MAMA Favorite Vehicle of 2024 Finalists Announced

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) today announced the seven category winners for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 award. Each winner is now a finalist for the overall title that will be voted on by the association’s 189 nationwide media members. AutoInformed is a long-standing member of MAMA. MAMA’s Favorites is a new award, an expansion of the association’s prior Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year awards. It was created to recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.

“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Continue reading

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Noto Aftershocks – Toyota Japanese Plants to Run on Monday

Toyota Motor has just issued this in Japan. “Toyota would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024.

“In regard to Toyota Motor Corporation’s plant operation schedule for January 8 onward, after much consideration, we have made the decision to operate our vehicle plants in Japan. Many of our local suppliers and their affiliates were affected by the earthquake. Therefore, we will utilize parts in stock outside the affected areas, Toyota said. Continue reading

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Air Travel Shows Improvement After DOT Scrutiny, Fines

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Air Travel Shows Improvement After DOT Scrutiny, Fines

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The US. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of October 2023 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. For the first 10 months of 2023, 1.5% of flights were canceled, below the 2.6% cancellation rate for the first 10 months of 2022 and the 2.1% cancellation rate for first 10 months of pre-pandemic 2019. During 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office primarily based on complaints received. Since the pandemic began, the Department has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers, DOT said.+

The release of air travel service complaint data in the ATCR has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. In AutoInformed’s view airlines encourage the use of automobiles.* Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor, Kia, Gore to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell PEMs

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hyundai Motor, Kia, Gore to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell PEMs

Hydrogen and Humanity.

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor), Kia Corporation (Kia) and W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) said today that they have signed an agreement at the Mabuk Eco-Friendly R&D Center, Korea, to collaborate on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems. The joint effort between the parties will encompass key aspects of PEM development. The stated goal is to develop an advanced PEM for next-generation fuel cell electric commercial vehicles.

“We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore,” said Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. “By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future.” Continue reading

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Bidenomics – Sales Soaring as US Auto Market Ends 2023

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bidenomics - Sales Soaring as US Auto Market Ends 2023

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US Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 16.0% year-on-year (YoY) in December to 1.49 million units, according to preliminary estimates from the respected GlobalData consultancy.* Although year-ago sales were still relatively weak, December sales exceeded expectations and “indicated that the market was heating up as 2023 ended. For 2023, sales totaled 15.6 million units, a YoY gain of 13.0%, as the market recovered from the chip shortage-induced slump in 2022,” GlobalData said today.

“December has traditionally been a good time of year to buy a vehicle as automakers seek to hit year-end targets, but that had been less true in recent years amid tight inventory levels. However, with stocks now significantly replenished across the industry, discounting was back on the agenda last month. Consumers who have been sitting on the sidelines appear to have been willing to jump back into the new vehicle market again, although it also seems that fleet deliveries accounted for some of the December surge,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading

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China Vehicle Sales at Record High in November 2023

The Chinese light vehicle market reached a record high in November 2023 with wholesales growing by 27% year-on-year (YoY) resulting in a total of almost 3.million units, according to numbers  just released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* Passenger Vehicle (PV) sales (wholesales including exports) for November increased by 26% YoY to 2.6 million units, according to the Asia-Pacific Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, PV sales increased by 5%, while LCV demand was up 2.8% in November.

“The November car market continued to be very active. With the help of the “Double 11” promotion and other consumption stimuli, increased demand for vehicle purchases was released, and the market continued to improve, exceeding expectations. Both the production and sales of LVs achieved substantial YoY growth, with PVs continuing to sustain good momentum and CVs maintaining rapid growth, with New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and exports leading the way,” GlobalData said. Continue reading

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Hyundai, Kia, Samsung Electronics to Link Cars and Homes

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hyundai, Kia, Samsung Electronics to Link Cars and Homes

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Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced in Seoul that they signed an agreement on 3 January with Samsung Electronics for a Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car service partnership. They aspire to enhance the connectivity between residential and mobility spaces. Under this agreement, Hyundai and Kia customers will be able to remotely control digital appliances via touch and voice commands through their cars’ in-car infotainment systems. They will also have remote vehicle control via AI speakers, TVs and smartphone apps to control various vehicle functions.

“This is an opportunity to make the connected car’s Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields,” said Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center. “We plan to accelerate our technology development.” Continue reading

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Ford Motor US Sales Up 7% in 2023

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said this morning in Dearborn that 2023 US sales totaled 1,995,992 for a mild 7% increase when compared to 2022 on a year-over-year basis. Its best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-Series, posted sales of 750,789, up 15% compared to the previous year. It outsold the second place Chevrolet Silverado by ~200,000 trucks. Gas- and diesel-powered F-Series sales were up 12%, while the F-150 Lightning EV and F-150 Hybrid achieved record sales for the year – up 55% and 41%, on relatively small 2022 baselines. (AutoInformed: GM Delivers 2.6 Million Vehicles in US During 2023)

“In a year of challenges, from a labor strike to supply issues, our amazing lineup of gas, electric and hybrid vehicles and our fantastic dealers delivered solid growth and momentum. We have the products that customers want,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. Continue reading

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American Honda 2023 Sales Up More than 30%

American Honda said today that 2023 sales topped 1.3 million units, up 33% when compared year-over-year. The Honda brand increase 31.9% on sales of 1,162,531 units. The Acura brand closed the year up 42% on sales of 145,655.

