KPI — March 2022: The Brief

More than 440.8 million COVID-19 cases and 5.9 million deaths have been confirmed across the globe. Vaccination efforts remain a top priority among health and government officials, with the ultimate goal of reaching herd immunity. Approximately 10.5 billion doses have been administered around the world, with 215 million Americans, or 65.3% of the total U.S.… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: The Brief

KPI — March 2022: State of Business — Automotive Industry

Global Light Vehicle (LV) sales crossed the finish line at 81.3 million units in 2021. Despite a 5% year-over-year increase, the global market remains down 10% compared to 2019. The new year started on a positive note, with volume in China up 4.6%. Some markets across Europe also posted strong improvement, including Germany and the… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: State of Business — Automotive Industry

KPI — March 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls

2014 Kia Soul Vehicles Affected: Approximately 128,300 model-year 2014 Kia Souls are being recalled. The Problem: In January, the company issued a recall because the airbag control unit cover was coming into contact with a memory chip, thus potentially damaging the electrical circuits in later-model (2017-2019) Souls and Soul EVs. Now, the airbag control unit… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls

KPI — March 2022: State of the Economy

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased .8% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising .6% in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all-items index increased 7.9% before seasonal adjustment over the past 12 months – the largest increase since January 1982. Key Takeaways, Courtesy of… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: State of the Economy

KPI — March 2022: Consumer Trends

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® decreased again in February. The Index now stands at 110.5 (1985=100), down from 111.1 in January and 115.8 in December. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – improved to 145.1 from 144.5 last month. The Expectations Index – based… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: Consumer Trends

Ukraine Invasion Impacting Supply Chain, Inflation

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to further disrupt global supply chains just as shipping delays were poised to improve, according to a recent report from Yahoo News. Russia’s attack in late February sent oil prices surging, and energy costs are expected to remain high, making the transportation of goods much more expensive, while also having… Continue reading Ukraine Invasion Impacting Supply Chain, Inflation

Stellantis Teases All-Electric Jeep, RAM 1500

During the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan presentation, Carlos Tavares, chief executive officer of Stellantis, revealed images of the first-ever 100% battery-electric Jeep SUV and the all-electric RAM 1500 BEV pickup truck, as the brand continues its initiatives toward the full electrification of its SUV portfolio, the company said. This new fully electric Jeep… Continue reading Stellantis Teases All-Electric Jeep, RAM 1500

Piston Foundation Partners with Lime Rock Park

The Piston Foundation has formed a new partnership with Lime Rock Park in which both parties will have an active role in providing automotive career opportunities for those who want to learn and practice the skilled trades, the organization announced. “The Piston Foundation’s mission is to promote and fund skilled-trade education to create rewarding career… Continue reading Piston Foundation Partners with Lime Rock Park

Ford Divides EV, ICE Business

Ford is splitting its electric vehicle and internal combustion engine businesses into two distinct operations, the automaker announced. Ford Blue will build the company’s portfolio of ICE vehicles, which the company said will aim to drive growth and profitability, while Ford Model e will accelerate the development of electric vehicles, software and connected vehicle technologies… Continue reading Ford Divides EV, ICE Business

‘Testang’ Shows What’s Possible with Performance EV Swaps

The possibilities regarding performance EV swaps continue to grow, as shown by a recent successful Mustang transplant by AEM EV. The EV controls arm of AEM Performance Electronics, AEM EV started with a 2007 Ford Mustang GT, added AEM and other aftermarket parts and swapped in a Tesla Large Drive Unit (LDU) to remake it… Continue reading ‘Testang’ Shows What’s Possible with Performance EV Swaps

Upcoming Webinar to Cover Driver Behavior Trends

Hosted by the Auto Care Association, the virtual event will feature analysis of driving behavior at the national, state and local levels… An upcoming webinar hosted by the Auto Care Association (ACA) will analyze driving behavior at the national, state and local levels, the organization announced. Scheduled for March 16, the webinar will cover: Consumer… Continue reading Upcoming Webinar to Cover Driver Behavior Trends