The Quantum Mobility Quest from Airbus and BMW Group

Posted on 6 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Airbus and BMW Group - Quantum Computing Competition

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Airbus and BMW Group launched today the so-called “The Quantum Mobility Quest” to address challenges in the data-driven aviation and automotive industries that remain insurmountable for classic computers. This could be a first-of-its-kind attempt to develop applications to harness quantum technologies for real-world industrial applications. The companies said it has the potential to forge more efficient, sustainable and safer solutions for the future of transportation. This nascent technology could play a key role in simulating various industrial and operational processes, opening up opportunities to shape future mobility products and services.

“This is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on quantum technology* and its potential impact on our society. Partnering with an industry leader like BMW Group enables us to mature the technology as we need to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and its potential applications. We’re seeking the best-in-class students, PhDs, academics, researchers, start-ups, companies, or professionals in the field, worldwide to join our challenge to create a massive paradigm shift in the way aircraft are built and flown.” said Isabell Gradert, Vice President Central Research and Technology at Airbus. Continue reading →

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Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pilot Travel Centers, GM, Evgo Open Fast Charging Network

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Pilot Travel Centers, General Motors (NYSE: GM) and EVgo (NASDAQ: EVGO) today announced the opening of the first 17 locations of a previously announced national electric vehicle fast charging network. Now  in 13 states, the network claims an “elevated charging experience,” providing EV travelers access to the same amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J travel centers.

“EV drivers are eager for a better charging experience and to have more charging locations along America’s most traveled corridors. These new charging locations and the many more to come, will be critical for improving range confidence,” said Adam Wright, Pilot Travel Centers chief executive officer. “As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road.” Continue reading →

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Michigan State Fleet – All to be Zero-Emission Vehicles  

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Michigan Carbon Neutral Plan.com on 2020 NAIAS

Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan today signed Executive Directive 2023-5, which will transition the State of Michigan’s fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). All state-owned light-duty vehicles will be zero-emission vehicles by 2033, with medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040 under the awakened and enlightened policy.

“Michigan automakers are on the cutting-edge of the world’s switch to zero emission vehicles, and with today’s executive directive to transition our state-owned fleet by 2040, the State of Michigan is leading by example,” said Governor Whitmer. “Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since ZEVs cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities.”  Continue reading →

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Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30,000 Fleet EV Chargers

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that its Ford Pro commercial division and Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) will work on deploying 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the US by 2030 in a program dubbed 30×30.*

“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” claimed Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President, Group President, Utilities & Chief Customer Officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging and software.” Continue reading →

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Magna Joins Northstar for 5G Autonomous Driving Development

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna Joins Northstar for 5G Autonomous Driving Development

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Magna, the Canadian mega supplier (NYSE:MGA; TSX:MG) said today that ii is enhancing its automated driving capabilities by joining NorthStar Telia Sweden and Ericsson’s 5G innovation program for industrial enterprises.* As part of the agreement, Telia and Ericsson have built a dedicated, private 5G network at Magna’s test track located in Vårgårda, Sweden, where new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) applications in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity are being tested. This follows, in some cases by years, other automotive companies use of 5G.** (AutoInformed: Magna Buys Veoneer Active Safety Business)

“By utilizing the latest advancements in mobile networks, we are able to accelerate the automotive domain by offering sensor enhancements and as a result offer more capable and competitive ADAS products,” said Bill Snider, President of Electronics. “Our focus is not only on meeting challenging technical requirements, but also on developing products that can help anticipate critical situations to prevent accidents, ultimately making the roads safer for all.” Continue reading →

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Recalls on 2015-16 Lincolns, Fords for Sudden Door Openings

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in certain US regions, According to documents released today by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177 from several years ago. The build date ranges for vehicles built in Mexico at Cuautitlan and Hermosillo Assembly Plants have been extended, partially due to NHTSA Office of Defect Investigations monitoring of customer vehicle complaints (VOQs) made to the Federal Safety Agency.

A component piece made by Kiekert USA inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving. In some of the affected vehicles, the door latches have a pawl spring tab that may break. The latch pawl spring tab design is susceptible to cracking and failure in areas with high ambient temperatures. This safety defect will typically prevent the door from latching. If the customer is able to latch the door after repeated attempts to shut the door, there is potential the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury. Continue reading →

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US Light Vehicle Sales up Again in November 2023

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Light Vehicle Sales up Again in November 2023

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US Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 8.5% year-on-year (YoY) in November, to 1.22 million units, according to preliminary estimates from the respected consultancy GlobalData.* The daily selling rate was estimated at 48,900 units/day in November, compared to 48,200 units/day in October. Despite the uptick in the daily selling rate, it appears that November sales were slightly disappointing, with Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales not delivering quite as robust an acceleration as hoped. 

“With the UAW strikes over, the industry could focus on more typical matters of LV demand and the extent to which Thanksgiving sales would spur the market, against the backdrop of many households feeling squeezed and interest rates remaining high. In the end, sales grew by 8.5% YoY, but there was a feeling that results could have been better. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Offers EV at Hybrid Price

Posted on 1 December 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Honda Offers EV at Hybrid Price

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Honda UK said today that it is helping people to ‘Go electric’ by offering eNy1 Electric Elegance for the same monthly payment* as HR-V Hybrid Advance. The all-new eNy1 is available with 5.9% APR and a £8000 deposit. For £346 per month, customers can choose between eNy1 Electric Elegance or HR-V Hybrid Advance for the exact same monthly payment.* The offer is valid from 1 December 2023 until 31 January 2024. It’s the latest example of how the proposition that EVs are too expensive ignores marketplace competition combined with automaker advantages of scale and decades of innovation in manufacturing, design and cost cutting will relentlessly and inevitably make EVs desirable.

