Tag Archives: connected vehicles

First Look – GMC Sierra and its Unique ‘MultiPro’ Tailgate

One self-evidently good detail is the (marketing babble alert) “MultiPro Tailgate” that has six functions and positions for loading, load-stopping, and the much needed pickup version of mountain climbing without ropes into the bed. Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, electronics, marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Significant Automotive Stories and Trends of 2018 and 2019

Journalists staring at a blank screen, the opaque prelude to upcoming 2019 deadlines and headlines, do not have the option to Tweet and Run from the responsibilities of their job. So here comes AutoInformed on significant automotive related stories of 2018-2019 and predicted future implications, with our wry awareness, as always, that AutoInformed columnists conduct their education in public. Continue reading

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, autonomous vehicles, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

In the Weeds – Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis

Marijuana’s role in crashes isn’t as clear as the link between alcohol and crashes. Many states don’t include consistent information on driver drug use in crash reports, and policies and procedures for drug testing are inconsistent. Continue reading

Posted in insurance, litigation, news analysis, people, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

VW Plans Electric Record Run on Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The ID. R is the marketing amperage behind an entire range of electric vehicles that Volkswagen plans to launch from 2020 onwards. The ID. R’s motorsport ventures – arguably – show the huge potential power that e-drive can deliver on prosaic, possibly gridlocked roads in the future. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chevy Unveils Life-Size LEGO Replica of New 2019 Silverado

The LEGO Silverado continues the partnership between Chevy and Warner Bros. Pictures that began with “The LEGO Batman Movie” and continues with “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part”. Continue reading

Posted in marketing, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

700 Horse Shelby GT500 Strongest Street-Legal Ford Ever

Arriving this fall to join its Shelby GT350 stablemate, Shelby GT500 on the drag strip runs a mid-three-second 0-60 mph times and a sub-11-second quarter-mile it’s claimed. On a track, performance with its race-bred chassis, custom Michelin tires and the largest front brake rotors ever available on an American sports coupe should make it on pace with the best. Continue reading

Posted in engineering, new vehicle, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Final Winter NAIAS Charity Preview Raises $4,000,000

Now in its 43rd year, Charity Preview has raised over $121,000,000 for southeastern Michigan children’s charities since the Detroit Auto Dealers Association established the event. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

No Recharging or Refueling Infrastructure for Euro Trucks Exist

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (aka ACEA) has published data on the “severe lack of recharging and refueling infrastructure suitable for electric and other alternatively-powered trucks” in the EU. AutoInformed views this under the category of “legislate in haste; repent during a long leisure” of the unemployed workers caused by ruined economies. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Weak Ford 2018 Financial Results Prove Need for Shakeup

Wall Street appeared unimpressed with the stock trading at ~$8 per share – down from more than ~$13 a share five years ago. This occurred, lest we forget, after four straight years of strong or record sales in the U.S. – Ford’s most important and profitable market. U.S. economic growth is four months shy from setting a record as the longest expansion in U.S. history. Continue reading

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Facebook Users Unaware the Social Media Site Categorizes Their Interests and Political Leanings for Sales Use

The survey finds that a vast majority of Facebook users (88%) have their traits and interests categorized by the platform. Yet three-quarters of Facebook users (74%) report they did not know this list of categories existed on Facebook before being directed to the page during the survey. Moreover, once shown how the platform classifies their behaviors and personas, roughly half of Facebook users (51%) say they are not comfortable that the company created such a list. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis, people, Privacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Autonomous Vehicle System Oops! New 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Recall for Hands On/Off Detection Warnings

If this safety defect occurs, the hands on/off detection system may not alert the driver to place his or her hands back on the steering wheel, which could increase the risk of a crash. Such systems are building blocks for autonomous vehicles. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Michigan Transportation Projects Increase Mobility

The Challenge grants are said to address core mobility gaps for seniors, persons with disabilities and veterans across the state, with projects in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, the Central Upper Peninsula and Southeast Michigan receiving funding in this second round. Continue reading

Posted in awards, milestones, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unifor Inteva Canadian Plant Walks Out Against GM

Unifor’s message expressed by president Jerry Dias, remains consistent – GM Oshawa Assembly must not close. GM can change course, and work with Unifor and government to develop a new plan that saves Oshawa GM. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

GM to Federal and Ontario Governments – Oshawa Doomed

GM said it does not have a viable business case for production at Oshawa Assembly past the end of this year because of rapid changes in the North American car market, the cancellation of Oshawa products and persistent low utilization at the plant. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen and Ford Announce Alliance Without Cross Equity

The history of such industry collaborations is difficult and littered with road kill. The problem is whether the two global giants and hundreds of thousands of workers can walk in step together or stumble over each other. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, engineering, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments