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August 2024 EU Car Registrations Plummet
During August 2024, new EU car registrations saw a sharp decrease (-18.3%) with negative results across the region’s four major markets: double-digit losses were witnessed in Germany (-27.8% at 197,322), France (-24.3% at 85,977), and Italy (-13.4% at 69,161), with the Spanish market declining by 6.5% at 52,322, the ACEA trade group said today.
With eight months of 2024 elapsed, new car registrations increased by 1.4%, at ~7.2 million units. Spain (+4.5% at 671,551) and Italy (+3.8% at 69,161) showed positive but modest performance. The French and the German markets stagnated (-0.5% at 1,126,900 and -0.3% at 1,907,226 respectively). Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged acea, August 2024 EU Car Registrations, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW and Redwood Materials to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
BMW North America and Redwood Materials* announced today a partnership to recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad in the U.S. The partnership is said to demonstrate a shared commitment to … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW of North America, Cal Lankton, circular economy, Denise Melville, Ken Zino, lithium ion batteries, recycling, Redwood Materials, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Signs New European Work Council Agreement
However, in the U.S. where there is no works council structure. The UAW filed federal unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board earlier this week. The UAW said this is over what it says is Stellantis’ illegal refusal to provide information about the company’s plans regarding product commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement. Several UAW locals with thousands of members have also filed contract grievances over the company’s attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, in violation of the UAW’s national agreement.
“The new EWC will play a key role in informing and consulting employees on a transnational level, ensuring their voices are heard. Additionally, it will be essential in supporting Stellantis’ strategy of sustainable performance and transformation, always prioritizing the best interests of employees,” Stellantis said. AutoInformed notes that there is a double standard in play here – clearly working against North American employees. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, National Labor Relations Board, Officer Xavier Chéreau, Shawn fain, Stellantis European Works Council, uaw, X @KenAutoinformed
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ChargeScape Vehicle-Grid Integration JV Begins Operations
BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operation of their new joint venture ChargeScape today ChargeScape also appointed the first CEO and CTO. (Read AutoInformed.com on EV Grid Unlock – BMW, Ford, Honda Create ChargeScape) As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fueling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. The nation’s power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centers and the intermittent nature of current renewable technologies.
“ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging, the companies – all of them global giants – said in a joint release. “ChargeScape’s technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify,” ChargeScape claimed ex ante. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged American Honda Motor Company, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, ChargeScape, EV-enabled grid services, Ford Motor Company, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Canada Has Tentative Unifor Agreement at CAMI Assembly
At 3:00 am today GM Canada reached a tentative agreement with Unifor, covering ~1300 represented employees at CAMI who build the Chevrolet BrightDrop electric vans and battery modules.
“This agreement, subject to member ratification, recognizes the many contributions of our employees and provides pattern increases in wages, benefits and job security.” GM Canada said. Continue reading
Shawn Fain to Speak to Stellantis UAW Membership Tonight
Yesterday, the UAW filed federal unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board over what it says is Stellantis’ illegal refusal to provide information about the company’s plans regarding product commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement. Several UAW locals covering thousands of members have also filed contract grievances over the company’s attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, in violation of the UAW’s national agreement.
“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.” Fain will address the UAW membership on Facebook Live tonight. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dodge Durango plant location, Ken Zino, National Labor Relations Board, Shawn fain, unfair labor practice charges, X @KenAutoinformed
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DOJ – Defeat Devices Plea With COBB Tuning Products
The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a settlement agreement with COBB Tuning Products to settle claims relating to the manufacture and sale of automotive emission defeat devices in violation of the Clean Air Act. The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, is subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval.
