Tag Archives: autoinformed

Two Fujikura Executives Indicted for Price Fixing

Posted on 20 September 2013 by Ken Zino

A federal grand jury in Detroit returned an indictment against two Fujikura Ltd. executives for their roles in an international conspiracy to fix prices of auto parts used in automotive wire harnesses sold to Subaru and installed in U.S. cars. Continue reading →

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Total to Pay $8.75 Million for Continued Refinery Violations

Posted on 20 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Total Petrochemical USA will pay an $8.75 million fine for failing to comply with the terms of a 2007 settlement with the United States that resolved alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its Port Arthur, Texas, refinery. Continue reading →

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BMW Recalls 5-Series Cars for Defective Rear Lights

Posted on 20 September 2013 by Ken Zino

BMW said that it does not believe a safety defect exists but is recalling the cars anyway. While likely such language is lawyer dictated, the Bavarians have a precarious relationship with U.S. safety regulators. Previously BMW was fined by NHTSA for covering up safety defects. Continue reading →

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September U.S. Auto Sales Slowing in Latest Forecast

Posted on 19 September 2013 by Ken Zino

While a total September sales forecast of 1,132,800, if accurate, represents a mere 2% increase from September 2012, a calendar issue with Labor Day has negatively biased the month. The auto industry reports sales on a sales month basis rather than a calendar month basis. Historically, Labor Day falls in the September sales month. Not in 2013 though, it fell in the August sales month. Continue reading →

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Bowling Green Now Shipping 2014 Corvette Stingray

Posted on 18 September 2013 by Ken Zino

GM today began shipping the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe to Chevrolet dealers. The Bowling Green Assembly has produced 1,000 Corvette Stingrays for customer deliveries. Continue reading →

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G.S. Electech Executive Indicted for Price Fixing

Posted on 18 September 2013 by Ken Zino

The criminal charge was the first to be filed in Kentucky where Toyota has extensive operations as part of an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into anti-competitive conduct in the automotive parts industry. Continue reading →

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Infotainment Systems Transform Instrument Panels

Posted on 17 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Only a decade ago, the powertrain and performance of an automobile were the main selling points. Infotainment systems did not exist with virtually all light vehicles without any type of so-called connectivity to the world outside – no telematics, cellular, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Continue reading →

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European Car Sales Down. Lowest Level Ever for Year

Posted on 17 September 2013 by Ken Zino

From January through August 2013, new car sales amounted to 7,841,596 units or 5.2% less than in the same period last year. This means that it was the lowest January to August level ever recorded since record keeping began in 1990, according to ACEA, the automakers trade association. Continue reading →

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GM Triples Size of EV Battery Lab in Michigan

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors has nearly tripled the size of its Global Battery Systems Laboratory at its Tech Center in Warren, Michigan with the new addition of 50,000 square feet to 85,000 in its total square footage. Continue reading →

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U.S. Trade Deficit Disaster Continues. Auto Industry Hit Hard

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

The United States’ international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $39.1 billion in July from $34.5 billion in June as exports decreased and imports increased. Imports increased to $228.6 billion in July from $225.1 billion in June. Goods were $191.3 billion in July, up from $187.9 billion in June. Services were $37.3 billion in July, up from $37.2 billion in June. Continue reading →

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Bankrupt Suzuki Issues Huge Airbag Recall

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Suzuki Motor of America is recalling 194,000 model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles because of a defective airbag sensor in the passenger seat. Continue reading →

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U.S. New Car Transaction Prices Continue Slow Rise

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

The average transaction price for new light vehicles in the United States was $31,657 in August 2013, an increase of $221 or +0.7% year-over-year. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Millionth Cadillac from Lansing Grand River

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

The one millionth Cadillac built at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant came off the line today. Continue reading →

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Chrysler IPO Filing this Week

Posted on 16 September 2013 by Ken Zino

The UAW says the stock is worth $10.3 billion; Fiat says it is worth $4.2 billion. Fiat, of course, saved Chrysler from oblivion in 2009 as part of a controversial U.S. Treasury financed bankruptcy proceeding that essentially handed over Chrysler to Fiat for Fiat’s promise to save UAW jobs and reinvest in the company, but no cash. Continue reading →

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China Auto Sales Continue Upward. GM Sets August Record

Posted on 12 September 2013 by Ken Zino

China’s entire light vehicle market posted a solid start in Q3, with locally‐made light vehicle sales according to the latest data available reaching 1.43 million units in July, up 9.3% from a year earlier. Continue reading →

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