Friday, December 30, 2022

Breaking language barrier for sales success

A big part of Audi Dominion's staff is fluent in Spanish, and that's a big part of the reason for the Texas store's sales success.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/bzWliIK

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Cepton's CES plan: Show investors Lidar tech is ready for prime time

Lidar company Cepton has a contract with GM and wants to use CES to sign up more customers in 2023.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/WYohgRv

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Suppliers bring new visions for a new era

Amid a rapidly changing automotive landscape, CES provides a broad venue for parts suppliers to lay out their visions of the future.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/SLXpnU2

Ex-GM exec lost his son to distracted driving. Fighting it is now his full-time job.

Steve Kiefer quit his job leading international operations at General Motors to focus on improving distracted driving laws.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/VPaGWZT

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Indy Autonomous Challenge returns to CES for a more sophisticated sequel

Autonomous race cars are getting closer to behaving like their human-driven counterparts. The next event takes place at CES in Las Vegas.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/Yzv2Z6u

Tesla used-car price bubble pops, weighs on new-car demand

Prices of used Teslas are falling faster than those of other automakers and the EVs are languishing on dealer lots longer.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/DhWT8d1

Monday, December 26, 2022

EVs occupy the pole position heading into CES

EVs from BMW and Stellantis will be among the transportation innovations unveiled at CES in Las Vegas as global electrification trends intensify.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/mg3XQa5

Friday, December 23, 2022

LIFO relief for dealers passes Senate; no vote from House

The Supply Chain Disruptions Relief Act, designed to give dealerships that use the "last in, first out" inventory accounting method tax help as they restock their inventories.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/4pjVElx

LIFO relief for dealers passes Senate; fate in House undecided

The Supply Chain Disruptions Relief Act, designed to give dealerships that use the "last in, first out" inventory accounting method tax help as they restock their inventories.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/LxTzlRj

Thursday, December 22, 2022

NHTSA probes two more Tesla crashes involving suspected driver assistance

The new crashes under investigation include an eight-vehicle crash in San Francisco in which the driver of a 2021 Tesla Model S reported the Full-Self Driving feature had malfunctioned, according to a police report.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/m7g1eRq

McLaren recalls just launched Artura in U.S. for faulty nuts

The McLaren Artura, which suffered software and supply chain delays that pushed back its launch, has been recalled for faulty nuts.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/n5hmrQN

Tesla dispatches Shanghai boss, aides to jumpstart U.S. output

SHANGHAI -- Tesla Inc.'s China chief Tom Zhu and a team of his reports has been brought in to troubleshoot production issues in the United States, fueling talk among colleagues he is being groomed for a bigger role at a time when CEO Elon Musk has been distracted by Twitter.

Zhu, who heads Tesla's Asia operations, has been traveling with a team including Shanghai gigafactory manager, Song Gang, to Tesla's plants in California and Texas, and was there as recently as last week, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Both asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Tesla did not respond to written requests for comment from Reuters sent to its Shanghai and global media relations accounts. Musk did not respond to a Reuters' email seeking comments for the story. Zhu and Song could not be reached for comment.

Under Zhu, Tesla Shanghai rebounded strongly from lockdowns this year to bring Tesla close to its growth target for 2022 of 50 percent production growth. Analysts expect output to fall short at closer to 45 percent, based on forecasts for the just-concluding fourth quarter.

Zhu and others made their first trip to the United States for Tesla this year in August, one of the people said, at a time when the company has some key management roles there unfilled.

Among the projects the Shanghai team have worked on is Tesla's long-delayed Cybertruck, its next new model, a third person said.

Tesla's Austin plant is ramping up production of the Model Y and readying the Cybertruck. The Fremont plant is preparing to launch a new version of the Model 3, which will start production in Shanghai next year, Reuters has reported.

Some Tesla investors and analysts have voiced concerns about Musk's distraction following his acquisition of Twitter in October and the depth of the executive bench at the electric-car company.

Bloomberg reported this month that Zhu was helping to run the Austin plant. However, Zhu's colleagues in Shanghai believe he is in line for a more senior and wider-ranging role at Tesla, the two people said.

