Clarity (Honda)

On April 3, the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (MIMIT) announced the need to relaunch the Mirafiori with the aim to produce 200 thousand cars, aligning with Stellantis' goal of one million vehicles in Italy during the second meeting with Stellantis, Anfia (National Association of the Italian Automotive Supply Chain), and the trade unions.

Minister Urso requested clarity regarding the company's plans and their implications for industries and employment. He, along with other institutions, sought details on the timing and effects of these plans on jobs. Additionally, they urged Mirafiori to introduce another model tailored to the Italian market, as the current production mainly serves foreign markets, such as electric or Maserati-branded 500 models made in Turin.

Meetings continue tomorrow, with a focus on the Atessa site.

Based on MIMIT press release

On March 18, IG Metall, a dominant work union in Germany, announced that all five companies on strike had accepted the outcome of the negotiations. Following the outcome, Ford resumed production at its Saarlouis plant.

The companies have agreed to significant severance payments through negotiated agreements. While the social agreements among the six companies share a similar structure, they differ in their financial arrangements.

The employee voting results range from 100% approval at Lear Corp., 97.74% yes votes at Rhenus LMS, 93.33% acceptance at Benteler, 90.6% at Tenneco to 77.4% at Magna from the second ballot which was held on Monday, March 18, 2024. The excellent collective agreements give employees clarity and security for the remaining time until Ford Focus production ends in November 2025.

Based on IG Metall press release

On February 27, Honda revealed America’s first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, which will be available for leasing in California beginning later in 2024. Honda also exhibit the model at H2 & FC EXPO held at Tokyo Bigsight. CR-V e:FCEV will be exported to Japan and scheduled to launch in summer 2024. 

With a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, the CR-V e:FCEV combines an all-new U.S.-made fuel cell system along with plug-in charging capability designed to provide up to 29 miles of EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips.

The CR-V e:FCEV is built at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, with its second-generation Honda Fuel Cell Module, which is produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, LLC (FCSM) in Michigan, offering improved durability, efficiency, refinement and lower cost compared to Honda’s previous generation fuel cell system.

Co-developed with General Motors (GM), the next-gen Honda Fuel Cell Module reduces the cost by two-thirds compared to the cost of the fuel cell system in the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

The distinctive exterior design of the Honda CR-V e:FCEV stands out with refined new styling featuring an exclusive low upright grille design and long hood. new body panels forward of the A-pillar, unique designs for the liftgate, rear fascia and large 18-inch, 10-spoke black wheels.

The included Honda Power Supply Connector utilizes a 110-volt power outlet that can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power, turning CR-V e:FCEV into a clean power source capable of running small home appliances, portable air conditioners, power tools, camping equipment, and more.

Honda is preparing a proof-of-concept Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck in the U.S. and is in talks with potential customers.

Honda press release 1/2