“We want to make it easier for consumers to make the transition to electric vehicles and we know that the price point of EVs is one of the main concerns people have,” said Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK. “We have decided to make our eNy1 Electric Elegance the same monthly payment as our HR-V Hybrid Advance equivalent, allowing customers to choose the powertrain that suits them best.” Continue reading →

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The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

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Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Brad Wieferich and other partners yesterday celebrated a milestone in the future of mobility and electrification  at the Michigan Central* innovation district in Detroit as crews have finished installing the nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway.

Using technology from Israeli company Electreon,** 14th Street is now equipped with inductive-charging coils between Marantette and Dalzelle streets that will charge electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with Electreon receivers as they drive on the road. The road will be used to test and improve this wireless-charging technology in a real-world environment before making it available to the public in the next few years. Continue reading →

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Briggs and Stratton Settles With CARB For Off-Road Emissions

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board has reached a settlement agreement with Briggs and Stratton of Milwaukee, WI., a significant producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, for $117,314.* This was for the company’s violations of the Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulation. The regulation limits emissions of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from spark-ignited, small off-road engines, including those found in landscape equipment, small power tools, and portable generators.

“Small off-road engine manufacturers that skirt California’s clean air regulations will be held accountable to protect our air and public health,” said CARB Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliff. “These engines can be a significant culprit of evaporative emissions, and due to the sheer number of them in the state, it is critical that they meet and comply with established standards. Going forward, zero-emissions equipment will make small-engine air pollution a thing of the past.” Continue reading →

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Follow The Leader – Ford Reinstates Earnings Guidance

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford (NYSE: F) has a new, post-UAW-strike outlook for full-year 2023 operating results it said this morning after GM provided an unexpectedly strong one yesterday. Ford withdrew 2023 financial guidance in late October during the UAW strike of some notably profitable US operations. Ironically, the new forecast by Ford CFO John Lawler was given at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, following a presentation by Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Yesterday GM increased its 2024 dividend while minimizing the effect of the UAW strike tallied at $1.1 billion. GM said full-year net income was forecast between $9.1 billion and $9.7 billion, down from $9.3 billion and $10.7 billion.

Ford now projects full-year adjusted EBIT of $10.0 billion to $10.5 billion, and adjusted free cash flow of between $5.0 billion and $5.5 billion. Both are non-GAAP financial measures Although affected U.S. operations have been restarted, guidance reflects effects of strike-related manufacturing disruptions on wholesales and revenue. Ford was silent on the dividend. Continue reading →

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GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

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Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer said this morning in New York that the aim is to  continue to drive GM’s strong cash flow performance while increasing the margins and the returns to investors while cutting capital spending. (NYSE: GM) Speaking at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Jacobson said, “we remain absolutely committed to driving to the 8% to 10% margin consistently that we’ve said in North America through this transition (to electric vehicles).”

The conference came one day after GM stunned analysts, Ford Motor, and media by announcing a $10 Billion Accelerated Share Repurchase Program (ASR)* and 33% dividend increase to 12 cents per quarter starting in 2024. GM continues to generate huge cash flows and invest in the business in the face of the retro-think of stock mis-analysts. GM has also canceled the $6.0 billion revolving credit facility it entered in October and plans to enter into a new 364-day $3.0 billion committed credit facility with the banks executing the ASR acting as lenders. Ford will address its financial outlook today. GM stock increased ~9% after the announcement. Continue reading →

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EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to  the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports (CR). Electric cars, electric SUVs, and electric pickups all rank among the least-reliable vehicle categories. Hybrids, in contrast, continue to be a bright spot. They experience 26% fewer problems than ICE vehicles on average. CR’s survey findings were announced today at an online news conference in collaboration with the Detroit-based Automotive Press Association.** Full-sized pickup trucks remain near the bottom of CR’s brand ranking, but aren’t the least reliable category. Mid-sized and electric pickups are worse for reliability.

“EVs are still in their relative infancy as mainstream vehicles, so it’s really not surprising that manufacturers, by and large, are still working out the kinks,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. “That said, we are seeing signs of movement in the right direction. And as our data has consistently shown, reliability-minded consumers would be best served by forgoing brand new vehicles in their first model year.” Continue reading →

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GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today basically shrugged off months of anti-American labor speculation and media commentary while announcing a $10 Billion Accelerated Share Repurchase Program (ASR)* and 33% dividend increase to 12 cent per quarter starting in 2024. GM continues to generate huge cash flows and invest in the business in the face of the retro-think of stock mis-analysts. GM has also canceled the $6.0 billion revolving credit facility it entered in October and plans to enter into a new 364-day $3.0 billion committed credit facility with the banks executing the ASR acting as lenders.

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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WTRAndretti Names Final Drivers for 2024 IMSA Season

Posted on 28 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on WTRAndretti Names Final Drivers for 2024 IMSA Season

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Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti*) announced today that Graham Doyle and Ashton Harrison will join Kyle Marcelli and Danny Formal in their No. 45 WTRAndretti Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. (AutoInformed: Wayne Taylor Racing, Andretti Autosport to Run Two IMSA Cars*)

“I am excited to represent Lamborghini in GTD this coming season. I am excited with our driver line up,” said Wayne Taylor, Team Principal, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti. “I think Graham Doyle and Ashton Harrison will really be good at the Rolex and then Graham doing all the endurance races. Graham is still very young, but what he achieved this year in LST made it a no brainer to hire him. Ashton will be a great fourth driver. She is an important part of our WTRAndretti Global program.” Continue reading →

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