Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

EU Passenger car registrations Barely Up in 2019

Posted on 17 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

However, for the entire year of 2019 growth was a paltry +1.2% across the European Union, reaching more than 15.3 million units in total and marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. Continue reading →

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Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I – Best in Arizona Auction?

Posted on 16 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

The built-for-touring 250 GT Cabriolet Series I, sold to support Enzo’s racing addiction, had smooth lines defined by its covered headlamps, bumperettes, and tiny taillights in the rear wings. Continue reading →

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Isuzu, Honda to Research on Fuel-Cell HD Trucks and Vehicles

Posted on 15 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

In a statement datelined Tokyo, they said: “Today, the automobile industry is facing demand to reduce exhaust gas/carbon emissions from mobility products in order to address the on-going global challenge of reducing humanity’s environmental footprint. Moreover, from the perspective of energy security, the industry is required to take initiatives to promote utilization of renewable energy.” Continue reading →

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Genesis Launches Its First SUV –  GV80

Posted on 15 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

One interesting technology is an active motion driver’s seat that contains seven air cells: said to reduce fatigue from long hours of driving. Continue reading →

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Punch It Performance and Tuning to Stop Selling Illegal Devices to Defeat Emissions Controls

Posted on 14 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

“EPA will vigorously pursue and prosecute companies who attempt to circumvent emission controls that are required to reduce air pollution,” said EPA. Continue reading →

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Subaru America Recalls Exploding Takata Air Bag Inflators  

Posted on 13 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using Takata inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. Continue reading →

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Land Rover, Mitsubishi Top 2020 Maker Website Ratings

Posted on 8 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

Land Rover (864) ranked highest in the luxury manufacturer brand segment. Mitsubishi (848) is the highest-ranked mass market brand. manufacturer websites during the process of shopping for a new vehicle by examining four key measures (in order of importance): information/content; appearance; navigation; and speed. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Declares $0.15 Dividend for Q1 2020

Posted on 8 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

Ford Motor reported on Monday that US vehicle sales declined during 2019 to 2.4 million or a drop of -3%. The middling performance in a strong market came as Tesla’s market valuation reached twice that of Ford Motor due to increasing sales. Continue reading →

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Japanese Issue Arrest Warrant for Wife of Carlos Ghosn

Posted on 8 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

Mr. Ghosn has scheduled a press conference today in Lebanon to give some comments on his arrest and pending trial. Carole Ghosn, not surprisingly, has been a vocal critic of the charges and Japanese justice system that is perverse by western standards. Continue reading →

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Uber and Hyundai Show Full-Scale Air Taxi at CES

Posted on 7 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

The air vehicle concept Hyundai released today was created in part through a NASA-inspired approach that jump-starts innovation by publicly releasing vehicle design concepts so any company can use them to innovate their air taxi models and engineering technologies. Continue reading →

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Electronic Sales Process – Power Acquires Trilogy Automotive

Posted on 7 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

This in theory expands the capabilities and reach of its existing offering so manufacturers and dealers to improve retail lead management programs. Trilogy Automotive’s patented technology ranges from custom and client driven to turnkey configuration, design and lead management systems. Trilogy has powered automotive companies such as Ford, GM, Nissan, Chrysler, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Jaguar and AutoNation. Continue reading →

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Nissan Blasts Ghosn as Unfit to Serve as An Executive

Posted on 7 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

“The internal investigation found incontrovertible evidence of various acts of misconduct by Ghosn, including misstatement of his compensation and misappropriation of the company’s assets for his personal benefit,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor US Sales Down in -3% 2019 as War Worries Increase

Posted on 6 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

Overall, 2019  light vehicle sales fell 1.3% to 17.05 million vehicles, according to AutoData. Truck sales inched up 2.6% and passenger car sales dropped -10%. In total, 69% of new vehicles sold last year were trucks or SUVs. Electric vehicle sales were up 37% at ~236,000 – but that’s from a tiny baseline. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor 2020 Business Direction – Electrification, Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility Services. Sound Familiar?

Posted on 3 January 2020 by Kenneth Zino

The plan focuses on securing Hyundai’s leadership in the vehicle electrification, expansion of hydrogen industry ecosystem and self-driving commercialization, as well as the progressive expansion of its mobility services businesses. Continue reading →

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Reuters Reports Carlos Ghosn Jumps Bail Before His Trial and Flees Japan for Lebanon Where He Can’t Be Extradited

Posted on 31 December 2019 by Kenneth Zino

“Ghosn’s abrupt departure marks the latest dramatic twist in a year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, jeopardized the alliance of Nissan Motor Co Ltd and its top shareholder Renault SA and cast a harsh light on the fairness of Japan’s judicial system,” Reuters reported.   Continue reading →

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