Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

Nel Announces Automated Hydrogen Fuel Factory in Michigan

“The short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel’s PEM electrolyzer technology,” said Nel’s CEO, Håkon Volldal. “The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team,” Volldal said. Continue reading

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April US Light Vehicle Sales up 10%

Average transaction prices are high by historical standards and continued to be up (by 3.6%) YoY in March. However, prices have declined month-on-month (MoM) in each month of 2023, and this trend is expected to have continued in April, with incentives also beginning to creep up. In March, incentives were up by 56.2% YoY, from an extremely low base. Continue reading

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Subaru of America April Sales Up 11.5 %

Subaru also announced that it has won five categories in Kelley Blue Book’s 2023 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The 2023 Subaru Ascent, BRZ, Forester, Impreza and Outback earned top spots in their respective segments. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor America April Sales up 15%

Hyundai sold 64,895 retail units in April, a 5% year-over-year increase from April 2022. Hyundai set best-ever retail sales in April for Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson PHEV, Tucson HEV and Santa Cruz. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle sales of 11,571 represented 18% of retail and a 56% year-over-year increase. Continue reading

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PACCAR, Toyota to Sell Fuel Cell Trucks in 2024

The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and sale of zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models with  Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit. Initial North American customer deliveries are planned for 2024. Continue reading

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Volta Trucks Pilot EVs – US Debut in Late 2023

The so-called “Driving Experience Program” in the US will be launched late in 2023 for fleet operators to assess a Pilot Fleet of Volta Zeros in real distribution environments to understand how the electric delivery trucks will integrate into their operations. A similar program is currently launching across six European countries. The program in the US will start on the west coast, ahead of a roll out of production vehicles expected in 2024. Continue reading

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General Motors Announces Senior Executive Changes

Over the course of his career with GM, Carlisle has held several senior leadership positions, including vice president, Global Product Planning and Program Management, 2010-2014; vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, 2010; and president and managing director, Southeast Asia Operations, 2007-2010. The retirement resulted in a series of executive changes at the top of GM – all of them filled by men. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Fully Electric Toyota bZ4X Ads Debut

What’s called a fully integrated bZ4X campaign was developed by Saatchi & Saatchi and Intertrend, with consideration of the transcultural mainstream audiences across America – a refreshingly awakened approach, despised by real or legislative fascists and neo-Nazis. Toyota said its campaigns “are integrated through one strategic brief, creative idea, and media plan – and create a cohesive marketing approach.” Continue reading

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First Look – 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X, and AEV

GMC  today announced 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X , emphasizing the premium Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition*. AT4X includes a new Off-Road Mode. When engaged, the Off-Road Mode adjusts vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to provide what’s claimed to be optimized performance off-road. Continue reading

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NHTSA – Wheels Falling Off 2023 Ford Bronco, Ranger Trucks

In the required federal filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford said the lug nut tightening machine was out of service and that a manual – translation human – backup was in place. Continue reading

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CARB Mandates Zero-Emission Medium, Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Trucks represent only 6% of the vehicles on California’s roads. However, CARB noted that they account for more than 35% of the state’s transportation generated nitrogen oxide emissions, and 25% of the state’s on-road greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading

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EPA Emergency Order Allows Summer Sale of E15 Gasoline

“This action will provide Americans with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine by increasing fuel supply and offering consumers more choices at the pump. The waiver will help protect Americans from fuel supply crises by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, building U.S. energy independence, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. Current estimates indicate that on average, E15 is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than E10,” EPA said in a press release. Omitted was the fact that ethanol contains less energy by volume than gasoline so mileage decreases. Continue reading

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EV Battery Gold Rush – Stellantis and Alliance Nickel

NiWest is an advanced nickel-cobalt development project in Western Australia that hopes to produce ~90,000 tpa (tons per annum) of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate for the electric vehicle market. To date, more than AU$30 million has been invested into drilling, metallurgical test work and development studies. Stellantis today also agreed agreed to purchase €9.2 million (AU$15 million) in new equity in Alliance Nickel, giving it an 11.5% shareholding on completion and rights to nominate one director to the Alliance board. Money from the equity purchase will be applied to the completion of the NiWest Project Definitive Feasibility Study and engineering design works, expected in the last quarter of 2023. Continue reading

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Vice Admiral Tighe Shattering Glass at GM Board of Directors

“GM’s future will be driven by a software-first approach that enables a faster cycle of innovation, an elevated experience for our customers and a more efficient enterprise,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “Vice Admiral Tighe’s vast expertise in cybersecurity and information systems will be invaluable as GM scales EVs, AVs, and software-defined vehicles to deliver our vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.” Continue reading

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Decarbonizing Shipping Fleets – a Complex, Uncertain Course

To learn how industry leaders are thinking about future fuels, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, the Global Maritime Forum, and the Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping conducted a survey (with analytical support provided by McKinsey) of shipping companies. Collectively, these companies own and operate fleets – including container ships, tankers, dry bulkers, gas carriers, car carriers, cruise ships, tugs, and offshore vessels – comprising ~20% of the world’s total capacity. Continue reading

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