Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

Repair Act Introduced Again

US Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced H.R. 906, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act,” as the result of the efforts of SEMA, MEMA Aftermarket, the Auto Care Association and the CAR Coalition, The Specialty Equipment Market Association said today. The REPAIR Act seeks to protect consumers’ rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) are the current co-sponsors of the bill, which in various guises goes back more than a decade.* Continue reading

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Toyota Patents in Top Five of Intellectual Property Owners Assn

The ranking represents the highest ever achieved in the list’s 40-year history. Toyota said that this further reinforces its position as a leader in technology and innovation among the world’s best-known brands. Of the 3056 patents the company was awarded in 2022, nearly half are for future mobility, including 26% around electrification targeting vehicles, batteries and materials, and 14% focused on automation and safety. Continue reading

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January Global Light Vehicle Sales Flat at 83 Million

January’s Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate stood at 83 million units annually, consistent with the previous month, according to the latest data just published by LMC Automotive.* Global supply constraints remain a key issue with some “distortions from tax changes,” in the respected consultancy’s view. Monthly registrations were down 8% year-on-year (YoY), at 6 million units for the month. Continue reading

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TMC Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda Passes at 97

“With great sadness Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced the passing of TMC Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda this morning in Nagoya. Shoichiro Toyoda died at 4:48 pm on 14 February 2023 of heart failure. He is survived by Akio Toyoda his eldest son. TMC plans to hold a farewell gathering for Honorary Chairman Toyoda at a later date. Continue reading

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Michigan Chemistry – Ford to Spend $3.5B on LFP Battery Plant

Lithium iron phosphate batteries use fewer high-demand, high-cost materials such as critical minerals nickel and cobalt. Ford said they will power a variety of Ford’s next-generation of EV passenger vehicles and pickups, starting this year with Mustang Mach-E. A US LFP battery plant is now central to the so-called Ford+ plan because in theory it helps Ford more EV production quickly thereby making EVs more affordable for customers. Ford’s goal is an 8% EBIT margin for Model e by 2026. It is being pushed hard here by General Motors* and other global automakers as they compete in the capital markets. Continue reading

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New Toyota Motor President Koji Sato on Evolution

“The hallmark of our management as a team, like a soccer team, will be flexibility in changing formation. Underlying this are the concepts of having the right person in the right place and emphasizing roles over titles,” Sato said. Continue reading

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Tech-Aches – J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study

“It is typical in the automotive industry to roll out concepts and features by putting them in premium vehicles first,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “A bellwether for mass market brands looking to adopt and implement these technology features into their portfolio is in two of the industry’s preeminent studies, the J.D. Power Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) and the Vehicle Dependability Study. Connecting insights from the two studies better informs automakers by substantiating trends and showcasing how some automakers are preventing problems from occurring early on and throughout the ownership experience.” Continue reading

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Subaru Recalls the Solterra EV Recall for Wheels Falling Off

For all potentially affected vehicles, Subaru retailers will inspect the hub bolts and, if necessary, re-torque to the specification at no cost to the customer as required by federal regulations. Customers will be instructed not to drive their vehicle and to contact their retailer to have the vehicle towed for inspection. Towing will be offered at no cost to the customer. Continue reading

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Subaru Crosstrek Gen 3 Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

The Base and Premium models come with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine rated at 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport and Limited have a 2.5-liter engine delivering a 182 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Premium, Sport and Limited trims have a so-called manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. Continue reading

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Toyota Profit for Q3 Up 22%. YTD Down

Toyota said “we are striving to quickly evaluate alternative semiconductors and respond to design changes in order to secure stable procurement of semiconductors. We are also seeking to shorten the lead time by visualizing the process from order to delivery for each vehicle. We are absorbing the burden on our suppliers caused by the soaring materials and energy prices in order that activities to strengthen competitiveness are installed widely and deeply across the entire supply chain.” Continue reading

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US Made Semiconductors – GM, GlobalFoundries Ink Deal

“I have long said that Upstate New York’s semiconductor corridor will be a major engine powering America’s technological future, and now ‘Made in New York’ chips will help jumpstart the next generation of vehicles for GM across the country,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. Schumer of course we key in developing and passing the Biden Administration’s bi-partisan CHIPS and Science Act, which is bringing  manufacturing back to US supply chains. Continue reading

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Salt Lake City Motorcars Now Automobili Pininfarina Dealer

As deliveries of the pure-electric Battista** hyper GT continue, Automobili Pininfarina Salt Lake City is led by Dealer Principal Tom Buckley. “He and his team will provide a highly personalized client experience to prospective and current owners,” Pininfarini said in a release. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Tweaks Trailblazer SUV for 2024

New for the 2024 model year are 11-inch-diagonal center display and an 8-inch-diagonal Driver Information Center. The front fascia, exterior lighting and grille designs vary by trim. New exterior colors are Copper Harbor Metallic and Cacti Green. The RS has blacked-out exterior cues, a unique mesh grille, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, and 19-inch wheels. Continue reading

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Mercedes Donates Emergency Earthquake Aid in Turkey, Syria

Mercedes-Benz Group said in Stuttgart today that it is donating one million euros to the German Red Cross (GRC) for the people in Turkey and Syria affected by the severe earthquakes. The donation will be used for emergency humanitarian aid on the ground in order to quickly provide the suffering population with the bare necessities. The relief operation of the GRC has already started. Mercedes-Benz is in contact with major aid organizations. Continue reading

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Genesis Slowly Expanding US EV Sales

Genesis Motor America, in collaboration with Electrify America, offers three years of 30-minute complimentary charging sessions from the date of vehicle purchase.* Owners of the 2023 GV60 and Electrified G80 have access to hyper-fast charging on Electrify America’s coast-to-coast charging network and can seamlessly locate and access charging stations while on the road via the Genesis Connected Services and Electrify America mobile apps. Continue reading

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