Tag Archives: zino

President Obama outlines Energy Independence Plan, Touting Alternative Fuels, “Safe” Nuclear Power, 33% cut in Oil Imports

The President ordered that 100% of federal fleet purchases by 2015 will be alternative fuel, hybrid or electric vehicles – in a taxpayer-fueled bonanza for some automakers. Continue reading

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Steelworkers follow UAW and Ratify Contract with Dana

The contract has implications for the United Autoworkers Union as it enters negotiations this summer with automakers since the Dana contract reduces but does not eliminate the gap in the existing two-tier wage structure with Goodyear.
The UAW is fiercely divided over the two-tier issue, which allows new hires at $12 an hour, while veterans get $28. UAW president Bob King insists that reduced wages for new workers are necessary, while opposition groups within the union are calling for its end.
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New U.S. Segment – Compressed Natural Gas Taxis?

Taxis running on compressed natural gas have been in use for decades in Japan’s cities. They are clean, quiet and to the surprise of visiting New Yorkers – meticulously maintained. Now there is a mini-movement of sorts underway in the U.S. as taxpayer subsidies and rising gasoline prices are increasing the demand for conversions of conventional gasoline engines to run on compressed natural gas. CNG is a fuel that has been in use in the U.S. for decades as well, but mostly in industrial applications. Continue reading

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EU Proposes Banning Cars from Cities. Automakers Protest

The European Commission today adopted 40 initiatives that it claims will increase mobility, dramatically reduce Europe’s dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions from transportation by 60% by 2050. It also requires the investment of €1.5 trillion or $2.1 trillion across the EU. Continue reading

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Mazda Stops U.S. Dealer Orders for Japanese made Vehicles

Mazda Motor has temporary stopped orders for Japan-built vehicles from its dealers in the U.S. as a result on ongoing production interruption caused by the Japan earthquake on March 11. Mazda temporarily resumed partial production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants on March 22, producing replacement parts and parts for overseas production and vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventories. Mazda indefinitely suspended the production of vehicles utilizing “in-process” inventory at its Hofu plant today. Continue reading

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Honda Recalls 2011 Odyssey Again. Window Glass Can Shatter

American Honda is recalling 2,800 model-year 2011 Odyssey vehicles in the U.S. to replace the side window glass in one or both of the front doors. It was the second Odyssey recall of the month, following an earlier one to replace a front windshield wiper linkage rod that could break. Continue reading

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Free AAA App lets Motorists Compare Gasoline Prices

AAA has a new Apple iPhone app that it says can save time comparing gasoline prices. The so called AAA TripTik Mobile feature is said to be the first app to offer access to frequently updated gasoline prices. Continue reading

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Honda Reveals Indy Car Refueling Interlock System

American Honda has revealed a refueling safety interlock system designed to reduce the potential for pit fires and injuries caused by drivers pulling out with the hose still attached. An accident that resulted in serious injuries during an American Le Mans Series race in 2008, prompted Honda Performance Development (HPD) to start development of a safety system that prevents engagement of first gear while the car is still refueling. Continue reading

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Japan Earthquake Causes Loss of 320,000 Vehicles. More Plant Shutdowns on Way and the Worst is yet to Come

“The Japan disaster has had a profound effect on the automotive industry,” said IHS Automotive Director Michael Robinet, noting that 13% of the global automotive industry is shut down and companies have lost 320,000 units of production since the earthquake, tsunami and power disruptions. Continue reading

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Super Bowl Ads Effective for Chevrolet, Mini, Kia, and VW

Chevrolet, Mini, Kia and Volkswagen had the best return on investment among the ten automakers advertising during the 2011 Super Bowl, according to data just released by publisher Hachette Filipacchi.

A six week study conducted before and after the Super Bowl was based on traffic on 14 automotive websites. Continue reading

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March New Vehicle Retail Sales Running at 10.9 Million SAAR

March new-vehicle sales are showing stability through the first three weeks of the month, continuing a trend of monthly double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the latest data.

New vehicle retail sales are projected to come in at 991,900 units, which represent a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 10.9 million units, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers transaction data from more than 8,900 franchise dealers throughout the United States. Continue reading

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Toyota Postpones Prius V Japan Launch; With Honda Expects U.S. Plant Shutdowns from Earthquake Parts Shortages

At the same time Toyota was telling workers in U.S. plants to expect shutdowns because of parts shortages resulting from Japan’s triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant meltdowns. Toyota said it did not know at this time when, where or how long the production disruptions would last, but it was likely that some would happen. Continue reading

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New Ford Ranger Debuts in Bangkok – U.S. Bound?

Ford is billing the compact pickup truck as a global entry – it will be sold throughout Europe, Asia and South America – but remains mute if the Ranger will reappear in the United States, the world’s largest pickup truck market. Continue reading

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General Motors Sells All of Its Ally Preferred for $1 Billion

General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) has sold of its preferred shares of Ally Financial Inc. for a total of $1.0 billion. Ally, formerly known as GMAC, is GM’s and Chryslers largest provider of automotive financing. Continue reading

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Hyundai Elantra Air Bag Recall – More than 280,000 Affected

Hyundai Motor Company in the United States is recalling 2007 through 2009 Elantra models for two safety defects that interfere with proper air bag deployment. Electrical sensor problems are responsible for both potential safety defects. Continue reading

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