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Recent Posts
- EPA Publishes New Kids and Climate Health Zone
- ChargeScape Vehicle-Grid Integration JV Begins Operations
- GM Canada Has Tentative Unifor Agreement at CAMI Assembly
- Shawn Fain to Speak to Stellantis UAW Membership Tonight
- DOJ – Defeat Devices Plea With COBB Tuning Products
- Best Selling Car Now at Dealerships – 2025 Honda Accord
- Software Recall on 2024 Porsche Taycans
- Mazda Software Recall on Forward Sensing Camera
- Annals of Marketing – Shohei Ohtani and Taycan Turbo S
- McLaren P1 $449.99! Some Assembly Required
- Strange Clean Energy Bedfellows – GM and Hyundai
- Stellantis to Invest +$406M in Three Michigan Plants for EVs
- Volkswagen Group Recalls 2021-2024 ID.4 Models
- North Carolina Parts Seller Fined for Emission Defeat Devices
- Manheim – U.S. Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Up In August
Recent Comments
- Ford Motor on Ford Reveals 2025 Bronco Sport – Sasquatch Off-Road Option
- Lana Payne on Ford EVs and Quality Damage First Half Net Income and EPS
- UAW on President Biden Passing the Torch to a New Generation on Donald Trump is a Scab – UAW Endorses President Biden
- Yen Chen - Center for Automotive Research on Biden Administration Chinese Trade War Tariffs Start August 1
- Ken Zino on Ford Motor Posts Q1 2024 Net Income of $1.3 Billion
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ChargeScape Vehicle-Grid Integration JV Begins Operations
BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operation of their new joint venture ChargeScape today ChargeScape also appointed the first CEO and CTO. (Read AutoInformed.com on EV Grid Unlock – BMW, Ford, Honda Create ChargeScape) As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fueling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. The nation’s power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centers and the intermittent nature of current renewable technologies.
“ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging, the companies – all of them global giants – said in a joint release. “ChargeScape’s technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify,” ChargeScape claimed ex ante. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged American Honda Motor Company, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, ChargeScape, EV-enabled grid services, Ford Motor Company, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Canada Has Tentative Unifor Agreement at CAMI Assembly
At 3:00 am today GM Canada reached a tentative agreement with Unifor, covering ~1300 represented employees at CAMI who build the Chevrolet BrightDrop electric vans and battery modules.
“This agreement, subject to member ratification, recognizes the many contributions of our employees and provides pattern increases in wages, benefits and job security.” GM Canada said. Continue reading
Shawn Fain to Speak to Stellantis UAW Membership Tonight
Yesterday, the UAW filed federal unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board over what it says is Stellantis’ illegal refusal to provide information about the company’s plans regarding product commitments it made in the UAW’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement. Several UAW locals covering thousands of members have also filed contract grievances over the company’s attempt to move Dodge Durango production out of the United States, in violation of the UAW’s national agreement.
“In our 2023 contract, we won major gains, including a commitment to reopen an idled assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois, and to build the Dodge Durango in Detroit. We also won the right to strike over those commitments, if we have to,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Now, Stellantis wants to go back on the deal. As a united UAW, we intend to enforce our contract, and to make Stellantis keep the promise.” Fain will address the UAW membership on Facebook Live tonight. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dodge Durango plant location, Ken Zino, National Labor Relations Board, Shawn fain, unfair labor practice charges, X @KenAutoinformed
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DOJ – Defeat Devices Plea With COBB Tuning Products
The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a settlement agreement with COBB Tuning Products to settle claims relating to the manufacture and sale of automotive emission defeat devices in violation of the Clean Air Act. The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, is subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval.
The settlement requires COBB to pay a civil penalty of just over $2.9 million, based on the company’s limited ability to pay, and to stop the manufacture and sale of defeat devices.* COBB is an automotive aftermarket parts manufacturer and retailer based in Austin, Texas, which formerly sold its parts in Plano, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Fountain Valley, California. Continue reading
Best Selling Car Now at Dealerships – 2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord started arriving at Honda dealerships this week with more standard features, and a new turbocharged SE trim with black exterior accents and other standard high-demand features. The Honda Accord, America’s best-selling car over the last five decades , is available in six trim levels, starting with the turbocharged LX and SE, and topped by the hybrid-electric powered Sport, EX-L, Sport-L and Touring.
“The Honda Accord is a critical driver of brand loyalty and the new Accord SE brings even more expressive styling and value to Accord that already commands more than 25% of all retail sales in segment,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “Accord SE is one more reason that Accord will continue to set the standard for midsize cars in exceptional value and a sporty driving experience.” Continue reading
Software Recall on 2024 Porsche Taycans
Porsche Cars North America is recalling 2024 Taycan vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed, according to documents release this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As such, these 2024 Taycans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
The supplier- ZKW Lichtsysteme in Austria – erroneously adopted the ECE-compliant lighting behavior in the data set. Due to this programming error, affected vehicles were equipped with headlight control module software intended for the EU market that does not comply Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FMVSS 108, Ken Zino, nhtsa recall, Porsche recall ARB4, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Software Recall on Forward Sensing Camera
Mazda North American Operations is recalling 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A software malfunction in the forward sensing camera may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning.
