Tesla Recalls 2,031,220 Autopilot Equipped Vehicles

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) is recalling 2,031,220 vehicles with Autopilot. Included are 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autopilot with Autosteer leading up to the versions that contain the recall remedy, according to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday.

“In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature,” Tesla said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading →

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Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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Cadillac (NYSE: GM) said today that another electric vehicle, the VISTIQ will join the luxury brand as a 2026 model. The three-row SUV is positioned between the LYRIQ mid-size crossover, (base price of ~$59,000). and ESCALADE IQ (~$130,000+). Cadillac as part of GM’s EV strategy aspires to be an all-EV brand by ~2030-2035. VISTIQ is positioned below the Lyriq mid-size crossover. It joins the expensive ~$300,000+ Celestiq sedan and what will soon be an all-electric version of the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000.)

“VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. “Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.”

Last month, Cadillac confirmed the compact 2025 OPTIQ SUV, which will act as the entry point for the brand’s EV lineup in North America. It will also be available globally.

Additional VISTIQ details, including available features and pricing, will be released next year. Additional OPTIQ details will also be revealed next year.

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First Look – 2024 Lexus GX Luxury SUV

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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More details about the 2024 Lexus GX (NYSE: TM) were released today from Texas. The all-new GX SUV has an entry level MSRP of $64,250 going up to $81,250. GX is expected to arrive at Lexus dealerships in early 2024 after it starts production at the Tahara plant in Japan.

The 2024 GX is offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and in a first for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+. A 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. This results in an slightly improved EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. Towing capacity has increased to 8,000 lbs. for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch. A hybrid powertrain will be introduced in the US. at a later date. Continue reading →

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Sumitomo Rubber Recalls Light Truck Tires for Air Loss

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Sumitomo Rubber USA (Sumitomo) is recalling Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires with size 265/70R17 115T and Wildpeak HT02 with size LT235/85R16 120/116S. Due to a manufacturing error, the light truck tires may have a puncture in the sidewall and leak air.

A broken component of the curing press could potentially puncture tires at exit from curing press. The curing press has been repaired. Vehicles with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may detect loss of tire air pressure, Sumitomo said in the required filing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public today. Continue reading →

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EPA Fines Calumet Montana Refining for Chemical Abuses

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as entered into a Clean Air Act settlement where Calumet Montana Refining will pay a $385,000 penalty and address violations of Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements at its petroleum refining facility in Great Falls, Montana.

“Facilities must properly handle hazardous substances to prevent dangerous chemical accidents and follow reporting requirements when releases occur,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “If they don’t, EPA will hold them accountable. We are pleased that Calumet Montana Refining is implementing critical safety measures to protect workers and the community.” Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! GM Reorganizes Regions and PD

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that is making changes to its product development team and creating a new role to oversee its global regions. This reorganization is partially the result of the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, after a ~40-year career at the company. All changes take effect on 2 January 2024.

“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug’s leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM’s success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.” Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls F-150s, Mustangs for Software, Hardware Defects

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling late model F-150s, F-150 Lightnings and Mustangs for various safety defects that involve bad programing and improper assembly, according to documents made public this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford does not publicly release its safety recalls.  

On 2022-2023 F-150 Lightning pickups, the SYNC software may fail to activate the electronic stability control (ESC) system at the beginning of each ignition cycle. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems.” The NHTSA Campaign Number is 23V801. Ford’s number for this recall is 23C38. Continue reading →

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GM and Komatsu Deal on Fuel-Cell Powered Mining Truck

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Komatsu (TSE: 6301) will co-develop a hydrogen fuel-cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck the companies said today. The deal on the world’s best-selling ultra-class haul truck will see GM hydrogen fuel cell technology used by Komatsu, a global manufacturer of mining and construction equipment.

