as the restraint systems or instrument cluster, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, there could be an increased risk of a fire.

In the required filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Mercedes said that before the failure occurs, the driver “will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Recalls Expeditions, Navigators for Bad Seat Belts

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2018-2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles, according to documents made publicly available by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning.

The seat belt pretensioner in the driver and/or front passenger seat may inadvertently deploy and lock the seat belt, which will not allow the belt to retract or extend. About 80,000 SUVs are involved in a safety defect that occurs because of rust.* Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ayvens and Stellantis – 500,000 Fleet Sales Deal

Ayvens* (Euronext: ALD) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that they have reached a multi-billion euro agreement “that encourages Ayvens’ affiliates to buy as many as 500,000 vehicles for its long-term leasing fleet across Europe during the next three years. The first significant delivery volumes are expected to begin in the first half of 2024 and continue throughout the year.

“One of the shared priorities will be integrating Stellantis’ innovative range of sustainable vehicles to support Ayvens’ multi-brand strategy,” the mobility companies said. Their stock prices are contrary with Stellantis near record highs and Ayvens near record lows. Stellantis also has its own leasing business, which is to a degree a competitor of Ayvens.
Continue reading

Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, economy, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chevy Camaro Beats Toyota Camry at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevy Camaro Beats Toyota Camry at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Click for more.

In a real photo finish, Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Freeway Insurance TrackHouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1,claimed victory on Sunday 25 February 2024, at the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. Ryan Blaney in the #12 Ford Mustang took second. Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was third.

They finished three wide across the line with less than one-hundredth of a second making the difference.

Posted in performance, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mustang Matte Clear Film Coming from Ford

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mustang Matte Clear Film Coming from Ford

Click matte for more.

Ford Motor (NYSE: F ) said today that it will sell as an option a new Matte Clear Film that can be applied to any currently available Mustang paint color to create a satin-like finish. Ford said it is better for paint protection than a vinyl wrap. Deliveries of Matte Clear Film for Mustang coupe – EcoBoost, GT, and Dark Horse – will start in June 2024. It will become available on the Mustang convertible by year-end. It’s a $5995 option with a thus far unknown ‘take rate’ in industry jargon.

“Mustang has been about driving freedom and freedom of expression for 60 years, and our new Matte Clear Film provides a whole new way for customers to make Mustang their own,” said Laurie Transou, Mustang Chief Program Engineer. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mannheim – Porsche Penske Motorsport Reveals Team Home

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mannheim - Porsche Penske Motorsport Reveals Team Home

Click for more classic racing.

Porsche Penske Motorsport has a new team headquarters in Mannheim, Germany. It converts a former Porsche dealership into what’s said to be a state-of-the-art, high-tech facility for its world championship campaigns. While the factory team prepares the two Porsche 963 race cars for the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at its base in Mooresville, North Carolina, work on the WEC endeavor is done at the new team headquarters in Mannheim, Germany. Mannheim of course is known as the place the bicycle was invented, but AutoInformed notes that this is more akin to the Mannheim rocket themes of classical music as sports car racing ushers in a new classical age.* (AutoInformed.com on: Rolex 24 At Daytona – Record Crowd as Porsche Beats Cadillac; Le Mans – Ferrari, Corvette, Victorious in Rain)

“Our state-of the-art facilities have to deliver everything we need to operate across two continents – between Mannheim, Weissach and Mooresville – and globally as a race team,” said Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director Porsche Penske Motorsport. “The building, originally designed and built by Porsche and then acquired by Penske for a Porsche dealership, has been fully remodeled and modernized to support the needs of racing and servicing our hybrid-powered Porsche 963 race cars around the world.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Record Consumer Spending Forecast for US February Sales

Total new-vehicle sales for February 2024 in the US, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,214,600 units, a 1.4% increase from February 2023, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData* issued today. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.4 million units, up 0.4 million units from February 2023 as the Biden Administration economic recovery continues. Consumers are expected to spend ~$40.8 billion on new vehicles this month. This is the highest on record for the month of February, and 4.1% higher than February 2023. (AutoInformed.com on: Slow Sales Start for US Light Vehicles in January 2024)

“This month, the new-vehicle market is poised for volume growth with total sales expected to rise a modest 1.4% and retail sales growing 3.8%, selling day adjusted,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS Changes Rear Occupant Scoring on Overlap Crashes

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Changes Rear Occupant Scoring on Moderate Overlap Front Crashes

Click for more information.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today that it is changing its scoring criteria for its updated moderate overlap front crash test. IIHS claims that this will improve the test by accounting for variations in the position of the rear shoulder belt. (AutoInformed.com on: Automakers Slow to Make Vehicles Safer?)*

“Most of these changes are part of a planned transition that we informed automakers we’d be making before we launched the updated test a year ago,” said Jessica Jermakian, IIHS vice president of vehicle research. “The new scoring eliminates an artificial benefit our initial ratings awarded for a high shoulder-belt position. Pressing ahead with a simpler program while we validated the new metric allowed us to start incentivizing vehicle improvements a year earlier,” Jermakian claimed. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, engineering, insurance, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

January 2024 EU New Car Registrations Up 12%

In January 2024, the EU new car market rallied from the slowdown experienced in December 2023, with year-on-year car registrations increasing by 12.1% to 851,690 units. The trade bloc’s major markets all saw significant growth, with Germany (+19.1%), Italy(+10.6%), France (+9.2%), and Spain (+7.3%) posting either high single-digit or double-digit gains, according to ACEA.*

The EU diesel car market contracted by 4.9% in January. However new battery-electric car sales surged by 28.9% to 92,741 units, representing a total market share of 10.9%. The four largest markets in the region, together covering 66% of all battery electric car registrations, recorded double-digit gains: Belgium (+75.5%), the Netherlands (+72.2%), France (+36.8%), and Germany (+23.9%). Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, new vehicle, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

US Vehicle Transaction Prices Down in January

The automobile market is not contributing to inflation. The extensively covered January Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation is widely misrepresented in AutoInformed’s opinion.

Cox Automotive* said today that it observed declines in retail vehicle prices last month, according to actual transaction data. Kelley Blue Book reported that average transaction prices for new vehicles were down by 3.5% year-over-year, Another Cox measure, Dealertrack data show average used retail prices down slightly less. “Both measures indicate the retail auto market is not pushing overall inflation higher,” Cox said. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, blog, economy, new vehicle, news analysis, prices, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment