Stellantis and CATL MoU for Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

Posted on 21 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis and CATL MoU for Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA)* said today that it signed with CATL a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the local supply of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for European market. The MoU outlines joint development of a technology roadmap and future battery value chain opportunities. Stellantis and CATL are considering the possibility of a joint investment in the form of a joint venture with equivalent contributions. Stellantis aims to use LFP batteries to assist making its Dare Forward 2030 electrification targets. LFP has a long service life and high thermal stability.

“This MoU with CATL on LFP battery chemistry is another ingredient in our long-term strategy to protect freedom of mobility for the European middle class,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “CATL is the industry leader in this sector and together with our iconic vehicle brands, we will bring innovative and accessible battery technology to our customers while helping us achieve our carbon net zero ambition by 2038.” Continue reading →

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UAW Sweep – Stellantis Contract Approved by Members

Posted on 21 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Sweep – Stellantis Contract Approved by Members

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Last night the UAW confirmed that members at Stellantis voted to accept the new contract completing the Big Three sweep by the reinvigorated labor union. After the historic so-called Stand Up Strike, UAW members at Ford, General Motors and  now Stellantis have voted to ratify their new contracts, locking in record gains. Across the three companies, 64% of voting members voted in favor of the agreements. Stellantis remained silent in public.

“The members have spoken. After years of cutbacks, months of our Stand Up campaign, and weeks on the picket line, we have turned the tide for the American autoworker,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The Stand Up Strike was just the beginning. The UAW is back to setting the standard. Now, we take our strike muscle and our fighting spirit to the rest of the industries we represent, and to millions of non-union workers ready to Stand Up and fight for a better way of life.” Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Chuffed over Las Vegas Grand Prix Results

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Aston Martin Chuffed over Las Vegas Grand Prix Results

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A double points-winning performance from the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1® Team capped a memorable weekend for Aston Martin in Las Vegas, the British Luxury car maker said today. Aston, of course, runs a German Mercedes-branded engine in its race cars.* (AutoInformed: Is Formula One in Vegas Cursed? Clark County Cuts Fees) 

“Thrilling fans with its unmistakable style and unrivaled performance, DBX707 lit up the Las Vegas Strip Circuit™ on Saturday with an exclusive track takeover ahead of the first Las Vegas Grand Prix in 41 years, demonstrating the supreme capability of Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed model, the world’s most powerful ultra-luxury SUV and serves as the Official FIA Medical Car of Formula 1®,” said Aston. Continue reading →

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Coffeyville Resources Refining Fined $23 Million for Pollution

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino
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“Oil companies and their allies in Congress have worked hard to stall the proposal of these standards.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice today announced a settlement with Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing and its affiliated companies (CRRM) for violations of the Clean Air Act and a previous consent decree related to operation of its petroleum refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas. These violations resulted in illegal emissions of various pollutants including an EPA estimate of more than 2300 excess tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a pollutant that can make breathing more difficult, from the refinery’s flares from 2015 to 2017.

“The settlement with Coffeyville delivers on the promise of EPA’s new climate enforcement strategy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 10,000 cars,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “In addition, the actions we are taking alongside our state partners in Kansas will reduce harmful air pollution that makes breathing more difficult and causes smog, acid rain, and tree and plant damage.” Continue reading →

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The Corrupting Influence of Money on US Public Health

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“Heavy Vehicle emissions standards recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would boost the electrification of trucks and buses, but standards stronger than what EPA proposed are needed to de-carbonize transportation at a pace to prevent catastrophic climate change. While leading utilities are showing that they can help build out the infrastructure at the scale necessary to support the proposed standards, they and their customers will need to invest far more ambitiously to support more robust standards.,” claims Daivie Ghosh, Transportation Senior Research Analyst at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, aka ACEEE. (AutoInformed: EPA Final Heavy-Duty Truck Standards Released, Well, Finally) 

The proposed “Phase 3” heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) rules include new emissions standards for model years 2027–2032. The EPA projects that the standards would reduce emissions primarily via an increase in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). This electrification would significantly improve public health (ACEE Study)  and help address today’s climate challenge. Money interests are fighting the rule. Continue reading →

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Two Corporate Execs Convicted for Failure to Report Under CPSA

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Two Corporate Execs Convicted for Failure to Report Under CPSA

Drugs aren’t our only Chinese problem.