A close aide to Zhu in Shanghai circulated a farewell poem for the China boss in recent weeks on social media, anticipating his new assignment, according to the message reviewed by Reuters.

On the road

At the Austin factory, Chinese engineers were seen by people at the plant working in the area reserved for development of the Cybertruck and batteries, a third person with knowledge of operations there said. Tesla has targeted production of the Cybertruck next year.

At Fremont, Calif., Chinese staff have been working on Model Y underbody assemblies, according to another person with knowledge of their work there.

When Tesla posted a picture on Twitter on Friday to celebrate Austin hitting a new production milestone of 3,000 Model Ys in a week -- still less than a third of the weekly output of Shanghai last quarter -- Zhu was shown smiling with hundreds of people on the factory floor.

Zhu, who was born in China but now holds a New Zealand passport, is a no-fuss manager who favors Tesla-branded fleece jackets and lives in a government-subsidized apartment a 10-minute drive from the Shanghai Gigafactory, according to people who work with him and his comments to Chinese media.

When Musk sent a memo in early June warning he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy, Shanghai was on track to end the quarter down 36% from the quarter before because of COVID lockdowns, data released later showed.

With help from Shanghai officials, Zhu restarted operations by asking thousands of workers and suppliers to stay at the factory for more than six weeks.

Zhu himself opted to stay longer, sleeping at the factory as Musk had in 2018 when Fremont was struggling to ramp production, two people with knowledge of the events told Reuters.

Roaring back

Shanghai, a complex that employs some 20,000 workers, came roaring back in the third quarter, with output of the Model Y and Model 3 up over 70 percent on the quarter.

Through September, Shanghai accounted for more than half of Tesla's output.

The plant has excelled in applying cost-saving, factory-floor innovations for Tesla, including the use of massive casting machines to simplify production.

"The manufacturing people who led that push are obvious choices to spread the production gospel into the other new plants," said Sam Fiorani, who tracks production trends Auto Forecast Solutions.

Tesla board member James Murdoch said last month the company had recently identified a potential successor to Musk without naming the person. Murdoch did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters has no evidence that Zhu is the possible candidate.

"With Elon Musk's attention currently being pulled in a number of directions, finding someone to help guide Tesla is important, especially someone with the manufacturing know-how that Tom Zhu has," Fiorani said.

Some investors are skeptical that Zhu alone could turn things around: "In America, doing business is very, very different than running a factory in China," Ross Gerber, a Tesla investor and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management said on Twitter Spaces on Tuesday. "So I think Elon needs to be at Tesla."



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/tqiAJgQ

CarMax Q3 retail used-vehicle sales fall 21% as net income plunges 86%

CarMax's net income plunged 86 percent to $37.6 million during the quarter ended Nov. 30. Net revenue fell 24 percent to $6.5 billion, the company said.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/WiUR6XT

Tesla shares suffer worst year ever - and 2023 looks bad, too

Tesla investors are confronting a new reality after CEO Elon Musk bought Twitter and competition intensifies from established major automakers.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/PzjhxpD

Tesla dangles $7,500 discount in rare move to boost deliveries

The discount Tesla is dangling on new Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers is double what the company was offering earlier this month, and likely has to do with changes to U.S. tax credits that take effect in 2023.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/so0EhKb

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

AutoNation, Ken Garff Automotive among dealership buyers in Q3, Q4 deals

Stellantis, Acura, Ford, Kia and Volkswagen dealerships traded hands in four states in third-quarter and fourth-quarter transactions.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/uAvJk18

Banned, fined Calif. dealer says AG's office wore him down into settling for $1.7 million

Paul Blanco and co-owner Putu Blanco said they were worn down by the state into settling and denied the behavior the court said had been stipulated by Paul Blanco's Good Car Company Auto Group.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/IRaSDPb

BMW to make Solid Power's battery cells under expanded agreement

BMW intends to duplicate Solid Power's pilot production lines at its own facility in Germany and produce prototype cells based on Solid Power’s proprietary technology.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/rFKGN0I

