First Look – 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Posted on 9 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look – 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special

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Ford Motor (NYSE:F) today revealed the 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special, saying that it adopts modern style as a classic package returns. It will be offered on the 2024 Mustang GT Premium fastback coupe and convertible models, using visual cues of the 1968 original .The California Special package adds $1995 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium and is available in Coupe (~$47,015) and Convertible (~$56,999) body styles with either the six-speed manual gearbox or the optional 10-speed automatic transmission.

“The original California Special package was geared toward California’s optimistic and carefree driving culture. We’re refocusing on those elements for the 2024 Mustang GT California Special, which brings vibrant style that looks as at home on Colorado Boulevard as it does on the Pacific Coast Highway,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “Rave Blue is such a distinct and exciting color, it really does make the California Special stand out not only from other Mustang models, but from previous California Special models.” Continue reading →

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US Airline Employment Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

Posted on 9 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Airline Employment Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

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US airline industry employment* increased to 807,865 workers in September 2023, 2939 (0.37%) more workers than in August 2023 (804,926) and 64,765 (8.72%) more than in pre-pandemic September 2019 (743,100), according to the US DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

US scheduled-service passenger airlines employed 533,238 workers in September 2023 or 66% of the industry-wide total. Passenger airlines added 2938 employees in September 2023 for a twenty-ninth consecutive month of job growth dating back to May 2021 as the Biden Administration economic recovery continues. Southwest led scheduled passenger carriers, adding 882 employees. United Air Lines added 736, and Delta Airlines added 708. Continue reading →

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Mazda Posts Net Income of $7.2 Billion for First Half of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 8 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7261) posted record highs record highs for all profit line items for the first half of the Japanese fiscal year (April – September 2023). Net sales of ¥2,317.3 billion led to an operating income ¥129.6 billion, and net income ¥108.1 billion (~$7.2B). New SUVs, especially in North America, resulted in a strong per-unit revenue. Foreign exchange also contributed to the results. Global sales were 616,000 units, up 20% year on year, or ~100,000 units.

“Through the introduction of our Large product CX-90, following the introduction of the CX-60, and ongoing strong performance of mainstay products such as the CX-5, global sales volume increased 20% from the prior year. Other contributing factors were an improvement in market mix with a 40% year-on-year increase in sales in North America, mainly in the high-profit US market,” said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO Mazda Motor Corporation. Continue reading →

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Bosch Shows 6 kW Motorcycle EV Drive Motor with Inverter

Posted on 8 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bosch Shows 6 kW Motorcycle EV Drive Motor

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Bosch said it is working on electric powertrains for motorcycles and scooters at the EICMA 2023 motorcycle show in Milan.  The so-called 2-in-1 solution from Bosch offers an integrated motor management concept with vehicle control and inverter. Known as the one-box solution, its compact design frees up storage space in the vehicle for the battery, in a similar way to the Bosch e-axle for passenger cars. In addition, the motor has a passive cooling concept: the drive is cooled by the airstream instead of a complex water-cooling system.

“Especially in Asian countries, where the two-wheeler is often the backbone of mobility, electrification can help bring about huge improvements in local air quality and quality of life,” said Geoff Liersch, head of Two-Wheeler & Powersports. Continue reading →

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US Vehicle Sales Satisfaction Up Slightly in 2023

Posted on 8 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US Vehicle Sales Satisfaction Up Slightly in 2023

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The lingering effects of the pandemic are gone, prompting improved customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase process, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study, SM released today.* Increasing new-vehicle inventory on dealers’ lots and accompanying moderating prices have combined to propel customer satisfaction in an upward trajectory in 2023. This year, overall customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase experience increases to 793 (on a 1000-point scale) from 786 a year ago. Whether this is statistically significant is unlikely in AutoInformed’s view.

“The improved level of vehicle inventory and the easing of upward pressure on prices are the driving factors in sending sales satisfaction back in a positive direction,” said Chris Sutton, vice president of automotive retail at J.D. Power. “Vehicle buyers are more satisfied with the inventory choices they now see in dealerships across the country—more than in the past three years. Increased inventory also means fewer buyers are paying more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for their new vehicle.” Continue reading →

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GM Announces Niron Magnetics Partnership for EV Motors

Posted on 8 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Announces Niron Magnetics Partnership for EV Motors

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will work with Niron Magnetics* of Minneapolis, which has developed the world’s first and only permanent magnet with automotive-grade power that is free from critical materials, including rare or heavy rare earth minerals.

“We believe Niron’s unique technology can play a key role in reducing rare earth minerals from EV motors and help us further scale our North American-based supply chain for EVs,” said Anirvan Coomer, president of GM Ventures. “Our path to an all-electric future will be enabled not only by our own research and development efforts, but also by investing in next generation technology from startups and established companies outside our four walls.” Continue reading →

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Large Pickups Good in Side Impacts. Back Seat Safety Lacking

Posted on 7 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Large Pickups Good in Side Impacts. Back Seat Safety Lacking

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The Ram 1500 crew cab, Ford F-150 crew cab and Toyota Tundra crew cab, all 2023 models, earn good ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s updated side crash test, while the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab is rated acceptable, IIHS said today. However, in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now emphasizes back seat safety, only the Tundra manages a marginal rating. The F-150, Ram 1500 and Silverado are rated poor. (AutoInformed: IIHS Toughens Musts for Top Safety Pick Ratings)

“Like most other vehicle classes, large pickups don’t perform as well in the new moderate overlap evaluation as they do in the updated side test, which is now a requirement for our Top Safety Pick awards,” said IIHS President David Harkey. Continue reading →

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Unifor Sweep! Stellantis Workers Ratify New Contracts

Posted on 6 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Unifor Auto Talks 2023.

