Chrysler Pacifica Gets Top Safety Pick Award from IIHS

Posted on 20 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chrysler Pacifica Gets Top Safety Pick IIHS Award

Smeared paint shows where the driver dummy’s head was protected from hits by hard structures by the side airbags.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety* said today that the 2023 and the 24 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is rated as a Top Safety Pick. The Pacifica had a good rating in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front and original moderate overlap front tests, as well as an acceptable or good rating in the updated side test.

Acceptable or good headlights must be standard across all trim levels, and a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations must be fitted or optional. (AutoInformed: IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings) Continue reading →

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November 2023 EU Car Market Grows on Mixed Results

Posted on 20 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on November 2023 EU Car Market Grows on Mixed Results

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In November 2023, the EU’ car market grew by 6.7%, according to data just released by ACEA.* This was the sixteenth consecutive month of expansion. There were substantial double-digit gains in some markets, including two of the largest – Italy (+16.2%) and France (+14%).

However, the German car market retracted, recording a -5.7% decline compared to November 2022, which provided a small base line for comparison across the EU. Overall new car registrations were  +6.7% in November; with a battery electric market share at 16.3%. Eleven months into 2023, new car registrations increased by 15.7%, reaching nearly ten million units. With the exception of Hungary, all EU markets grew during this eleven-month period. The four largest markets contributed to this trend: Italy (+20%), Spain (+17.3%), France (+16.2%), and Germany (+11.4%). Continue reading →

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Audi, Porsche, Scout Motors and VW EVs to offer NACS in 2025

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Audi, Porsche, Scout Motors, VW EVs to offer NACS in 2025

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 Audi, Porsche and Scout Motors,* and VW today announced an implementation of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for future products in the region, beginning in 2025. Adapters for the Tesla Supercharger network are under study for existing Volkswagen Group electric vehicles. This adds to the more than 3800 DC fast charging outlets currently in operation by Electrify America and Electrify Canada. Electrify America previously announced it will work to offer the NACS connector at charging stations by 2025 in the region, as well as continuing to support the so-called Combined Charging System (CCS).

“This is great news for our electric vehicle customers in the North American Region,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “This potentially provides them with access to more than 15,000 additional charging points as well as the current ~4000 DC fast-charging outlets operated by Electrify America.” Continue reading →

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Forecast is Finally Normal for 2024 US Auto Market

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Cox Automotive said today that it is forecasting that balance will reappear in  the US auto market during 2024. This should be better for American consumers and fleet buyers who will find more choices, better deals, and better access to online buying tools. Cox predicts that 2024 will be the best year for car buyers since the pandemic.

“Our research suggests that Americans are putting more emphasis on buying/owning personal transportation, in contrast to 2018 and 2019, when consumers put a higher value on access to transportation,” said Jonathan Smoke Cox Automotive Chief Economist. “And after tumbling in 2021 and 2022, satisfaction with the car buying process is expected to improve in the year ahead, thanks in part to better inventory and the return of discounting, but also from improved processes at the dealership that save time and make car buying more efficient.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz – Turquoise Autonomous Driving Marker Lights

Posted on 19 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-Benz - Turquoise Autonomous Driving Marker Lights

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Mercedes-Benz said today that it has approvals for turquoise-colored automated driving marker lights in California and Nevada. The exemption permit for California is for testing vehicles and initially limited to two years. The Nevada permit applies to Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2026 production vehicles. Thus a marketing component – styling with lights – is now part of the ongoing debate about the effect of autonomous vehicles on the safety of other road users and pedestrians.

“With the development of automated driving marker lights, Mercedes-Benz is once again setting new industry standards,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Purchasing. “The more automated driving vehicles populate the road, the more important communication and interaction between the vehicle and the environment become.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Mobility Foundation Meets on Zero Accident Casualties

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Mobility Foundation Meets on Zero Accident Casualties

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Last Friday on 15 December 2023, the Toyota Mobility Foundation general meeting gathered together participating members to review the progress of various activities and share insights between subcommittees. A report was issue today from the subcommittees at the Tateshina Meeting*1, which promotes discussions and the expansion of collaboration among participants with the goal of zero casualties in traffic accidents.

The five subcommittees have started their activities with an initial focus on issues such as support for vulnerable road users, meaning children and older adults, accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles, and accidents occurring overseas. Since their establishment, the subcommittees have set a goal to accelerate, to the extent possible, the realization of achieving zero traffic accident casualties. To date, approximately 140 people from 35 companies have participated. Activities are being promoted in cooperation with the government, local authorities, and relevant organizations based on a three-pronged approach involving cars, people, and traffic infrastructure. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Nissan Ariya EV Arrives at South Pole

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

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Nissan said today in Yokohama Japan that an Ariya electric vehicles with e-4ORCE all-wheel control arrived at the South Pole in Antarctica. Chris and Julie Ramsey finished their 10-month, 30,000 km marketing promotion that started on the frozen Arctic Sea at the 1823 Magnetic North Pole. Then they crossed mixed terrains and conditions in North, Central and South America before reaching the South Pole. This is the first time any vehicle has done so.

“It has been an extraordinary journey to follow and a point of pride for us at Nissan. It has shown how Nissan’s innovative technology continues to deliver excitement, whether on a trip to the office or to the Antarctic,” said Allyson Witherspoon, Corporate vice president, Nissan Global Marketing, Brand and Merchandizing. Continue reading →

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Preorders Open for Acura 2024 ZDX Performance EV

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on SUV EVs - Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S Debut

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Acura said today that it has opened reservations for its first all-electric model – the all-new 2024 ZDX performance SUV and high-performance ZDX Type S, the most powerful Acura SUV ever. All Acura ZDX sales will take place through a new, omni-channel digital sales process, claimed to be a simple and intuitive shopping method from home or at an Acura dealership.