Musk will exit as Twitter CEO once he finds 'someone foolish' to take the job

Musk plans to retain control over Twitter’s engineering teams even after a new CEO is appointed.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/POTYvfE

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Remembering those we lost this year

The auto industry lost several of its well-known stars this year, along with influential voices and faces from decades past.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/YczArZg

Genesis COO Mike Song elevated to brand's global head

Song, who has been with Hyundai Motor Group since 1993, will retain his COO role with the luxury brand.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/tiG4zRM

Wells Fargo to pay $3.7 billion for mistreating auto, mortgage customers

Wells Fargo has been trying to resolve a raft of scandals that began in 2016 with the revelation that the bank opened millions of bogus accounts.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/PewdBUR

Acura ZDX electric crossover breaks cover in prototype form

Acura will unveil the ZDX and ZDX Type S electric crossovers next year, which will share many of styling cues shown on the Precision EV Concept. The EV is expected to go on sale in the fall of 2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/mvCUcYq

NHTSA investigating if Hertz rented unrepaired recalled vehicles

The agency said the issue involved Ford Explorers and Nissan Altimas, but did not disclose the number of vehicles involved. The recall issues involved include latches and locks, NHTSA said.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/fpXmMHF

VW shuffles top purchasing posts amid supply chain disruption

The changes come after a top executive said the automaker is suffering "flat-out chaos" in the supply chain.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/hqk7PfX

Monday, December 19, 2022

U.S. Treasury delays EV tax credit guidance until March

Treasury had been required to issue proposed guidance by Dec. 31. The delay impacts some of the rules for EV incentives between Jan. 1 and the time the guidance will be issued next year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/9j3RSZo

Cavender Auto Family adds Subaru, Chevy and Buick-GMC dealerships

Cavender Auto Family, in its latest acquisition, added Subaru, Chevy and Buick-GMC dealerships, more than doubling its dealership count in Oklahoma.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/8OwJMrk

Renesas to restart Beijing chip factory hampered by COVID outbreak

Renesas, the world's top maker of automobile chips, said Monday it was making up for lost output with existing stock and did not expect much of an impact from the brief stoppage.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/RhGsTDl

Tesla stock rallies on prospect of Elon Musk stepping back as Twitter CEO

Users cast more than 17.5 million votes, and 57.5 percent were in favor of him relinquishing his role as Twitter CEO.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/BdubU57

Sunday, December 18, 2022

The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: Recession would ease crisis

Automakers expect to cut fewer than 3 million vehicles from their production schedules because of the microchip shortage in 2023, a significant improvement from this year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/A6Ngpbw

Road rage shooting leaves Cox Automotive employee injured

A Cox Automotive employee was shot Dec. 15 in Alabama. Responding police say the shooting was a result of road rage.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/t6FKnES

Economy chills investments in EVs and mobility

Caution ahead: Venture capitalists say EV and transportation tech investments face headwinds, more scrutiny



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/zO0YIpN

Saturday, December 17, 2022

A Tesla Xmas: Apple Music, Zoom highlight software update

Tesla's annual holiday software update finally brings Apple Music to Tesla infotainment, along with in-car Zoom meetings, an exterior light show and a live camera feed for monitoring four-legged friends.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/ihQtLbf

Elon Musk restores Twitter accounts of journalists after suspensions draw backlash

The episode is being regarded by critics as fresh evidence of Musk, who considers himself a "free speech absolutist," eliminating speech and users he personally dislikes.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/vDPHS0q

Stellantis ramps up U.S. captive finance arm

Around 1,600 of the automaker's more than 2,600 U.S. dealerships have begun using the in-house financing arm since its launch just over a year ago.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/7Tfkyel

Friday, December 16, 2022

Jay Leno recounts ‘horrific' garage accident

The comedian and former NADA Show headliner joked that the worst part was seeing so much expensive gasoline go to waste.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/ReD4VmP

Volkswagen investors revive governance grumbles even with despite special dividend

Volkswagen shareholders renewed their criticism of CEO Oliver Blume's dual roles on Friday, even as they rubber stamped a roughly 9.6 billion euro ($10.2 billion) special dividend following the Porsche AG listing.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/C9TxYyE

Ritchie Bros. takeover of ‘inferior' IAA opposed by Luxor

A top Ritchie Bros. shareholder is opposing a takeover of auto salvage and parts auction company IAA Inc., a business it calls "distinctly inferior."



