Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

GM Expands Airbag Recalls Over Supplier ARC’s Objections

In an unusual move, NHTSA publicly revealed that it wrote Arc: “As you are aware, on July 13, 2015, the Office of Defect Investigation (“ODI”) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA” or the “Agency”) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE15-027) to investigate certain air bag inflators designed by ARC Automotive, Inc. (ARC). NHTSA opened its defect investigation after learning of two driver air bag inflator field ruptures involving ARC designed inflators,” NHTSA wrote. Continue reading

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Ford Expanding Explorer SUV Roll-away Recall

The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include what is described as “the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended.” In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. Continue reading

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Mazda Motor Posts Improving FY 2203 Financial Results

“Under these conditions, the Mazda Group steadily improved its profit base by implementing group-wide initiatives to improve per-unit profit, curb costs, reduce marketing expenses, improve fixed cost efficiency, and redesign components to expand the use of general-purpose semiconductors as a means of mitigating semiconductor shortages.,” Mazda said. Continue reading

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SEMA CEO Testifies Against Proposed EPA Standards

SEMA has a point, ~33% of consumer spending on performance and accessory products goes toward upgrading ICE engines and drivetrains, ~ $17 billion of the $51 billion specialty aftermarket industry. SEMA contends the $17 billion in sales of internal combustion products comes from small businesses. Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Ups Dividend, Will Buyback More Shares

“Based on the strength of the Company’s performance and continued strong cash flow, we are pleased to provide our shareholders with an increase in the cash dividend, and we remain poised to return value to shareholders through additional securities repurchase authority as market conditions and other considerations warrant,” said Penske Automotive Group President, Robert Kurnick, Jr. Continue reading

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IIHS – Rear Seat Passengers at Risk in Small Cars

The updated test adds a dummy in the back seat behind the driver. The driver dummy is the size of an average adult man. The rear dummy represents a small woman or 12-year-old child. IIHS researchers also developed new metrics that focus on the injuries most frequently seen in back-seat passengers. Continue reading

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Honda Motor Posts FY 2023 Operating Profit of ¥839.3B

Honda forecasts that group car sales will rise to 4.4 million units for the 2024 fiscal year that began in April from 3.7 million units sold in FY 2023. Honda also forecast an increase in group motorcycle sales from 18.8 million to 19.2 million motorcycles. Honda forecast FY 2024 full-year operating profit rising to ¥ 1.0 trillion ($7.40 billion). Continue reading

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EPA – New Carbon Pollution Standards for Power Plants

EPA claimed the plants would avoid up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide (CO2) through 2042, which is equivalent to reducing the annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles, ~half the cars in the US. Through 2042, EPA estimates the net climate and health benefits of the standards are up to as much as $85 billion. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor FY 2023 Finishes with a Strong Q4

However, the strong performance coming from the easing of Covid-induced supply shortages wasn’t enough to overcome relatively disappointing Q1, Q2 and Q3 results, as well as rising material costs. Continue reading

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First Look – 2024 Ford Ranger Pickup

The design of Ranger is defined by distinctive grilles and front-end appearances for XL, XLT and Lariat models. The Ford C-clamp headlight treatment and strong shoulder lines down the sides incorporate bigger wheel arches The rear end mirrors the front with C-clamp tail-lamps, with “RANGER” stamped across the tailgate. We guess it’s up to you to know if you’re coming or going. Continue reading

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Corvette Z06 is Pace Car for 107th Indianapolis 500

With a Red Mist (not to be confused with the racer’s meaning of that term. Ah the perils of young communications people) Metallic exterior paint and two-tone Jet Black and Sky Cool Gray with Torch Red accents on the interior, the ‘Vette also has the requisite marketing Indianapolis 500 logos. Continue reading

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Apple VP of Cloud Service – Mike Abbot – Joins GM

“We have entered the next phase of our technology driven transformation focused on rapidly scaling new EV models and our Ultifi software platform, which will drive faster innovation and enable new and exciting customer experiences,” said Mary Barra. Continue reading

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Mandatory Compensation for Delayed Airline Passengers

The US. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced plans to launch new rule-making that is aimed at requiring airlines to provide compensation and cover expenses for amenities such as meals, hotels, and rebooking when airlines are responsible for stranding passengers. … Continue reading

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Kia Recalls 2023 Sportage, Niro, Soul and Telluride Models

In the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today, Kia said, “the instrument cluster software installed in the subject vehicles, in combination with electrical noise due to voltage instability while the vehicle is starting, may result in cluster booting errors. Such booting errors can cause the instrument cluster screen to become blank resulting in the driver’s inability to see the telltales and indicators required by certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.” Continue reading

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FCA Recalls Jeep Wrangler Hybrids, Again

“Excessive heat in the fuse interface may cause the fuse to fail resulting in a loss of motive power, which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Customers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), a change in drivability, and/or noise at the HV battery pack assembly,” FCA said in the required filing, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made public this morning. Continue reading

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