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Honda (7267.T)* today announced plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system at the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with space and technology companies Sierra Space and Tec-Masters.
“The project is part of Honda’s vision for a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide advanced energy storage capable of supporting human life on the lunar surface,” Honda said.* Continue reading
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Subaru of America today said the annual SubieEvents series will once again kick off the 2025 season with Wicked Big Meet on 8 June2024 at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. As the title sponsor of the series, Subaru is bringing together competitions, interactive experiences, tech seminars, giveaways, exclusive vendors, and activities for the whole family. This year, the events will welcome thousands of Subaru vehicles and enthusiasts, and take place in six cities nationwide, including a new location for SubieFest Florida at Orlando Speed World.
“The SubieEvents series has grown into an expansive celebration that has something for every member of the Subaru family. From ride-alongs to racing simulators to autograph sessions to vehicle unveilings, we know that this year’s events are on track to be some of the most exciting ever,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. Continue reading
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Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of “Hanami” or “flower viewing.” During Hanami, families and friends gather beneath the delicate pink blooms of cherry trees for picnics and celebrations, enjoying the transient beauty of the season, Rolls Royce noted today. A client in Japan wished to capture their cherished Hanami memories, spanning childhood and parenthood. Thus is the backstory of the latest custom or bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom. This is a one-of-one Phantom commission said to be inspired by the fleeting beauty of the Sakura blooms and a Japanese client’s formative memories of this natural spectacle.
“Cherry blossoms are cherished in Japan as a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life and the beauty of transience. With this magnificent commission, we translate an internationally renowned moment into our pinnacle motor car, Phantom, with exquisite embroidery comprising more than 250,000 stitches. For the first time at Rolls-Royce, we have applied three-dimensional embroidery that gives the falling flower petals a tactile, sculptural quality. Developed using ancient Japanese stitching techniques, this motor car represents a deeply personal memory for the client and demonstrates the power of Bespoke in uniting individual meaning, heritage craftsmanship and modern artistry,” said Martina Starke, General Manager, Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading
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A prototype of the Honda 0 SUV made its global public debut today driven by Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event in Tokyo, Japan.* First seen at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the all-electric SUV, part of the Honda 0 Series, is expected to begin production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in 2026. The Honda and Red Bull Racing partnership is set to conclude at the end of 2025 season.
“The Honda 0 SUV participated in the demonstration drive wearing a specially designed wrap featuring geometric lines and reflections of light, a visual representation of the company’s new approach to EV development – “Thin, Light, and Wise”. The all-electric SUV was showcased alongside Red Bull Racing Honda F1 machines, including the “RB16B” and an “RB7” featuring Racing Bulls’ new 2025 livery design. Also joining the street demonstration drive was the first race-winning Honda F1 car, the historic V12-powered Honda RA272, which earned victory at the 1965 Mexico Grand Prix 60 years ago, as the first race car from a Japanese automaker to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix,” Honda said. Continue reading
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For the 11th consecutive year, Toyota (NYSE: TM) has obtained more patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office than any other automotive company, according to the annual report by the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Toyota also remains in the top 10 among all patent recipients with 2428 U.S. patents in 2024.
“Toyota is evolving into a mobility company, and the breadth and depth of our patent acquisitions exemplify the wide range of invention that is taking place at our company,” said Sandra Phillips, senior vice president, Enterprise Integrity, chief sustainability officer and chief legal officer at Toyota Motor North America. “It’s a collective effort from every part of Toyota including contributions from North America R&D, Toyota Research Institute, Toyota Connected, Woven by Toyota and our manufacturing centers.” Continue reading
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said U.S. retail sales rose 5% in the first quarter of 2025. However, overall, total Ford sales for the quarter decreased 1% year over year. Ford claimed this was “mainly due to daily rental fleet sales timing and lost volume from the discontinuation of the Ford Edge and Transit Connect.” In March, F-Series sales rose 38% with a first quarter increase of 24% on sales of 190,389 trucks. F-Series continued as America’s best-selling truck lineup based on preliminary data. General Motors left Ford in in the dust. (Read AutoInformed.com on: GM Q1 2025 U.S. Sales Lead Auto Industry )
“F-Series, along with the popular Ranger and Maverick, together lifted Ford’s total pickup sales to 243,317 in the first quarter. To close out the quarter, Maverick, as a result of improved availability, tallied an all-time monthly sales record of 19,008 pickups sold in March,” Ford said. Continue reading
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 17% in Q1 OF 2025, with double-digit increases at all four of the company’s brands. For the quarter, GM claimed it led the U.S. automotive industry in total sales at 693,363. It also claimed leadership in retail and fleet sales.
