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They have better roads (and trains) than we have. Wake up call?

Scania Group Press Release / October 25, 2018 Most travellers on the newly-inaugurated Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, the world’s longest sea crossing bridge, will use the buses and coaches that provide a 24-hour service, with departures every few minutes. Scania is supplying many of these buses and coaches, including 120 shuttle buses and at least 55 coaches. Scania has delivered the shuttle buses to be operated on the bridge by the Guang Dong (HZM). A total of 120 buses built in cooperation with Higer will be supplied over a 12-month period. On the first day of bridge operations, the first 40 buses started transporting passengers between Hong Kong and Macao. Since the shuttle buses operate 24/7, Scania is providing a total service package for HZM to ensure maximum availability. “The level of support being offered by Scania meets our aim of entrusting experts to maintain the buses,” says Zhang Guang You, Chairman of HZM. “That allows us to focus on our business of providing the highest levels of service commitment to our customers.” For passengers who wish to travel farther afield, at least 55 Scania coaches with bodywork from Marcopolo, as well as from other local Hong Kong bodybuilders, will be a regular sight on the bridge. These coaches will provide direct services to destinations that are beyond the boundary crossings served by the shuttle buses. The $20-billion bridge connecting Hong Kong and Macau to the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai was opened to traffic on 24 October. Travel between Hong Kong and Zhuhai/Macau boundary crossing points is 42 kilometres and together with the link roads the bridge totals 55 kilometres in length. .

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 25, 2018 Groendyke Transport is buying the tank truck assets of McKenzie Tank Lines, a deal Groendyke says is the largest acquisition in its history and significantly expands its presence in the Southeast. Both companies are tank truck carriers that specialize in hauling petroleum products, chemicals and other bulk hazardous materials. The acquisition will increase Groendyke's terminal count from 30 to more than 40 and will increase the company's driver count by about 200 to approximately 1,150. The addition of MTL's business is expected to increase Groendyke's revenues by more than $40 million in 2019 to approximately $280 million. The companies anticipate a closing date of Jan. 1, 2019. "It has been our long-time goal to expand our operations in the Southeast," said Greg Hodgen, Groendyke president. "Our two companies have so much in common – from history to culture and values to emphasis on safety – this deal made perfect sense. We believe their people will make a great fit with our culture and way of running our business." Once the transition is complete, Groendyke, which is based in Enid, Oklahoma, will have terminals reaching as far west as Arizona all the way to the East Coast. It will give the company terminals in 15 states, adding Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. Groendyke is a seven-time winner of National Tank Truck Carriers North American Safety Champion Award. MTL is a good fit for the safety culture, the companies noted in an announcement, pointing out it was one of the first adopters of collision mitigation systems and blind-spot detection systems, and a participant in a public-private partnership in the early 2000s designed to accelerate the development of such technology. "Our two family-owned companies have long histories and rich traditions in the tank truck industry," MTL CEO Jim Shaeffer said. "Moreover, our companies share a tremendous commitment to our people that includes their safety and well-being. We believe this change will ensure stability for our employees and create tremendous opportunities for them." .

Jason Cannon, Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / October 25, 2018 As powertrain electrification continues to surge in prominence, Paccar Chief Financial Operator Harrie Schippers says the builder of Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks plans to boost Research and Development spending by upwards of $30 million next year. The DAF CF Electric, LF Electric and CF hybrid trucks are currently entering field testing with European customers and Schippers says the company looks forward to customer demands for electric and hybrid powertrains in applications like refuse, urban delivery and product operations. “Longer term, electric vehicles will be competitive in more applications. While we are preparing for the long-term by making investments in alternative powertrain technologies, we do expect diesel to remain the most efficient powertrain technology in heavy truck applications for the foreseeable future,” he adds. “I think in the economics of diesel just makes sense and they’re going to continue to make sense for a long time. So it’s going to be the dominant power source for long-haul trucking certainly,” adds Paccar CEO Ron Armstrong. “There’s obviously going to be opportunities that will develop in urban areas that may bring about hybrids or electric vehicles and we’re prepared for those. We have a full suite of vehicles in terms of all-electric, heavy, light-duty both in North America and in Europe. So, we’re well-prepared for the places where it makes sense. We think there will be local geographies more than they will generally widespread displacement of diesel for the foreseeable future.” For 2019, Schippers says Paccar anticipates R&D spending to of $300 million to $330 million versus $300 million to $310 million this year. Capital investments could surge another $100 million. “These investments will develop the next generation of Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF trucks and enhance Paccar’s diesel and alternative powertrain technologies and add additional capacity and efficiency to the company’s manufacturing and parts distribution facilities,” he says.

