Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

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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UAW Live – Hours Before Daimler Truck Contract Expires

Posted on 26 April 2024 by Ken Zino

UAW President Shawn Fain, alongside the UAW Daimler Truck North America Bargaining Committee, will address Daimler workers and allies on Facebook Live just hours before the contract for more than 7000 UAW workers expires at midnight. Continue reading →

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April US New Vehicle Sales Flat as Trade-in Values Drop

Posted on 26 April 2024 by Ken Zino

Total new-vehicle sales for April 2024, including both retail and non-retail transactions, are estimated to reach 1,304,600 units, a 0.9% decrease from April 2023 on a selling day adjusted basis, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData.* … Continue reading →

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IIHS Toughens Front Crash Prevention Testing

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“This is a vital update to one of our most successful test programs,” IIHS President David Harkey claimed. “The vast majority of new vehicles now come with automatic emergency braking, and our research shows the technology prevents as many as half of all front-to-rear crashes. This new, tougher evaluation targets some of the most dangerous front-to-rear crashes that are still happening.” Continue reading →

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Southern Labor Rights Boosted at VW. Daimler Next

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The battle with VW management – a later day version of the Ford Rouge battle of the bridge, included outrageous 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 South. Daimler Truck is next. Continue reading →

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EPA Finalizes Pollution Reduction Standards for Power Plants

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a series of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil-fuel-fired power plants, which have been and likely will continue to be the subject of litigation paid for by special interest money. The rules under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, will significantly reduce climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector as they go forward. During 2024 the United States is forecast to build more new electric generation capacity than it has for two decades. About  96% of that will be clean, according to the current Administration. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q1 2024 Net Income of $1.3 Billion

Posted on 25 April 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) late yesterday posted weak 2024 Q1 operating results of $42.8 billion in revenue (+1.3B YoY), net income of $1.3 billion (-1.1%), and adjusted EBIT of $2.8 billion (-6%) as global sales dropped 11,000 vehicles to 1,045,000. Ford nonetheless declared a second-quarter regular dividend of 15 cents per share, payable 3 June to shareholders of record at the close of business on 8 May 2024. Continue reading →

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Death of the Diesel – EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants

Posted on 24 April 2024 by Ken Zino

In the United States, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is also a prominent source of health-harming pollution. Most of the vehicles eligible for replacement are powered by internal combustion engines that pre-date recent EPA emission standards. These vehicles emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. Continue reading →

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Toyota Tacoma Pickup Adds First Hybrid Powertrain in 2024

Posted on 23 April 2024 by Ken Zino

The all-new 2024 Tacoma with i-FORCE MAX models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships later this Spring. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $46,300 for the TRD Sport grade, excluding delivery processing and handling. Continue reading →

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GM Posts $3 Billion in Q1 Earnings. Raises 2024 Guidance

Posted on 23 April 2024 by Ken Zino

“As we continue to strengthen our ICE [internal combustion engine] portfolio, scale EVs and reinvest in the business, we are very focused on capital efficiency, enhancing profitability and free cash flow, and we will continue to take steps to create shareholder value,” said CEO Mary T. Barra. GM has produced more than $23 billion of Auto Adjusted Free Cash Flow during the last 24 months, and expects to generate more than $30 billion in the 2022-2024 period. Continue reading →

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