Earlier this week: Senator Joe Machin urges U.S. companies to sue the treasury over the clean energy tax credit. Ford restores its historic Detriot train station into a futuristic tech campus. Stellantsi cuts waste by reusing packaging materials in manufacturing. Anti-union group calls UAW president an “election denier” over Mercedes-Benz plant vote. Virginia abandons California’s EV mandate. Jeep Wagoneer secures top safety pick award. The Kia/Hyundai vehicle theft class action lawsuit was settled.
Here’s a closer look at these top stories and more headlines to stay on top of this week’s automotive industry news.
1. Senator Joe Manchin urges U.S. companies to sue Treasury over Clean Energy Tax Credit rules
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin is calling on American manufacturers to sue the Treasury Department over its implementation of local content rules for clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Manchin expressed his frustration to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, claiming that the Treasury’s rules are damaging U.S. manufacturers by halving the original content requirements stipulated in the law. Read More
2. Ford restores historic Detroit train station into futuristic tech campus
Ford Motor Company has revitalized the iconic but long-abandoned Michigan Central Station in Detroit, transforming it into a state-of-the-art technology campus. This $950 million project encompasses the 18-story train station, an adjacent 270,000-square-foot building, and additional facilities. The newly named “Michigan Central” campus is poised to become a hub for innovation and talent. Read More
3. Stellantis cuts waste by reusing packaging materials in manufacturing
While the automotive industry has often focused on reducing tailpipe emissions, Stellantis is making significant strides in minimizing the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes. Kevin Dunbar, the director of facilities for Stellantis in North America, spearheads efforts to reduce waste and enhance sustainability in the production side of operations, particularly concerning the materials used to ship parts. Read More
4. Anti-union group calls UAW president an “election denier” over Mercedes-Benz plant vote challenge
An anti-union advocacy group has labeled UAW President Shawn Fain an “election denier” following his decision to challenge the results of last month’s vote at a Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Alabama. The Center for Union Facts ran a full-page ad in The New York Times on May 30, accusing Fain of “trying to undermine workplace democracy” by requesting a new election from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Read More
5. Virginia abandons California’s EV mandate, citing consumer choice and legal grounds
Virginia is stepping back from electric vehicle (EV) requirements that would have phased out the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that starting in 2025, Virginia will no longer adhere to California’s stringent emissions standards and will instead follow the less restrictive federal rules. Read More
6. Jeep Wagoneer secures Top Safety Pick Award, outshining rivals
Stellantis, one of the Detroit Three automakers, received the 2024 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its full-size SUV. The Jeep Wagoneer earned this accolade by outperforming the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition in IIHS testing for the 2023 and 2024 models. Read More
7. Settlement reached in Kia, Hyundai vehicle theft class action lawsuit
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit regarding the susceptibility of certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles to theft. The case, titled *In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation*, was settled in the California federal court. The lawsuit claims that specific Kia/Hyundai models from 2011 to 2022 lack engine immobilizers, making them prone to theft and damage. Read More
8. Top tips for dealers to boost profits and capture market share – John Fitzpatrick | Force Marketing
Every dealer is currently focusing on the start of the selling season, which typically runs from May to September or October. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, John Fitzpatrick, the President and CEO of Force Marketing, joins us to discuss the top three things dealers should pay attention to this summer. Watch the full segment here.
9. How Aura and Mosaic are leading the industry against identity theft – Scott Hudson & Jim Ganther
A growing challenge dealers have faced for decades is identity theft and fraud. And as technology grows more sophisticated today, so do the hackers. In this first part of our 3-part series with Aura and Mosaic Compliance Services on Driving Solutions, we’ll further discuss identity theft and fraud and how Aura and Mosaic Compliance Services formed a partnership as a real value to the retail automotive community. Watch the full segment here.
10. Colorado leads the charge with innovative incentives boosting EV adoption – Matthew Groves | CADA
On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Matthew Groves, CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, will give us a glimpse of the Association’s agenda and where the state currently stands on EV adoption. Watch the full segment here.
