G. David Felt

@Drew Dowdell @Robert Hall @trinacriabob @A Horse With No Name @ccap41 @surreal1272 @oldshurst442 And including all of the C&G members that are here that I do not interact with often enough or those I have forgotten their handles. Wishing each and every one of you a Merry Xmas Eve and Merry Xmas. To those that do not celebrate Xmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy time off. Wishing each and every person here a restful end to the year, one of love, respect, relaxation to you and your families. Wishing all the best!

MOU means that these companies have signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" to explore the participation, involvement and synergy sharing in relation to the business integration through a joint holding company. Back in August 1st, 2024 Nissan and Honda created a Joint Holding Company for the commencement of a strategic partnership focused on intelligence and electrification. This was to start the consideration towards integration of the two companies. Mitsubishi Motors has now signed onto this MOU to explore the possibility of achieving synergies at an increased level through business participation or integration. In basic terms, the three companies have agreed to join forces in sharing costs to move forward with EV platform R&D while they also look at the ICE "Internal Combustion Engine" gas side of having shared platforms to reduce costs and hopefully save the three auto companies by keeping them alive.  While Nissan and Honda have agreed to move forward in this integration of the two auto companies, Mitsubishi Motors will make a final decision by the end of January 2025 about possibly joining in with the integration of Mitsubishi Motors into this joint 3 auto company venture. Nissan and Honda have already agreed to a full SDV or Software-defined vehicles program moving forward that will allow them to have a solid crucial collaboration of intelligence and electrification for future products. Both companies have stated that the acceleration of technology and the rapid change of the auto industry will allow these two companies to maintain global competitiveness and deliver more attractive products and services for customers worldwide. Nissan global mobility product line merged with Honda four-wheel-vehicles, motor cycles and power products can allow both companies to become more attractive to shareholders and innovation of products to sell to customers worldwide according to the CEOs of both companies. Nissan and Honda have stated the following: Nissan and Honda aim to become a world-class mobility company with sales revenue exceeding 30 trillion yen ($190 Billion U.S. Dollars) and operating profit of more than 3 trillion yen ($19 billion U.S. Dollars). The expected synergies from the business integration at this time are: 1. Scale advantages by standardizing vehicle platforms By standardizing the vehicle platforms of both companies across various product segments, the companies expect to create stronger products, reduce costs, enhance development efficiencies, and improve investment efficiencies through standardized production processes. The integration is projected to increase sales and operational volumes, allowing the companies to reduce development costs per vehicle, including for future digital services, while maximizing profits. By accelerating the mutual complementation of their global vehicle offerings - including ICE, HEV, PHEV, and EV models - Nissan and Honda will be better positioned to meet diverse customer needs around the world and deliver optimal products, leading to improved customer satisfaction. 2. Enhancement of development capabilities and cost synergies through the integration of R&D functions In accordance with the MOU to deepen strategic partnership and the joint research agreement on fundamental technologies dated August 1, the two companies have started joint research in fundamental technologies in the area of vehicle platforms for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), which is the cornerstone of the field of intelligence. After the business integration, both companies will encompass more integrated collaboration across all R&D functions, including fundamental research and vehicle application technology research. This approach is expected to enable both companies to efficiently and swiftly enhance their technological expertise, achieving both improvements in development capabilities and reductions in development costs through the integration of overlapping functions.   3. Optimizing manufacturing systems and facilities The companies anticipate that optimizing their manufacturing plants and energy service facilities, combined with improved collaboration through the shared use of production lines, will result in a substantial improvement in capacity utilization leading to a decrease in fixed costs.   4. Strengthening competitive advantages across the supply chain through the integration of purchasing functions To fully leverage the synergies from optimizing development and production capacity, both companies intend to boost their competitiveness by improving and streamlining purchasing operations and source common parts from the same the supply chain and in collaboration with business partners.   5. Realizing cost synergies through operational efficiency improvements The companies expect that the integration of systems and back-office operations, along with the upgrade and standardization of operational processes, will drive significant cost reductions.   