Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

Stellantis Reports Legacy FCA, PSA 2020 Financial Results

Posted on 5 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Nonetheless Stellantis was profitable in 2020 despite COVID-19 with 7.1% Automotive adjusted operating margin at €3.4 billion. Its 9.4% H2 Automotive adjusted operating margin was a record. The net result of group share was €2.2 billion with €2.7 billion Automotive free cash flow and a €13.2 billion Automotive net financial position. Continue reading →

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SEC Starts Task Force on Climate Change Investment Risks

Posted on 4 March 2021 by Ken Zino

What this means, in short, is that things are getting tougher for companies that are part of the global warming crisis or want to profit from investors who wish to support firms that are run on an environmentally friendly basis.  but wish to avoid the consequences. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are an “increasingly popular way for investors to evaluate companies in which they might want to invest,” said the SEC. In the financial markets, mutual funds, brokerage firms, and robo-advisors now offer products that employ ESG criteria. ESG criteria can also help investors avoid companies that might pose a greater financial risk due to their environmental or other practices. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts a +29% Global Sales Increase in 2021

Posted on 4 March 2021 by Ken Zino

In China, Volvo Cars sold 29,243 cars in the first two months of the year, up 160.6% year-on-year, as the company managed to more than recover lost sales due to Covid-19 shutdowns last year. For the month of February, Volvo Cars sold a total of 50,795 cars, up 27.8% compared with the same month last year, and the company’s best February sales performance ever. Continue reading →

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Ugh – US Light Vehicle Sales Drop during February 2021

Posted on 3 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Blame the weather since US light vehicle sales dropped to 1.18 million in February, according LMC Automotive, an automotive global forecasting consultancy. Continue reading →

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World’s First Electric Bentleys to be Built by Lunaz

Posted on 3 March 2021 by Ken Zino

This expanded UK manufacturing footprint forms a key pillar of a multi-phased growth strategy that will see Lunaz – it hopes – become a global leader in the EV conversions of passenger and industrial vehicles. Continue reading →

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First Look – February 2021 Auto Sales

Posted on 3 March 2021 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America sold 48,300 vehicle sales for February 2021, only a -6.6% decrease compared to a February sales record set in 2020 Continue reading →

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Volvo to Only Sell EVs Online as a Pure EV Company by 2030

Posted on 2 March 2021 by Ken Zino

The strategy is focused on what appears to be the fastest-growing segment in the global car industry: the premium electric market. Volvo Cars aspires to be a leader or at least a survivor in this segment and will focus on developing electric cars only going forward. It does however face potential legal problems form current authorized dealers or dealership groups. Continue reading →

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Brazil –  A Ford Motor South American Nightmare

Posted on 2 March 2021 by Ken Zino

In  money-losing South America there is a governmental history of graft and corruption, economic catastrophes and failed financial and fiscal policies – among other factors at play. The brew distilling there appears to be 151-proof toxic. The outcome is a potential drunk-driving multi-car collision that will leave smoldering businesses and tragically ruined lives and careers. This is all playing out against a backdrop of a new potent Corona virus variant in Brazil and an ongoing public health disaster. Deaths have surpassed 250,000 there. It is the world’s second-highest mortality tally after the U.S. Continue reading →

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Daimler Truck, Volvo Group Create “cellcentric” Fuel-Cell JV

Posted on 1 March 2021 by Ken Zino

The joint venture will develop, produce and commercialize fuel-cell systems for use in heavy-duty trucks as the primary focus, as well as other applications. A key goal of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group is to start with customer tests of trucks with fuel-cells in about three years and to commence series production during the second half of this decade. Continue reading →

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HomeStation – Connected Home Charging for Electric Vehicles

Posted on 26 February 2021 by Ken Zino

Home Station is the brand’s fastest home charger. Under the 40-amp configuration, it can provide charging speeds of up to 9.6kW – 6.8 times faster than on a Level 1 charger. This means some EVs can add up to 33 miles of range per hour. Continue reading →

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Brazil to Nationalize Ford Motor Plants?

Posted on 25 February 2021 by Ken Zino

Ford workers are looking for ways to protect their jobs and have agreed to begin talks with the US carmaker’s global management team today. They are also looking into the possibility of introducing a bill to nationalize Ford’s operations in Brazil. Continue reading →

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Daimler Earns €4.0 billion in 2020

Posted on 25 February 2021 by Ken Zino

During 2020, net profit improved to €4.0 billion (2019: €2.7 billion). Net profit attributable to the shareholders of Daimler AG amounted to €3.6 billion (2019: €2.4 billion), leading to an increase in earnings per share to €3.39 (2019: €2.22). At the Annual General Meeting on 31March 31, 2021 the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of €1.35 per share (2019: €0.90). Total payout will amount to €1.4 billion (2019: €1.0 billion). Continue reading →

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New St. Clair Magna Plant to Supply GMC’s Hummer EV

Posted on 24 February 2021 by Ken Zino

The battery enclosure contributes to structural and safety aspects of a vehicle’s frame and protects high-voltage batteries from damage and water. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Sedan

Posted on 23 February 2021 by Ken Zino

As the first model in the new Lexus F SPORT Performance line, the IS 500 engine is larger in displacement and performance compared the IS 350’s 3.5-liter V6. (see AutoInformed on 2019 Lexus ES 350 in Production at Georgetown Kentucky) The IS 500 has a maximum output of 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Naturally it’s heavier at 3,891 pounds, gaining 143 pounds of additional curb weight over the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 on paper is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph elapsed time of 4.5 seconds and has a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Continue reading →

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Groupe Renault and Faurecia to Work on Hydrogen Storage

Posted on 22 February 2021 by Ken Zino

Hydrogen, of course, is central to an ongoing energy transition toward zero-emissions mobility. Fuel cell electric vehicle technology will be significant in the powertrain and vehicle mix by 2030 promoted or demanded by government regulations, taxpayer subsidies and the growing realization that Global Warming is a significant health and economic threat. Continue reading →

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