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/xFZ4lvB

Tesla says Texas factory is making 3,000 Model Ys a week

Tesla is building 3,000 Model Y crossovers a week at its new Austin, Texas, factory — a sign the EV maker is making up for lost time.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/nY26Sot

VW is on a solid footing, CEO Blume says

Oliver Blume said the group was strong after he reshuffled senior roles, defined the automaker's strategy for China and North America, and revised its software and platform strategy.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/1KJVBXG

Faraday Future targets April for EV deliveries, sees fresh funding

Despite saying it had "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern last month, Faraday Future hopes to continue with fresh funding.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/L9ucmXb

Ex-VW CEO Diess will head Infineon board

Infineon expects to benefit from Diess's experience as a top executive at VW and BMW.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/bZTmYef

Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi and Buick-GMC dealerships sell in Q3, Q4 deals

Chevy, Ford, Mitsubishi and Buick-GMC dealerships traded hands in third- and fourth-quarter deals across five states. Lithia Motors was the seller in one deal.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/2FaKmoX

U.S. opens probe into GM Cruise vehicles' autonomous driving system

U.S. auto safety regulators said they have opened a formal safety probe into the autonomous driving system in vehicles produced by General Motors' robotaxi unit Cruise LLC.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/8Jv6qRG

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Ford hikes price of cheapest F-150 Lightning

Ford Motor Co. has raised the price of the cheapest variant of its F-150 Lightning electric truck 9 percent to $55,974, according to the company's website.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/0U7qLVR

Jonathan Sobel-led group buys Porsche, Audi, VW dealerships

Jonathan Sobel's group's purchase of Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen dealerships follows a $70 million investment from Franchise Equity Partners in October.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/QTgPq6v

Tesla searches for water to expand German factory output to 1M

Tesla wants to double the capacity of its plant near Berlin to over a million cars a year, pending approval from local authorities.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/cI5TWmN

Elon Musk sells $3.6B worth of his stake in Tesla

Elon Musk's sale of almost 22 million Tesla shares for $3.58 billion comes as stock in the company has plunged 55 percent this year on concerns over the CEO's purchase of Twitter.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/7UtlWCV

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

1 dead in shooting at Forvia plant near Detroit

A 40-year-old man was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead, police said. A 29-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/rlAcDY3

Renamed, reengineered Audi Q8 E-tron gets a big range boost

The renamed Audi Q8 E-tron began salable production Wednesday at its home plant in Brussels. Better engineering and battery construction have boosted the crossover's range up to 600 kilometers under the European testing cycle, Audi says.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/jTOWr1p

China dealers seek compensation over Stellantis Jeep failure, report says

Stellantis is overhauling its China strategy and has agreed to a bankruptcy petition at a longtime Jeep venture.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/coPNQBF

Mercedes gears up powertrain network for EVs from 2024

Mercedes' plan will include investing in battery assembly, electric drive units, and axles from 2024.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/JSjCfLq

VW Group promotes Audi, Porsche execs to top roles

CEO Oliver Blume's latest management changes aim to improve coordination and synergies between the VW, Audi and Porsche brands.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/mqurfkK

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Ellis Automotive founder Jim Ellis dies at 90

Ellis Automotive founder Jim Ellis, a longtime Georgia car dealer, died just weeks after his son, Jimmy Ellis.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/t5yGZDQ

Mazda's 2024 CX-90 will be brand's 1st plug-in hybrid for U.S.