The settlement requires COBB to pay a civil penalty of just over $2.9 million, based on the company’s limited ability to pay, and to stop the manufacture and sale of defeat devices.* COBB is an automotive aftermarket parts manufacturer and retailer based in Austin, Texas, which formerly sold its parts in Plano, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Fountain Valley, California. Continue reading
Best Selling Car Now at Dealerships – 2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord started arriving at Honda dealerships this week with more standard features, and a new turbocharged SE trim with black exterior accents and other standard high-demand features. The Honda Accord, America’s best-selling car over the last five decades , is available in six trim levels, starting with the turbocharged LX and SE, and topped by the hybrid-electric powered Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring.
“The Honda Accord is a critical driver of brand loyalty and the new Accord SE brings even more expressive styling and value to Accord that already commands more than 25% of all retail sales in segment,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “Accord SE is one more reason that Accord will continue to set the standard for midsize cars in exceptional value and a sporty driving experience.” Continue reading
Software Recall on 2024 Porsche Taycans
Porsche Cars North America is recalling 2024 Taycan vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed, according to documents release this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As such, these 2024 Taycans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
The supplier- ZKW Lichtsysteme in Austria – erroneously adopted the ECE-compliant lighting behavior in the data set. Due to this programming error, affected vehicles were equipped with headlight control module software intended for the EU market that does not comply Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FMVSS 108, Ken Zino, nhtsa recall, Porsche recall ARB4, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Software Recall on Forward Sensing Camera
Mazda North American Operations is recalling 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A software malfunction in the forward sensing camera may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.
In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled Mazda models were built at Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Exterior Lighting, Forward Collision Avoidance, Ken Zino, Lane Departure, Mazda recall 6824H, NHTSA recall 24V649, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Shohei Ohtani and Taycan Turbo S
In an updated social media twist on what was once known as the rag trade in the New York garment district, Porsche said this morning there was a meeting Shohei Ohtani – the two-way player* – recently in Los Angeles, his adopted home. With all the well-deserved tsunami level of publicity surrounding Ohtani since his arrival in 2018, many were hoping to sign the Japanese-born athlete as the next star player on their team following the announcement of his departure from the Los Angeles Angels in late 2023.
*A two-way player is one who both pitches and hits. Babe Ruth was a hitter and pitcher between 1914 and 1935. When the owner of Red Sox traded him for enough cash to finance a stage show called My Lady Friends, The Curse of the Bambino was born – keeping the Red Sox (dead sox) from winning a World Series for 86 years from 1918 to 2004. Ruth as a ballplayer hit 714 home runs, won seven World Series titles, played on the 1927 Yankees, arguably the greatest team ever, and made the All-Star team twelve times. He was among the initial players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Full disclosure here as an ex-New Yorker who spent time in Yankee stadium with relatives, and even more time watching and talking baseball, the Dodgers have always been known in my clan since 1957 as that team that used to play in Brooklyn. Continue reading
McLaren P1 $449.99! Some Assembly Required
McLaren F1™ driver, Lando Norris has completed a lap of the British racetrack, Silverstone, in a 1:1 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1. Norris successfully lasted through the twist and turns of the 5.891km (3.66 miles) track. You can buy the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1 Lego for $449.99 (£389.99, €449.99), but some assembly is required.*
“Having worked on the original P1 program for McLaren, it’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1™ brought to life so realistically by the LEGO Technic team for the full-scale model. The car was an icon of its time. I hope that through this collaboration with the LEGO Group, we are able to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation,” said Ben Gulliver, Test & Development Director, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ben Gulliver, Ken Zino, Lando Norris, LEGO group, LEGO® Technic™, Lukáš Horák, McLaren Automotive, mclaren p1, X @KenAutoinformed
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Shell Opens First Charging Station for Electric Trucks in UK
Shell has opened its first electric public charging station in the UK for trucks, at the Markham Moor Truck Stop in Nottinghamshire, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).* The site, which Shell acquired in 2022 , is situated along the A1, about 25 miles south of Doncaster and 25 miles Southeast of Sheffield. and is passed by more than 8000 heavy goods vehicles (HGV) a day. It has a 400kWh fast charging station, with two connectors, powered using 100% renewable electricity, which enables two vehicles to charge at once. Continue reading →