David Cullen, Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) / October 25, 2018 Traton AG, formerly known as Volkswagen Truck & Bus, reported on October 18 that at the close of the third quarter, the global OEM “remains on a growth path.” Specifically, the wholly owned subsidiary of Germany’s Volkswagen AG said it recorded “a significant increase in deliveries of commercial vehicles in the first three quarters of 2018.” Between January and September, Traton delivered some 15% more vehicles than in the same period a year ago. This amounted to 166,330 vehicles bearing the brands of MAN Truck & Bus, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus. “Our entire team did a good job in the first nine months," said Andreas Renschler, CEO of Traton AG and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “However, the very strong sales performance of the first half of the year tapered off slightly in the third quarter.” The number of vehicles delivered from MAN Truck & Bus rose by 15% to 72,040. Scania’s deliveries of trucks and buses climbed to 68,640 vehicles, or around 7% more than in the previous year. And driven by the economic upswing in Brazil, demand for Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus vehicles soared by some 43% to 27,360 units. In total, Traton delivered 145,070 trucks (+12%) and 16,390 buses (+22%). Traton credited “persistently positive economic performance in the most important markets around the world” with driving a tailwind for the business in the first nine months of this year. With a market share of some 31% in the first nine months of 2018, Traton said it remains the leader in the truck market of the EU28+2 region (EU, Norway, Switzerland). In South America, the Traton brands boosted their deliveries by some 40%, “compared with the very poor prior-year period.” T The OEM added that it “remains the clear market leader in the Brazilian truck market, accounting for around 40%.” The number of vehicles delivered in Russia jumped by some 17%, to 8,000 units. In Africa, the number of deliveries was stable at the previous year’s level But in the Middle East, deliveries were down by around 10% and in the Asia/Pacific region, they dropped by around 6% year over year, “driven by factors such as weaker demand in China.” Traton noted that it has expanded its presence in Asia by entering into partnerships. An agreement was made with Sinotruk for the establishment of a joint venture to develop a heavy MAN truck for the Chinese market. And in a deal with Japan’s Hino Motors, the two OEMs will cooperate in the fields of procurement and e-mobility. The OEM also is partnering with U.S. software firm Solera on fleet management, driver services and digital sales solutions. “Digital services are among the growth drivers of the future,” said Renschler. “We are already in a strong position in the digital environment and will follow this path consistently – using our own resources as well with as our partners.” In addition, Traton remains engaged with Navistar in the "wide-ranging strategic alliance" the U.S.-based OEM forged in 2016 with Volkswagen Truck & Bus. .

Fleet Owner / October 23, 2018 Allison Transmission recently began production of 1000 Series and 2000 Series fully automatic transmissions specifically designed for Chevrolet’s highly anticipated Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD medium-duty trucks. Allison Automatics will be paired with Chevrolet’s Duramax diesel engine—a combination that has powered nearly two million trucks. Among standard and available Allison transmission features in Silverado chassis cab trucks: Power Take-Off (PTO) option enables users to run power auxiliary equipment such as tow truck winches, hydraulic tools, dump truck bodies, water pumps, garbage truck compactors and bucket trucks Close-ratio six-speeds, with double overdrive, to climb challenging terrain and maximize fuel economy Available motorhome and emergency vehicle transmission applications. Allison Automatics allow rescue vehicles to get up to speed faster and ease the integration of body and pumping equipment Allison’s patented Continuous Power Technology delivers smooth, seamless, full-power shifts, as well as superior acceleration in the Silverado Ideal integration with the Chevrolet’s Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8. Under a collaborative engineering effort, the Allison 1000/2000 Series transmissions have been optimized to take advantage of the Duramax’s stout 350 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque Allison FuelSense electronic controls for increased fuel economy and Dynamic Shift Sensing could be available for future releases Allison Automatics provides value by combining enhanced performance and fuel economy, greater operational flexibility, and improved driver comfort and control with Allison’s reputation for uptime and reliability. “Designed for high performance and low maintenance, the 1000 Series and 2000 Series transmissions matched with Chevrolet’s Duramax diesel engines are an ideal combination, providing the precise power delivery and superior productivity commercial customers demand,” said Heidi Schutte, vice president, global sales at Allison Transmission. “Chevrolet and Allison engineers worked closely to provide the optimal integration.” The Allison-equipped Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty trucks are rated at up to 22,900 lbs GVWR and can be upfitted for urban delivery, construction, landscaping, emergency and numerous other commercial applications. Truck production is expected to begin in late 2018. “The truck line and powertrain have generated a great deal of customer anticipation and fill a gap in the medium-duty space,” said Tony Uebelhor, owner of Uebelhor & Sons Chevrolet in Jasper IN. “It’s a very durable, heavy-duty transmission that will do the job in any commercial environment.” .