6. Acquisition of scale advantages through integration in sales finance functions By integrating relevant areas of sales finance functions of both companies and expanding the scale of operations, the companies aim to provide a range of mobility solutions, including new financial services throughout the vehicle lifecycle, to customers of both organizations.   7. Establishment of a talent foundation for intelligence and electrification The human resources of the companies are an invaluable asset, and establishing a strong human resource foundation is crucial for the transformation that will come with the business integration. After the integration, increased employee exchanges and technical collaboration between the companies are expected to promote further skill development. Moreover, by leveraging each company's access to talent markets, attracting exceptional talent will become more attainable. Method of business integration and stock listing Nissan and Honda, with the result of the consideration, plan to establish, through a joint share transfer, a joint holding company that will be the parent company of both companies. This will be subject to approval at each company's general meeting of shareholders and obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities for this business integration, based on the premise that Nissan's turnaround*1 actions are steadily executed. Both Nissan and Honda will be fully owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company*2. Additionally, the companies plan to continue coexisting and developing the brands held by Honda and Nissan equally. Shares of the newly established joint holding company under consideration are planned to be newly listed (technical listing) on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (“TSE”). The listing is scheduled for August 2026. With the listing of the joint holding company, both Nissan and Honda will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company and will be scheduled to be delisted from the TSE. However, shareholders of both companies will continue to be able to trade shares of the joint holding company issued during this share transfer on the TSE. The listing date of the joint holding company and the delisting date of both Nissan and Honda will be determined in accordance with the regulations of the TSE. Regarding the organizational structure of the joint holding company, and both companies which will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the joint holding company after the business integration, the optimal structure for realizing synergies, including the integration of R&D functions, purchasing functions, and manufacturing functions, will be discussed and considered within the integration preparatory committee, with the aim of establishing an organizational structure that enables efficient and highly competitive business operations after the business integration. The CEO's of all three companies had the following to say: Marking the announcement, Nissan Director, President, CEO and Representative Executive Officer Makoto Uchida said: “Honda and Nissan have begun considering a business integration, and will study the creation of significant synergies between the two companies in a wide range of fields. It is significant that Nissan's partner, Mitsubishi Motors, is also involved in these discussions. We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base.“ Honda Director and Representative Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe said: "At this time of change in the automobile industry, which is said to occur once every 100 years, we hope that Mitsubishi Motors' participation in the business integration discussions of Nissan and Honda will lead to further social change, and that we will be able to become a leading company in creating new value in mobility through business integration. Nissan and Honda will start the discussion from today onwards with an aim to clarify the possibility of business integration by around the end of January in line with the consideration of Mitsubishi Motors." Comment from Mitsubishi Motors Director, Representative Executive Officer, and President and CEO Takao Kato said: “In an era of change in the automotive industry, the study between Nissan and Honda about a business integration will accelerate synergy maximization effects, bringing high value also to the collaborative businesses with Mitsubishi Motors. In order to realize synergies and to make the best use of each company's strengths, we will also study the best form of cooperation.” Upon looking at the press releases, it makes total sense that these companies would look to merge as each company is having a challanging time. Nissan globally has seen a 33.7% reduction in sales taking the estimated 2024 market share to 5.2%.  Honda globally has seen a 9% reduction over all with a 32% reduction in the asian rim leaving them with a 2024 estimated 5.4% market share. Mitsubishi Motors globally has seen a reduction year over year of a 10.7% drop leaving them with a 2024 estimated market share of 4.6%. All three auto companies lag the industry in technology connected auto's, feature / functions and especially EVs. All three companies have seen their profits turn into negative earnings for their respective companies leaving them with no real ability to perform R&D in building EVs to compete in China or the U.S. let alone Europe that has mandates in place for the end of ICE by 2035. End result is it looks like for these companies to survive, merging into one company that shares platforms and technology especially in the software and battery sectors will be the only way to move forward. View full article

