Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

Magna Joins Northstar for 5G Autonomous Driving Development

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“By utilizing the latest advancements in mobile networks, we are able to accelerate the automotive domain by offering sensor enhancements and as a result offer more capable and competitive ADAS products,” said Bill Snider, President of Electronics. “Our focus is not only on meeting challenging technical requirements, but also on developing products that can help anticipate critical situations to prevent accidents, ultimately making the roads safer for all.” Continue reading →

Posted in autonomous cars, autonomous vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recalls on 2015-16 Lincolns, Fords for Sudden Door Openings

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in certain US regions, According to documents released today by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This recall is an expansion of … Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

US Light Vehicle Sales up Again in November 2023

Posted on 4 December 2023 by Ken Zino

US Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 8.5% year-on-year (YoY) in November, to 1.22 million units, according to preliminary estimates from the respected consultancy GlobalData.* The daily selling rate was estimated at 48,900 units/day in November, compared to 48,200 units/day … Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Honda Offers EV at Hybrid Price

Posted on 1 December 2023 by Ken Zino

It’s the latest example of how the proposition that EVs are too expensive ignores marketplace competition combined with automaker advantages of scale and decades of innovation in manufacturing, design and cost cutting will relentlessly and inevitably make EVs desirable. Continue reading →

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The US’s first public EV-charging Roadway Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

This project for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are plentiful is endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the pilot initiative in September 2021 to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road in Michigan. MDOT and Electreon have entered a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system (ERS), using the technology on Michigan roads. Continue reading →

Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, news analysis, people, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Briggs and Stratton Settles With CARB For Off-Road Emissions

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board has reached a settlement agreement with Briggs and Stratton of Milwaukee, WI., a significant producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, for $117,314. This was for the company’s violations of the Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulation. The regulation limits emissions of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from spark-ignited, small off-road engines, including those found in landscape equipment, small power tools, and portable generators. Continue reading →

Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Follow The Leader – Ford Reinstates Earnings Guidance

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford (NYSE: F) has a new, post-UAW-strike outlook for full-year 2023 operating results it said this morning after GM provided an unexpectedly strong one yesterday. Ford withdrew 2023 financial guidance in late October during the UAW strike of some notably profitable US operations. Ironically, the new forecast by Ford CFO John Lawler was given at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, following a presentation by Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Yesterday GM increased its 2024 dividend while minimizing the effect of the UAW strike tallied at $1.1 billion. GM said full-year net income was forecast between $9.1 billion and $9.7 billion, down from $9.3 billion and $10.7 billion.

Ford now projects full-year adjusted EBIT of $10.0 billion to $10.5 billion, and adjusted free cash flow of between $5.0 billion and $5.5 billion. Both are non-GAAP financial measures Although affected U.S. operations have been restarted, guidance reflects effects of strike-related manufacturing disruptions on wholesales and revenue. Ford was silent on the dividend. Continue reading →

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM CFO – More Spending Efficiencies on Way for ICE and EVs

Posted on 30 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Paul Jacobson, GM EVP and Chief Financial Officer said this morning in New York that the aim is to  continue to drive GM’s strong cash flow performance while increasing the margins and the returns to investors while cutting capital spending. (NYSE: GM) Speaking at the Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech Conference, Jacobson said, “we remain absolutely committed to driving to the 8% to 10% margin consistently that we’ve said in North America through this transition (to electric vehicles).” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EV Pickups Least Reliable Says Consumer Reports at APA

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

New Electric vehicles (EVs) have on average 79% more problems than (ICE) vehicles with internal combustion engines(ICE). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are even worse with an average of 146% more problems, according to  the Annual Auto Reliability survey* from Consumer Reports Continue reading →

Posted in awards, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Takes UAW Contract Costs in Stride. Ups 2024 Dividend

Posted on 29 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“We are finalizing a 2024 budget that will fully offset the incremental costs of our new labor agreements and the long-term plan we are executing includes reducing the capital intensity of the business, developing products even more efficiently, and further reducing our fixed and variable costs,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news, news analysis, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WTRAndretti Names Final Drivers for 2024 IMSA Season

Posted on 28 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti*) announced today that Graham Doyle and Ashton Harrison will join Kyle Marcelli and Danny Formal in their No. 45 WTRAndretti Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, people, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Connected Technicians at Nissan Speed Repairs

Posted on 28 November 2023 by Ken Zino

“TECH LINE did a great job of walking me through the process. They made sure we went through it together and everything went smoothly,” said Skyler Petrille, Nissan master technician at Mossy Nissan El Cajon just outside San Diego. “It’s super cool when Nissan invests in tools to help make our work easier, better and more efficient.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, customer satisfaction, labor issues, milestones, mobility company, people | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Seat Belt Recalls on 2023-24 Accord and HR-V models

Posted on 28 November 2023 by Ken Zino

These Accord cars and HR-V SUVs fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, “Occupant Crash Protection,” 209, “Seat Belt Assembles,” and 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” More than 300,000 vehicles are involved because of a defective part made by Joyson Safety Systems in Mexico. Continue reading →

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The 2024 Acura TLX Sedan Arrives at Dealerships Today

Posted on 27 November 2023 by Ken Zino

A refreshed 2024 Acura TLX sedan begins arriving at Acura dealerships today with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $45,000 [1].* The simplified lineup includes the TLX with Technology Package, an optional A-Spec sport appearance package and the high-performance TLX Type S. Continue reading →

Posted in connected vehicles, marketing, prices | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

McLaren Returns to Le Mans in 2024 FIA WEC

Posted on 27 November 2023 by Ken Zino

McLaren Automotive said today it has been confirmed as a manufacturer represented in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with nominated racing partner United Autosports . It will contest the championship in the LMGT3 class with two 720S GT3 EVO cars. This means the McLaren name will return to Le Mans 29 years after winning the race on its debut appearance in 1995, completing the ‘Triple Crown’ of victories at Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix. To celebrate McLaren’s return to endurance racing, the entries will pay tribute to the debut with race numbers #59 -the race number of the winning F1 GTR – and #95, the year of the landmark win. Continue reading →

Posted in marketing, milestones, people, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment