Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

Honda – Global Expansion of Electric Motorcycles

Posted on 27 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Honda in Tokyo today announced two electric personal commuters in India continuing 2024 as the first year for its global expansion of electric motorcycles. The new ACTIVA e and QC1 are the 12th and 13th models, respectively, of Honda’s “30 electric models to be launched globally by 2030” target. The ACTIVA e is equipped with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e with swappable batteries as its power source. QC1, has a fixed battery.

“Both ACTIVA e: and QC1 will be manufactured in India, strengthening the electric commuter lineup to meet the growing needs for electric mobility in the Indian market. In addition, Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited will operate Honda e:Swap, a battery sharing service, in three major Indian cities (Bengaluru, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Mumbai [footnote 3], providing customers mobility experience with more peace of mind,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles – Japan vs Korea

Posted on 26 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“This rivalry is more than a market battle – it’s a bid for energy independence and environmental sustainability. FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles) offer several advantages over traditional fossil-fuel vehicles and even BEVs (battery electric vehicles), such as longer range and faster refueling, making them a potentially transformative solution, especially for long-haul and heavy-duty applications,” GlobalData said. Continue reading →

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EPA – US Fuel Economy Record High. CO2 Record Low

Posted on 26 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“This annual report indicates EPA’s commitment to provide the public with information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers’ performance in meeting the nation’s emissions standards. EPA’s annual Automotive Trends Report is separate from the agency’s regulatory process, which is far more complex and has been subject to political and judicial interference funded by special interest groups. – AutoCrat.” Continue reading →

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General Motors via Cadillac F1 Bound in 2026

Posted on 25 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The move comes after Max Verstappen took the 2024 driver’s title driving for Red Bull at Las Vegas over the past weekend. An announcement of some sort was widely rumored in the paddock. This starts another era in F1 as Cadillac would be the first new team to join F1 since 2016 and the eleventh team on the grid. In addition to the Cadillac F1 partnership with GM, TWG Global owns and operates Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing, and Spire Motorsports. [It will also open up a couple of driver’s seats in the world’s most expensive motor sports series.  Seven different drivers won more than one race in 2024, which has two races remaining. Gentleman, let the driver speculation intrigue begin. Gentlewoman? – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Genesis, Hyundai, Kia recalls for Sudden Power Loss

Posted on 25 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor is recalling Genesis, Hyundai and Kia models from the 2022 though 2025 models years because of sudden power loss. Warning symptoms may occur during “fail-safe” mode driving over period of ~20-40 minutes through various illumination of dashboard MIL; an audible chime; warning messages displayed in vehicle information display(s); and noticeable degradation in vehicle motive power or speed.

In the required filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it said “the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.” The vehicle’s “fail-safe” mode will trigger upon detection of a fault associated with over-voltage induced at the start and end of the vehicle’s battery charging cycle or thermal loading during charging/driving. Continue reading →

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Abgewürgt – Volkswagen German Collective Bargaining

Posted on 23 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The negotiating committees of Volkswagen AG and IG Metall Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt held  negotiations on the 2024 collective bargaining round in Wolfsburg yesterday without reaching an agreement on plant closings or cutting labor costs. However, they did agree to meet again on 9 December 2024. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Large European Job Cuts Coming at Ford, Again, and Pablo Di Si Out at VW Group of America)

“We view it as a positive signal that the employee representatives have shown openness to reducing labor costs and capacity reductions. However, the counter-proposal they submitted must be judged on whether it creates both sustainable financial relief for the company and offers clear prospects for the workforce,” said Arne Meiswinkel, lead negotiator at Volkswagen AG. “For Volkswagen AG, the sustainable achievement of financial targets remains crucial in order to ensure competitiveness in an extremely challenging phase for the German automotive industry,” said Meiswinkel. Continue reading →

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Subaru 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV – $36,415

Posted on 22 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today said pricing on the rugged 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV will range from $36,415 to $38,415 with the only option package including destination.* In addition to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness adds 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels with All-Terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires for increased traction on muddy, wet, or snowy roads or trails. A full-size spare is underneath the cargo area. Continue reading →

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EPA – Tighter NOx Emissions Limits on Combustion Turbines

Posted on 22 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed to strengthen limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from most new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbines. The stated goal is to reduce exposure to dangerous air pollution for nearby communities. The proposal would ensure that new turbines built at power plants or industrial facilities, especially large ones that could operate for decades, would be among the most efficient and lowest-emitting turbines ever built. NOx contributes to harmful health effects, such as asthma and respiratory infections, and reacts with other volatile organic compounds to form ozone (i.e., smog) and fine particulate matter. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic heart, lung, or other cardiopulmonary diseases are most at risk. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Debuts 2026 IONIQ 9 EV SUV