Hyundai has given their current customers of Hyundai EVs and potential customers of 2024 EVs that have the CCS charging port the Christmas gift of a free NACS to CCS adapter starting in Q1 2025. Specifically, Hyundai has stated in their press release that Current Hyundai EV owners and new EV Owners that purchase or lease a current CCS Charging port EV are eligible to request the NACS to CCS adapter, shipping is included through the MyHyundai owner portal. This Hyundai-authorized adapter will give CCS-port-equipped Hyundai EV drivers access to more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers in the United States. Free adapters will be available to eligible owners of the following models: Model-year 2024 and earlier: KONA Electric IONIQ hatchback IONIQ 5 IONIQ 6 Specific 2025 Models only: IONIQ 6 IONIQ 5 N KONA Electric Details, instructions, and terms and conditions related to the process for owners to claim their complimentary adapter along with pricing for adapter units will be released in 2025 via HyundaiNews.com and additional customer-facing communication channels. The Genesis luxury brand is also participating in the program, with details to be revealed early next year. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT and Limited will be the first to be built and sold in the U.S. with the NACS port. Per Olabisi Boyle, sernior VP, product planning and mobility strategy: “To accelerate EV adoption, we started by listening to our current owners, the desire for an expanded easy charging network. These adapters will make DC fast-charging more convenient for current owners. Plus, the NACS port on new models like the upcoming IONIQ 9 along with improvements to our digital charging ecosystem, will further enhance the customer experience for future EV drivers. Our goal is to make the transition to electric seamless.” View full article

Looks Great for her age!

Add the deceptive safe thing with the deceptive Fridge in Room that is useless as the fridge is stocked with their own drinks and if you move anything to use the fridge, they charge you for it even when you do not drink their stuff. They might as well NOT say there is a fridge in the rooms. Las Vegas is terrible for this having the advertising of safes and fridges in every room, but the Safe is a joke, barely able to hold a passport and wallet and the fridges are stocked with for charge stuff, so there is no Fridge for use by the room renter.

I so want to travel to Korea and just food binge on street food. Korean TRADITIONAL Market Street Food Tour in Seoul | Watch

This is way too funny, I have to say the Circus next year is going to be amazing to watch. ‘President Musk’ talk infuriates Trump officials amid spending bill negotiations I like cheesy pasta, and this makes a dish easy to make. The only think I would do differently is dice up the garlic and onions more, so they blend into the pasta better and use a variety of cheeses, like Mozzarella and Smokey Gouda plus the parmesan. The pasta recipe we all need in our life | Watch

I love BBQing, but with my Knee recovery, I am not up to being outside in my BBQ area and cooking ribs the right way slow and steady for a fall off the bone rib. I have been looking online at other options and yes, I love Dr. Pepper way more than Coke or Pepsi, in fact I cannot think of the last time I had a coke or pepsi. Dr. Pepper slow cooked ribs, then finished in the oven. Seems like a good Idea to try. What do you guys think? Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs - Only 3 Ingredients!

Interesting read that makes total sense. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/what-trump-is-trying-to-achieve-by-going-after-liz-cheney/ar-AA1wbe5U?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=1f82b2d5ff1c45b68564cb43bd3a0c06&ei=24

Robert, what did you upgrade your panel and power supply too? I am adding a Mother inlaw suite that will be 1000sq ft with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen and general living space. 200 amp service to be installed when I start that project next year. Will then give me a rentable space. I am also upgrading my house from a 200 amp to 350 amp service. This way both can handle EV charging as well as everything else.

Per their own website: The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., abbreviated WMF, is an American 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Francisco, California, and registered there as a charitable foundation. It is the host of Wikipedia, the seventh most visited website in the world.

Toyota is living off their past manual everything autos that gave them the reliability marketing message. The recalls and behind tech advances makes one have to think twice about any Japanese auto right now. Nissan/Honda/Mitsubishi are in talks to merge and that is going to be very interesting. I honestly do not think it will make much of a difference as Japan is behind in tech in many ways. Here's what a blockbuster Nissan-Honda merger could mean for the auto industry Sony TV's once the best out there now use LG and Samsung Screens. Big tech advances I had posted here a decade ago from battery to motor tech the Japanese let fall behind and the Chinese pirated some of it to get ahead. I honestly think the quality of Auto's has flipped to Korea surpassing Japan especially in EVs. UPDATE: From Japan, seems these auto companies realize time is limited for life outside of Japan. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/a03e03dbba61-update1-japan-automakers-honda-nissan-arranging-merger-talks-source.html

So I am asking this as I honestly have wondered about people buying Ford products right now. Recalls are high, quality has left many questions including crash tests, if you take all that into account, would you still want to buy and drive a Bronco? The Bronco Sport is not doing well either with recalls. Right now, I have to wonder about all auto companies as like you I do find the Bronco a very cool SUV, but the quality of the build and materials used, make me question ever owning one.

