Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Production. Ups Bronco and Ranger

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Cuts F-150 Lightning Production. Ups Bronco and Ranger

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today announced plans to create ~900 new jobs as part of a new third crew this summer at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne to meet demand for the Bronco and Bronco Raptor SUVs and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor pickup trucks with gasoline powertrains. Ford is also cutting production by dropping a shift at the Michigan Rouge Electric Vehicle Center building the F-150 Lightning, the top-selling electric pickup in the US. Competition is reducing demand and trimming margins. The new 1600-person third crew at Michigan Assembly will include approximately ~700 employees from Ford’s Rouge Complex in Dearborn who applied for job openings.

Ford of course is hemorrhaging red ink in its EV business as Tesla (Cybertruck), GM (Chevy, Cadillac Lyric SUV, GMC Sierra, Hummer) and Stellantis – (electrified Jeeps) increase theirs. Ford’s EV business – Model e – lost $1.3 billion on electric vehicles even though it reported 44% higher shipments of electric vehicles, and 26% revenue growth during Q3 of 2023.*
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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino
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During its 100th anniversary year in 2023, BMW Motorrad delivered 209,257 motorcycles and scooters to customers, 3.1% more than in the previous year and the highest sales volume in the company’s history, the BMW subsidiary said today. The regions of Europe, Asia and Latin America in particular made a significant contribution to BMW Motorrad’s record sales volume with record sales figures. Germany and North America also contributed to the record result with strong sales.

“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading →

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Western European Market Diesel Car Sales Down in 2023

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Full-year 2023 data show that the diesel share of new car sales in the western European region was just below 16% with December’s result being the same as that of November at 14.4%, according to the GlobalData*consultancy European Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting Team. This is close to December 2022, with monthly year-over-year (YoY) declines diminishing recently.

“The slowdown in BEV growth will no doubt have boosted the internal combustion engine (ICE) sector to some degree and perhaps fed into the relatively buoyant end to the year as far as diesel is concerned,” said GlobalData. “All markets ended 2023 with a smaller diesel share than seen in 2022 except one. Our figures indicate that Germany, with a diesel share of 24.4% for 2023 saw a rise from the 2022 value of 23.6%. Diesel demand has held up well in the country, supported by plenty of product from the dominant domestic brands and driving patterns that highlight the value available from diesel versus alternatives very well.” Continue reading →

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EU Car Market Drops in December after 16 Months of Growth

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino

In December 2023, the EU car market experienced a 3.3% decline, in December, posting 867,052 units in sales. The stunning drop can be attributed to the high baseline performance in December 2022, according to The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).* December also marked the first month of contraction after 16 consecutive months of growth. Notable increases were observed in top markets such as France (+14.5%) and Spain (+10.6%). In contrast, the German car market declined by a significant 23% in December.

During 2023, the EU car market concluded with a 13.9% expansion compared to 2022, reaching a full-year volume of 10.5 million units. All EU markets grew in the past year except for Hungary (-3.4%). Double-digit gains were recorded in most markets, including three of the largest: Italy (+18.9%), Spain (+16.7%), and France (+16.1%). Conversely, Germany recorded a more modest 7.3% year-on-year increase, influenced by its weaker December performance. Continue reading →

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American Honda 2024 Sales Forecast – Acura and Honda Up

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino
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American Honda auto sales finished 2023 at 1,300,000 units of Acura and Honda brands as the Biden Administration economic recovery continued (Bidenomics). This was an 33% increase year-over-year as production stabilized and some of the pandemic logistics problems eased. (AutoInformed: Honda Tops US 2023 HEV Sales with Accord and CRV; Car Star Wars – Honda Debuts New Global EV Line; American Honda 2023 Sales Up More than 30%)

“In 2023, we were finally able to meet the pent-up demand for our products with both brands rebounding and American Honda finishing the year up over 30%. We projected a strong recovery, and we achieved that,” said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of Sales. “This year we will continue to capitalize on hybrid models and light trucks as we begin sales of our first high volume BEV models. Along with a continued investment in our ICE products, we are anticipating increased annual sales for both Honda and Acura in 2024.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Volkswagen 75th Anniversary in the United States

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - Volkswagen 75th Anniversary in the United States

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It was 75 years ago today when two Volkswagen Type 1 vehicles landed on the shores of New York, marking the first attempt to sell the Beetle to Americans. VW of America* said today that “it is celebrating its humble beginnings, recognizing those who have woven the brand into the cultural fabric of the US and setting the stage for the next era in its continued transformation.” Volkswagen announced  a year-long campaign that will serve be an invitation to be part of Volkswagen’s electric future.