The CX-90 will be Mazda's first nationally available electrified vehicle. It plays a critical role in moving the brand's image upmarket as it dives deeper into electrification.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/YdgMs6k

Forvia to lay off 268 near Detroit after moving work to Mexico

The plant supplies seats for the Jeep Wagoneer program at Stellantis' Warren Truck Assembly Plant. Forvia recently changed its name from Faurecia following its acquisition of Hella.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/V1qbYxr

Guest commentary: Automakers can't afford to keep building EVs that run on lithium ion batteries

As things currently stand, lithium ion battery prices are the biggest obstacle to widespread EV adoption and reduced tailpipe emissions.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/28htoYa

Autonomous yard truck company Outrider creates robotic way to attach trailer brake and electric lines

The technology relies on software-based algorithms, hardware and sensors that are integrated into the robot arms.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/rJ4bsPm

Musk’s $5.7 billion mystery gift went to his own charity

The Musk Foundation held $9.4 billion in assets at the end of 2021, according to a tax filing obtained by Bloomberg News. It sent about $160 million to nonprofits last year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/RqmQ39y

Monday, December 12, 2022

Asbury sells 9 North Carolina dealerships to Hudson Automotive

It was Asbury's second big batch of divestitures this year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/4LGUqmj

Jeep Cherokee plant to be ‘idle, not closed,' Stellantis exec says

News that Belvidere Assembly in Illinois will halt production early next year came a week after state lawmakers approved expanding tax incentives available to retool it for EVs.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/srFQwbN

Data analytics can help unlock battery bottlenecks

EV battery makers will need to learn to manage data in new ways and consider different business models in order to bring new technologies to market faster, executives said.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/ySTFsgh

Stellantis to make solar power push at southeast Michigan operations

Stellantis is looking to solar power to help cut its carbon footprint, and has made a clean energy commitment to add 400 megawatts of new solar projects in Michigan.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/O7rhi8j

Toyota might delay some EV programs, report says

Toyota is expected to outline adjustments to its electric-vehicle strategy to key suppliers early next year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/Hwc2XPF

U.S. completes $2.5 billion loan to GM, LG battery joint venture

The U.S. Energy Department said it finalized a $2.5 billion loan to a joint venture of GM and LG Energy Solution to help pay for three new lithium-ion battery cell plants.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/n1jhRtv

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Race for UAW leader heads to runoff

Six newcomers will be sworn in on the 14-member board as several races head to runoffs in January.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/LYDhoJZ

TV veteran excels at local news coverage

Tom Carl, who has spent nearly 18 years in a TV newsroom in Hartford, Conn., has joined Automotive News as visual operations manager.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/xks7lvi

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Inventory continues to rise, hits 1.61 million

U.S. inventory grew by another 150,000 vehicles last month to reach 1.61 million, giving dealers their best supply of new vehicles all year going into the last few weeks of 2022.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/0blXknz

Friday, December 9, 2022

Chevy Corvette E-Ray images leak

The configurator for the new Corvette E-Ray briefly appeared online before going dark, CorvetteBlogger.com reported, confirming the long-rumored name.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/GyTEiIP

U.S. confirms death linked to faulty Takata airbag in 2002 Honda Accord

In a statement Friday, American Honda Motor Co. said the Accord had been under recall since April 2011 for replacement of the original Takata driver's side airbag inflator.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/0EX1mai

Shift Technologies, CarLotz shareholders approve merger

Shareholders of Shift Technologies and CarLotz approved the merger agreement during a special meeting.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/VxbXoyT

Mitsubishi, Ford, Nissan and Infiniti dealerships trade hands in Q3, Q4 deals

Three established dealership groups expanded with store acquisitions, while a former used-vehicle store owner bought his first franchised new-car dealership.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/w0g7fXn

U.S. questions automakers in probe of possible air-bag explosions

U.S. auto safety regulators posed fresh questions to roughly a dozen automakers and parts suppliers in a long-running probe of air-bag inflators that could explode in a crash.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/Z0GQdVt

Kyrsten Sinema switches to independent, diluting Democratic-led Senate

Her move won't affect the overall control of the Senate next year. She doesn't intend to caucus with the Republicans.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/fNr82HT

UAW wins vote in U.S. EV battery plant

The UAW won an election at a GM and LG Energy Solution Ltd. electric-car battery plant in Lordstown, Ohio, giving the union its first win in a factory of that kind.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/43n1h2v

Thursday, December 8, 2022

What will a split Congress mean for the auto industry?