This is an interesting read: New state-of-the-art energy facility just opened its doors in California — and it could set a precedent for the nation Very cool when we apply technology to solving problems that have changed and are harming our planet. I hope to see more projects like this.

EVgo, a publicly traded national company offering public fast charging stations across North America teamed up with various auto companies like GM, Toyota and Subaru to offer fast charging stations access to customers of newly purchased electric vehicles. EVgo had 1,000 public EV stations in August of 2023, and a year later in 2024 they opened their 2,000th DC fast charging station and are on pace to finish out 2024 with 2,850 DC fast charging stations nationwide. This is 390 locations in 45 metropolitan markets across 32 states. This is part of a longstanding collaboration to expand public access to EV charging in amenity-rich locations, such as grocery stores, retail centers and city centers. EVgo believes they can offer a convenient charging experience for those that cannot charge at home or work and include those such as renters living in apartments or multifamily dwellings where there is no local charging available. The newest EVgo charging stations are five dual 350kW chargers serving 10 vehicles simultaneously. EVgo plans to take this new format forward into the future across the U.S. with their newly closed $1.25 Billion guaranteed loan from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") loan program under title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program which will go to pay for building our EVgo's reliable public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This secured loan will allow EVgo to construct 7,500 new DC Fast charging stations nationwide. This buildout will bring EVgo's total owned and operated network to at least 10,000 fast charging stations, tripling the EVgo footprint by 2029. EVgo CEO, Badar Khan stated; “As one of the nation’s leading public fast charging providers, we are well-positioned to deploy the infrastructure needed to support both current and future domestic investments in transportation electrification. This public-private partnership will help us continue to scale our operations to serve the influx of vehicle options that will be available to American consumers in the coming years.” EV's now account for 9% of new vehicle sales and with the investments by the auto industry in EV with more and more new models coming out for sale, this will give increasing consumer confidence in the availability of public charging. This DOE loan will not only allow EVgo to expand and grow their company but will be contributing to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in the U.S., over 700 of which will be contacted resources by EVgo that will encompass roles in construction, engineering, development, and operations and maintenance. The closing of this loan marks the conclusion of a thorough 18-month process. Terms of EVgo $1.25 Billion Guaranteed Loan This loan allows EVgo to move forward with offering innovation of next generation charging systems that EVgo will have joint development and secured domestic intellectual property rights. This new system will allow EVgo  more control over the full customer experience, streamlining the charging process as it delivers energy efficiency and cost savings. The new architecture will be rolled out nationally beginning in the second half of 2026 in partnership with Delta Electronics. This collaboration will allow the next generation of DC fast chargers to offer an all-in-one power electronics, contactless payment interface while delivering a minimum of 400kW dispensers using extended cable lengths that allow easier maneuverability to reach any charging port. EVgo is focused on giving the consumer an easy tap to pay system using current chipped credit/debit cards or giving a richer experience to those that choose to sign up for an EVgo account. This delivers on EVgo focus to serve all EV drivers, regardless of the make or model of their vehicle. The joint development of next generation charging stations will allow EVgo to implement a variety of station configurations that will serve individual EVs or those with trailers easier to maximize the customer experience. The new system will deliver a faster, more efficient charging experience by taking advantage of each EVs unique charging curves, allowing to maximize the re-charge of ones battery while reducing energy consumption and costs. View full article

