Tag Archives: autoinformed

GM gets $2 Billion Credit Boost from ‘Too Big to Fail’ Banks

Posted on 16 June 2016 by Ken Zino

It’s a classic example of banks lending money when the borrower doesn’t need it. This gives GM flexibility – liquidity to ride out another downturn such as the one that led to its bankruptcy, or increase its acquisitions of mobility companies such as Lyft, or fund the development of new products. Continue reading →

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Porsche 919 Hybrids Fastest at Le Mans Qualifying

Posted on 16 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Porsche 919 Hybrids took first and second in the first of three qualifying sessions for the Le Mans 24 Hours this weekend in France. The best lap time for the field of 60 cars was achieved by Neel Jani last … Continue reading →

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Newspapers Dying as Technology Companies Grow?

Posted on 15 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The implications for automotive coverage of labor, manufacturing, quality and safety issues, among others, are dire. Continue reading →

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LEGO Ford GT Race Car on Display at Le Mans

Posted on 14 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Ford said it took three weeks, 40,000 bricks to build a pint size version of the #66 race car. Details include the same green wing mirrors and screen top visor as the full-sized car. Continue reading →

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Eightieth Anniversary of the Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’

Posted on 14 June 2016 by Ken Zino

How appropriate, the little mouse in the automobile business is celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the Fiat 500 “Topolino.” Events at FCA in Turin from June 16-19 will commemorate it. The tiny car was part of the motorization in Italy … Continue reading →

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Amazon Under FAA Scrutiny for Shipping Hazardous Materials

Posted on 13 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Amazon has a history of violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations. From February 2013 to September 2015, Amazon was found to have violated the Hazardous Materials Regulations 24 other times. The FAA is continuing to investigate Amazon’s compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to air transportation. Continue reading →

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Diesel Coffin Nails – EVs to Takeover in SoCal Freight Yards

Posted on 13 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The State of California is giving $9 million to San Bernardino Associated Governments, aka SANBAG, to buy 27 electric trucks to replace diesel-powered, heavy-duty tractors used in rail yards and large-scale freight distribution centers. During the two-year duration of what’s … Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Hires Luke Bryan to Peddle Metal

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Since the debut of Bryan’s first album in 2007, Luke has placed 15 singles at No. 1 and sold nearly eight million albums with 30 million digital tracks from his five studio albums. Continue reading →

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General Motors, Toyota Noted for Wildlife Habitat Council Work

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The Keystone Policy Center presents awards each year in various categories within its areas of practice including energy, environment, agriculture, public health, and education. Continue reading →

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Milestones: 30 Years of Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Honda, of course, had beat Toyota by beginning what became wildly successful U.S. operations at Marysville, Ohio in 1982. Continue reading →

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Fiat Argentina Removes Owner Manuals that Insult Women

Posted on 10 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The booklet in Argentina given to every new vehicle owner said: “If a lady’s skirt is too short, we recommend that she travel in the backseat to keep our concentration.” It dug the hole deeper by saying “if the skirt is not that short but you tend to have a wandering hand, she should also travel behind.” Continue reading →

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Web Aided Auto Insurance Shopping Grows

Posted on 8 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Compare.com, a comparison auto insurance website in the United States, has added Amica Mutual so it will be providing quotes in California and Texas starting this month. Continue reading →

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VW – Mired in Diesel Scandal – Says Major Restructuring Coming at Wolfsburg Works Council Meeting. Jobs at Stake

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

VW Says Major Restructuring Coming at Wolfsburg Works Council Meeting. VW it isn’t making enough money for future investments in products and plants, and worse, its business model is threatened. Continue reading →

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German Motor Transport Grants Fix on Dirty VW Diesels

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Such an inexpensive fix is not possible in the U.S. where emissions standards are much tighter, and regulatory authorities – it could be argued across the EU – are not in the pocket of auto companies and major suppliers. Continue reading →

Posted in fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

More Recalls for Takata Airbag Shrapnel

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The numbers – tens upon tens of millions – and corresponding expenses are now so large that at least one company – General Motors – is questioning the need for the ongoing expansion of mandatory repairs by NHTSA of vehicles with Takata airbag inflators. Continue reading →

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