Kristian Aquilina New GM Canada President

Posted on 15 January 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that Kristian Aquilina, current GM Canada vice president, vehicle sales, service and marketing  is now GM Canada president and managing director, effective immediately. Aquilina will report to Marissa West, who was previously appointed to senior vice president and president, GM North America. (AutoInformed: Happy New Year! GM Reorganizes Regions and PD; GM Canada – Marissa West now President, Scott Bell moves to VP Global Chevrolet in US)

“I look forward to collaborating with our employees, our strong network of Canadian dealers and our many other community and industry partners across the country. Together, we’ll unleash even more opportunities for GM Canada to lead during this period of historic transformation,” said Aquilina. Continue reading →

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Toyota GR Yaris Debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024

Posted on 12 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota GR Yaris Debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024

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Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) held the world premiere yesterday of its latest GR Yaris at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024* at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Sales in Japan of the new GR Yaris are scheduled to start this spring through Toyota vehicle dealers. The racing hot hatchback might find it’s niche on American roads, if there remains any market for a small pocket rocket amidst the tidal waves of SUVs and pickup trucks.

Toyota consolidated motorsports activities under Gazoo Racing in 2015. “Gazoo” is based on gazō, Japanese for image. TGR has continued to compete in various motorsports following the debut of the GR Yaris. It has been implementing “driver-first car-making” through repeated “breaking and fixing” in extreme environments and reflecting feedback from professional race drivers and evaluation drivers, as well as from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and accomplished driver Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo. Continue reading →

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Lucid Motors Recalls Air Sedans for Defroster Failures.

Posted on 12 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Lucid Motors Recalls Air Sedans for Defroster Failures.

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Lucid Motors (NASDAQ: LCID) is recalling 2042 model year 2022 – 23 Lucid Air sedans that may have High Voltage Coolant Heaters (HVCH) manufactured by suppler Webasto AG before July 2022 (Suspect HVCH), the startup EV company said in the required National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety defect filing (23V-011) that is now publicly available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Lucid dealers were notified last Friday. The pure electric sedans start at $77,400 in the US. (AutoInformed: EV Tech-aches 2023 – More Problems than ICE Vehicles; Saudi’s to Finance Lucid EV)

The HVCH supplies warm air for both cabin heat and defrosting capability in Lucid Air vehicles. If an HVCH fails, coolant cannot be heated and the windshield cannot be defrosted. Loss of adequate windshield defrost capability could lead to restricted driver field of vision and an increased risk of a crash. Continue reading →

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EPA Wants Stronger Standards for Solid Waste Burning

Posted on 11 January 2024 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency today said it wants to strengthen Clean Air Act standards for large facilities that burn municipal solid waste. If finalized, the updated standards would reduce emissions of nine pollutants, including smog- and soot-forming sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, by approximately 14,000 tons per year, improving air quality for overburdened communities living near these facilities. These proposed standards reflect current technologies available to control pollution in a cost-effective fashion, EPA claimed.

“President Biden believes every person deserves clean air to breathe and the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and EPA’s proposal is just the latest action to achieve this vision. By reducing harmful pollution and improving air quality, this rule will also advance environmental justice for nearby communities already overburdened with pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. Continue reading →

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Cummins Diesel Penalties Finalized in $1.675B Settlement

Posted on 11 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Auto ‘Defeat Devices’The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Attorney General’s Office late yesterday released the details of a proposed settlement with diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and California law. Beyond agreeing to pay a $1.675 billion civil penalty, the largest ever assessed in a Clean Air Act case, Cummins has agreed to spend more than $325million to remedy the violations, which included the use of software “defeat devices” that circumvented emissions testing and certification requirements. (See AutoInformed: Cummins to Pay $1.675B for Clean Air Act Violations)

“Cummins installed illegal defeat devices on more than 600,000 RAM pickup trucks, which exposed overburdened communities across America to harmful air pollution,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Continue reading →

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Supernal Shows S-A2 Electric Vertical Takeoff Aircraft

Posted on 11 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Supernal Shows S-A2 Electric Vertical Takeoff Aircraft

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Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company Supernal – has debuted its S-A2 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) concept. The pilot-plus-four-passenger vehicle (a hybrid helicopter and aircraft) is the latest step in Supernal’s attempt to commercialize what it hopes will be efficient and affordable everyday passenger air travel. Supernal – it’s claimed – will achieve commercial aviation safety levels and use “affordable manufacturing” of its vehicles as it prepares to enter the market in 2028. Stellantis, among other competitors, is pursuing the same goal. (AutoInformed: Paris Air Show – Stellantis and Archer to Debut eVTOL Aircraft)*

“From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the right product and the right market at the right time,” said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry. By leveraging our talented 600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis, BlackBerry QNX and AWS Launch Virtual Cockpit

Posted on 10 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis, BlackBerry QNX and AWS Launch Virtual Cockpit

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) claims it has created the world’s first virtual cockpit platform as part of its Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench (VEW). This will allow the delivery of infotainment tech to customers 100 times faster than previous processes, it’s said. The new platform uses the QNX® Hypervisor in the cloud from BlackBerry, which is now on early access release via AWS Marketplace within the QNX Accelerate portfolio of cloud-based tools.