We began 2023 optimistic for increased sales volumes, with our commitment to fun-to-drive cars, a refreshed light truck line-up and increasing hybrid-electric volumes. To have achieved a 33% increase over last year’s sales is an incredible testament to the strength of our products, dealer network and brands,” said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Continue reading

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GM Delivers 2.6 Million Vehicles in US During 2023

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Delivers 2.6 Million Vehicles in US During 2023

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it along with GM dealers delivered 2.6 million vehicles in the US during calendar year 2023. This was an increase of 14% year-over-year, reflecting the ongoing Biden Administration economic recovery, in AutoInformed’s view since 2023 will be the best year since the pandemic began. GM also held off a strong performance from Toyota keeping it the best-selling automaker in the US.

GM said it led the industry in total sales and was the top selling manufacturer of trucks, full-size pickups, full-size SUVs, ‘affordable SUVs’* and fleet vehicles. All GM brands posted increases. GM said its total market share increased 0.3 ppts. to 16.3%, which is preliminary based on an estimated 16 million vehicle US industry total.*

“We grew our market share in 2023, maintaining strong pricing and low incentives. We led the industry in trucks and had great success with our affordable SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista, some of today’s hottest-selling vehicles,” said Marissa West, GM senior vice president and president, North America. “In 2024, we expect industry sales to remain strong and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we expand customer choice with new vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ.” Continue reading

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Toyota North America December 2023 Sales Up 7%

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota North America December 2023 Sales Up 7%

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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today reported year-end 2023 total US  sales of 2,248,477 Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles, an increase of 6.6% on a volume basis or 7% on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis when compared to 2022. TMNA reported US fourth quarter 2023 sales of 619,661 vehicles, an increase of 15.4% on a volume basis and an increase of 18.5% on a DSR basis compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. US December 2023 sales totaled 226,116 vehicles, an increase of 25.5% on a volume basis and an increase of 30.3% on a DSR basis compared to December 2022. Based on preliminary data, the Toyota brand will be the number one seller of passenger vehicles for the 12th consecutive year, and 20 of the last 21 years.

“Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to electrification accelerated in 2023 with even more vehicle choices to meet our customer’s lifestyle and budget,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. “By the end of 2025, we plan to have an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus vehicle in the U.S.” Continue reading

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US Fuel Economy at Record Highs. CO2 at Record Low

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Fuel Economy at Record Highs. CO2 at Record Low

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The US. Environmental Protection Agency just before this Christmas past released its annual Automotive Trends Report.* It said that model year 2022 vehicle fuel economy reached a record high, while emission levels dropped to record low levels. The report also shows that through the MY 2022 reporting period, all 14 large manufacturers are in compliance with the light-duty greenhouse gas program requirements. This welcome news is rooted in the awakened environmental policies of the Obama and Biden Administrations.**

“As the United States accelerates towards a clean transportation future, today’s report highlights the historic progress made so far by the industry to reduce climate pollution and other harmful emissions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We are thrilled to see manufacturers continue to innovate and develop technologies in multiple vehicle categories that have led to a substantial increase in miles per gallon, passing cost savings onto families across the nation.” Continue reading

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New Year Recalls from BMW, Bombardier, Daimler, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publicly released a number of safety recalls on New Year’s day. Most of them are minor in the number of vehicles affected.

However, as always it is vital that they be performed on the affected vehicles not only for the driver and occupants but for other users of our public roads. This will help ensure during 2024 a safe and happy New Year for all. Continue reading

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Ford Airbag Recall – 2023 F-150, F250, F350, F450, F550, F600

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford F-Series recalls.

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023 F-150 and Ford SD F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 vehicles. The steering wheel clock spring from supplier BCS Automotive Interface Solutions may have an bad weld, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s frontal air bag. The customer may notice loss of illumination and function of switches on the steering wheel, such as radio controls, inoperative horn and an airbag warning light.

“The Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) in affected vehicles may contain a clock spring assembly with an insufficient weld between the bus bar and the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable provides connectivity to the driver airbag. An insufficient weld can lead to a disconnection of ribbon cable circuits, resulting in a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag. As a consequence the airbag warning light will illuminate and the driver airbag will not deploy,” Ford said in the required safety defect recall filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that has been made public on New Year’s day. Continue reading

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Significant 2023 Automotive Stories and Trends

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Significant 2023 Automotive Stories and Trends

Click for more Can Do.

Well, hello Tempus Fugit! AutoInformed again notes, humbly and wryly, that its vision is mostly clear on the significance of long past occurrences. Nonetheless, with each passing year we still pause and attempt to bring insight into events of the time. When we get it right, our perspective observes that we are what we were – a union of we the people aspiring to include all of us with awakened ideals from our 18th century American enlightenment put forth in our globally famous declarations and legal documents.

However, in these current times that try our souls, these ideals appear to be only a paltry influence amidst the chaos of the American present. Our vision and progress are threatened by a tawdry cast (caste?) of social media politicians who reside in comfort and leisure at taxpayer expense while idly watching the Potomac roll by. Our aspirations of becoming a more useful part of our society comprised of “We the People” is under daily news-cycle assault with an insurrection of can’t do characters and their apologists and power-hungry enablers who are our enemies within. They are the greatest threat to our upwardly mobile, inclusive democratic society. These illiterate book banners and burners are threatening our genuine American optimism and can-do past that still propels the best of us to keep moving forward with or without drums and fifes. Continue reading

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