The congressional shakeup could diminish the swing-vote influence of dissenting Democrats such as Sen. Joe Manchin, while boosting the profile of members such as Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock, whose state has landed multibillion-dollar investments from the electric vehicle industry, including from Hyundai and Rivian.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/ycUZs4q

Recycling EV batteries critical to meeting electrification targets, executives say

Finding ways to effectively recycle electric vehicle batteries will be crucial for the auto industry as it looks to figure out where it will source critical materials in 2030 and beyond.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/t9HX3L1

Wholesale used-car prices show slight decline in November

Cox Automotive said its Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell just 0.3 percent in November from October, following more substantial declines earlier in the autumn season.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/sMi9Udo

BMW looks into satellite-based Internet service

High cost and limited data transmission capacity can make in-vehicle satellite-based Internet service challenging.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/x6rMHOG

Rising battery prices threaten affordable EV push

Falling battery prices have helped the auto industry’s move toward electrification and more affordable EVs, but prices now seem to be going in the opposite direction.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/ujTUV5F

Musk brings Tesla's China chief to Texas to run gigafactory, report says

Tesla has been trying to increase output at its new Texas factory which builds the Model Y SUV.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/eoVkj6O

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Ford CMO Suzy Deering abruptly departs

Deering, who joined Ford in early 2021 from eBay, was among Jim Farley's first hires as CEO. Ford will announce her replacement later.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/oxOdQHE

Key creditors in pact to avert brawl as Carvana's prospects dim

Some of Carvana largest creditors have signed a pact binding them to act together in negotiations with the company, a move meant to prevent the kind of nasty creditor fights that have complicated other debt restructurings.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/CS8LR3s

Apple scales back self-driving car, delays debut until 2026


Apple executives are grappling with the reality that the company's vision for a fully autonomous vehicle — without a steering wheel or pedals — is not feasible with current technology.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/KnCDdM2

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

UAW presses automakers to move supply chain out of Xinjiang

A new report on Tuesday suggests that nearly every major automaker has significant exposure to products made with forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/yrvxuzc

Toyota names new head of production engineering and manufacturing

Takefumi Shiga, a longtime Toyota executive, will succeed Toshio Niimi as executive vice president for production engineering and manufacturing with Toyota Motor North America, effective Jan. 1.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/h6Zj7B9

Envision AESC to invest $810 million on U.S. BMW battery plant

Envision AESC's 1.5-million-square-foot battery factory in Florence, S.C., will create 1,170 jobs and build a next-generation lithium ion cell for BMW.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/2P4JGqh

Honda brand returns to top 5 in dealer attitudes

Honda regains its top-five spot in the latest National Automobile Dealers Association's Dealer Attitude Survey, following an unusual drop to No. 6 in a previous survey.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/W1tw7QK

EV battery makers face emissions scrutiny, Panasonic unit chief says

Electric vehicles battery makers will need to respond to climate change and sustainability goals by disclosing their carbon footprints and reducing the use of rare metals, according to a senior executive at Panasonic's battery unit.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/y2Gc0A8

Monday, December 5, 2022

Aurora's Chris Urmson sees self-driving technology shakeout

Aurora CEO Chris Urmson pushes company into autonomous trucking as quickest path to profitability.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/fEeqG8F

GM, Microsoft execs: Digital groundwork for connected vehicle future is happening now

General Motors' Scott Miller and Sanjay Ravi with Microsoft told Automotive News Congress that the foundations for a vastly changed digital automotive ecosystem are being laid now.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/T6r2OqQ

All 14 Stellantis brands performing since merger, exec says

"Everybody's got a fighting chance," North American COO Mark Stewart said of the brands brought together by combining FCA and PSA.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/oh0OxVQ