Trailer-Body Builders / October 25, 2018 Kenworth is adding a factory installed twin-steer configuration to its T880S vocational model, the company said. The Kenworth T880S Twin Steer features a set-forward front axle with a 61-inch axle spread to maximize payload. The Kenworth T880S Twin Steer offers a short 114-inch BBC. This allows larger bodies to be installed farther forward and closer to the cab. “Kenworth continues to expand the excellent diversity of the T880 platform,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “The T880S Twin Steer is the next step in that evolution.” The 61-inch axle spread enables customers in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia to get a factory built T880S Twin Steer that meets Western Canadian tandem axle requirements, specifically for ready-mix application. It also means the Kenworth T880S chassis can be upfitted faster, saving three to six weeks in delivery times to the body builder versus other options, Kenworth said. For customers in the United States, the T880S Twin Steer addresses applications, such as ready mix, block trucks, cranes and concrete pumpers. Depending on the detailed specs, as well as federal and state bridge laws, the T880S Twin Steer can handle 1,500 pounds or more of additional payload compared to a non-set-back axle twin steer. “We strive to enhance productivity for our customers whenever we can,” Swihart said. “Kenworth has a long history of building factory twin steers, including the 72-inch axle spread available on our set-back axle T800 and C500 models.” The T880S Twin Steer’s front axles are rated at 40,000 pounds. The front-end components, including axles, springs and steering gears are shared with non-twin steer T880S. The front suspension is “equalized” between the front and rear steer axles for greater driver comfort and payload distribution between the two, the company said. The T880S offers the PACCAR MX-11 and PACCAR MX-13 engines up to 510-hp with torque up to 1,850 lb-ft. An Allison automatic transmission is available when ordered with PACCAR wide or standard track front axles. .

Der neue Ford. Sieg heil!

Ford, VW are in talks to broaden their alliance Keith Naughton, Bloomberg / October 26, 2018 Ford sees VW cooperation helping with small cars, overseas markets DETROIT -- Ford is in serious negotiations with Volkswagen Group to broaden their alliance beyond commercial vehicles in ways that would help Ford reverse losses in Europe and South America and share costs of costly technology and small cars. "We're having a very broad set of discussions about how we can help each other around the world,” Bob Shanks, Ford's chief financial officer, said in an interview Thursday. "Collaboration isn't being limited in any way whatsoever, whether it’s different types of technology, product segments or geography." The talks with VW are taking place at a pivotal time for Ford. While the stock soared almost 10 percent after the company beat earnings estimates, the automaker is restructuring globally and has backed away from margin targets that it had set for 2020. Partnering with rivals is one way to lower costs and get new cars and technology to market faster. Ford is in similar talks with Mahindra & Mahindra to broaden an alliance that began to develop models for India and other emerging markets, including SUVs and electric cars. "With VW and Mahindra, we haven't put boundary conditions in terms of where we could collaborate,” Shanks said. "We're looking at the strengths and the gaps of each company on both sides of the table and trying to understand how we can help each other." Hackett’s hint Ford CEO Jim Hackett hinted that the partnerships were progressing when he spoke to analysts on the company’s earnings call. "We look forward to sharing more about this global redesign of the company," said Hackett, who is leading an $11 billion restructuring of the company. "We are going to be coming to you more frequently, including we’re going to talk about these strategic partnerships in the near future." Ford shares rose the most in more than nine years Thursday after the company surprised investors with a $2 billion pretax profit in North America, on the strength of sales of high-profit pickups and SUVs. The result is early validation for the automaker’s controversial decision to abandon sedans in America. While there's still much to be done to update Ford's aging lineup and prepare for the self-driving future, the shares rallied after having plunged to an almost nine-year low earlier in the week. "There was fear that we might disappoint," Shanks said Thursday during a break from meetings with investors and analysts in New York. "There was relief that the business not only met expectations, but showed the strength of North America, the strength of Ford Credit and the fact that the overseas operations actually got slightly better.” VW history Striking deals with VW and Mahindra could further improve Ford’s outlook. Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas predicts Ford will lose $3.6 billion in Europe from 2019 to 2021, making it the least-profitable automaker in that market. In South America, where VW also operates, Ford has lost more than $4 billion since 2012. Sharing costs to develop cars and new technology with another automaker could help reverse those losses. "In the world we're in, where the future is so ill-defined because it's yet to be created, companies are going to have to collaborate more together," Shanks said. "We have a history with VW. We get along with them. And if you look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of us, we match up really, really well." The same is true with Ford’s relationship with Mahindra, Shanks said. "That's very important in these types of collaborations because getting along well is a good part of the formula for success," Shanks said. "There's lots of examples where that hasn’t been the case and, ultimately, they haven't succeeded" Hurried discussions Shanks wouldn't say if there is a deadline for reaching deals with the automakers, but he said talks are proceeding with urgency. "We're trying to get things done as quickly as we can because we’re all trying to improve the fortunes of each of our companies," Shanks said. “So, we’re moving to get clarity and get moving on to the actual collaboration as quickly as possible." The partnerships and a parade of new products coming next year, including the mid-size Ranger pickup and redesigned versions of the Explorer and Escape SUVs, will begin to show the shape of Ford’s turnaround plan, Shanks said. "Starting next year, the picture will start to come more and more into focus,” Shanks said. "It's something that won't be a big bang. It will be done as fast as we possibly can, but it will be done in chunks and pieces."

