News

Toyota's Diesel Difficulties

Measuring your effort is essential for growth, but what if your measuring tools are busted? Toyota has suspended shipments of several models, including the Hilux truck and Land Cruiser 300 SUV, due to discrepancies in certification tests for diesel engines. The issue, related to horsepower output testing, affects ten models globally and has led to a re-evaluation of the certification process with regulatory oversight.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Despite the setback, Toyota assures the safety of affected vehicles and is actively working on rectifying the certification irregularities, indicating a strategic focus on regulatory compliance and quality control.

Ford's Mach-E Machinations

Try before you buy. The modest sales growth of Ford's Mustang Mach-E, with only a 3% increase, contrasts with significant sales increases in other EV models, suggesting competitive challenges in the EV market.

• Market Insights: The inclusion of the Mach-E in rental fleets and the challenges posed by the absence of federal tax credits highlight strategic shifts and the importance of incentives in the EV market.

Cat's Electric Excavation

The unveiling of Caterpillar's first battery electric underground mining truck marks a significant advancement in electric and semi-autonomous mining machinery, emphasizing sustainability and safety in mining operations.

• Collaborative Innovation: The collaboration between Caterpillar and Newmont Corporation underscores the role of strategic partnerships in achieving technological breakthroughs in sustainable mining practices.

Tesla’s Labor Litigations

Tesla is appealing a National Labor Relations Board ruling related to CEO Elon Musk's tweet, highlighting the intersection of labor laws, free speech, and corporate governance in the automotive industry.

It’s getting dangerous for a billionaire social media, electric car, spaceship mogul to have a potentially economy-wrecking opinion these days… what happened to free speech?

Hydrogen's Market Margin

A 10% increase in U.S. FCV sales in 2023, despite a significant Q4 decline, indicates fluctuating interest in alternative fuel vehicles, with infrastructure development being a critical factor.

• Dominance of Specific Models: The market dominance of the Toyota Mirai in the FCV segment and the challenges faced by other models highlight the importance of product performance and brand perception in consumer choices.

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Today's news tells us that a growth mindset can only take you as far as your commitment to the fundamentals will allow.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

New tech requires a doubling down on ever-green principles like safety, partnerships, and treating your people with respect and care.

New opportunities, old challenges.