From a distant corner, a harbinger of good times for the auto industry

Toolmakers are seeing a wave of new business headed their way — a sign automakers are about to get busier.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/g8ZDSy2

The EV motor's evolution is just beginning

When the auto industry trains its product development guns on a component, that item usually gets smaller, lighter, simpler, more powerful and more efficient. That's what's happening today to the electric motor, which is really just now starting what will likely be a very long journey in the automobile.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/9wK75Vr

Ford Pro agrees to send 2,000 electric vans to Deutsche Post DHL Group

Ford Pro, the automaker's unit focusing on commercial customers, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche Post DHL Group to supply the German courier service with 2,000 electric vans.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/nzJjUSk

Sunday, December 4, 2022

The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: A bad December in store

North American auto plants are holding firm on their production schedules this week, but the microchip shortage is still hovering over the year.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/bSZyzik

Used-car values expected to hold despite price drops

Used-vehicle prices are dropping, but models are likely to hold more value through at least 2025 than they did pre-pandemic, according to experts from J.D. Power and Black Book.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/hqAmpKH

Saturday, December 3, 2022

AutoNation slowly integrates captive CIG

Dealership group AutoNation sees recently acquired CIG Financial as a potential revenue source and strategic asset.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/wPzSBqR

UAW members send presidential race to runoff, oust 4 incumbent leaders

President Ray Curry will go head-to-head with challenger Shawn Fain after neither got a majority of votes. The union's secretary-treasurer and three regional directors lost outright.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/3AZeNx9

Elevated value of used vehicles is expected to hold

Used-vehicle prices are dropping, but models are likely to hold more value through at least 2025 than they did pre-pandemic, according to experts from J.D. Power and Black Book.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/J2bVnif

Friday, December 2, 2022

Group 1 Automotive buys Mercedes-Benz dealership

Group 1 Automotive has acquired a Mercedes-Benz dealership, which it says is its 17th store selling the brand.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/OXCBURi

SiriusXM hack unlocks, starts cars

Security researchers discovered a flaw in SiriusXM service to remotely operate Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota models.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/AG6ZpYH

GM, LG to invest $275M more at Tenn. Ultium plant

The increased investment in the Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill will add 400 jobs and increase annual production capacity at the battery plant from 35 to 50 gigawatt-hours.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/EQwWe0Z

SiriusXM breach unlocks, starts cars

Security researchers discovered a flaw in SiriusXM service to remotely operate Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota models.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/8mcquQU

McLaren sells historic cars to raise cash for Artura upgrades

McLaren's heritage vehicles include 54 rare Formula 1 racing cars and F1 supercars, according to its 2021 annual report.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/2MmAIXJ

Rail strike threat averted

The Senate passed legislation to avert a crippling U.S. rail strike on an 80 to 15 vote and sent the measure to President Joe Biden for his signature.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/PzxWeuY

Fisker says no bank guarantee with partner Magna Steyr

Short-seller Fuzzy Panda Research said Fisker's access to its funds is limited because of undisclosed bank guarantees to protect Magna Steyr, which is building the Fisker Ocean electric SUVs.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/dDecUWM

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Automotive News Leading Women Conference: Purpose and impact

Women inside and outside the auto industry shared ideas on collaboration and innovation for future success.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/9iC7wmV

Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru U.S. sales surge in November; Honda falls

Volume jumped 10 percent at Toyota, 43 percent at Hyundai and 25 percent at Kia as production and inventory improved. Mazda deliveries surged 31 percent. Honda fell 6.1 percent.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/3bMNQPv

Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda U.S. sales surge in November

Volume jumped 10 percent at Toyota, 43 percent at Hyundai and 25 percent at Kia as production and inventory improved. Mazda deliveries surged 31 percent.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/nY4zoAk

Improved Data Center easier to use, more personalized

Subscribers can use a new dashboard feature to pin specific data points that are relevant to their role in the industry.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/kLsdOig

Production of world's first solar car begins

The Lightyear 0 can charge up to 70 km (43 miles) of driving range each day using curved solar panels across the hood and roof.



from Section Page News - Automotive News https://ift.tt/jFed1IN