GM breaks with Trump in call for national electric car mandate Ryan Beene & John Lippert, Bloomberg / October 26, 2018 WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration wants to end California’s requirement for automakers to sell more electric cars in the state each year. General Motors has a different idea: adopt the rule nationwide. GM plans to propose that federal regulators embrace a nationwide electric-car sales program starting in 2021, patterned on California’s so-called zero emission vehicle sales mandate that requires manufacturers to sell more EVs each year. The plan, to be proposed in formal comments to regulators, is one of the clearest signs yet of auto industry opposition to the Trump administration’s proposal to cap federal fuel-economy requirements in 2020 and unwind California’s power to set its own vehicle efficiency standards and its zero-emission vehicle mandate. Honda Motor Co. also took exception to aspects of the Trump proposal. The period for public comments to be filed ends at midnight on Friday. “We know that we can do better” than the Trump proposal, Mark Reuss, GM’s executive vice president of global product development, told reporters in advance of the deadline. “We know that the industry can do better than that.” GM says a nationwide program could put 7 million long-range electric cars on the road and slash 375 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, compared with existing zero-emission vehicle mandates. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in August recommended keeping federal fuel economy requirements at 37 mpg from 2020 through 2026, instead of raising them to roughly 47 mpg by 2025 under rules by the Obama administration. The agencies also want to revoke California’s authority to adopt vehicle efficiency rules of its own, including its electric-car mandate. The agencies said the proposal would reduce societal costs by as much as $500 billion over a number of years and highway deaths by as many as 1,000 per year, in part by making newer, safer autos more affordable. Industry experts and even some on the EPA staff have questioned aspects of the proposal. While the auto industry sought relief from the Obama rules, carmakers view the Trump administration’s proposal as too aggressive. They fear it could force them to build vehicles for California and the 12 states that follow its standards, and another fleet for the rest of the nation, which Reuss said would be “very costly, and frankly unnecessary.” Automakers also worry about a drawn-out court fight between Washington and Sacramento. “GM is taking a leadership position in at least offering an alternative to what could be this endless battle between the federal government and California,” said Michelle Krebs, an Autotrader analyst. “Whether the administration will accept it, that’s another question.” In a statement Thursday, the free-market Institute for Energy Research said the existing standards are too aggressive, effectively requiring automakers to produce electric cars that consumers still purchase in relatively small numbers. The group supports the proposed rollback, claiming manufacturers must raise prices of more popular autos to compensate for losses on electric vehicles, unfairly penalizing suburban and rural consumers who tend to be more concerned about driving range and reliability. California and 18 other states plan to attack the EPA and NHTSA proposal as unlawful. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Wednesday called it arbitrary and capricious and said that it violates procedural requirements and EPA’s statutory obligation to reduce harmful pollution. Industry uncertainty In its comments on the U.S. proposal, Honda said it disagreed with the Trump administration’s plan for revoking California’s rule-making authority and that key elements of the federal government’s analysis on traffic safety are flawed and should be scrapped. Honda said pursuing the administration’s preferred option would “bring years of uncertainty for the auto industry” while state and federal regulators duke it out in court. “A far better path would be for federal and state policy makers to negotiate a national program that is acceptable, if not ideal, for all parties including automakers,” Honda wrote. Honda recommended that the EPA maintain greenhouse gas targets that grow tougher each year instead of freezing them as the agency has proposed. “The industry is united in its request that the agencies work out an agreement with California,” Honda said in its comments. After initially heated rhetoric when the proposal was released, U.S. and California officials agreed to hold talks to explore whether uniform standards nationwide can be maintained. Senior U.S. officials have also said they’d like to reach a compromise, but no deal has materialized thus far. Krebs said GM is taking this step because it’s concerned that the U.S. could fall behind Europe and Asia in the development of electric cars. The automaker is also hoping officials will enhance the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric-car buyers, which will soon begin to be phased out over several quarters for GM, Tesla Inc. and others, she said. To be sure, GM stands to benefit if the proposal gains traction. It’s readying a range of new electric cars and plans to begin an EV-based robotaxi business in the coming years. GM’s proposal seeks “additional consideration” for electric vehicles placed into autonomous ride-hailing fleets. Reuss said a national electric car program would ease some of the challenges that this type of vehicle presents to all automakers. “I believe it will facilitate more makers to be able to really focus on development of electric vehicles more efficiently and take the guesswork out of what we think may or not happen,” he said. “We’re making bets on a lot of uncertainty, which is highly destructive to capital.”