A Los Angeles jury has convicted two corporate executives of conspiracy and failure to report information related to defective residential dehumidifiers that had been linked to multiple fires, in the First-Ever Criminal Prosecution for Failure to Report Under Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSC)*. Simon Chu, 68, of Chino Hills, California, and Charley Loh, 65, of Arcadia, California, were convicted of conspiracy to defraud and failure to furnish information as required by the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).

“Companies and their employees should immediately report known dangerous consumer products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission so the products can be recalled as soon as possible,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will prosecute companies and their employees when they willfully put the public in harm’s way by failing to report known dangerous products.” Continue reading →

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GM UAW Members Ratify New Contract

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Increases Contract Offer for UAW Members

Mr. Johnson, GM EVP.

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra said in a statement this morning “We are pleased our team members have ratified the new agreement that rewards our employees, protects the future of the business and allows us to continue to provide good jobs in communities across the US. We can now move forward as one team doing what we do best – delivering great products for our customers and winning together.”

AutoInformed translation: GM UAW members will be working likely be working mandatory overtime or  extended shifts during the holiday season. UAW members are also on the verge of ratifying the new contract at Stellantis where voting is running 70% in favor as of this morning. (AutoInformed: UAW has Tentative Agreement With Stellantis) Continue reading →

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Ford CEO Jim Farley on UAW Contract Ratification

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) President and CEO Jim Farley said this morning, “We are pleased the agreement has been ratified and we are very happy for our more than 57,000 UAW-represented employees and their families.” (AutoInformed: Bill Ford Asks UAW to Choose His View of the Right Path; Ford Reaches UAW Contract Agreement If Members Vote Yes) UAW members are also on the verge of ratifying the new contract at Stellantis where voting is running 70% in favor as of this morning. (UAW has Tentative Agreement With Stellantis)

Ford Motor is refreshing or introducing new versions of about half its US sales volume in 2024. Critical launches include a new Ranger and Ranger Raptor; the new F-150 and F-150 Raptor; a new Expedition and Explorer, as well as a Lincoln Navigator and new Lincoln Aviator. Continue reading →

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Is Formula One in Vegas Cursed? Clark County Cuts Fees

Posted on 17 November 2023 by Ken Zino

The Clark County Department of Aviation released additional parking spots at Las Vegas valley airports at a significantly lower price after reassessing availability and costs when pilots, the Aircraft and Owners Pilot Association* (AOPA) and other organizations objected to egregious “special event” fees tied to the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix on 18 November. Previous Vegas F1 races run in a parking lot failed miserably. This time around there is a tight course on the Strip with the race scheduled at night to fend off tire-destroying high temperatures and showcase the Casino lights.

These special event fees started an uproar when pilot Eric Haase said the one-time fees ranged in the thousands of dollars in an October YouTube video. AOPA and Clark County officials met on 3 November, at which point the county confirmed prices and stated the “egregious” fees per AOPA (imposed on both parking and drop-and-fly pilots) were to defray the costs of increased staffing and operations. Continue reading →

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State of Michigan UAW Employees Approve 2024 Contract

Posted on 17 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on State of Michigan UAW Employees Approve 2024 Contract

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State of Michigan UAW employees have approved the 2024 wage re-opener for the fiscal year 2024 by a significant 95% yes vote, the UAW said today. Local 6000 negotiated a 5% wage increase, a $2250 bonus, which is the first bonus ever received, and language to adjust wages due to market conditions, retention, and recruitment for the Human Services and Administrative Support Units.

UAW local 6000 represents workers in every Department of the State of Michigan government: from nurses, teachers, doctors, probation officers, social workers and secretaries. Continue reading →

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New Circus Ringmaster at Cruise Autonomous Vehicles

Posted on 17 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Circus Time - Cruise AV Collision with San Francisco Fire Truck

The Cruise circus has a new Ringmaster.

