Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

Kia April Global Sales Recovery from Covid Contraction

Posted on 3 May 2021 by Ken Zino

Sales recovered in the U.S. led  by Telluride and Seltos SUV models, which also helped this year’s strong global results. Kia recorded its second best-ever monthly sales in the U.S., with five Kia models setting sales records this April helped by a competent Federal Government taking demonstrably successful steps to address the Covid pandemic. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor America Posts Record April 2021 Sales

Posted on 3 May 2021 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America reported total April sales of 77,523 units, a 128% increase compared with April 2020. This is consistent with other makers’ results since last April a Fool was in the White House promoting bleach as a Covid cure as the pandemic increased in severity with disastrous social, employment and economic consequences.  Continue reading →

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Mazda Reports North American April Sales Results of 31,000

Posted on 3 May 2021 by Ken Zino

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April sales of 31,117 vehicles, an increase of 184.4%  compared to the Covid disaster month of April 2020 – one of many under the previous “drink bleach” federal administration. Continue reading →

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Audi Recalls 36 Models for Rear Axle Corrosion, Failure

Posted on 3 May 2021 by Ken Zino

In the required NHTSA filing Audi said: “ It cannot be ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning… Due to stress corrosion on the lock nuts of these particular production batches, the nut of the excentric (sic) bolt on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle. The driver may notice a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating.” Continue reading →

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Solid Power – More Money from BMW, Ford, Volta Energy Technologies for Solid-State EV Batteries

Posted on 3 May 2021 by Ken Zino

Of the three companies in the new agreement, BMW Group is the clear leader in electrification. Its Neue Klasse presented at its annual conference in March said this new generation of vehicles, which will be launched by the middle of this decade, will be uncompromisingly electric, digital, circular – and clearly focused on all-electric drivetrains. (All-Electric BMW i4 Shown, Q1 Financial Results of BMW Exceed Market Expectations) Continue reading →

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Q1 US Real Gross Domestic Product at 6.4% Annual Rate

Posted on 30 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Commerce says that real gross domestic product increased at a 6.4% annual rate. Personal consumption expenditures increased by a vigorous 10.7% annual rate, while business investment in equipment and intellectual property products continued to grow steadily. Continue reading →

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CARB Fines Plasti Dip International for Air Quality Violations

Posted on 30 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Plasti Dip International has been developing and manufacturing specialty coatings and adhesives since 1972. It started with its most popular product, Plasti Dip. The air-dry rubber coating began as a “grip solution” for tool handles and has become a DIY commodity for crafters, handymen and automotive enthusiasts. Continue reading →

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Toyota Developing Hydrogen Engine with Motorsports

Posted on 30 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Plans are for the hydrogen-engine-powered race vehicle  – 1.6-liter turbocharged and intercooled – to be fueled during races using hydrogen produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture.  Continue reading →

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FY2021 Toyota Sales, Production Drop Less than 10%

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Toyota’s global sales and production have both been up year-on-year since September 2020, enabling Toyota to limit the year-on-year decline in sales and production to less than -10% in FY2021 ending 31 March 2021. Additionally, Toyota has maintained domestic production at the 3-million-unit level. Continue reading →

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Ford Posts Q1 Income of $3.3B. Semiconductors Still Difficult

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Ken Zino

The company anticipates full-year 2021 adjusted EBIT to be between $5.5 billion and $6.5 billion, including an adverse effect of about $2.5 billion from the semiconductor supply issue. Adjusted free cash flow for the full year is projected to be $500 million to $1.5 billion, a large range reflecting the uncertainty in a global economy still reeling from the Covid pandemic. Continue reading →

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Ford Exec Re-shuffle in Struggling India, South America, China

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Both Watters and Armstrong are Ford corporate officers.  Armstrong will report to Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas and International Markets Group, along with Dianne Craig, who became president of Ford’s International Markets Group in February.  Continue reading →

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April US Auto Sales About to be Highest Ever. Blip or Trend?

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Total new-vehicle sales for April 2021, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,479,800 units, a 107.1% increase from April 2020 and a 7.8% increase from April 2019 when adjusted for selling days. Reporting the same numbers without controlling for the number of selling days translates to a 107.1% increase from April 2020 and a 12.1% increase from April 2019. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 18.1 million units, up 9.4 million units from 2020 and up 1.7 million units from 2019. Continue reading →

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Boss-Napping at Renault’s Fonderie de Bretagne Ends

Posted on 28 April 2021 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed first became aware of the union action late yesterday when Renault issued an unusual statement on its website: “Renault Group strongly condemns these actions and calls for the lifting of the blockade and an immediate return to calm. Renault Group recalls that the search for a buyer is currently underway in order to maintain the site’s activities and ensure the continuity of jobs. This process must continue with dialogue and calm.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Posts All Time Record Q1 Results

Posted on 28 April 2021 by Ken Zino

Penske – as a diversified international transportation services company – is a good leading indicator of the overall health of the transportation sectors with the caveat that it is heavily biased toward luxury brands. Continue reading →

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Ford Ion Park – New Global Battery R&D Site in Michigan

Posted on 27 April 2021 by Ken Zino

It is supposed to accelerate research and development of battery and battery cell technology, including future battery manufacturing – areas where Ford is lagging behind other automakers, notably General Motors in the US and global makers such as Nissan, Toyota and Honda. Continue reading →

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