Ted, when M-B introduced single leaf front springs on the Actros, they were actually introducing Hendrickson product. Hendrickson produces the most of the steel spring suspension for European truckmakers. Hendrickson continually developed better and better metallurgy, reaching the point where they can offer a durable and lightweight single leaf design. That said, if I was running the outback, I'd go with a 3-leaf design. I know the folks at Hendrickson. Their ongoing research in metallurgy is impressive.

US could be at war with China in just 15 yrs, warns ex-US army chief in Europe RT / October 25, 2018 The former commander of the US Army in Europe has issued a sobering assessment of the deteriorating state of US-Chinese relations, predicting that it’s very likely the two nations will be at war in fifteen years. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Wednesday, Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges said that the United States will have to shift its military to the Pacific “to deal with the Chinese threat” – requiring Europe to take a more active role in its own defenses. “The United States needs a very strong European pillar. I think in 15 years — it’s not inevitable — but it is a very strong likelihood that we will be at war with China,” Hodges warned. Funding and training for European security will still remain a top priority for Washington, Hodges emphasized, adding that the US will also have to prepare for “the eventuality that in 10 or 15 years we’re going to be having to fight in the Pacific.” The former commander told the Associated Press that relations between US and China were becoming “increasingly tense,” accusing Beijing of stealing technology and gaining control of strategically important infrastructure across Africa and Europe. He claimed that in Europe, China owns more than 10 percent of the ports. Hodges served as the US Army commander in Europe from 2014 until last year. He now works for the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based research institute. The think tank receives funding from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, as well as the US Defense Department.

Scania Group Press Release / October 24, 2018 Operated on biogas produced by the waste processing plant at Stormossen, the 12 orange-coloured Scania Citywide biogas buses acquired by the Finnish city of Vaasa have been in everyday service in the region for more than a year. Vaasa has decided to become the first carbon neutral city in Finland. “The fuel used by these buses will annually replace some 280,000 litres of diesel fuel. The CO2 emissions are on the same level as those of electric vehicles using electricity produced by wind power,” says Pertti Hällilä, who is responsible for the biogas bus project. Biological waste from households in the Vaasa region and sludge from Stormossen are processed into biogas for approximately 1,000 cars – and the buses. According to Hällilä the past year has run smoothly. “We initially expected a bumpy ride but we have not experienced any major setbacks and all problems have been very mundane,” he says. The number of passengers has increased Even the below-freezing temperatures down to -23° during winter did not slow down the operation. With the exception of a few brief outages of the filling station, biogas has been used as fuel throughout the year, and the target of 700,000 total kilometres has been reached. “These buses are professional tools. We do not carry out any testing or product development here. This is purely professional driving and, simultaneously, we are addressing environmental issues,” explains Hällillä. At the beginning of the project, the average consumption of gas buses was calculated to be around 60 Nm3/100 km. During the first year of operation, Scania’s engines have proven to be much more energy efficient. This has enabled Vaasa to increase the number of buses running on Saturdays and to operate city route 4 during the summer season, which previously only was in service during winter. The number of passengers has increased to 1.2 million, an increase of 20 percent in a few years. The high utilisation rate of biogas vehicles will help bring Vaasa one step closer to fulfilling its environmental targets. The locally-produced methane for the biogas buses would normally either been used for heating or flared as waste and can now gainfully serve as transport fuel. In selecting biogas buses, Vaasa looked at the bigger picture. “In comparison with diesel- powered buses with comprehensive maintenance contracts, biogas is slightly more expensive. However, factoring in the price stability of locally produced biogas changed the calculation. Now we don’t any longer have to worry as much about price fluctuations since the price remains stable and with local production, our fuel supply will always be assured,” says Hällillä. The schedule for introductory driver training early 2017 was tight. Driver coaching, which was included in the biogas sales deal, has since continued over the past year. “Driver coaching has focused on improving operational safety and quality,” says Erno Sirviö, Driver Training Manager at Scania Suomi. “For example, we have been able to reduce the amount of hard braking, which is critical to the customer experience, by more than 35 percent. Economical, anticipatory and safe driving methods have contributed to improved fuel-efficiency. With trained drivers we’ve also been able to increase average travel speeds, keeping buses better on schedule.” Overall, Vaasa city representatives are highly pleased with these results. “When we are asked about the challenges we’ve faced this past year, we have to think hard because all challenges have been so insignificant,” says Hällilä. .