“Software is becoming increasingly crucial in vehicles, leading us to innovate in how we develop and validate it,” said Yves Bonnefont, chief software officer at Stellantis. “With our virtual cockpit, we’re revolutionizing not just our approach, but also that of our suppliers and partners in the industry. Essentially, we’re able to get closer to our customer’s needs through this technology with faster development cycles, faster feedback loops, and quicker delivery of the technology they use and love. It’s a leap toward customer-first innovation and efficiency in the automotive world.” Continue reading →

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Premium Dolby Atmos Storytelling Coming From Mercedes

Posted on 10 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Premium Dolby Atmos Storytelling Coming From Mercedes

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Mercedes-Benz customers will soon be able to use Dolby Atmos for audio storytelling in addition to music. This new dimension of listening pleasure marks another first for Mercedes-Benz in-car entertainment. “The riders will be wrapped in multi-dimensional sound of exceptional clarity that places them in the center of the story,” Mercedes said. Global rollout is anticipated to begin in Q3 2024 via an over-the-air (OTA) update for customers of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and CLE Coupe and Cabriolet with 3rd-generation MBUX. A further rollout is planned for successive models in the future.

“This collaboration with Audible and Amazon Music is another important facet of digital experience in a Mercedes-Benz. Immersive audio storytelling enables our customers to benefit fully from the advanced sound technology in our vehicles. For us, unparalleled in-car entertainment is a further dimension of the hyper-personalized user experience,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. Continue reading →

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Car Star Wars – Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Car Star Wars - Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

Click to be beamed up.

Honda today announced the “Honda 0 Series,” a new global EV line launching in 2026, represented by the world premiere of two concept models, Saloon and Space-Hub, at a trade show. During 2026, Honda will introduce a model of the Honda 0 Series based on the sedan concept in North America, followed by model introductions in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America. Honda also debuted a new H mark logo that will be used solely for the next-generation EV models.

“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda. “We will create a completely new value from zero based on thin, light and wise as the foundation for our new Honda 0 EV series to further advance the joy and freedom of mobility to the next level.” Continue reading →

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Manheim – Used-Vehicle Values Fall -21% from All-Time High

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Manheim - Used-Vehicle Values Fall -21% from All-Time High

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Calendar year 2023 ended with the Manheim* Used Vehicle Value Index down 0.5% in December from November, following a trend that began in the second half of the year. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) dropped to 204.0, down 7% from the previous year, a larger decline than originally forecast. Compared to the index peak in December 2021, used-vehicle values are down ~21%.

“We ended 2023 with about half of the used-vehicle value decline we saw in 2022, but still more than we’d see in a typical year,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “For 2024, the key word for the wholesale market is ‘normalcy.’ Manheim expects constrained growth with a volume increase of less than 1%. As for price patterns, we anticipate a normalization trend, and we expect that 2024 will be the first year in five where we will experience fairly normal depreciation in the wholesale market.” Continue reading →

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Kia Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Kia Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts

Yes, they look like the boxes they came in. Click for more.

Kia has revealed its so-called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at a trade show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will start around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.

This was presented as plan with the goal of PBVs “revolutionizing the mobility industry while helping to further Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.” Basically this is a well tread marketing strategy once fueled by petrol and diesel by traditional European vehicle makers, notably the Transit van line of Ford Motor in Europe, Citroen and Renault among others, who are doing similar things with EVs. In fact, the Transit ubiquitously used by tradespeople in the UK led to the popular phrase “white van man.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Completes Acquisition of Rybrook Group

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Rybrook Group Limited consisting of 15 premium dealerships in the United Kingdom, including four BMW dealerships, four MINI dealerships, four Volvo dealerships, two Land Rover dealerships and one Porsche dealership. Three of the BMW locations also retail BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The dealerships represent estimated annualized revenues of $1 billion.

“We are pleased to expand our brand footprint and increase our scale,” said Darren Edwards, CEO of the Company’s Sytner Group subsidiary in the U.K. “The Rybrook dealerships represent exceptional brands with a strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service. We look forward to continuing this legacy and welcome the Rybrook associates to our team.”
Continue reading →

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Volkswagen to Add ChatGPT into its Vehicles

Posted on 8 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volkswagen to Add ChatGPT into its Vehicles

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Volkswagen said today that it will introduce the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant.1 Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc. is the foundation of the new function, which claims to off an intelligent, automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. Volkswagen will offer Chat GPT as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles. The connected car feature is under study for the United States. Research from Deloitte shows that only ~25% of US drivers are willing to pay extra for such services.

“Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many. This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature to vehicles from the compact segment upwards. Thanks to the seamless integration of ChatGPT and strong collaboration with our partner, Cerence, we are offering our drivers added value and direct access to the AI-based research tool. This also underlines the innovative strength of our new products,” said Kai Grünitz, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for technical Development. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Shows its Hydrogen Value Chain

Posted on 8 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company at a trade show in Nevada today said it is developing megawatt-scale polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer manufacturing capabilities for green hydrogen production. It expects to commercialize them within the next few years. Hyundai, through sharing components of fuel cell systems claims that it can achieve a competitive price compared to existing PEM technologies. They are evolved from technology used by NASA to explore space and come with moonshot prices. 

“At Hyundai, we believe that science and humanity are two sides of the same coin; that advanced technology should also make people’s lives better,” said Jay Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Clean hydrogen should be for everyone, powering everything, and available everywhere.” Continue reading →

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Western EU Car Sales Down ~5% in 2023

Posted on 8 January 2024 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Western EU Car Sales Down ~5% in 2023

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The Western Europe PV selling rate rose to 13 million units/year in December 2023, with 951,000 car registrations in the month. Compared year-over-year (YoY ), sales were down almost 5%, though that compares to a strong December 2022, according to an analysis just released by European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team at the GlobalData consultancy.* The region finished 2023 overall with 11.6 million units, higher than the 10.1 million units recorded in 2022, but well behind the 14.3 million units registered in pre-covid 2019.

“Germany was the only major West European country with negative YoY growth last month (at -23%), mainly due to December 2022 being an unusually strong month given the ending of EV incentives. France and Spain continued to recover with double digit YoY growth as supply conditions continue to ease, with solid improvements coming from the UK and Italy,” GlobalData said. Continue reading →

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