Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

US Trade Deficit Grows in 2022 as Economy Recovers

For 2022, the goods and services deficit increased $103.0 billion, or 12.2% from 2021. This is the largest deficit on record as the economy continued to recover as consumers and businesses purchased higher amounts of machinery, car components, industrial supplies, medicines among other things. Exports increased $453.1 billion or 17.7% . Imports increased $556.1 billion or 16.3%. Continue reading

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Flying Hyundai Tucson, Santa Cruz Roof Moldings Recalled

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz crossover SUVs, the National Highway Traffic Administration said today in a filing just made public. The roof moldings of vehicles made at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama may have defective attachment hardware made by Keumgang in South Korea and fly off the vehicle. There are no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fire related to this safety defect, according to Hyundai. Continue reading

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January 2023 Western EU Passenger Vehicles Sales Plunge

LMC noted that the 2022 year‐end had a stronger selling rate in part due to legislation changes pulling forward sales. However, in monthly registration terms, January 2023 was up 9.8% year‐on‐year (YoY), at 810k units. Continue reading

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Renault and Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance to Restructure

The transactions contained in the agreements would be subject to regulatory approvals, and completion is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023. In the tangled web of individual country industrial policy this brings some measure of stability to a global, multi-national, politically diverse enterprise as the movement to electrified vehicles and other earth-saving technologies continues. The 24-year-old Alliance covers 100% of the world’s major global vehicle markets with Euro 85 billion in annual purchases. It already shares 60% of its vehicle platforms, and up to 90% of EV architectures, noted Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Alliance Board at the press conference. The upside for all is survival in a difficult environment, in our view. Continue reading

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Alpine, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Red Bull Ford, Mercedes-AMG are V6 Power Unit Suppliers for Formula One in 2026

AutoInformed suspects that we will ultimately hear from General Motors and Honda, perhaps as suppliers to the New Andretti Formula One Team that is currently under FIA consideration. Also will Aston Martin stay with Mercedes? And who will Audi supply or will it just be the factory team? Continue reading

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US Light Vehicles Sales in January 2023 Weak at 1 Million

The usual problems remain – record high transaction prices, economic uncertainty, the Federal Reserve’s determination to send the economy into a recession via its ongoing interest rate increases, skimpy inventory caused by supply chain disruptions for some major automakers, notably Ford and Toyota – all make for a rerun of the flop show Pandemic Blues. So good luck reopening that show in 2023 with the same cast and plot. Continue reading

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Acura, Honda Takata Airbag Recall Upgraded to Do Not Drive

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aka NHTSA, urges vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If it does, owners need to contact their dealership or Acura/Honda customer service to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible, as well as free towing or mobile repair. Free loaner and rental vehicles are also available, if needed. Continue reading

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Biden Recovery – Unemployment at Lowest Level in 54 years

“Let’s not forget where we were when the President took office – the economy was in crisis,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “Now, we’ve achieved record job creation, record low unemployment, and a record number of small business applications. America is on the move once again.” Continue reading

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Ford Misses Q4 and Full Year 2022 Forecasts. Loses $2B

Nevertheless, Ford declared a regular dividend of 15 cents per share, plus supplemental dividend of 65 cents per share, enabled in part by the “nearly complete monetization of stake in Rivian Company.” Ford anticipates full-year 2023 adjusted EBIT of $9 billion to $11 billion and adjusted free cash flow of about $6 billion. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – GM and Netflix Promoting EVs

“Entertainment has a huge impact on culture. We want to make EVs famous on streaming, small and silver screens to build an EV culture through storytelling that incorporates the experiences of driving and owning an EV,” said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl. Continue reading

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Nissan Shows Max-Out EV Convertible Concept

The Nissan Max-Out in Nissan marketing/styling jargon is “created on the fundamental concept of being one with the car…two-seater convertible is designed to provide a liberating sense of openness while offering an enhanced, dynamic driving experience. The Max-Out displays Nissan’s innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society.” Continue reading

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FAA on Droning The Super Bowl LVII

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LVII. Drones will be restricted before and during the 12 Sunday February. Drone operators who enter the so-called TFRs – aka Temporary Flight Restrictions – without permission and a clearance could face drone confiscation, fines that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution. Continue reading

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Toyota Joins Third Row Parade – First-Ever Grand Highlander

“A unique SUV with room for all and the ‘stuff’ we need, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short excursions to cross-country adventures. With a spacious third row with ample legroom for adults and children coupled with enough cargo space to fit seven pieces of luggage in the back – the freshly designed, three-row SUV is fully functional for the road ahead,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Adds 2024 GLE 400e 4MATIC Plug-In Hybrid

The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is equipped with a permanently excited 134 hp synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of system torque. The Hybrid drive program provides the electric driving mode for the most appropriate driving situations. During city driving, the GLE prioritizes electric driving. With an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger. Continue reading

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Three Rows Have It – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Debuts

In a nod to US tastes and market reality, Mazda North American Operations today introduced the first-ever 2024 Mazda CX-90 due at dealers this spring. Built on Mazda’s new large platform, the three-row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers becomes the company’s new flagship vehicle that is wider and longer than any previous Mazda before after its long-standing hookup with a leading SUV maker, Ford Motor, which ultimately dissolved. Continue reading

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