Michigan Wins Clean Hydrogen Hub Funding

Posted on 13 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota, FuelCell Energy Make Renewable Hydrogen and Electricity

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) today announced that a Michigan-backed clean hydrogen hub project, the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) has been awarded up to $1 billion by an awakened US Department of Energy to develop regional supply chains for the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. The project is projected to create ~13,600 direct jobs, 12,100 in construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs. Michigan was recognized as the top state in the Midwest for clean energy jobs in the Clean Jobs America report from Environmental Entrepreneurs released in September 2023.

“Manufacturing is a fundamental part of the Midwest region’s identity and economic prosperity. Today’s announcement will allow us to stay true to this heritage while advancing innovation to remain globally competitive in the ongoing transition to clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this landmark achievement, made possible by the Biden Administration and support of our Congressional Delegation, we are not only securing a more sustainable future for our region and state, but we are also unlocking new opportunities for job creation and economic growth.” Continue reading →

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Ford Thoughts on the UAW Strike at Kentucky Truck Plant

Posted on 12 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor executives tonight presented their version of the latest developments in the 2023 UAW contract negotiations with a notable and commendable change in tone from the initial Ford response last night that led with “The decision by the UAW to call a strike at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant is grossly irresponsible but unsurprising given the union leadership’s stated strategy of keeping the Detroit 3 wounded for months through “reputational damage” and “industrial chaos.” (AutoInformed: No Surprise as UAW Strikes at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant)

Let’s hope this leads to a mutually agreeable deal that both sides can endorse and thrive on together in solidarity, so to speak. Kumar Galhotra, president of the internal combustion Ford Blue operation, said that the Ford had stretched  to include a +20% pay raise over four years and other benefit increases. He also said that Ford is open to moving money around within the categories of the offer to help meet UAW requests, but that at the moment the total amount of money on the table is final. Continue reading →

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No Surprise as UAW Strikes at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant

Posted on 11 October 2023 by Ken Zino

In an unannounced move, 8700 UAW members walked off the job today at 6:30 pm ET, shutting down Ford Motor’s (NYSE: F) Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. The strike was called by UAW President Shawn Fain and Vice President Chuck Browning after Ford refused to make further movement in bargaining. Previous strike expansions occurred at a deadline set in advance by the union. The move comes one day before the four-week mark since contracts expired at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Local 862 members at Kentucky Truck make Ford Super Duty pickups as well as the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator SUVs. President Fain will host a Facebook Live at 10 am on, yes, Friday the 13th of October to provide bargaining updates and take further action if needed.

“We have been crystal clear, and we have waited long enough, but Ford has not gotten the message,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “It’s time for a fair contract at Ford and the rest of the Big Three. If they can’t understand that after four weeks, the 8700 workers shutting down this extremely profitable plant will help them understand it.” Continue reading →

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BMW i Ventures Invests in Formant Robotics Data Platform

Posted on 11 October 2023 by Ken Zino

BMW i Ventures* today announced in Mountain View, CA an investment in Formant,** a robotics data and operations platform. BMW i Ventures led the $21 million round, with participation from new investors Intel Capital, GS Futures, and previous investors, including SignalFire, Hillsven, Goodyear Ventures, Pelion Ventures, Holman, Ericsson, PICUS Capital, and Thursday Ventures. Formant’s platform is claimed to deliver the data backbone that powers large-scale robotic fleets. (AutoInformed: Autonomous Forklift Startup Backed By BMW i Ventures)

“Autonomous robotic systems have broken free from R&D departments and are now being deployed at scale to drive business outcomes and resilient operations,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “Their proliferation across mission-critical functions as well as support tasks for humans in various industries underscores the urgent need for seamless data management and orchestration across robotic endpoints. Formant is the operating system underpinning the future of the automated enterprise.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis, Samsung SDI Pick Kokomo for Second Gigafactory

Posted on 11 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Samsung SDI said today that Kokomo, Indiana will be the site for second so-called U.S. StarPlus Energy Gigafactory. That joint-venture plant – now plants – are a source of contention with the UAW, which is currently conducting strikes at Stellantis facilities over recognition of the union at plants that are part of the Electric Vehicle transition.