“Finding new ways to power the equipment our customers need to do the vital work of mining and construction is a critical part of our commitment to supporting a more sustainable future,” said Dan Funcannon, vice president of North America engineering and development for Komatsu. “This is essential work that requires cross-industry collaboration, and we are excited to be working with GM on this important solution for a haulage offering without tailpipe emissions.” Continue reading →

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Electric Trucks Can Drive Us Toward Environmental Justice

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The growing market for electric trucks will eventually eliminate their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter, which adversely affect human health. (AutoInformed: EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally; NADA, American Truck Dealers Oppose Cleaner Trucks)

“Recent and pending regulations could boost this transition dramatically, particularly if the proposed EPA truck emissions rule is strengthened. While the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of electric trucks are substantial, an array of recent studies shines new light on the health and environmental justice benefits,” said Steven Nadel, of The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).* Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will be most significant where truck routes are commonly situated – in neighborhoods with people of color and low-income residents. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Signs Hydrogen Development Multilateral Deal

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company said today it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the development of the global hydrogen ecosystem. The signing took place with South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, Korea Water Resources Corp., Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and SK E&S at the Dubai Expo during the COP28 World Climate Summit.*

“The agreement aims to rapidly grow the global hydrogen ecosystem and respond more actively to climate change by sharing leading examples of hydrogen ecosystem development currently underway in Korea with the international community. To this end, Hyundai Motor and its Korean partners will provide case studies and consultation on hydrogen projects and GGGI will publish an evaluation report based on the case studies for international sharing,” Hyundai said. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys 15 UK Dealerships

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced that it has agreed to acquire 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 to be acquired represent estimated annualized revenues of $1 billion. The Company has received certain regulatory approvals. The acquisition is anticipated to be funded using the Company’s existing liquidity and is expected to close in January 2024, subject to customary conditions.”**

“The Rybrook dealerships represent exceptional brands with a strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service. We look forward to continuing this legacy and welcoming these franchises to our team,” said Darren Edwards, CEO of the Company’s Sytner Group subsidiary in the UK. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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Ducati and Bentley jointly announced a new, limited-edition motorcycle that celebrates the best of both brands: the Ducati Diavel for Bentley. It is the result of a collaboration between the two manufacturers as the project links Ducati and Bentley “with a vision of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity.” The bike was revealed last Friday night at a ‘fuorisalone’ event at Art Basel in Miami, the overseas edition of a European contemporary art fair. This joint project stems from Ducati and Bentley both being part of the Volkswagen Group’s “Progressive Brand Group,” which also includes Audi and Lamborghini.

“On the sophisticated technical base of the high-performance and comfortable Diavel V4, Ducati has integrated characterizing elements of the Bentley Batur – of which only 18 examples will be handcrafted by Bentley – to create a motorcycle unique in terms of elegance and design. The Diavel for Bentley will be created in a numbered series limited to 500 examples, plus an additional 50 even more special “Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner” motorbikes. The latter are reserved for Bentley customers, and include the personalization and individuality that is so intrinsic to the Batur on which the bikes are based,” Bentley said. Continue reading →

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CHIPS and Science Act Phase 2 – Growth and Defense

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino
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The Biden-Harris Administration today said the US Department of Commerce and BAE Systems have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT)* to provide ~$35 million in federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the modernization of the company’s Microelectronics Center Nashua, New Hampshire.

“We have been clear since day one that the CHIPS for America Program** is about advancing our national security and strengthening domestic supply chains, all while creating good jobs supporting long-term U.S. economic growth. As national security becomes as much about the chips inside of our weapons systems as the weapons systems themselves, this first CHIPS announcement shows how central semiconductors are to our national defense,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have reached preliminary terms to make a substantial investment in New Hampshire’s expanding defense industrial base, which will help make our country and supply chains more secure and bolster the economy of the Granite State.” Continue reading →

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New Ford Mustang GT3 Racing Documentary Starts Next Week

Posted on 8 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that starting next week, people can follow the development of the Ford Mustang GT3 leading up to its inaugural season at the world’s toughest endurance races in a documentary series. (Full episode 1 Click Here

The Ford Mustang GT3 race car, based on the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, was unveiled last year during the centenary celebration on the eve of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford will enter the Mustang in to the global FIA GT3 racing category. Ford’s last victory at Le Mans was in 2016 with the Ford GT. Ford is also showed a new Ford Performance branding that will now be used on all its racing vehicles. Continue reading →

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Bosch Puts Entertainment and Driver Assistance on One Chip

Posted on 7 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Robert Bosch has debuted integrated functions from previously separate vehicle domains on a computer chip. Now it has infotainment and driver assistance functions on one chip. So-called software-defined automobility goes hand in hand with a centralized vehicle and electric/electronic (E/E) architecture.

“Central vehicle computers are the heart of software-defined cars,” said Dr. Markus Heyn at a trade show. Continue reading →

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