Posted on 21 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company today revealed IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV in Los Angeles. The 110.3 kWh battery delivers a WLTP-projected driving range of 620 km [see footnote 2].* The E-GMP architecture delivers 10% to 80% recharge in 24 minutes[3]. The seven seat IONIQ 9 will be shown publicly at the LA Auto Show and on sale in Korea and the United States during the first half of 2025. Rollouts are planned for Europe and other markets subsequently. It has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, at 3130 mm. (read AutoInformed.com on:Vast Executive Reorganization at Hyundai Group)

“IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global EV market.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Bets the Company on STLA Frame

Posted on 20 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) has debuted a new multi-energy Platform: dubbed STLA Frame. Purposely designed for full-size, body-on-frame trucks and SUVs, STLA Frame can use internal combustion, hybrid, hydrogen, battery electric (BEV) and range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) technologies. In short, struggling Stellantis’ future is dependent on this new architecture. (read AutoInformed.com on: Beleaguered Stellantis Cuts 2024 Financial Guidance, and Stellantis Q3 2024 – Shipments and Revenues Plunge)*

“Like STLA Medium and STLA Large, STLA Frame combines an unprecedented range with new levels of capability and performance to offer best-in-class range, payload and towing for our customers who need reliable and powerful trucks and SUVs, to haul their families or power their businesses,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “With full EV and extended-range EV tech coming soon, we’re bringing ‘no compromise’ solutions to buyers who may be hesitant on trying their first electric vehicle. We’re proud of this engineering marvel and look forward to seeing it come to life in our upcoming product blitz on Jeep and Ram.” Continue reading →

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Large European Job Cuts Coming at Ford, Again

Posted on 20 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today its restructuring plans to create a badly needed more “cost-competitive structure.” The main focus is the health of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in Europe, where it incurred significant losses for years. Ford is also lagging in the European shift to electrified vehicles, and new competition – especially Chinese – has been disruptive. Through Q3 of 2024, Ford sales are down ~18% in Europe. Continue reading →

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Lexus, Honda Top 2025 U.S. ALG Residual Values

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“Honda stayed disciplined with pricing in 2024, avoiding the aggressive manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) increases that diminished affordability at other brands, while Lexus’ restraint with incentives paid dividends, as incentives have a direct negative effect on the resale values of older models,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at J.D. Power. “Additionally, the top brands consistently employ a balanced strategy with regard to trim levels, powertrains and pricing, which helps bolster residual performance and long-term value for consumers who are shopping in a highly competitive market.” Continue reading →

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Pablo Di Si Out at VW Group of America

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America effective December 12. Gruner succeeds Pablo Di Si, “who has stepped down from his position on his own request.” It was a short two year stint for Di Si. Until Kjell Gruner* takes office, Gerrit Spengler, the chief human resources officer of Volkswagen Group of America, will perform the function of interim CEO. So car guy out, Human resources in.

Yes, that’s right Human Resources is running a car company. It’s just the latest example of the chaos at VW globally as three plants are shutting in Germany and VW and Audi models are being dumped, and its plan to sell Scout vehicles directly is legally under attack by dealers. During the first nine months of the year, 769,000 vehicles were delivered in North America, an increase of more than 7% compared to the previous year. In the main US market though, the Volkswagen Group grew by only 1.5%. Continue reading →

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DOJ – Cruise Deferred Prosecution for Pedestrian Crash

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

GM’s Cruise autonomous vehicle company* based in San Francisco, fixed a criminal charge in federal court for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation of a crash involving one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. Cruise has agreed to resolve the charge through a deferred prosecution agreement and payment of a $500,000 criminal fine.

“Federal laws and regulations are in place to protect public safety on our roads. Companies with self-driving cars that seek to share our roads and crosswalks must be fully truthful in their reports to their regulators,” said Martha Boersch, Chief of the Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division. Continue reading →

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Toyota Huntsville Finishes 168-acre Solar Array

Posted on 19 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE: TM) and Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities have completed 168-acre solar project. The renewable energy produced will generate ~70 % of Toyota Alabama’s total energy. It is in keeping with the automaker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality at all of its North American facilities by 2035. In total, the array will generate approximately 62,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, reducing an estimated 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.

“Toyota is committed to clean and sustainable power. We know that the collective future for our community and our team members depends on clean mobility, clean air, clean water, and biodiversity,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama. “We are thankful for our partners on this project who have created a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.” Continue reading →

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