Ford recalls almost 1.3 million Ford Focus vehicles in the U.S. Automotive News / October 25, 2018 Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 1.3 million Ford Focus vehicles in the U.S. over an issue with the canister purge valve that may trigger engine stalls, the automaker said Thursday. In a statement, Ford warned that the defective valve may result in inaccurate fuel levels and possibly engine stalls or an "inability to restart the vehicle," increasing the risk of a crash. "Affected vehicles are equipped with a canister purge valve that may become stuck in an open position," the statement said. "If this occurs, an excessive vacuum in the fuel system could cause deformation of the vehicle's plastic fuel tank. As a result, the customer could observe a malfunction indicator light or a fuel gauge with fluctuating or inaccurate fuel levels." The recall affects certain 2012-18 Focus vehicles with 2.0-liter GDI and 2.0-liter GTDI engines. Separately, the recall covers 136,272 vehicles in Canada and 44,521 in Mexico, according to Ford. According to the chronology report, NHTSA contacted the automaker about complaints regarding a suspected "loss of motive power" on 2012-14 Focus vehicles. "Ongoing discussions with the Agency occurred on August 28 and September 19, including an overview of the Focus fuel system operation and reviews of Ford's data," the report said. Last week, the automaker's Field Review Committee reviewed the issue and greenlighted a field action, according to the report. Global fuel systems supplier TI Automotive is listed as the supplier of the defective components, specifically referencing its Ashley, Ind., location. The automaker is unaware of any incidents related to the defect but urges customers to maintain "at least a half a tank" of gas until the recall is completed, according to the statement. To rectify the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module and check for fault codes and replace the valve as necessary, Ford said. If the valve is replaced, dealers also will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module if needed.

The new European Focus looks good. It goes without saying the US market will never see it.

