Tag Archives: Ken Zino

November Global Light Vehicle Sales at 94,000,000 Annually

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“US sales were helped by agreements being settled between the Detroit 3 OEMs and the UAW, ending the strikes, along with increased incentives during Thanksgiving and Black Friday. China’s market in November also benefited from heavy incentives and discounts by OEMs and dealerships. Meanwhile, European regions continued their recovery. With supply constraints fading, adverse macroeconomic headwinds are a concern heading into 2024,” according to the GlobalData Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

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Tesla Recalls 2,031,220 Autopilot Equipped Vehicles

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) is recalling 2,031,220 vehicles with Autopilot. Included are 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the versions that contain the recall remedy, according to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday.

“In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature’s controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature,” Tesla said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading →

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Cadillac VISTIQ Three Row SUV to Join EV Lineup

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future,” said John Roth, vice president of Global Cadillac. “Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2024 Lexus GX Luxury SUV

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The 2024 GX is offered in six grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and in a first for Lexus, Overtrail and Overtrail+. A 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission. This results in an slightly improved EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 21 MPG. Towing capacity has increased to 8000 lbs. for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail grades with the standard tow hitch. A hybrid powertrain will be introduced in the US. at a later date. Continue reading →

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Sumitomo Rubber Recalls Light Truck Tires for Air Loss

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Sumitomo Rubber USA (Sumitomo) is recalling Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires with size 265/70R17 115T and Wildpeak HT02 with size LT235/85R16 120/116S. Due to a manufacturing error, the light truck tires may have a puncture in the sidewall and leak air. Continue reading →

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EPA Fines Calumet Montana Refining for Chemical Abuses

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as entered into a Clean Air Act settlement where Calumet Montana Refining will pay a $385,000 penalty and address violations of Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements at its petroleum refining facility in Great Falls, Montana.

“Facilities must properly handle hazardous substances to prevent dangerous chemical accidents and follow reporting requirements when releases occur,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “If they don’t, EPA will hold them accountable. We are pleased that Calumet Montana Refining is implementing critical safety measures to protect workers and the community.” Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! GM Reorganizes Regions and PD

Posted on 13 December 2023 by Ken Zino

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said today that is making changes to its product development team and creating a new role to oversee its global regions. This reorganization is partially the result of the retirement of Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, after a ~40-year career at the company. All changes take effect on 2 January 2024.

“We’ve spent years preparing GM to transition to an all-electric future, and Doug’s leadership has been pivotal. We are grateful for his many contributions to GM’s success,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “The changes we are announcing today will continue to drive technical excellence and deliver groundbreaking vehicles to our customers around the world.” Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls F-150s, Mustangs for Software, Hardware Defects

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling late model F-150s, F-150 Lightnings and Mustangs for various safety defects that involve bad programing and improper assembly, according to documents made public this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford does not publicly release its safety recalls.   Continue reading →

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GM and Komatsu Deal on Fuel-Cell Powered Mining Truck

Posted on 12 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The companies will jointly design and validate the technology. Lightweight with fast refueling, hydrogen fuel cells are best for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity, the companies said. Continue reading →

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Electric Trucks Can Drive Us Toward Environmental Justice

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“Recent and pending regulations could boost this transition dramatically, particularly if the proposed EPA truck emissions rule is strengthened. While the greenhouse gas reduction benefits of electric trucks are substantial, an array of recent studies shines new light on the health and environmental justice benefits,” said Steven Nadel, of The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Replacing diesel trucks with electric trucks will be most significant where truck routes are commonly situated – in neighborhoods with people of color and low-income residents. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Signs Hydrogen Development Multilateral Deal

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

“The agreement aims to rapidly grow the global hydrogen ecosystem and respond more actively to climate change by sharing leading examples of hydrogen ecosystem development currently underway in Korea with the international community. To this end, Hyundai Motor and its Korean partners will provide case studies and consultation on hydrogen projects and GGGI will publish an evaluation report based on the case studies for international sharing,” Hyundai said. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys 15 UK Dealerships

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced that it has agreed to acquire Rybrook Group Limited consisting of 15 premium dealerships in the United Kingdom, including four BMW dealerships, four MINI dealerships, four Volvo dealerships, two Land Rover dealerships and one Porsche dealership. Three of the BMW locations also retail BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The dealerships to be acquired represent estimated annualized revenues of $1 billion. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, automotive news and analysis, automotive blog, Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner, Centro Stile Ducati, Bentley Mulliner motorbikes, Continue reading →

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CHIPS and Science Act Phase 2 – Growth and Defense

Posted on 11 December 2023 by Ken Zino

The project will replace aging tools and quadruple the production of chips necessary for critical defense programs, including the F-35 fighter jet program. This begins of the next phase of implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, a critical part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda that supports a strong national defense and a growing American economy. Continue reading →

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New Ford Mustang GT3 Racing Documentary Starts Next Week

Posted on 8 December 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that starting next week, people can follow the development of the Ford Mustang GT3 leading up to its inaugural season at the world’s toughest endurance races in a documentary series. (Full episode 1 Click … Continue reading →

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