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Unifor auto members at Stellantis voted over the weekend to ratify the Master Collective Agreement (covering the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant and Etobicoke Casting Plant), along with agreements covering Unifor members working in the office, clerical and engineering unit, fire and security unit and PDC units in Mississauga and Red Deer. This likely foreshadows what is about to happen with the UAW Detroit talks, where contracts are also up for UAW member votes.

“Unifor members at Stellantis will receive the same significant wage increases, pension improvements and electric vehicle (EV) transition income security measures as Unifor members at Ford and General Motors,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne late this afternoon. “This contract also confirms investment and product commitments for Windsor, Brampton and Etobicoke, including the retooling of Brampton Assembly to build future EVs.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2024 Honda Ridgeline Pickup

Posted on 6 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2024 Honda Ridgeline Pickup

Click for more Ridgeline. Bet you can guess what brand the motorcycles are. You meet the nicest people on them.

American Honda Motor today revealed it 2024 model-year Ridgeline, along with its first ever TrailSport model in a lagging attempt to benefit from the booming off-road performance pickup truck market. TrailSport is said to be more off-road qualified, engineered with new details, including an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel under-body protection. All 2024 Ridgeline models will begin arriving in dealers this winter.

“With every new TrailSport model we bring to market, Honda light trucks get more rugged than ever and the increase in Ridgeline’s off-road performance continues that trend,” said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales, American Honda Motor. “Our more rugged Ridgeline will continue its strong momentum with sales up over 20% this year,” Woelfer forecast. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Consumer Alert on Steering Wheel Decorations

Posted on 6 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHTSA Consumer Alert on Aftermarket Steering Wheel Decorations

Not a bright idea…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “warns consumers about aftermarket steering wheel decals that could potentially cause significant injury or death.”

“At least one driver suffered a serious injury that resulted in the loss of sight in one eye, when an aftermarket emblem adorned with rhinestones became dislodged from the steering wheel in a crash and hit the driver in the face,” NHTSA said in a rare Consumer Alert just released. Continue reading →

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Kia America Recalls all 2015-19 Soul Hybrids for Software Bug

Posted on 6 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Kia America is recalling all 2015-2019 model year Soul EV vehicles manufactured from 15 July 2015 through 28 September 2018. The hybrid electric system has an intermittent failure where the parking pawl fails to engage the parking gear even though the hybrid is in Park,* Kia said in the required filing made public today by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall was promoted by customer complaints to NHTSA. NHTSA encourages all consumers to report any safety concerns to the agency.

All owners of 2015-2019 model year Soul hybrids will be notified by first class mail telling them to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Dealers will update the Electronic Control Unit software for the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) logic so that the EPB automatically activates when the gear shift lever is in the “P” (Park) position regardless of whether the vehicle is powered ON or OFF. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred as required by US law. Continue reading →

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Unifor and Stellantis Contract Ratification in Process

Posted on 4 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Unifor and Stellantis Contract Ratifications in Process

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Unifor said today that ratification meetings are taking place on 4-6 November for members of Locals 444, 1285, 1459, 195, 1498 and 815.

Unifor observed that its bargaining team met all of its priorities in negotiations and obtained an historic wage package, stronger pensions, protections for autoworkers in the EV transition, and secured investments to lock in a pattern agreement for all Canadian autoworkers. Continue reading →

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Toyo Tire Blowout Recalls – Open Country and Extensa Tires

Posted on 4 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas is recalling Open Country and Extensa tires made in Serbia because of blowouts. The tires may have been produced using the wrong mold, which can result in the tread or tire sidewall suddenly detaching. The tires were produced on various dates from December of 2022 through April 2023.

Dealers will inspect the tire DOT code and mold number and, if necessary, replace the tires, free of charge as required by US regulations. Owner notification letters are to be mailed 7 December 2023.* Continue reading →

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Voters Blame Oil and Gas Companies for High Energy Prices

Posted on 3 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Voters Blame Oil and Gas Companies for High Energy Prices

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During the last two years, oil and gas companies have posted record profits, with such companies as ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell all reporting historic earnings in the billions of dollars. Meanwhile, American consumers have had negative experiences as gas prices fluctuated, reaching a record high of $5.02 a gallon in 2022.

New polling from Data for Progress, Climate Power, and Fossil Free Media finds that voters strongly blame high energy prices on large oil companies and their CEOs.* They think, and believe these companies have too much power in government. Yet, voters remain optimistic about a transition away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy. This shall we say “awakened attitude” should be a warning to the fossil fuel dependent Republican party since it is bipartisan. Continue reading →

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Mixed Signals in October US Transportation Employment

Posted on 3 November 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mixed Signals in October US Transportation Employment

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The unemployment rate* in the U.S. transportation sector was 4.8% (not seasonally adjusted) in October 2023 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In October 2023, the transportation sector unemployment rate rose 1.1 percentage points from 3.7% in October 2022 and was above the pre-pandemic October 2019 level of 2.7% but still below the October 2020 and October 2021 rates. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020.

Seasonally adjusted, employment in the transportation and warehousing sector fell to 6,686,200 in October 2023 – down 0.2% from the previous month and down 0.8% from October 2022. Employment in transportation and warehousing grew 16.9% in October 2023 from the pre-pandemic October 2019 level of 5,717,900. Continue reading →

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