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Aston Martin Reveals DB12 Goldfinger Edition
“The relationship between Aston Martin and the James Bond franchise is something that is always treasured”, said Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer. “It is an incredible occasion to be able to recognize six decades of this partnership with an extraordinary special edition, and pay homage to the very first – and perhaps most famous Aston Martin Bond car. Incorporating these subtle but impactful touches, developed by our own ‘Q’ department has created a very unique offering; one that will be adored by Bond fans across the world. Continue reading
Porsche Sales Weak Through Q3 2024
Porsche AG today posted sales declines for the first nine months of the year. Overall global sales at 226,026 dropped -7%. China sales at 43,280 plunged -29%. “This reflects poor economy in the Chinese market” that is affecting all makers. Worse, there is now an outright trade war over tariffs between the EU and China. North American sales at 61,471 dropped -5%. In Europe (excluding Germany), Porsche delivered 52,465 vehicles in the first nine months, an increase of 1% compared to the same period last year. In the home market of Germany, the number of vehicles delivered rose by 8 % as 26,838 units were delivered to customers.
“Customer demand remains at a robust level and the feedback from our customers on the new models is very good. As product availability increases, we are optimistic about the final spurt for 2024,” claimed Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading
Man vs Autonomous Machine Race Coming to Suzuka
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)* said today that a “Man vs Machine Showdown” is coming to the Suzuka Circuit in Japan next month. The exhibition race will be the first time Japanese spectators can see a head-to-head race between human drivers and AI technology. It will take place on the Super Formula double-header season finale on November 9-10.
“In partnership with Japan Race Promotion, A2RL’s ‘Man vs Machine’ challenge will pit two Super Formula race cars against each other in a head-to-head competition. One car will be piloted by former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, A2RL’s development driver, while the other will be entirely controlled by advanced autonomous algorithms and robotics, showcasing cutting-edge technology,” A2RL said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged A2RL, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology and Research Council, AI technology, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dallara SF23, Daniil Kvyat, Juju Noda, Ken Zino, Stephane Timpano, X @KenAutoinformed
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Life Saving Seat Belt Reminders Improving
Automakers have moved quickly to install louder, more persistent seat belt reminders, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today. IIHS began rating the devices in 2022. The first year, only 17% of the new models tested earned a good rating; 65% were rated marginal or poor. However, 62% of the 2024 models tested so far are rated good. Only 24% are rated marginal or poor.
“The math is pretty simple,” said David Kidd, the IIHS senior research scientist who led that research as well as the development of the seat belt reminder rating program. “We found that an audible reminder that lasts at least 90 seconds increased belt use by around 30%. That means we could save almost 1,600 lives a year if every vehicle on the road was equipped with a good-rated system.” Continue reading
Off The Grid! – New GM Energy PowerBank
GM Energy said today that it is launching the so-called GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage product that allows EV owners the ability to store and transfer energy from the grid. It also has the option of integrating with solar power equipment. The General Motors* subsidiary has also expanded access to energy management products across all 50 states. It’s the latest step whereby EV customers can gain increasing independence from utility companies and the unreliable, climate change vulnerable power grid. It’s also the latest move that shows fossil-fueled stock analysts – many of them reflexively negative on GM – are headed for extinction. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, energy, environment, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM Energy, GM Energy PowerBank, GM Energy PowerShift Charger, GM Energy Vehicle-to-Home Enablement kit, Ken Zino, Qmerit, Wade Sheffer, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Glance – Volkswagen Tiguan Update via Tayron
“The new Tayron is a bonafide Volkswagen: its quality is reflected in every detail; it is comfortable and practical for everyday life, and it is available with a wide range of drive systems. With this new Volkswagen SUV, we are further expanding our range in a growing segment and closing the gap between our best-seller, the Tiguan, and our luxury SUV, the Touareg. I am convinced that the Tayron will make its mark and be well received by our customers,”said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, European Volkswagen Tayron, Ken Zino, Thomas Schäfer, volkswagen of america, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, VWoA Tiguan replacement or revision, X @KenAutoinformed
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Sticky Steering Recall for 1.7 Million Honda and Acuras
American Honda Motor Co is recalling ~1.7 million 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed today.
