Tag Archives: autoinformed

NHTSA Opens Tesla Model S Battery Fire Probe

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today officially opened a preliminary investigation into 2013 Tesla Model S battery fires. The probe safety affects more than 13,000 of the $70,000 to +$100,000 Tesla EVs sold in the U.S. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group on Track for 9.5 Million in 2013 Sales

Volkswagen Group is now saying it will sell 9.5 million vehicles for the full year, which, if true, could unseat the existing Number One Global sales leader Toyota Motor and Number Two General Motors, both of whom currently have more conservative sales forecasts. Continue reading

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U.S. Trade Deficit Soars as Washington Pols Do Nothing

This latest economic disaster came as the overfed, overpaid Washington ruling class bickered about how to pay for debts they already incurred. Simply put, even a Tea Party Republican can or at least should understand that once again, U.S. exports decreased and imports increased in yet another setback for the economy and the unemployed and underemployed. Continue reading

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Cars Get Smaller, but Luxury Interiors can Compensate

While not as ‘over the top’ as a Paris or New York fashion show, the presentation foreshadowed interior design trends that will appear in a couple of years and be available for a much larger audience. Moreover, unlike the fashion industry’s use of exotic hides and materials in clothing and accessories that come from endangered species that the socially repugnant super-rich then flaunt, automakers are using byproducts of animals raised for food – recycling at its best. Continue reading

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Accidents, Injuries prompt 1.2 Million Ram Truck Recall

Chrysler Group is now in the process of organizing three Ram truck recalls affecting 1.2 million vehicles after six accidents and two injuries involving model-year 2008-2012 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. Continue reading

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Cadillac, Saks Fifth Avenue to Offer Limited Edition ELR

Cadillac and Saks Fifth Avenue will offer a limited edition 2014 ELR this year in the Saks Holiday Catalog. The so-called 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition is limited to 100 electric vehicles with a White Diamond exterior paint color only available with this package. Continue reading

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Treasury Recoups another $1.2 Billion from GM

The U.S. Treasury during October continued its sale of GM common stock receiving net proceeds of ~$1.2 billion without saying how much it received per share. Continue reading

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Automotive Waste Heat Recovery Closer to Production

Not surprisingly, given increasingly stringent fuel economy and CO2 regulations, much advanced research is being done to see how this wasted exhaust heat can be used. Two areas show promise – generating electricity from the heat, and/or using the exhaust heat for a vehicle’s heating and ventilation system. Continue reading

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Fuel Cell Faceoff in LA – Honda v Toyota

The battle of the ‘green press releases continued today as both Honda and Toyota teased their upcoming fuel cell electric vehicles that will appear in the U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month. Continue reading

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Al Gardner new CEO Chrysler Brand

Chrysler Group said today that effective immediately, Al Gardner is appointed President and CEO of the Chrysler Brand. Gardner replaces Saad Chehab who was named Chief Marketing Officer of Maserati S.p.A. worldwide. Continue reading

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Third Tesla Model S Fire in Two Months

Tesla’s claim that gasoline cars catch fire, in defense of the second fire, while true, ignores questions about how many actually catch fire after a crash or hitting road debris adjusted for the vehicle population and miles driven. While it could be just a run of bad luck, three fires with such limited exposure need looking into. Continue reading

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China Pulls October Global Vehicle Sales to All-Time Record

The global auto market during October is running at a record rate of close to 85 million light vehicles a year. China as usual is at the forefront of the increase with a historically strong selling rate of 22.4 million annually. Sales are also increasing in other markets, with West European demand slowly moving upwards while Brazilian and Japanese sales were astrong. Continue reading

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Eight States Want 3.3 Million EVs on U.S. Roads by 2025. Here come More Subsidies for the Rich

Eight states, representing 27% of the total U.S. new vehicle market, have announced a joint plan to put 3.3 million allegedly zero-emission electric vehicles on America’s roads by 2025. “Alleged” because EVs are elsewhere emissions vehicles when you take into account how the electricity is generated. Continue reading

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How to “Hatch” a Flint Revival with Local History

Statues of Louis Chevrolet (July 2012), David Buick (December 2012) and GM founder William C. “Billy” Durant (August this year) have been unveiled along Saginaw Street, the main street in downtown Flint. Another, of Walter Chrysler, who was president of Buick in Flint before he started Chrysler Corporation arrived a few weeks ago at Flint’s Bishop Airport. Continue reading

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OSHA Proposes New Workplace Injury, Illness Tracking

Like virtually all government entities, OSHA is struggling to update its procedures and IT systems. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Continue reading

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