The 2024 ZDX A-Spec is forecast to start in the $60,000 range with a single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain. A more powerful dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configuration is also available. ZDX Type S has a performance tuned dual-motor AWD powertrain producing ~ 500 horsepower and is expected to start in the $70,000 range. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz GLE350 and GLE450 Recalls for Fire Risk

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 2021-2022 model year GLE350 and GLE450 vehicles (the so-called 167 platform). A 12-volt ground connection under the driver seat may not be secured properly, resulting in the ground connection overheating. This might increase the risk of a fire.

The driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure, according to recall documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Dealers were told of the pending voluntary recall campaign on 15 December 15 2023. Owners will be notified of the voluntary recall campaign before 6 February 2024. Continue reading →

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Kia Soul and Seltos Recalls for Sudden Airbag Inflation

Posted on 18 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Kia America (Kia) is recalling 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. because the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly. The Hyundai Mobis Side curtain airbag modules made in the Republic of Koreo have a welding error in the stored gas section of the hybrid inflator.

The side curtain airbag may inflate inadvertently without a deployment command from the ACU increasing the risk of injury to an occupant and may also create a driver distraction increasing the risk of a crash, Kia said in the required safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The initial explosion came in a parked vehicle. There are no known crashes, injuries or fatalities. Continue reading →

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Ford Announces Global Mustang GT3 Factory Drivers

Posted on 16 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Announces Global Mustang GT3 Factory Drivers

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In an unusual Saturday release, Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today it is expanding its sports car factory driver lineup to nine for its global GT3 race programs. Ben Barker, Chris Mies, Dennis Olsen, Andy Priaulx and Frédéric Vervisch join previously announced drivers Joey Hand, Dirk Müller, Harry Tincknell and Mike Rockenfeller on the Ford Performance Mustang GT3 team in 2024. Daytona in January is the  sports car racing debut for the new Ford Mustang GT3. The Mustang will compete on six of seven continents of the world at tracks such as Le Mans and Interlagos. In AutoInformed’s view this is a crafty way of helping customer teams with proven drivers that can be employed when needed.*

“To take an icon like Mustang racing, we need a line-up of the best and most experienced GT racers, and our nine sports car factory drivers represent just that,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. (See the surprisingly good: New Ford Mustang GT3 Racing Documentary Starts Next Week) Continue reading →

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Ford Credit to Regroup Next March

Posted on 15 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that Marion Harris will retire on 1 March 2024 as president and CEO of Ford Credit. Replacing him will be Cathy O’Callaghan, Ford’s vice president, controller, and chief accounting officer since June 2018. Mark Kosman will become chief accounting officer. The new jobs for O’Callaghan and Kosman are effective 12 February, after Ford has reported its Q4 and full-year 2023 financial results. O’Callaghan and Kosman will report to CFO John Lawler. (AutoInformed: Follow The Leader – Ford Reinstates Earnings Guidance)

“Under Marion, Ford Credit was a source of strength through the global pandemic and now is remaking itself to support customers, dealers and Ford in an entirely new era of transportation and software-enabled services,” Lawler said. “Cathy is exceptionally well prepared to help complete that transition and grow the business, with her comprehensive global knowledge about Ford and an attention to customers that’s vital to winning over the long haul.” Continue reading →

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Ford Mustang Endurance Racing Docuseries Starts Tonight

Posted on 15 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Ford Mustang GT3 Racing Documentary.

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The Mustang GT3 team has been preparing for the first substantial endurance race of 2024, the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The cameras have had full access behind the scenes throughout to capture the effort. A documentary series is the result, dubbed ‘Mustang Endurance.’ (AutoInformed: New Ford Mustang GT3 Racing Documentary Starts Next Week)

“We go racing for many reasons, not least of which is to win important races and championships and to drive brand value back to our business,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “This is Mustang’s 60th anniversary in 2024, and I can think of no better way to celebrate this global performance icon than to put it to the test in the harshest environments. I am proud of the incredible team who have made this happen and this documentary celebrates their dedication and hard work to get us on the grid in January.” Continue reading →

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Fossil Fuel Phase Out or Cop Out at COP28?

Posted on 15 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Nations at the COP28 United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai approved this week a roadmap for “transitioning away from fossil fuels,” a first for a UN conference. However, the agreement is without any apparent way to enforce it. Worse, in the view of the many, many critics of the United Nations actions or lack thereof on planet-killing Climate Change, it did not clearly call for an end of using oil, coal and gas, which are the root of the problem.

The latest edition of the annual UN climate conference had been running in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, since 30 November. UAE of course is a major producer of fossil fuels and used the conference lobbying among attending countries to further its own self-interests, according to critics. Clearly we need to do better, much better.
 Continue reading →

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November Global Light Vehicle Sales at 94,000,000 Annually

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

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The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate for November 2023 was 94 million annually, slightly lower than the upwardly revised October figure of 95 million units/year, according to an analysis just released by the respected GlobalData consultancy.* The market was up 14% year-over-year (YoY), with year-to-date (YTD) at 82 million vehicles registered, 11% higher than YTD Nov 2022.

“US sales were helped by agreements being settled between the Detroit 3 OEMs and the UAW, ending the strikes, along with increased incentives during Thanksgiving and Black Friday. China’s market in November also benefited from heavy incentives and discounts by OEMs and dealerships. Meanwhile, European regions continued their recovery. With supply constraints fading, adverse macroeconomic headwinds are a concern heading into 2024,” according to the GlobalData Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

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