“Due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear. In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the sliding force between the components. As a result of the reduced grease film thickness and increased sliding force, friction between the worm wheel and worm gear increases,” Honda said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hitachi Astemo America, Honda recalls SJS MJU QJT VJV, Ken Zino, NHTSA 24V744 or 24V-744, X @KenAutoinformed
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Deputy CEO Björn Annwall Leaves Volvo Cars
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.ST)* today announced organizational changes that it said, “are designed to increase simplicity, speed and collaboration and reduce complexity by flattening our structure in the Commercial part of the business.” It is enhancing the responsibilities of the regions and empowering the employees that are closest to the customers to make key decisions. In a surprising move, Björn Annwall, current Chief Commercial Officer & Deputy CEO will support the transition of the new organization before taking his next step “outside of Volvo Cars.” The stock is currently trading at an all-time low.
“In a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure our organization is equipped to navigate a more challenging market. We are now regrouping our commercial leadership team with a focus on making Volvo Cars even stronger with increased speed and efficiency,” said Jim Rowan, CEO at Volvo Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Björn Annwall, Fredrik Olsson, Gretchen Saegh-Fleming, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Mike Cottone, Volvo Cars Executive Management Team, X @KenAutoinformed, Zhejiang Geely Holding of Volvo Cars
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Annals of Marketing – Ford Bronco Free Wheeling Package
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) today announced a new 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package.* The retro marketing ploy adds red, orange, and yellow touches derived from Ford’s Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the 1970s and 1980s – back when Ford was able to sell passenger vehicles.
“Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheeling’s looks kick that up a notch with its sunset inspired beach vibes,” claimed Steve Gilmore, Ford Vehicle Personalization chief designer. “We’ve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with today’s fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the exterior stripes and unique pops of color that come together in an optimistic way.” Continue reading
Nissan Joins EV Grid Management Group ChargeScape
Nissan said today that it has entered into an agreement to invest in ChargeScape, a joint venture equally owned by BMW, Ford and Honda* concentrated on electric vehicle-grid integration. Once the transaction is complete, Nissan will become an equal 25% … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, energy, environment, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW, ChargeScape JV, Ford, Grid Management, honda, Joseph Vellone, Ken Zino, Kent O'Hara, nissan, smart charging, vehicle to grid, X @KenAutoinformed
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DOE Loan Programs Office – $1B to Evgo for Charging Points
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced Thursday a conditional commitment to EVgo Swift Borrower LLC (EVgo) for a loan guarantee of up to $1.05 billion to expand the public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The loan guarantee, if finalized, will support EVgo’s deployment of ~7500 charging ports at ~1100 charging stations across the United States. The first deployments will include high-power 350kW fast chargers capable of charging two EVs simultaneously. EVgo plans to continue installing power sharing equipment over the 5-year deployment timeline.
“The Biden-Harris administration and DOE are building towards a future where EVs are affordable and accessible in every part of the country,” LPO said in a detailed release. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden-Harris Administration, Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, EV charging stations, EVgo, Inflation Reduction Act, Ken Zino, NACS and CCS EV charging connectors, X @KenAutoinformed
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Yawn or Yikes? Hyundai, Waymo Link on Autonomous SUVs
Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo today said they have entered into a multi-year, strategic partnership that will integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous technology, dubbed the Waymo Driver, into Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV, which will be added to the Waymo One fleet over time.*
“We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai as we further our mission to be the world’s most trusted driver,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo. “Hyundai’s focus on sustainability and strong electric vehicle roadmap makes them a great partner for us as we bring our fully autonomous service to more riders in more places.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chang Song, Hyundai and Waymo autonomous vehicles, Hyundai IONIQ 5, José Muñoz, Ken Zino, Tekedra Mawakana, X @KenAutoinformed
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IONNA Breaks Ground on So-Called Rechargery for EVs
IONNA, a charging network founded by eight automakers – BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota – announced today the ground breaking for the first IONNA ‘Rechargery.’ It is remaking a historic district gas station into an EV charging station in Apex, North Carolina. AutoInformed notes the irony, and also that the town was built around a railroad steam engine refill pond, which the workers dubbed Apex. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW, general motors, honda, hyundai, IONNA Rechargery, Jackie Slope, Ken Zino, kia, mercedes-benz, Stellantis, toyota, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. Vehicles Sales Drop as Consumers Wait for Discounts
“September sales were in line with our forecast, although our expectations were modest for what was always penciled in to be a quieter month. Even though the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points – above the expectations of many analysts – it is likely to take some time for lower borrowing costs to feed through to the auto industry. Generally, high vehicle pricing is keeping monthly payments elevated, and therefore some consumers are still sitting on the sidelines,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts at GlobalData. Continue reading
GM Recalls Blazer, Equinox Models for Sudden Door Openings
General Motors is recalling Mexican-built 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox vehicles because the door strikers were not properly heat-treated, which can cause them to break, according to the required filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. This is an extension of a previous recall. Continue reading →