Archives for May 2015

Note: Due to my absence in China. today a bit later than usual. Please accept my apologies.

Top News:

• US: GM pays 306 claims from ‘ignition switch’ compensation fund – Just-auto: Latest on GM’s long-running ‘ignition switch’ recall/compensation saga: according to US media reports, bankruptcy judge Robert Gerber has put on hold dozens of lawsuits accusing the automaker of concealing the ignition switch defect while plaintiffs in those cases appeal his earlier ruling that found their cases barred.
• Automotive Industry Innovation Declines in 2014 – Detroit Bureau: Despite all the talk of driverless and connected cars, a new study suggests that the pace of innovation in the automobile industry has actually slowed in the past year. The industry’s patent growth fell to just 3% last year. Get the story at TheDetroitBureau.com.
• KOREA/US: More carmakers add Google and Apple systems – Just-auto: Carmakers are moving quickly to follow Hyundai’s lead in offer Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay systems.
• Fiat Chrysler merger email to GM not the only one it sent to rivals – chairman – Reuters: Marchionne said on Thursday only that he writes “lots of emails”, but Fiat … Elkann said his company had “very good prospects” given Fiat’s merger…
• US: Hyundai confident of 2015 sales target – report – Just-auto: Hyundai is confident it will reach the 760,000 unit target set for 2015 US sales set back in January.

[ There is more … ]

Top News:

• Fiat Chrysler CEO predicts another industry merger “by 2018” – Reuters: Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne is convinced there will be another merger deal in the carmaking industry within the next three years, he said on Thursday, not denying reports that he sent an email earlier this year courting U.S. rival General Motors.
• GM ignition-switch suits put on ice by U.S. judge, for now – Automotive News: A federal bankruptcy judge on Wednesday put on hold dozens of lawsuits accusing General Motors of concealing an ignition-switch defect while the plaintiffs in those cases appeal an earlier ruling that found their cases were barred.
• Ford to allow other automakers to access its EV technologies – Reuters: Ford Motor Co said it would allow other automakers to access its electrified vehicle technologies to accelerate research and development of these vehicles.
• UK: London coming back on motor show circuit – Just-auto: London is to return to the motor show circuit next year with an open air event in Battersea Park, next to the River Thames, run by a privately owned events organisation.
• US: Hyundai “extremely concerned” by crisis consuming FIFA – Just-auto: Hyundai has added its voice to the weight of concern surrounding the crisis currently engulfing FIFA as world football’s governing body faces arguably its greatest challenge ever.
• Japan’s DeNA Wants Olympic Athletes to Ride Their Robot Taxis – Bloomberg: DeNA and its partner ZMP Inc. aim to offer a driverless car by 2020, the … Co. have said this year that they’re plowing investment into driverless cars.
• ITALY: Lamborghini confirms new SUV for 2018 – Just-auto: VW Group-owned supercar brand Lamborghini has confirmed a luxury SUV as a third model to join its product range.

[ There is more … ]

Note: I am in China for the week. Due to China’s blocking of Google, this week’s collecting of news can be  seriously impeded. News can be missing altogether. We ask your indulgence.

Top News:

• Air Force certifies Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch national security missions – Washington Post: It took a court case, tens of millions of dollars and some heated words, but Elon Musk’s quest to be able to launch satellites for the Pentagon finally concluded Tuesday.The Air Force announced that SpaceX, Musk’s California-based company,won its long-awaited certification from the Pentagon.Read full article >>
• SpaceX Gains Approval to Enter $70 Billion Military Market – Bloomberg: They have a vehicle that’s proven and about half the price of the nearest … the luxury electric-car maker Musk runs, and Gracias also is a director for…
• Tata Motors shares drop after China troubles hit profit – Reuters: Under pressure from official campaigns, automakers such as General Motors (GM.N) and Ford Motor Co (F.N) have cut prices or increased discounts…
• BYD to Spend Funds From Share Sale to Expand Battery Production – Bloomberg: The maker of electric buses and cars urgently needs to increase the capacity to capitalize on opportunities in the market, according to the company’s…

[ There is more … ]