“Over the past 75 years, Volkswagen has grown from a tale of two Beetles into a part of America’s cultural fabric,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience & Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “We carry people in our name and our heart. As we look forward to the next 75, we will celebrate the real people and real-life moments that have made Volkswagen brand the people’s love story it is today.” Continue reading →

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Lexus Defection – Vinay Shahani Goes to Nissan North America

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America said today it has named Vinay Shahani as senior vice president, US Marketing and Sales. His appointment is effective 18 January. Shahani was Vice President of Marketing, Lexus USA. Shahani replaces Mike Colleran, who is retiring from Nissan on 31 March, after more than 12 years in top regional and global positions.

“As we accelerate the transformation we started with Nissan NEXT, Vinay brings a unique blend of Nissan background and experience with successful global automotive brands,” said Jérémie Papin, chairperson, Nissan Americas. “Vinay is an ideal choice to lead our brands into the future, driving performance and innovation while maintaining our people-centric culture.” Continue reading →

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Valorauto Recycling Now Available to Private Owners

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that its joint-venture with Galloo metal recycling, called VALORAUTO,* is now offering automotive recycling to private owners in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. This is an extension of the professional service that began in November 2023. It will make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life vehicles and meet the automaker’s requirements in terms of Extended Producer Responsibility. VALORAUTO is part of Stellantis’ Circular Economy business strategy.

This is the result of a new French regulation (AGEC),** which requires manufacturers to provide solutions to manage the end-of-life of their products. Stellantis intends to set up its Individual System with VALORAUTO as its Service Provider. The VALORAUTO service will be offered to private owners not only in France but also in Belgium and Luxembourg in what looks to be an attempt to get out in front of an expansion of the regulation in the EU. Continue reading →

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Honda Tops US 2023 HEV Sales with Accord and CR-V

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Tops US 2023 HEV Sales with Accord and CR-V

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Honda Motor said today that it posted an all-time sales record in 2023 with hybrid-electric vehicles leading US sales charts. The Honda CR-V hybrid SUV is the country’s best-selling hybrid model (197,317). The Accord hybrid sedan is the most popular hybrid-electric car (96,323). Last year, sales of Honda electrified models grew more than three-fold to set an all-time sales record with CR-V and Accord hybrid trims combining for 293,640 units, embodying more than 25% of total Honda brand sales.

“The success of our hybrid-electric sales in 2023 is an important building block toward our vision of 100% electrified vehicle sales by 2040,” said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With the all-electric Honda Prologue and a new Civic hybrid coming this year, Honda will continue to increase our electrified sales in 2024 and beyond.” Continue reading →

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December Global Light Vehicle Sales at 92,000,000 Annual Rate

Posted on 16 January 2024 by Ken Zino

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for December 2023 was 94 million units annually, according to an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData* consultancy. This continues rising results since the middle of the year. The LV market grew 11.6% YoY to 8.4 million in December, finishing 2023 with 90 million units. This is 11% higher than the 2022 total. (AutoInformed: November Global Light Vehicle Sales at 94,000,000 Annually)

“Sales in the US were helped by year-end discounts offered by the automakers along with higher incentives. While Western Europe reached 13.3 million units in 2023, 14.1% higher than 2022, the LV market in December fell by 4.3% YoY led by Germany which had a strong base in 2022. For China, total LV sales in 2023 was up nearly 11% with Passenger Vehicle sales benefiting from stronger competition and aggressive price cuts,” the GlobalData light vehicle forecasting team said. Continue reading →

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Stellantis NA COO Mark Stewart Out. Carlos Zarlenga In

Posted on 16 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis NA COO Mark Stewart Out. Carlos Zarlenga In

Carlos Zalenga.