Ford's European losses increase on Turkey, Russia weakness Michael Martinez, Automotive News Europe / October 24, 2018 DETROIT -- Poor results in China and Europe contributed to a 37 percent drop in third-quarter net income for Ford Motor, and the automaker backed off its goal of raising its global profit margin to 8 percent by 2020. But the automaker's top executives on Wednesday continued to stress patience to investors as CEO Jim Hackett’s $11 billion restructuring plan starts to take hold. Ford reported on Wednesday that its net income fell to $991 million in the quarter, although revenue rose 3 percent to $37.6 billion, driven by higher-profit vehicles in North America including the redesigned Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Ford's earnings before interest and taxes fell 27 percent to $1.7 billion. “We’ve had an extremely productive quarter in terms of putting building blocks in place,” Hackett said on a conference call. “We’re addressing real issues and we’re moving quickly to redesign the business in support of our stated strategy.” But Ford said its challenges overseas, as well as higher costs and uncertainty clouding the entire auto industry, mean it no longer forecasts achieving the 8 percent profit-margin target it set previously. CFO Bob Shanks declined to offer an alternate timeframe for reaching that threshold. “We don’t see, at the moment, a way to get there,” Shanks told analysts. “Certainty we’re trying to get there as fast as we can. I’m not going to put a timeframe on it because I don’t want to go back and have to change it.” Hackett and his leadership team have faced scrutiny from Wall Street analysts who have asked for more clarity regarding his plan. Hackett on Wednesday said the details would be shared over time. “We’re fully committed to sharing details as soon as we can, but I can’t allow us to get ahead of the process,” he said. “The need to get our stakeholders up to speed is the priority for me and the entire company.” Ford's profits in the quarter were driven by North America, where earnings rose 7.5 percent to $1.96 billion. Its profit margin for the region was unchanged from the same period a year ago at 8.8 percent. The automaker said its market share in the region was down slightly because it was discontinuing sedans, but market share for its profitable F-series pickups increased. Hackett said those results “demonstrate early evidence that fitness actions are now taking hold.” Ford’s profit margin for the quarter was 4.4 percent, down 1.9 percentage points compared with the same period a year ago. China troubles Ford posted lower revenue, market share and sales in China, the world's largest vehicle market. Ford lost $208 million in Asia Pacific in the quarter. Excluding China, it made $170 million in the region with profit margins of 9 percent. The automaker is suffering from a lack of new product there that has led to a sharp decline in sales. New-vehicle sales fell 43 percent in September from a year earlier and are down 30 percent through the first nine months of the year. Ford on Tuesday said it would separate its China business into a standalone unit and appointed Anning Chen, a former Ford executive with 25 years of industry experience, to become CEO of Ford China on Nov. 1. Europe loss Ford lost $245 million in Europe, up from a loss of $192 million in the same quarter last year. This was due to weakness in Turkey and Russia, and launch-related costs for the latest Focus compact car, Ford said. The company said revenue in the region increased due to higher volume and net pricing driven by new products. Volume up in most major markets but this was offset partially by large decline in Turkey, Ford said. The compay's sales in Turkey fell 25 percent through August in a total market down 21 percent. In Russia, Ford's sales were flat in September in a market up 6 percent. In other regions, Ford lost $152 million in South America, down 1 percent. It made $47 million in the Middle East and Africa. Ford said its mobility unit lost $196 million in the second quarter, $124 million more than it lost during the same period a year ago. The unit is in a heavy investment phase that has little offsetting revenue. Ford Motor Credit made $678 million, its best quarterly results since 2011. Ford’s net income equaled 29 cents per share, 1 cent higher than the consensus estimate on Wall Street. The company reaffirmed its full-year target of adjusted earnings per share of $1.30 to $1.50. It had previously lowered its guidance from a range of $1.45 to $1.70 per share, citing troubles in Europe and China. .

Ford recalls nearly 1.5 million Focus sedans for engine stall issue Reuters / October 25, 2018 WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it will recall nearly 1.5 million cars in North America to address a faulty part that could lead to engine stalls. Ford said it is calling back 2012 through 2018 model year Ford Focus cars with 2.0-liter GDI and 2.0-liter GTDI engines for a malfunctioning valve that could result in inaccurate fuel level readings and potentially engine stalls or an inability to restart the vehicle. Ford said it is not aware of any crashes as a result of this condition but said owners should maintain at least a half tank of fuel until the recall is completed.

Ford (F) set a new 52-week low today of $8.17, closing up a penny at $8.18.

