Ford Recalls 1.88 Million Explorer SUVs for Trim Detachment

Posted on 24 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~1.88 million (2.2 million globally) model-year 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs because the A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged. This allows the trim to detach creating a safety hazard for other vehicles, which Ford initially maintained was not a safety problem.

The recalled part was introduced into production on 17 May 2010 and was taken out of production on 3 March 2019. Replacement parts are not available to fix the safety defect. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed 13 March 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the safety defect repair is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S02 . (NHTSA recall 24V0310). Continue reading →

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Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit

Posted on 24 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit

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Volkswagen Group of America said today that  model year 2023 ID.4 compact SUVs with SK On battery components and model year 24 Volkswagen ID.4 models when released with SK On components placed in service in 2024 are eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit* on a purchase by a qualifying purchaser. Model year 2023 ID.4 vehicles with LG components do not qualify. During 2023, the ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US market.**

“This is great news for consumers in the US because it expands the choice of truly affordable EVs,” claimed Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “The ID.4 is already one of the lowest-priced electric SUVs on the market, and the $7500 Federal Tax Credit makes it even more attainable. This shows that we made the right decision to localize assembly of the ID.4 in Tennessee and invest even further in battery production, components and innovation. Every ID.4 sold supports thousands of American jobs and helps advance our goal of a carbon-neutral future.” Continue reading →

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FAA – Record Commercial Space Operations in 2023

Posted on 23 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FAA – Record Commercial Space Operations in 2023

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During 2023, there was a record 124 FAA licensed commercial space operations, the FAA said today. This includes 117 launches and seven reentries. That’s triple the number of total operations in 2020.

“These record numbers are possible due to the growing capabilities of industry and the FAA working to meet the demand for launch and reentry license approvals,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin Coleman. “As the industry innovates, so too is the FAA. We are using our regulatory authorities in certain initiatives to help the industry launch faster and more frequently without sacrificing safety.” Continue reading →

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Manheim – Used-Vehicle Prices Drop in January

Posted on 23 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Manheim - Used-Vehicle Prices Drop in January

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Wholesale used-vehicle prices decreased 1.0% from December during the first 15 days of January, according to data just released by industry expert Manheim.* The Manheim mid-month Used Vehicle Value Index dropped to 201.9, which was down 10.2% from the full month of January 2023. The usual seasonal adjustment minimally added to the decline. The non-adjusted price change in the first half of January dropped 0.9% compared to December, while the un-adjusted price was down 9.9% year-over-year.

“As we start January, we are seeing wholesale values decline a little in the first part of the month,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Industry Insights, Cox Automotive,** the parent company of Manheim. “While it’s pretty early to call it a trend, declines are fairly normal relative to the last several years and maybe just a smidge stronger than what we’d usually see.” Continue reading →

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DOT – Brightline West High-Speed Rail Gets $2.5B

Posted on 23 January 2024 by Ken Zino

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced the approval of $2.5 billion in bonds authority allocated for the Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail project.* When completed, it will connect Las Vegas, Nevada, and Southern California.

“Today, the Biden-Harris administration takes the next step to fulfill the promise of high-speed rail in the American West, with $2.5 billion in private activity bond authority to lay tracks, create jobs, and connect American cities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading →

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Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S EVs Start at $64,500

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S EVs Start at $64,500

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Acura has announced pricing for its first all-electric model, the 2024 Acura ZDX with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* beginning at $64,500 for the ZDX A-Spec with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain. It will arrive at Acura dealerships this spring.

“The arrival of the all-electric Acura ZDX demonstrates our commitment to a zero-emissions future, but more than that it represents our passion for performance in the electrified era,” claimed Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “The ZDX and high-performance ZDX Type S are exciting additions to our performance SUV lineup. …we can’t wait for our Acura clients to get behind the wheel of our first all-electric model.” Continue reading →

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Like the Weather, Grey is Top Car Color in Old Blighty

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Ken Zino
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British drivers during 2023 once again noted their preference for monochrome cars as grey topped the new car color chart for the sixth year in a row, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With a market share of more than a quarter (26.8%), more than half a million (509,194) grey cars were registered in 2023, with volumes rising 22.6% as the new car market enjoyed its best year since the pandemic. [1]*

“2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of color options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
 Continue reading →

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US Postal Service Unveils First EV Charging Stations

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on USPS Reveals Electrification Buys for Largest Federal Fleet. Photo Courtesy of and copyright Ford Motor

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The United States Postal Service* (USPS), alongside White House officials, today unveiled its first set of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its South Atlanta Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). Such charging stations will be installed at hundreds of new S&DCs across the country throughout the year and will power what will be the nation’s largest EV fleet. Electrification and modernization of the Postal Service’s delivery fleet is part of the organization’s $40 billion investment strategy to upgrade and improve the USPS processing, transportation, and delivery networks.

“The improvements we need to achieve in sustainability are an integral outgrowth of the broader modernization efforts we have undertaken through our 10-year Delivering for America plan,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “As we transform our operating processes and invest in new automation, new technologies, and upgraded facilities and vehicles, we will generate significant efficiencies that reduce our costs, slash our carbon footprint and minimize waste. We are grateful for the support of Congress and the Biden Administration through Inflation Reduction Act funding, which helped enable the electrification in evidence here today.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA)* today unveiled a large, battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform that is the foundation for a wide range of upcoming vehicles for global markets in the larger profitable D and E segments. The so-called STLA platform enables what could be segment-leading capabilities including embedded energy, charging efficiency, high-performance vehicle dynamics and Trail Rated (Jeep) off-road driving. Full-size vehicles based on STLA Large architecture are projected to be at the center of customer demand in key global markets.

“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading →

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GMC to Add New Markets – Australia, New Zealand, China

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC to Add New Markets - Australia, New Zealand, China

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GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that it is adding three new international markets. The premium truck brand at General Motors said customers in Australia, New Zealand and China will have the choice of the Yukon full-size SUV in these potentially high-growth markets. China sales are expected to begin in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand following in 2025. This announcement follows the launch of GMC in South Korea in 2023 with the GMC Sierra LD pickup truck, pioneering the premium pickup market in the country. These new markets add to GMC sales in the US, Mexico, Canada and Middle East.

“GMC is in the most exciting era in its history as we expect to grow competitively in our home market while venturing into new ones,” said Duncan Aldred, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “We’re forging our future as a premium truck and SUV brand.” Continue reading →

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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.*
 Continue reading →

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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

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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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