Stellantis has announced plans of reaching a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. To achieve these ambitious sales targets, the Stellantis said it is securing ~400 GWh of battery capacity, at what are planned to be non-union facilities. Stellantis, which was created by a mega-merger of Fiat Chrysler (FCA) Renault and Peugeot, thus far is taking a ‘let them eat cake’ position with the unions. This is a high risk strategy, because the unions are sticking to their knitting, so to speak. Sean Fain, the head of the UAW has roots in Kokomo. Roughly 75% of Americans support  the United Auto Workers contract requests, according to a recent Gallop pole conducted in August.  (AutoInformed: Mobility Roll of the Die – FCA and PSA Merger) Continue reading →

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New York Auto Repair Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

Posted on 11 October 2023 by Ken Zino

A New York man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States relating to his efforts to conceal income from the IRS. According to court documents and statements made in court, Aniello Strocchia, of Maspeth, owned and operated an auto repair shop. From 2013 to 2017, Strocchia, along with others, cashed more than $1.3 million in checks payable to his auto shop at check-cashing businesses instead of depositing those funds into the business’ bank account.

If convicted, Strocchia faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Continue reading →

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An Awakened GM Agrees to Unifor Pattern Agreement

Posted on 10 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Unifor working for its Canadian members and General Motors have reached a tentative agreement following today’s strike action at Oshawa Assembly Plant (Chevrolet Silverado pickups, likely GM’s most profitable plant), St. Catharines Powertrain Plant (Chevrolet Equinox, Corvette engines and parts) and Woodstock Parts Distribution Center. GM management apparently came to its senses and abandoned a ‘let them eat cake approach’ ~12 hours after refusing to accept the Unifor pattern contract that was agreed to at Ford Motor. The new tentative agreement follows the Ford contract “to the letter” covering ~4300 autoworkers at Unifor locals 222, 199 and 636. Strike actions are on hold to allow the membership to vote on the tentative agreement, approval of which is likely because this agreement significantly lifts everybody up. (AutoInformed: Oh Canada! – GM Rejects Pattern Agreement – Unifor Strikes)

“When faced with the shutdown of these key facilities General Motors had no choice but to get serious at the table and agree to the pattern,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. Details of the agreement, including local and facility-specific information will be made available to members prior to ratification votes. Continue reading →

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Oh Canada! – GM Rejects Pattern Agreement – Unifor Strikes

Posted on 10 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Oh Canada! - GM Rejects Pattern Agreement - Unifor Strikes

No more concessions.

About 4280 Unifor members in Canada began a strike action at General Motors at midnight Monday when GM refused to honor the pattern agreement ratified by Ford Canada workers. Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major sector of the economy. This is the first strike since 1996 for GM autoworkers in Canada. (AutoInformed: Canadian Unifor Workers Ratify Ford Contract)

“This strike is about General Motors stubbornly refusing to meet the pattern agreement. The company knows our members will never let GM break our pattern – not today – not ever,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The company continues to fall short on our pension demands, income supports for retired workers, and meaningful steps to transition temporary workers into permanent, full-time jobs.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Maybach, Space Perspective

Posted on 9 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Mercedes-Maybach and Space Perspective

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Today Mercedes-Maybach said it is partnering with Space Perspective,* the world’s first and thus far only carbon-neutral spaceflight experience company. Mercedes-Maybach all-electric vehicles will exclusively transport so-called Space Perspective Explorers and guests to and from Space Perspective facilities, local activities and the launch site on Florida’s Space Coast. The ground bound Mercedes claimed as part of this partnership, Space Perspective and the Mercedes-Maybach design team are in talks on integrations of additional elements from the Maybach experience and brand.

“Our partnership with Space Perspective will allow space explorers to ride in style on the ground, and for us to extend the highest level of Maybach refinement and brand experience to the edge of space,” said Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach at Mercedes-Benz Group. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls ~273,000 Ram Pickups for Software Glitch

Posted on 9 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US, part of the Stellantis mega-merger) is recalling ~273,000 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 pounds, and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rear-view image from displaying. As such, the trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.” The safety defect increases the risk of a crash in all the recalled trucks.

