Tag Archives: automotive blog

CARB Using Methane Leak Satellite Data

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today announced that the state is moving forward with an innovative effort to reduce planet-warming methane emissions using satellite technology. The project is made possible by a $100 million state budget investment to purchase methane plume data collected by satellites. Methane is a climate pollutant that warms the atmosphere at least 25 times more than carbon dioxide.

“Decades of progress to protect public health is on the line with these EPA rollbacks. California isn’t having it. Thanks to our state investment, we’re using satellite technology to detect methane leaks as they happen. With this new data, we’ll be able to move faster to cut harmful methane pollution – protecting Californians and the clean air we’ve fought so hard for,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. Continue reading

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Hino Motors Fined $1.6B for Emissions Fraud

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced that U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith for the Eastern District of Michigan has accepted Hino Motors, Ltd.’s guilty plea to a one-count criminal information charging it with having engaged in a multi-year criminal conspiracy to defraud both the United States government and American consumers and illicitly smuggle goods into the country. Continue reading

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American Honda – Tesla Supercharger Network Coming

Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners will gain access to more than 20,000 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States starting in June 2025, American Honda said today. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Indy 500 Milk Cartons

ndianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) said today that the American Dairy Association Indiana and Prairie Farms Dairy are collaborating to bring Indianapolis 500-branded milk pints and cartons to fans across the Midwest. The tradition of drinking milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 goes back to 1936 when Louis Meyer, an avid drinker of buttermilk, requested a bottle after winning his third Indy 500. As the story goes, a dairy industry executive saw the newsreel footage of the iconic moment and requested milk be made available to the winner of each Indianapolis 500 thereafter. Continue reading

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Autonomous Driving Systems – Magna and NVIDIA

“Combining NVIDIA accelerated compute and AI capabilities with Magna’s extensive automotive expertise and innovation, we aim to explore new standards for next-generation software-defined vehicle intelligence and autonomy,” said Steven Jenkins, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Magna Electronics. “Our collaboration allows us to develop market applications for AI-powered solutions that could redefine the driving experience and address the evolving demands of the automotive industry.” Continue reading

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Global Warming – Rising Weather and Climate Impacts!

There are clear signs that human-induced climate change reached new heights in 2024, with some of the consequences being irreversible over hundreds if not thousands of years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which also underlined the massive economic and social upheavals from extreme weather.

“Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen — seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies with new National climate plans due this year, ” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Continue reading

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First Look – 2025 Audi RS-3 Sedan

Audi of America today released pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi RS 3. It retains the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record in the compact class. It also has the unique Audi five-cylinder engine.

Audi said the RS-3, “reaffirms the compact sport sedan’s position as the attainable entry point to the Audi Sport portfolio. Featuring a combination of visual enhancements to both the interior and exterior, more standard equipment, and performance benefits of fine-tuning; the latest rendition of the RS 3 invites drivers to experience the progressive union of luxury with the track-proven performance demonstrated through the new record lap set in the compact vehicle class on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife with 7:33.123 minutes.” Continue reading

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Nissan and SK On Reveal EV Battery Deal

Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) and SK On said today that SK On will supply ~100GWh of U.S.-made batteries from 2028 to 2033.  This is Korean SK On first partnership with a Japanese automaker.

“This agreement with SK On is a significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification journey and supports further investment in U.S. manufacturing,” said Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan Americas. “Through this smart partnership with SK On, we can leverage their growing U.S. production capacity to deliver innovative, high-quality electric vehicles that meet the needs of our customers.” Continue reading

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CFC Reduction Induces Ozone Layer Fixing

A new MIT-led study confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing as a direct result of global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. This is significant because scientists have observed signs of ozone recovery in the past. However, the new study is the first to show, with high statistical confidence, that this recovery is due primarily to the reduction of ozone-depleting substances, instead of other influences such as natural weather variability or increased greenhouse gas emissions to the stratosphere.

“There’s been a lot of qualitative evidence showing that the Antarctic ozone hole is getting better. This is really the first study that has quantified confidence in the recovery of the ozone hole,” says study author Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry. “The conclusion is, with 95% confidence, it is recovering. Which is awesome. And it shows we can actually solve environmental problems.” Continue reading

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ZEV Truck Adoption Stalled by Costs

Cutting the total cost of ownership could boost the transition to zero-emission truck fleets. A new study released by the respected McKinsey & Company counsultancy observes that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for ZEVs remains significantly higher than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The TCO gap ranges between 30% and 50% compared to ICE vehicles running on dirtier diesel fuel. Continue reading

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Acura 2025 ADX SUV Bets on Pricing

The 2025 ADX, an all-new premium compact SUV, begins arriving at Acura dealerships today. It’s billed as a new access model that will heighten the appeal of Acura as a destination brand for a new generation of buyers looking for youthful styling, top-class features and an engaging driving experience, all at an allegeable attainable price point. The bet on pricing is that a $36,000 to $45,000 SUV – plus options – will attract younger buyers, who are in a perilous position given a U.S. economy facing another Trump Administration trade-war and tariff -induced recession. (Read AutoInformed.com on: First Look New 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV) Continue reading

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Range Rover Recalls for Bad Seat Belts

Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 7000 model year 2025 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles built at the Solihull Vehicle Assembly Plant. The second-row center seat belt buckle may not latch correctly due to a manufacturing error by the Autoliv Rovinari, Romanian supplier.

“A concern has been identified where, on certain Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles, the second-row center seat belt buckle may be manufactured away from specification. One of the jigs used at the buckle supplier did not secure the buckle’s internal cable in the correct location during a riveting process. Continue reading

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Wheel Lockup Recalls on Cadillacs and Camaros

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling more than 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4 and CT5, and 2020-2022 model year Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally cause the wheels to lock-up. Drivers may notice harsh shifting.

“A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the wheels may experience a momentary lock up,” GM said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls Four EQEs

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling four, yes four, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 350+ vehicles. The mounting of the wheel rim inserts might not withstand the forces while driving.

As a result, “the rim inserts may detach from the wheels while driving,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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New EV Vans Coming From IVECO and Stellantis

Stellantis Pro One and IVECO (EXM: IVG), which designs, manufactures and markets light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, today announced the signing of agreements for the supply of two all-electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) to IVECO* for the European market. They will be based on the Stellantis Pro One mid-size and large van all-electric platforms, ranging from 2.8 to 4.25 tons Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Continue reading

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