In a terse announcement today, Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said it is “replacing” its chief operating officer in North America with its current president of Mexico, On 1 February 2024, Carlos Zarlenga will replace Mark Stewart “to leverage further improvements in Stellantis’ performance in North America and unleash the iconic American brands portfolio potential in close cooperation with their CEOs. ” Stellantis sales declined last year in North America – share was down ~1% and inventory was building before the UAW strike. It also offered buyouts to almost half of its employees. (AutoInformed: UAW Sweep – Stellantis Contract Approved by Members; Fleet or Fire Sale? SIXT to Buy 250,000 Stellantis Vehicles)

“In the very demanding North American market with many obstacles to overcome in order to foster the performance of the Company, Carlos Zarlenga is the best leader among our talent pool to replace Mark Stewart and to drive the change in our business model towards electrification in the region. Carlos Zarlenga has demonstrated his ability to bring together and unite diverse teams and to deliver the expected results,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. “I would like to thank Mark Stewart for his contribution to this role after a three-year cycle, corresponding to the date of creation of Stellantis and I wish him the best in his new position.” (Stewart is leaving.) Continue reading →

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Fleet or Fire Sale? SIXT to Buy 250,000 Stellantis Vehicles

Posted on 16 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Mobility service provider SIXT* (DE0007231326) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) today announced they have reached a multi-billion Euro agreement under which SIXT could buy up to 250,000 vehicles for its rental fleet in countries across Europe and North America during the next three years. The first significant delivery volumes will take place as early as the first quarter of 2024 and will continue throughout the year.

SIXT rental customers will have choices of vehicles of Stellantis including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall and Maserati. The deliveries to SIXT will include a variety of classes from city cars to SUVs to vans and trucks, including 7- and 9-seaters, as well as a full range of propulsion types, including battery electric vehicles, with the latest software and infotainment tech features. Continue reading →

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Zell am See Ice Race Returns 27 January. Aspen Debuts

Posted on 15 January 2024 by Ken Zino
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F.A.T. Ice Racing in 2024 starts on 27 January in Zell am See (formerly GP ICE RACE). Debuting on 8-10 February 2024, Ice Race Aspen Driven by Mobil 1 will take place in Colorado, promoter F.A.T. said today. The winter-fest of speed goes back to the 1950s when it was run on a frozen Austrian lake; now it’s on a frozen track.

In both events both amateur and professional will  compete across multitude of classes running on ice. At Zell am See, there are Touring 4-wheel-drive and 2-wheel -drive cars, Buggys, Skijöring,* Skijöring Elektro, Side-cars and Classic cars. With about 100 competitors, entries are now closed. Event sponsors, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Red Bull and SIXT will provide supporting programs, including the Red Bull Flying Bulls air show. MotoGP star Dani Pedrosa will also be making his debut on the ice. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Recalls 2024 XC40 Hybrids for Bad Software

Posted on 15 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling ~17,409 2024 XC40 hybrid SUVs. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a filing made public today. What is characterized as “a diagnostic mis-detection of short to ground of the left-hand rear turn indicator will result in no function of the left-hand rear turn indicator.”

“As a result, this would fail to warn an approaching driver of their intentions to turn or change travel lanes, increasing the risk of an accident,” the required safety defect filing said. The software was corrected 20 December  2023, and vehicles after this date have the correct software in the Central Electronic Module. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls EcoSport and Focus Models for Engine Seizures

Posted on 15 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) is recalling ~140,000 2016-2018 model year Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles for sudden engine failures, according to the required safety recall documents made public today by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA defect filing said the oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure and seizures. The recall was prompted by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that started in September of 2023 after NHTSA received 95 consumer complaints alleging engine failure due to loss of oil pressure in model year (MY) 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport vehicles.

“Some consumers report a low engine oil pressure warning lamp immediately preceding a complete loss or reduction of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. This may be due to a failed engine oil pump assembly. Engine replacement is required due to the nature of this failure,” NHTSA said then. Continue reading →

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