Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

Greenhouse Gases – EPA Final Rule for Oil and Gas Sector

Posted on 6 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“As we implement the historic climate programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is applying the latest tools, cutting edge technology, and expertise to track and measure methane emissions from the oil and gas industry,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, a combination of strong standards, good monitoring and reporting, and historic investments to cut methane pollution will ensure the U.S. leads in the global transition to a clean energy economy,” Regan said. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Audi Electric Mountain Bike

Posted on 6 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Audi of America said this morning that it will increase its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike – dubbed eMTB – powered by Fantic. It becomes available through Audi Genuine Accessories by the summer of 2024. The Audi eMTB has livery said to be inspired by the design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron race car. Audi eMTB at ~$9795 comes from a deal with Italian motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer Fantic based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike. Continue reading →

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Ford Maverick Pickups Recalled for Tail Light Failures

Posted on 6 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 243,000 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) on 2022-2024 models may deactivate one or both rear tail-lights without warning. The problem appears to simple math error during the design phase of product development. The rear lamps use two position bulbs on a single circuit. However, the BCM current threshold was calibrated to the current draw for one bulb. This is a variation and expansion of a previous rear light recall. Continue reading →

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The 2025 Genesis SUV – $57,700 to $79,300

Posted on 3 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“The 2025 GV80 brings a new level of elevated cabin experience to the Genesis SUV lineup, making all occupants feel like honored guests,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Its new 27-inch widescreen display and array of new interior colors, materials, and finishes introduce an even greater sense of elegance to GV80.” Continue reading →

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The April 2024 U.S. Jobs Report –  is Stable Good?

Posted on 3 May 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. labor market added 175,000 jobs in April, the White House said today via its Council of Economic Advisors. More than  60% of private-sector industries added jobs. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 3.9% – it went from 3.83% to 3.86% – and the labor force participation rate held steady at 62.7%. AutoInformed sees nothing in the report that is practically worrisome to the auto industry. What will be telling is if the companies can adjust supply to demand without incurring losses. Continue reading →

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April 2024 US Vehicle Sales Drop Slightly

Posted on 2 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Calendar effects meant that it was always going to be challenging to match last year’s sales in April. However, with replenished inventory levels helping the market to recover a year ago, the industry is now facing a higher bar in order to keep growing,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Q1 2024 Profit Drops 25% as Sales Slump

Posted on 1 May 2024 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBG.DE) has reported Group Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) of €3.9 billion (Q1 2023: €5.5 billion) a surprising drop of -25% but in line with struggles at European-based Volkswagen Group and Stellantis. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group 2024 Q1 Earnings Drop

Posted on 1 May 2024 by Ken Zino

“Our retail automotive service and parts revenue grew 9% to a quarterly record of $746 million. During the quarter, we experienced a recovery across our used vehicle retail automotive operations with profitability improving sequentially by $428 per unit retailed. Further, I was pleased with our focus on controlling costs as selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit improved by 30 basis points sequentially to 70.7%,” said Roger Penske Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Q1 Revenues, Shipments Drop – Transition or Trend?

Posted on 30 April 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis reiterated a minimum commitment of double-digit Adjusted operating income (AOI) margin in 2024, as well as positive Industrial free cash flow, despite macroeconomic uncertainties. Stellantis claimed that it is on track to deliver total capital returns in 2024 more than €7.7 billion, for an 11% yield as a percentage of Stellantis market capitalization on 1 January 2024. It is likely that its value will go down in the short term. The company, in AutoInformed’s view is in a transition that requires the balancing of market share, product cost, revenue and development of new offerings. It is not alone among automakers. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Makes Automatic Emergency Braking Mandatory

Posted on 30 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“The new vehicle safety standards we finalized today will save hundreds of lives and prevent tens of thousands of injuries every year,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is not only making historic investments in transportation, but it’s also ushering in a new era of safer travel by ensuring new cars and light trucks are equipped with automatic emergency braking, making our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.” Continue reading →

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National Labor Relations Board Certifies VW Chattanooga UAW

Posted on 30 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Labor Relations Board has certified the results of the election in which Volkswagen Chattanooga employees voted for representation by the United Auto Workers. The battle with VW management – a later day version of the Ford Rouge battle of the bridge, included disgraceful interference by VW management instead of the neutrality stipulated under US labor laws. The Chattanooga plant has now become the symbol and rallying point of the tough fight for workers’ rights, bringing national or global attention to the struggles and potential of unionizing in the low-wage South. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Investigation Opened on Ford Blue Cruise Fatalities

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting a preliminary investigation of Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle crashes with Blue Cruise autonomous driving on freeways at night according to documents made public by the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) today. The crashes which killed three people occurred when Blue Cruise was in use just before the collisions. Continue reading →

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Ford Fund Now Ford Philanthropy

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“With $2.3 billion in philanthropic contributions since 1949, together with Ford Motor Company, Ford Philanthropy remains unwavering in its commitment to invest in solutions that address unique community needs,” Ford said in a release. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Expands Genesis Sudden Power Loss Recall

Posted on 29 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“The low-pressure fuel pump assemblies in the vehicles may contain impellers that can deform under certain environmental conditions, such as high ambient temperature. Deformation of the impeller could cause the impeller to interfere with the fuel pump housing, resulting in a mechanical resistance that could lead to a shutdown of the fuel pump,” the NHTSA filing said. Continue reading →

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Badass UAW Bargaining Committee Gets Record Daimler Deal

Posted on 27 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“Tonight, I’m in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I am honored to be joined by the badass bargaining committee representing over 7000 members at Daimler Truck North America,” Fain said. “We’re here tonight to announce a major victory for the members who build Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built buses. Today, we reached a tentative agreement with Daimler. What started thirty-two years ago this month at the Mt. Holly plant, when the courageous 17-day strikers stood up and won a historic, first of its kind agreement, has come full circle. Continue reading →

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