Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

IMSA LMDh: Cadillac and Porsche Testing Together

This is where Porsche comes in. The sessions at Sebring International Raceway were the first collaborative LMDh test as Cadillac was joined by Porsche on the track. The cooperation between the OEs during the development of the spec hybrid system will contribute to the success of the broader program, according to GM sports car program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. Continue reading

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Detroit Auto Show Links with Wayne State University in 2022

“Students will be directly engaged with the show, managing and completing a demographic study of the various audiences that the show attracts. We are also delighted that the Mike Ilitch School of Business is hosting a mobility conference in association with the Public Show,” said Rod Alberts, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. Continue reading

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Tilt! Stellantis and GAC to Stop Jeep China JV

Stellantis and GAC will proceed to an “orderly termination of local Jeep production, while Stellantis will recognize a non-cash impairment charge of approximately €297 million in first half 2022 results.” Continue reading

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Ford HEV Fire Recalls: Escape, Maverick, Lincoln Corsair

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the under-engine shield and active grille shutter modified. Continue reading

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First Look – Toyota Crown Returns to the US

Available in three grades: XLE, Limited and Platinum, Toyota Crown will offer a choice of two different hybrid powertrains: HYBRID MAX or the fourth generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS). The HYBRID MAX powertrain, exclusive to the Platinum grade, is Toyota’s latest performance hybrid that puts out a manufacturer estimated 340 net horsepower. Continue reading

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IIHS Wants Speed limiters on Trucks: ’bout time!

Why this is creeping at an idle rate in the bureaucracy is inexplicable because excessive speed was a factor in about one-third of all US crash deaths during 2020. FMCSA began discussing speed limiters more than a decade ago. Continue reading

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Porsche Sales Drop -5% at 146K Through Q2 of 2022

“We and our dealers have successfully navigated a first half-year shaped by external factors and uncertainties,” said Detlev von Platen, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “In addition to the difficulties posed by the resurgence of the COVID pandemic in China and other markets, ongoing supply-chain- and logistics-related challenges have accompanied us. At the same time, the desirability of our brand and popularity of our products remains strong. We expect the second half-year to be dynamic.” Continue reading

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Electric Vehicle Shoppers Unhappy with Makers’ Websites

The study also shows an increase in satisfaction when shoppers engage with manufacturer website tools, though BEV shoppers are still less satisfied than non-BEV shoppers. This “wave” (latest research)  finds that overall satisfaction averages 711 on a 1,000-point scale for the premium segment and 705 for the mass market segment, down 13 and 6 points, respectively, from the previous wave. Continue reading

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June Global Light Vehicle Sales Still Lag 2021

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 85 mn units/year in June 2022, making it the best result in 2022 to date. However, in year-to-date (YTD) terms, sales are -8.5% below the same period in 2021, according to … Continue reading

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GM and Pilot to Build Coast-to-Coast EV Fast-Charging Grid

The network of 2000 charging stalls, co-branded “Pilot Flying J” and “Ultium Charge 360”, will be powered by EVgo eXtend and open to all EV brands at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. GM customers will receive special benefits such as exclusive reservations, discounts on charging, a streamlined charging process through “Plug and Charge” and integration into GM’s vehicle brand apps providing real-time charger availability and help with route planning. This collaboration is targeting the installation of charging stalls at 50-mile intervals across the US. For GM, this development is one more step in its ~$750 million investment in EV charging infrastructure. Continue reading

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Automobili Pininfarina: Battista Hyper GT Starts Production

Production of  the Battista*, said to be the world’s first pure-electric hyper GT, has begun in a dedicated new Atelier space in Cambiano, Italy, Automobili Pininfarina** said today. Located in the Piemonte region of Italy, this  is a milestone in … Continue reading

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Stellantis Startup Awards Honor Technology, Innovations

Since the creation of Stellantis in January 2021, the Company has engaged with hundreds of startups and signed more than 40 contracts. Stellantis’ top executives, including Chief Technology Officer Ned Curic, presented each of the finalists with a customized non-fungible token (NFT) trophy. Created by the Stellantis Design Studio, the NFT is an artistic interpretation of intertwined hands expressing the concept that in turbulent times, ideas prevail. Continue reading

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Alpine Sales up 70% at 1710 for Q1 and Q2

“Alpine turned in a remarkable sales performance in the first semester despite the challenging economic context. Over the last 18 months, the brand has set in motion a vigorous dynamic by restructuring, commercial development and the introduction of new models.” Continue reading

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Our Threatened Middle Class: Union Election Petitions Up 58%

This means that by May 25, FY2022, petitions exceeded the total number of petitions filed in all of FY2021. Unfair labor practice charges have  also  increased though Q3 16% from 11,082 to 12,819 as the Biden Administration recovery continues. Continue reading

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Climate Change: UK Automotive CO2 Output Falls in 2021

The report also pulls together data from where its manufacturing members are in meeting the so-called Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)* Net-Zero Standard, targeting net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030, and across the company’s entire supply chain by 2039. The question haunting the industry and people inhabiting Planet Earth as the death dealing effects of Global Warming continue unabated is whether this is too little, too late? Continue reading

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