Tag Archives: Ken Zino

Infrastructure – More DOT Roadway Safety Planning Grants

Whether it’s a dangerous intersection or highway, or a need for better bus and bike lanes, no one can better pinpoint a community’s safety needs than the people who actually live and work there,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “In the past five years, the communities we are awarding these grants to experienced nearly 14,000 roadway deaths. To help change that unacceptable reality, we are proud to deliver this needed funding to help them address their unique safety needs and save lives.” Continue reading

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CARB Expands Community Air Protection Program

“Blueprint 2.0 is an example of equity-driven innovation that puts a spotlight on the environmental challenges that overburdened communities face and engages residents so that solutions are informed by their priorities and needs,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With today’s vote, we expanded the tools that residents have to work toward cleaner air and healthier communities.” Continue reading

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Stellantis Invests in Chinese Leapmotor to Expand EV Sales

“As consolidation unfolds among the capable electric vehicles start-ups in China, it becomes increasingly apparent that a handful of efficient and agile new generation EV players, like Leapmotor, will come to dominate the mainstream segments in China,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. Continue reading

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Ford Motor 2023 Q3 Net income $1.2 Billion

“I’m very optimistic about the reality we’re creating with Ford+,” said President and CEO Jim Farley. “We’re building a more dynamic, highly talented and customer-focused company at the intersection of great vehicles, iconic brands, innovative software and high-value services.

“We’re also radically changing how we work with a series of actions that put the right people with the right capabilities in the right places across the organization, so that our promise isn’t masked by cost and quality issues,” Farley claimed. Continue reading

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Consumer Spending Spree – October US Auto Sales

Total US new-vehicle sales during October 2023 are forecast to reach 1,201,800, a 6.6% increase from October 2022, according to numbers just released by J.D. Power and GlobalData.* The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.5 million units, up 0.9 million units from October 2022. Retail buyers are on pace to spend $43.7 billion on new vehicles, up $0.3 billion from October 2022. Continue reading

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Ford Reaches UAW Contract Agreement If Members Vote Yes

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the UAW covering our U.S. operations,” said Ford CEO and President Jim Farley at 8:43 pm tonight in a Dearborn issued statement.

The agreement, of course is subject is dependent on ratification by Ford’s UAW-represented employees. Continue reading

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Zero-Emissions Truck Sales Soar in California

“The report makes several important points: users are interested in adopting zero-emissions technology; several manufacturers are stepping up to meet that market interest; and the flexibility that we built in to allow for a phased-in transition toward a zero-emissions future is working,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB’s Executive Officer. “Helping the businesses that rely on trucks to transport goods across the state switch to zero emissions is key to achieving a clean air future, and the data show that progress is well underway.” Continue reading

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Stellantis and Orano Explore EV Battery Recycling Deal

Key to the deal appears to be Orano’s low-carbon technology, which differs from existing processes, allowing the recovery of all materials from lithium-ion batteries, and the manufacturing of new cathode materials. The joint venture will produce materials also known as “black mass” or “active mass.” This can be refined in Orano’s hydro-metallurgical plant to be built in Dunkirk, France, so that the materials could be re-used in batteries. Continue reading

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GM Earns $3.6 Billion in Q3 2023

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today reported third-quarter 2023 revenue of $44.1 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $3.1 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $3.6 billion on global sales of 981,000 vehicles.* The $3.6 billion includes ~$(0.2) billion of labor disruption impact, which was before the UAW struck GM’s most profitable plant this morning. Continue reading

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UAW Strike at Arlington – GM’s Biggest, Most Profitable Plant

“Last week, we provided a comprehensive offer to the UAW that increased the already substantial and historic offers we have made by approximately 25% in total value. It is time for us to finish this process, get our team members back to work and get on with the business of making GM the company that will win and provide great jobs in the U.S. for our people for decades to come,” said GM. Continue reading

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UAW On Strike at Stellantis Sterling Heights RAM Plant

The move comes just days after UAW President Shawn Fain detailed the current proposals across the automakers, highlighting the shortcomings of Stellantis’ current offer. Despite having the highest revenue, the highest profits (North American and global), the highest profit margins, and the most cash in reserve, Stellantis lags behind Ford and General Motors in addressing the demands of their UAW workforce. Currently, Stellantis has the worst proposal on the table regarding wage progression, temporary worker pay and conversion to full-time, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and more, UAW president Shown Fain told members in his weekly address. Thus far Stellantis has not commented. Continue reading

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Toyota Shows Mid-Size EV Pickup Truck

“Next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept, with a monocoque body delivering high durability to create a practical yet stylish BEV. The rear of the cabin links boldly with the deck to accommodate diverse user preferences, supporting a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities. BEV quietness is accompanied by packaging with a low center of gravity for superior handling stability and ride comfort,” said Toyota. Continue reading

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VW, UTK Sign New Research Agreement

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) signed a new Master Research Agreement to extend their research partnership through 2028. Extending the agreement allows research to continue at the Volkswagen Innovation Hub in Knoxville. During the past five years, the collaboration has produced 27 active research projects, 15 publications, and multiple pending patents. Continue reading

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Toyota Hydrogen Road Service Vehicle at Motegi

“When we were first approached, the project only entailed the hydrogen module. However, from the perspective of JAF’s operations, we informed Toyota that running out of fuel was a relatively rare problem, while the most common issues are tire-related, “said General Manager Koso Takeda, JAF Road Service Division. “From there, the conversation turned to creating an all-in-one vehicle with the equipment to carry out JAF tasks. Before the day was out, people from Toyota visited our offices to measure sizes, and proceeded to build it.” Continue reading

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GM Increases Contract Offer for UAW Members

General Motors said today that it has provided a comprehensive offer to the UAW yesterday with “substantial movement in all key areas in an effort to reach a final agreement with the UAW and get our people back to work.” Gerald Johnson, executive vice president manufacturing and global sustainability, in a video told GM UAW members “the offer on the table is the most significant that GM has ever proposed to the UAW and recognizes our team members for all their dedication and contributions. The majority of our workforce will make $40.39 per hour, or roughly $84,000 a year by the end of this agreement’s term. We also continue to provide world-class health care with no out-of-pocket premiums or deductibles for seniority team members.” Continue reading

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