Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

Hyundai Again Recalls 2017-18 Ioniq HEVs, PHEVs for Fires

This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new repair completed. The main power relay or PRA was made by: LS IS Company in Korea. Continue reading

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Auto Warranty Scams: FCC Acts Against Robocalls and Texts

“Billions of auto warranty robocalls from a single calling campaign. Billions! Auto warranty scams are one of the top complaints we get from consumers and it’s time to hold those responsible for making these junk calls,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  Continue reading

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Off the Engine Rails: Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall

Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge as required by Federal regulations. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Continue reading

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Biden Recovery: Transportation Jobs Equal Pre-Pandemic

“In the second quarter of this year, we created more jobs than in any quarter under any of my predecessors in the nearly 40 years before the pandemic. We have more Americans working in the private sector today than any day during Donald Trump’s Presidency – more people than any time in our history,” said President Biden. Continue reading

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CARB to Launch Small Fleet ZEV Conversion Incentives

The pilot will provide $25 million to implement a range of entries to help small fleets make the transition to zero-emissions. These will include flexible financing, short-term rentals, and full-service leases, such as all-inclusive truck-as-a-service options with enhanced incentives and fueling support. The pilot is contained within the larger Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Continue reading

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DOT Wants Airlines to Seat Families Together for Free

“Today’s announcements are the latest steps toward ensuring an air travel system that works for everyone,” said Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Whether you’re a parent expecting to sit together with your young children on a flight, a traveler with a disability navigating air travel, or a consumer traveling by air for the first time in a while, you deserve safe, accessible, affordable, and reliable airline service.” Continue reading

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Expedition, Navigator Fire Fix Found After NHTSA Alert

Parts are still not available for some vehicles. Moreover, Ford is expanding the population to include a total of 66,221 Expedition and Navigator SUVs in the U.S. built between July 27, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 based on further analysis of the causes for the fires. Ford has received 21 reports of under hood fires – including five since the original recall filing in May. Continue reading

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IMSA Prototype Challenge Nixed for VP Racing SportsCar Challenge

All 2023 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge races will be streamed live in the United States on Peacock, with television coverage airing post-event on USA Network. Live race streaming for international audiences will be available on IMSA.com. This in AutoInformed’s view is the core IMSA problem – the lack of consistent access to all the races for all fans. Continue reading

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US International Trade Deficit Decreased in May 2022

The May decrease in the goods and services deficit reflected a decrease in the goods deficit of $2.9 billion to $105.0 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $1.7 billion to $19.4 billion. The average goods and services deficit decreased $0.9 billion to $93.3 billion for the three months ending in May. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Starting Global E-Learning for Employees

This – it’s claimed – will offer employees an unprecedented variety of opportunities to learn independently and flexibly for their current job or future dream job. Free access to the entire range of platforms also gives employees the opportunity to pursue further training according to their personal interests. The company also bears the costs for the licenses here. The rollout will start gradually in the third quarter in administration and in first pilot areas of production. Continue reading

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Infrastructure Law Funds Improving Airport Terminals

“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Continue reading

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West European Car Sales Remain Weak at 9.8M Annual Rate

“With June usually a relatively strong month for new vehicle registrations, last month disappointed due to ongoing supply problems. However, in raw data terms last month’s figure did improve by over 100k units, which within the context of a supply- constrained market does indicate some progress for the region,” said LMC. Continue reading

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IIHS: Federal Rule On Truck Under-Ride Inadequate

The US DOT Safe System approach works by building and reinforcing multiple layers of protection to both prevent crashes from happening and minimize the harm caused to those involved when crashes do occur. This is a change from a conventional safety approach because it focuses on both human mistakes And human vulnerability. In theory, it designs a system with many redundancies in place to protect everyone.  Continue reading

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Demand Greater than Supply during June in US

“The shortage of microchips continues to limit vehicle production, but it’s not the only hurdle. Numerous other supply chain disruptions have limited OEM production, and many OEMs continue to nearly complete their vehicles and park them while they await chips. Unfortunately, these supply chain issues will continue to limit new-vehicle production, inventory and sales levels for the rest of the year,” said Patrick Manzi, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association.   Continue reading

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US DOT Gives Spirit Slots at Newark as Airlines Bilk Flyers

This comes as as weary people attempt to resume some sort of normal post-covid routines after the disastrous Trump mis-administration that ignored the deadly effects of a corona virus that is still mutating. Let the finger pointing start, or rather continue. That said AutoInformed notes once again that airlines are in effect a free international marketing tool that promotes the use of automobiles and automobility. Continue reading

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