Episode 93 – Panda Versus Rambler

Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_93.mp3

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is ready for some trunk-or-treat!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

• Newsom is vetoing speed limits!
• Robots versus Longshoremen: It’s not an action movie, it’s real-life.
• Rambler versus Panda: Who will win the Cars of the Weak for this week?

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon Family

Projects

Eric

• KOAR, or the Keweenau Overland Aventure Retreat, was kool.
• Rentals for the camper
• Time to pull the celica in and do the work needed. The roof now pops and the glass is clanking.

Daryl

• Did a ton of work on the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood over the past two weeks. It’s soooo close to firing!
• Moved the ’69 Volvo into storage to the chagrin of some folks.
• I’m tired of playing musical cars, so I need to figure out something soon. Probably the last winter of this sorta thing.

News

Stellantis U.S. Auto Sales Extend Freefall in Third Quarter

Source: CNBC

Stellantis’ U.S. new vehicle sales during the third quarter continued a yearslong freefall despite CEO Carlos Tavares’ actions to fix what he has called “arrogant” mistakes by the company. The Transatlantic carmaker reported U.S. sales Tuesday of 305,294 from July through September, a 19.8% decline from the third quarter of 2023 and an 11.5% decrease from the prior three months of this year. Stellantis was expected to be the worst sales performer of major automakers during the third quarter, and auto industry forecaster Cox Automotive had projected a sales decline of roughly 21%.

European Automakers Most at Risk From US Dockworkers Strike, Analysts Say

Source: Reuters

European automakers are the most likely to be affected by the dockworkers strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports because they rely heavily on those locations, but a longer walkout could prove “debilitating” to the entire sector, industry officials and analysts said. The dockworkers began their first large-scale stoppage in nearly 50 years early on Tuesday, halting the flow of about half the nation’s ocean shipping.

California governor vetoes bill requiring speeding alerts in new cars

Source: AP News

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Saturday that would have required new cars to beep at drivers if they exceed the speed limit.

California would have become the first to require such systems for all new cars, trucks and buses sold in the state starting in 2030. The bill, aimed at reducing traffic deaths, would have mandated that vehicles beep at drivers when they exceed the speed limit by at least 10 mph (16kph).

The European Union has passed similar legislation to encourage drivers to slow down. California’s proposal would have provided exceptions for emergency vehicles, motorcycles and motorized scooters.

In explaining his veto, Newsom said federal law already dictates vehicle safety standards and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety “is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments,” the Democratic governor said.

General Motors’ Mark Reuss: Hyundai JV Prospects Are Excellent, Culture at GM Ready To Rock

Source: Wards Auto

General Motors recently entered into a Memo of Understanding with Hyundai Group for co-development of a wide array of possible projects, technology sharing and purchasing for shared projects. GM President Mark Reuss says he has high expectations for the agreement despite the automaker’s spotty history with joint ventures. “This is really a shared vision around what both of our goals are and objectives, and open communication and I think staying agile and flexible because this industry and market isn’t stagnant,” says Reuss.

Point, Counter Point

A West Coast port worker union is fighting robots. The stakes for the supply chain are high

Source: CNBC

• In 1993, the Dutch port complex in Rotterdam became the first to introduce machine automation and has since become the model for a fully automated terminal, most of which have emerged since the 2010s in Asia and Europe.

• There are near 1,000 container ports in the world, yet last year, according to a report by the International Transport Forum, only around 53 were automated, representing 4% of the total global container terminal capacity.

• The argument about the economic efficiency of automating port work is a key one in the current labor union contract dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Super Car News Search

Mercedes-AMG readies game-changing supercar to replace SLS EV

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-AMG is hatching plans for a spectacular electric supercar that will launch the performance brand into the EV age.

The new performance halo model was previewed by last year’s retro-inspired Vision One-Eleven concept, and it is described as a “brand-defining successor to the SLS Electric Drive”, the 730bhp quad-motor EV that was launched in 2013 and which cost £333,000. But while that car was limited to just nine examples, the new AMG supercar is planned for significantly higher production numbers when it arrives later this decade.

Making its flagship less of an exclusive offering is central to AMG’s evolving electrification strategy. It has already launched powered-up versions of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV, with specific motors and battery technology separate from those of their standard siblings.

The new electric supercar is considered a key part of Mercedes-AMG’s future, despite CEO Michael Schiebe moving to extend the life of some of AMG’s more profitable combustion-engined models amid slower than expected sales of its EVs.

However, Schiebe leaves little doubt about the company’s ultimate trajectory, telling Autocar: “It’s clear that we are going all-electric.”

The new supercar will be charged with cementing AMG’s performance credentials as it switches from high-output combustion engines to electric power. Autocar understands it is likely to outpace the 1049bhp Mercedes-AMG One, whose Formula 1-derived, V6/electric hybrid set-up is good for 0-62mph in 2.9sec and 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 1996 Fiat panda 4×4 – $15,000

Source: Facebook Markplace

From the Listing: 1996 Fiat Panda 4×4 imported from Japan over a year ago. Has all original import documents as well as clean Michigan title. Engine is recently rebuilt and has a ton of life left. 4×4 works great without issue, is FWD with 4×4 disengaged. Has 1.1 liter Fiat FIRE engine that gets great mileage and has no problem hitting highway speeds. Has new engine and tranny oil, antifreeze, tires, water pump, timing belt, 4×4 bushing, and thermostat. Has small rust spots on rockers and seats have slight blemishes. Also has cold working AC and a 5 speed manual transmission.

Daryl: 1963 Rambler American Station Wagon – $10,000

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Listing: Who needs a sweet solid 1963 AMC rambler custom wagon project as a Ford straight six. It will need a motor I’m told. Automatic transmission, Ohio Title. If you know somebody looking for a project wagon, please feel free to share my ad.

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