The recalled Ram trucks began  production on 25 June 2021, when the first 2022 MY vehicle was produced, and ended on 2 August 2023, when vehicles were no longer built with an incompatible rear-view camera system and radio combination. Similar vehicles not included in this recall are equipped with a compatible rear-view camera and radio combination or were built after the suspect period. Continue reading →

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Nissan Recalls All 2023 Ariya EVs for Sudden Power Loss

Posted on 9 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Testing Heavy-Duty EV Trucks for Vehicle Deliveries

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Nissan North America is recalling all 2023 Ariya crossover electric vehicles. The inverter software may detect a short circuit and shut down the EV system, resulting in a loss of drive power. The latest programing glitch with EVs was made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (AutoInformed: Nissan Testing Heavy-Duty EV Trucks for Vehicle Deliveries)

On affected Ariya vehicles, ~10,000, there is a potential that conductive fibrous shavings from the drive motors’ slip ring assembly can momentarily short circuit the two slip rings. If this occurs, the fibrous shavings are instantaneously burnt out resulting in no damage to any components. However, due to the fail-safe procedures, when the inverter detects a momentary over-current due to the short circuit, it cuts the motor torque to protect internal components of the controller, resulting in a loss of drive. The “EV System Off” message is also  displayed on the instrument panel. alert the driver. Continue reading →

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Honda Shows Prototype Electric Autonomous Work Mower

Posted on 9 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Shows Prototype Electric Autonomous Work Mower

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Today Honda introduced an all-electric prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM), which will publicly debut at the so-called Equip Exposition, 17-20 October at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This is Honda’s first battery-powered electric zero-turn riding mower. During 2024, Honda will begin a pilot program and is seeking companies to participate in assessing the AWM’s applicability to their work environments. The AWM has been evaluated with an unnamed commercial landscape company earlier this year. (AutoInformed: Honda Halting Lawn Mower Production in US; Honda Shows New Prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle)

“Our development of the prototype zero-turn Honda Autonomous Work Mower comes at a time when technology is shaping the future of the landscaping industry,” said Hirokazu Hara, vice president of New Business Development, American Honda Motor Company. “To address labor shortages and help support companies’ sustainability goals, the Honda AWM aims to provide zero-emission alternatives to gasoline-powered mowers that can reduce operating costs and help accelerate the electrification of landscape maintenance equipment.” Continue reading →

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UAW Now on Strike at Mack Trucks in Three States

Posted on 9 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Now on Strike at Mack Truck in Three States

The quest for more equity in compensation continues.

About 4000 UAW members at Mack Trucks in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida walked out on strike this morning after voting by 73% to reject a tentative agreement. UAW Locals 171, 677, 1247, 2301, and 2420 in UAW Region 8 and Region 9 represent workers at Mack Trucks in Macungie and Middletown, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown and Baltimore, Maryland; and Jacksonville, Florida. There are now more than 30,000 UAW workers on strike in 22 states. Mack Trucks is part of the Volvo Group,where Chinese company Geely holds 16% of the voting rights.

“I’m inspired to see UAW members at Mack Trucks holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The members have the final say, and it’s their solidarity and organization that will win a fair contract at Mack.” UAW leadership had recommended that members approve the deal. Continue reading →

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September 2023 European Passenger Car Sales Drop

Posted on 6 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed on September 2023 European Passenger Car Sales Drop

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The Western Europe passenger vehicle (PV) selling rate slowed to 11.4 million units annually in September from 14.6 million a year in August, registering 1.1 million vehicles (+11.1% Year over Year). The region’s growth continues to be driven by improved supply of components and higher delivery rates, according to figures just released by the GlobalData consultancy.*

“All the top five Western European markets continued to experience double digit YTD growth over the weak performances seen in 2022. However, generally across the region, economies still face challenging conditions with high inflation and high financing costs. We continue to forecast solid growth for the full year, with 2023 set to be the best year since 2019,” said the European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

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Hands-Free Driving Ford Mustangs Now in Spain

Posted on 6 October 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hands-Free Driving Ford Mustangs Now in Spain

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Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it has approval to offer hands-free driving, so-called BlueCruise, in Spain.* This is now the third European country to authorize the usage of BlueCruise in addition to Great Britain and Germany. It is also available in the US and Canada. (AutoInformed: Ford Motor Establishes Latitude AI for Autonomous Driving)

“Over the summer, our BlueCruise team conducted thousands of demos with dealers, employees, and customers and the excitement and reaction never gets old! There is a magical moment the first time someone engages BlueCruise and takes their hands off the wheel,” said Ashley Lambrix, General Manager, Ford BlueCruise. Continue reading →

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