Tag Archives: autoinformed

GM Global Sales Good, but Not Good Enough

Posted on 20 January 2015 by Ken Zino

When General Motors posted its second year of record global sales this month it was already behind Volkswagen Group. When Toyota releases its sales later in January, it is likely that GM will be the world’s third largest automaker, with Toyota Number One, VW Group Number Two and GM having bragging rights to “We’re Number Three.” Continue reading →

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Autoliv Confirms it is Taking Business Away from Takata

Posted on 16 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Swedish Autoliv, a global automotive safety supplier, says it now has agreements with “several different OEM’s for new supply capacity of up to 25 million airbag inflators for delivery during 2015 and 2016.” This of course is a direct fallout from the Takata airbag inflator recall. Continue reading →

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Cheap Gas means Cheaper Hybrids and EVs

Posted on 15 January 2015 by Ken Zino

As gasoline prices continue to drop, automakers are increasing incentives on alternative fuel vehicles – hybrids and pure EVs. Ford’s Focus Electric hatchback, which sells at an average of 16% off MSRP, leads January’s list of best savings on new vehicles, according to a web buying service. Continue reading →

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Toyota Says 1500 Japanese Orders for Mirai Fuel Cell Car

Posted on 15 January 2015 by Ken Zino

During the first month since its launch in Japan on December 15 2014, 1,500 orders have been received for Toyota’s Mirai fuel cell sedan that lists for ¥7.24 million, ~$63,000, Continue reading →

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Gas Prices Continue Dropping

Posted on 14 January 2015 by Ken Zino

U.S. motorists are paying an average price at the gasoline pump today of $2.10 per gallon) that is more than 40% lower than the 2014 peak of $3.70 reached on April 28. Continue reading →

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EPA Proposing Tighter Levels of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Posted on 14 January 2015 by Ken Zino

The Obama Administration via the EPA today announced a new goal to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40% – 45% from 2012 levels by 2025. Continue reading →

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Lexus Premieres GS F Sedan at Detroit

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Lexus today unveiled the 2016 GS F performance sedan, the latest model in line as it continues to stalk Mercedes-Benz and BMW sport sedans that own and define the expensive segment. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Debuts 2016 Sonata Hybrid with Higher MPG

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Today Hyundai introduced the Hybrid version of its seventh-generation Sonata at NAIAS. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid fuel economy is expected to improve more than 10%. Sonata Hybrid is projected to achieve up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA mileage rating of 42 mpg. Continue reading →

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Cadillac CTS-V Debuts. V is for Very Fast, Very Expensive

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

With more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5-liter biturbo V8 and the BMW M-series 4.4-liter TwinPower (twin-turbo) V8, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds. Continue reading →

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EPA Proposal Strengthens Response to Oil Spills

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to amend requirements under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan to improve the nation’s ability to respond to oil spills. This proposal addresses issues raised by the public, responders, government, and industry officials during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of BP. Continue reading →

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Ford GT Returns. Le Mans Bound?

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Ford would not confirm an endurance-racing program is underway, but it is virtually certain. Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums and more than 15,000 endurance-racing miles. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept – A Tesla for Working People

Posted on 12 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet today increased its concentration on the electrification of the automobile with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept, a long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting at around $30,000. Continue reading →

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High Voltage! Gen 2 Chevrolet Volt is Significant Redesign

Posted on 12 January 2015 by Ken Zino

The new Volt has better gas mileage, greater range, faster acceleration, a fifth seat of sorts, and an all-new propulsion system. Pricing, yet to be announced, could be the deciding factor in Volt’s sales future. Former GM CEO Dan Ackerson, a venture capitalist, when he predicted astronomical sales had no idea that this is a long-term ~2030 play. Continue reading →

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Viper Customization – No Copies with Unique ‘1 of 1’ Builds

Posted on 9 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Dodge is giving its Viper a level of exclusivity by creating a new custom Viper GTC model and a sales scheme that gives Viper customers the opportunity to create their very own one-of-one American hand-built car. Another aspect of exclusivity comes from slow sales, as Viper is badly outclassed by the new Corvette, among other performance cars. Continue reading →

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NHTSA Issues Record Number of Fines in 2014

Posted on 9 January 2015 by Ken Zino

During 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued more than $126 million in civil penalties, exceeding the total amount collected by NHTSA during its forty-three year history. Continue reading →

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