Ford posts 37% earnings decline on China challenges, retreats on profit margin goal Michael Martinez, Automotive News / October 24, 2018 DETROIT -- Poor results in China and other overseas markets contributed to a 37 percent drop in third-quarter net income for Ford Motor Co., and the automaker backed off its goal of raising its global profit margin to 8 percent by 2020. But the automaker’s top executives on Wednesday continued to stress patience to investors as CEO Jim Hackett’s $11 billion restructuring plan starts to take hold. Ford reported on Wednesday that its net income fell to $991 million in the quarter, although revenue rose 3 percent to $37.6 billion, driven by higher-profit vehicles in North America including the redesigned Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Ford's earnings before interest and taxes fell 27 percent to $1.7 billion. “We’ve had an extremely productive quarter in terms of putting building blocks in place,” Hackett said on a conference call. “We’re addressing real issues and we’re moving quickly to redesign the business in support of our stated strategy.” But Ford said its challenges overseas, as well as higher costs and uncertainty clouding the entire auto industry, mean it no longer forecasts achieving the 8 percent profit-margin target it set previously. CFO Bob Shanks declined to offer an alternate timeframe for reaching that threshold. “We don’t see, at the moment, a way to get there,” Shanks told analysts. “Certainty we’re trying to get there as fast as we can. I’m not going to put a timeframe on it because I don’t want to go back and have to change it.” Hackett and his leadership team have faced scrutiny from Wall Street analysts who have asked for more clarity regarding his plan. Hackett on Wednesday said the details would be shared over time. “We’re fully committed to sharing details as soon as we can, but I can’t allow us to get ahead of the process,” he said. “The need to get our stakeholders up to speed is the priority for me and the entire company.” Ford's profits in the quarter were driven by North America, where earnings rose 7.5 percent to $1.96 billion. Its profit margin for the region was unchanged from the same period a year ago at 8.8 percent. The automaker said its market share in the region was down slightly because it was discontinuing sedans, but market share for its profitable F-series pickups increased. Hackett said those results “demonstrate early evidence that fitness actions are now taking hold.” Ford shares sank earlier Wednesday to close at $8.18 a share, but rose 5.5 percent to $8.65 at 5:50 p.m. ET in after-hours trading, following the earnings release. China troubles Ford posted lower revenue, market share and sales in China, the world's largest vehicle market. Ford lost $208 million in Asia Pacific in the quarter. Excluding China, it made $170 million in the region with profit margins of 9 percent. The automaker is suffering from a lack of new product there that has led to a sharp decline in sales. New-vehicle sales fell 43 percent in September from a year earlier and are down 30 percent through the first nine months of the year. Ford on Tuesday said it would separate its China business into a standalone unit and appointed Anning Chen, a former Ford executive with 25 years of industry experience, to become CEO of Ford China on Nov. 1. Regional performance Ford’s profit margin for the quarter was 4.4 percent, down 1.9 percentage points compared with the same period a year ago. The company lost $152 million in South America, down 1 percent, and lost $245 million in Europe. It made $47 million in the Middle East and Africa. Ford said its mobility unit lost $196 million in the second quarter, $124 million more than it lost during the same period a year ago. The unit is in a heavy investment phase that has little offsetting revenue. Ford Motor Credit made $678 million, its best quarterly results since 2011. Ford’s net income equaled 29 cents per share, 1 cent higher than the consensus estimate on Wall Street. The company reaffirmed its full-year target of adjusted earnings per share of $1.30 to $1.50. It had previously lowered its guidance from a range of $1.45 to $1.70 per share, citing troubles in Europe and China.

Tim Cook blasts 'weaponisation' of personal data and praises GDPR Chris Baraniuk, BBC / October 23, 2018 Apple chief executive Tim Cook has demanded a tough new US data protection law, in an unusual speech in Europe. Referring to the misuse of "deeply personal" data, he said it was being "weaponised against us with military efficiency". "We shouldn't sugar-coat the consequences," he added. "This is surveillance." The strongly-worded speech presented a striking defence of user privacy rights from a tech firm's chief executive. Cook also praised the EU's new data protection regulation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The new law came into force in May. Cook's speech was made in Brussels, at the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners. The Apple boss described in some detail what he called the "data industrial complex", noting that billions of dollars were traded on the basis of people's "likes and dislikes", "wishes and fears" or "hopes and dreams" - the kind of data points tracked by tech firms and advertisers. He warned that the situation "should make us very uncomfortable, it should unsettle us". And the trade in personal data served only to enrich the companies that collect it, he added. Cook went on to commend the EU's GDPR, which places stricter rules on how personal data is handled by businesses and organisations. 'Follow EU's lead' "This year, you've shown the world that good policy and political will can come together to protect the rights of everyone," he said. "It is time for the rest of the world, including my home country, to follow your lead. "We at Apple are in full support of a comprehensive federal privacy law in the United States." The remark was met with applause from the conference audience. "I think it is striking that he's saying this," said Jim Killock, director of the Open Rights Group. "It's the kind of thing you normally hear from civil society organisations." However, Prof Mark Elliot at Manchester University argued Mr Cook did not go far enough. "The implication of fully functioning privacy in a digital democracy is that individuals would control and manage their own data and organisations would have to request access to that data rather than the other way round," he said. Apple has long been committed to privacy protection.

B-2 stealth bomber makes emergency landing at Colorado Springs KOAA News 5 / October 23, 2018 COLORADO SPRINGS – The 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base confirmed to News 5 early Tuesday morning that a B-2 Stealth Bomber landed at the Colorado Springs Airport due to an in-flight emergency. The Air Force refused to say what forced the $1.157 billion bomber to make the landing. A maintenance crew is on the way to Colorado Springs from Missouri to check on the airplane to make sure it is still flightworthy for the trip back to Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg. An Air Force spokesman would only say that the pilot determined it was safer to land here than continue on their training flight. Depot maintenance responsibilities occur at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Day-to-day maintenance responsibilities happen at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. .

SAF-Holland Press Release / October 15, 2018 2018 IAA Show – Hannover, Germany – SAF-HOLLAND displays a conceptual Automatic Coupling System. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPf5Uz9VZrE

Meritor Press Release / October 4, 2018 .

Hendrickson Press Release / October 17, 2018 .