In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended, according to documents released this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled Mazda models were built at Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Exterior Lighting, Forward Collision Avoidance, Ken Zino, Lane Departure, Mazda recall 6824H, NHTSA recall 24V649, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Shohei Ohtani and Taycan Turbo S
In an updated social media twist on what was once known as the rag trade in the New York garment district, Porsche said this morning there was a meeting Shohei Ohtani – the two-way player* – recently in Los Angeles, his adopted home. With all the well-deserved tsunami level of publicity surrounding Ohtani since his arrival in 2018, many were hoping to sign the Japanese-born athlete as the next star player on their team following the announcement of his departure from the Los Angeles Angels in late 2023.
*A two-way player is one who both pitches and hits. Babe Ruth was a hitter and pitcher between 1914 and 1935. When the owner of Red Sox traded him for enough cash to finance a stage show called My Lady Friends, The Curse of the Bambino was born – keeping the Red Sox (dead sox) from winning a World Series for 86 years from 1918 to 2004. Ruth as a ballplayer hit 714 home runs, won seven World Series titles, played on the 1927 Yankees, arguably the greatest team ever, and made the All-Star team twelve times. He was among the initial players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Full disclosure here as an ex-New Yorker who spent time in Yankee stadium with relatives, and even more time watching and talking baseball, the Dodgers have always been known in my clan since 1957 as that team that used to play in Brooklyn. Continue reading
McLaren P1 $449.99! Some Assembly Required
McLaren F1™ driver, Lando Norris has completed a lap of the British racetrack, Silverstone, in a 1:1 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1. Norris successfully lasted through the twist and turns of the 5.891km (3.66 miles) track. You can buy the 1:8 scale LEGO Technic McLaren P1 Lego for $449.99 (£389.99, €449.99), but some assembly is required.*
“Having worked on the original P1 program for McLaren, it’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1™ brought to life so realistically by the LEGO Technic team for the full-scale model. The car was an icon of its time. I hope that through this collaboration with the LEGO Group, we are able to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation,” said Ben Gulliver, Test & Development Director, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ben Gulliver, Ken Zino, Lando Norris, LEGO group, LEGO® Technic™, Lukáš Horák, McLaren Automotive, mclaren p1, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis to Invest +$406M in Three Michigan Plants for EVs
“Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Gearing up to build our first-ever Ram electric truck and the range-extended version in Michigan is a meaningful moment of pride for our teams. With these investments supporting both Jeep and Ram, we’re adding innovations to our Michigan manufacturing footprint to support a multi-energy approach that is laser-focused on customer demand.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Dundee Engine Plant, Ken Zino, NYSE: STLA, Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, Warren Truck Assembly Plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volkswagen Group Recalls 2021-2024 ID.4 Models
The affected vehicles may have been built with door handles that do not meet the factory specifications for protection against water ingress. Water ingress into the printed circuit board can lead to malfunctions causing an “open command” – signaling an open command by the door handle when the handle is not being activated by a person. An open door on a moving vehicle puts occupants at risk of injury, and can cause damage to objects and people who may be outside of the vehicle. If the recall problem is present in the vehicle, occupants may notice an audible clicking noise , similar to the sound of a vehicle door being locked/unlocked by the key fob. The planned recall remedy and series production countermeasures are still under development. It is not corrected yet in production. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2021-2024 Volkswagen ID.4 recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NHTSA 23V-213, NHTSA 23V-312, NHTSA recall 24V-651, Volkswagen Group of America recall 57J9, X @KenAutoinformed
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North Carolina Parts Seller Fined for Emission Defeat Devices
North Carolina automotive parts manufacturer and seller, Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc. (Rudy’s), and its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay a total of $10 million in criminal fines and civil penalties for manufacturing, selling and installing devices, commonly known as “defeat devices,” used to remove or disable required emissions controls in motor vehicles, the U.S. Department of justice said today.
“Defeat devices, such as those sold by Rudy’s, can lead to pollution at high levels that pose health risks and harm the environment,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This plea agreement and civil settlement show that we will take strong action to enforce the Clean Air Act and emissions controls requirements for motor vehicles.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, people
Tagged Aaron Rudolf, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, OBD defeat devices, Rudy’s Performance Parts, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden, X @KenAutoinformed
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Manheim – U.S. Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Up In August
“The trend of higher wholesale values at Manheim continued into August from July, as we saw prices appreciate every week except the last,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “Sales conversion continued to rise and held at much higher levels than prior years for the month as more buyers came to markets to replenish supply for used retail inventory. We know lease maturities are on the decline, and used retail days’ supply has tightened over the last month. That will likely keep pressure on buyers at Manheim in the next several weeks.” Continue reading
EPA Publishes New Kids and Climate Health Zone
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released a new web contraption called the “Kids and Climate Health Zone.” The Zone is a collection of stories and information about how the hazards of climate stressors are impacting different childhood life stages and regions in the United States and what people can do to protect their children and families.
“Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and we owe it to the next generation – our nation’s children – to take action now in the fight to protect our health and our planet,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “Raising awareness of the impacts of climate and environmental stressors on children and highlighting actions that we can all implement to mitigate the effects are critical for the protection of children’s health and are central to our mission at EPA and to the efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration.” Continue reading →