Seems the crazy Stooges circus has begun. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/liz-cheney-referred-for-criminal-investigation/ar-AA1w2lHB?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=12 Crazy back n forth, I hope Ukraine can recover their land and kick Russia out. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/vladimir-putin-embarrassed-as-ukrainian-rout-causes-huge-russian-surrender/ar-AA1w0T5o?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=23 Next year is going to be one extremely large clown mess of attempted dictatorship wanna be attempts against our Constitution and I fear this is only the beginning as investment firms lock in profits and get out of companies, they do not feel can handle a downturn in a U.S. and or Global Economic recession. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/dow-suffers-worst-losing-streak-in-nearly-50-years-this-stock-is-driving-index-down/ar-AA1w2wlh?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=34 This will hurt the GOP as folks assess their view of Conservative with the GOP party. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/record-slim-house-majority-faces-new-problems-as-gop-lawmaker-announces-exit-from-republican-conference/ar-AA1w2e2V?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=47 Good to see our judicial system stand up to the snake oil salesmen who think they can get away with various crimes. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/judge-merchan-just-put-leash-on-trump-during-presidency-legal-analyst/ar-AA1w2qhi?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=67 This brings up a good question for all here, do you like Standard Time or Daylight Savings time? If you are like me and not wanting to deal with flipping back and forth on time twice a year, which time do you want? https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-says-he-ll-end-daylight-saving-time-here-are-the-winners-and-losers-if-he-does/ar-AA1w1Obc?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=78 So here is how states have voted to make one or the other permanent and do away with the flip back and forth. I do find it interesting that Ford is still filing patents on EV technology even though they have pulled back and have not really planned to move forward with 800v platform. Ford's Latest Patent Could Revolutionize EV Charging Crazy the lease deals you can get on an EV. As expected another ICE only, death to EV writer finally, actually got behind a wheel and found that the EVs are way better than ICE and even states that his next auto will be an EV now that he has actually driven one and tested it. Interesting read, his few dislikes is more of him needing to choose the display preference. I like mine in Dark mode, but the wife likes hers in light mode. So it is totally customizable. I drove an EV for the first time Have to say, I am hearing more and more from coworkers who were a never EV mind set, have actually test drove and ended up buying an EV. I think the tipping point is here where variety of EV choices are going to only make this more and more common. I suspect the Kia EV3 next year will be a huge deal for them as will the Chevrolet BOLT coming back into the market. Two SUVs that are below $30,000 will attract many new auto buyers.

@oldshurst442 Thank you for the laugh, I needed it today. Much appreciated the post you did.

Interesting read seems we are approaching the same points in running up to the Great Depression and the 2000 stock crash. The Stock Market Is Making Dubious History, and It Appears to Foreshadow Trouble for Wall Street

Would you really pay $4 for that trash? I got picked up by a friend who is visiting in a rental and was given a Nissan, less than 3,000 miles on it and yet so many things wrong with the ICE auto Rental that it had me thinking where is my EV. I also had to wonder, is this really all the torque this thing has as it struggles to move around on the highway without pushing the sewing machine engine near red line.

Interesting read and comparison of the ID.BUZZ versus EV9 Volkswagen ID Buzz vs. Kia EV9: Which 3-Row 7-Passenger EV Is Best?

Cool looking fighter jet, happy that Ukraine is destroying Russia on their own soil. Time to make them feel the pain they have wrongly brought to Ukraine. Ukrainian intel strikes deep: Aircraft destroyed in Russia

@oldshurst442 Excellent read and I totally agree with the writeup, let the GOP burn themselves to the ground. Treat them like the addict they are and self combust. Opinion: America voted for a dumpster fire — Democrats just need to let it burn itself out @A Horse With No Name Very cool video on making a wooden cup. Woodturning - Cubism | Watch Another awesome wood turning project. Crazy what people will think up. Woodturning - I Maxed Out My Lathe! | Watch We are getting hit hard starting tonight through next week, heavy rain, winds and snow. Atmospheric River Set to 'Wallop' Western US: What We Know Seems the incoming administration wants to kill off safety for the sake of profits, focused on Robotaxi profits. Trump team set to end key vehicle safety rule opposed by Elon Musk's Tesla: report