The Cruise Board held a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting at Cruise headquarters in San Francisco last week. It was the first one coming after the ongoing controversy about accidents caused by or including the operation of its autonomous vehicles on San Francisco Streets, which potentially has serious product liability implications now and in the future. (AutoInformed: Circus Time – Cruise AV Collision with San Francisco Fire Truck; GM, Cruise, Honda – 2026 Autonomous Ridehail in Japan)

“As we posted in our blog last week, we have initiated workstreams in four key areas to identify potential improvements to how we operate,” Cruise said. “We are pleased that Craig Glidden, GM’s Executive Vice President of Legal and Policy and Cruise board member, will be expanding his support of Cruise and working closely with Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt and the Cruise Senior Leadership Team to oversee the workstreams around Transparency and Community Engagement.” Continue reading →

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Cadillac Teases 2025 OPTIQ EV – Crossover Compact

Posted on 17 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cadillac Teases 2025 OPTIQ EV – Crossover Compact

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Cadillac (NYSE: GM) said today in a sparse release that the fourth vehicle to join its expanding global electric vehicle portfolio will be the “entry level” OPTIQ as a 2025 model year offering. Additional details, as well as available systems, options and pricing, will be unveiled early next year.

This will be Cadillac’s fourth EV, positioned below the slow-selling (because of supply chain issues and shortages of batteries or lack of appeal?) Lyriq mid-size crossover, with a base price of ~$59,000. It joins the expensive ~$300,000+ Celestiq sedan and what will soon be an all-electric version of the Escalade SUV (~ $130,000.) Continue reading →

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Subaru 2025 Forester SUV Shown at Los Angeles Auto Show

Posted on 16 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru 2025 Forester SUV Shown at Los Angeles Auto Show

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Subaru of America revealed today the 2025 Forester at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Generation six comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Options include a tablet-style 11.6-inch STARLINK® Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pricing will be announced closer to its planned on sale date in spring 2024. The Forester has been one of the bestselling Subaru vehicles for nearly 30 years, with more than 2.6 million sold in the US. It also debuts, finally, a kick sensor-activated Hands-Free Power Rear Gate. (AutoInformed: Subaru Tweaks 2022 Forester, adds Wilderness)

“The all-new 2025 Forester was designed to combine the capability and versatility of a large SUV with the comfort and efficiency of a car. The 8.7-inch ground clearance for all Forester models is taller than many SUVs, yet it maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front- and rear-passenger entry,” Subaru said. Continue reading →

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Rerun at LA Auto Show – Honda Prelude Concept

Posted on 16 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Rerun at LA Auto Show - Honda Prelude Concept

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The hybrid-electric Honda Prelude Concept made its North American debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the usual assertion that it represents a prelude, so to speak, to future electrified Honda models. This is weeks after its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show. Honda says it will make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its new vehicle sales by 2040. (AutoInformed: Toyota Shows Mid-Size EV Pickup Truck)

“Honda hybrid-electric models have been doing a great job of furthering our electrification strategy and now represent one-quarter of Honda sales in 2023,” said Gary Robinson, vice president Auto Planning and Strategy, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Displaying the hybrid Prelude Concept demonstrates our electrification strategy in a sporty and dynamic package.” Continue reading →

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Porsche Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen Plant to be Reconstructed

Posted on 16 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen Plant to be Reconstructed

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Porsche said today in Stuttgart that it is upgrading its main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen for the future by carrying out extensive reconstruction measures and extensions. In the future, the electric sports cars in the next 718 generation will be produced on the traditional assembly line for the two-door Porsche sports cars with a boxer gasoline engine. The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is investing some €250 million in construction work.

“60 years of the Porsche 911 and 75 years of Porsche sports cars, the double anniversary marks a special year for Porsche. The reconstruction measures and extensions to sports car production at our main plant are an important milestone for the Zuffenhausen site,” said Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG. “The conversion measures will enable increased efficiency, the highest quality standards, and mixed production of combustion-engine and electric sports cars. This will see us start a new chapter in sports car production in terms of the smart factory.” Continue reading →

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