“GM’s sales growth outpaced every other major automaker, and the driving force is our portfolio,” said Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president of global markets. “We’re the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio of EVs in the industry.” Continue reading
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Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced the launch of its nationwide tree distribution program in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation® (ADF). It’s claimed to be the largest such corporate effort in the non-profit’s history. As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, Subaru retailers will give away established and regionally appropriate trees (up to four feet tall, in one-gallon containers) in communities across the country.
“Subaru has a long history of helping to protect and preserve the planet through programs that reduce waste, safeguard natural resources, and care for our natural spaces. With the unmatched expertise of the Arbor Day Foundation and the support of our Subaru retailers, we are creating a lasting impact that will grow for many years to come. One tree at a time, Subaru is proud to help make a more sustainable future for all,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Subaru of America. Continue reading
Volvo Car USA is recalling more than 7400 2020-2021 model year S90 vehicles, 2020-2022 model year S60, V60, XC60 and XC90 vehicles and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles.
“The recall population are vehicles produced with LG high-voltage battery modules built in China between 3 June 2019, to 30 November 2021. During this production period there was supplier process deviation that could lead to a risk of an internal short circuit with certain battery cells within the battery module,” Volvo said in the required safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Tesla is recalling a small number of 2021-2024 model-year S and 2021-2025 X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad from TRW Steering Wheel Systems de Chihuahua, Mexico may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
“On affected vehicles, a service operator may have installed an airbag with a non-mechanical horn pad in a mechanical steering wheel or an airbag with a mechanical horn pad in a non-mechanical steering wheel, resulting in a loss of horn functionality. Airbag functionality is unaffected,” Tesla said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public this moring by the still functioning National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
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Nissan North America is recalling 1430 model-year 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake-caliper assemblies from Hitachi Astemo Mexico may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”
“If one or both of the front brake calipers fail, customers may notice uneven braking performance and the “Low Brake Fluid” warning light may illuminate in certain cases,” Nissan told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by this morning by NHTSA. Continue reading
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 4000 2020-2022 model year Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. This is another Ford Motor recall caused by software errors and its inability to ascertain if the prior recall was implemented correctly. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Recalls Previous Bronco and Escape Fire Recalls)
“The Ford process is capable of determining which software part numbers have been installed in production and service. Affected vehicles do not contain the remedy Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software for recall 23S16 and/or 22S27. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order. Information as to the applicability of this action to specific vehicles can best be obtained by either calling Ford’s toll-free line (1-866-436-7332) or by contacting a local Ford or Lincoln dealer who can obtain specific information regarding the vehicles from the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect filing made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling ~34,000 model-year 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2023 Bronco Sport vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under NHTSA recall numbers 22V-859 or 24V-187. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment risking a fire. It’s the latest in a growing series of Ford recalls that were not properly repaired the first time because of software programming errors, requiring a recall of the recall, so to speak.*
“According to Ford’s records, certain 2021-2023 MY Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles did not have the remedy for Safety Recall 24S16 / 24V092 and/or 22S73 / 22V191 installed correctly but were recorded as having the repair successfully completed. Because the correct software update remedy may not be installed on the vehicle, the underlying condition specified in Safety Recalls 24S16 / 24V092 and/or 22S73 / 22V191 may still exist, and a fuel injector may crack, resulting in fuel and/or fuel vapor migrating to and/or accumulating near ignition sources resulting in potential under hood fire,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
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Renault Group* (Euronext: RNO) and Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced new business projects for the evolving remains of the failed Renault Nissan Alliance. Renault Group would own 100% of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) by acquiring the 51% shareholding currently held by financially ailing Nissan. Nissan said it will maintain a presence in India with a focus on increasing market coverage. At its heart the shuffle involves complex product programs across global markets, once again requiring cooperation among diverse and distinct corporate cultures that have a troubled past working together. **
“RNAIPL would continue to produce Nissan models, including the New Nissan Magnite, and will serve as a crucial pillar for the company’s future expansion plans. Nissan chooses Renault Group to develop and produce a derivative of Twingo, designed by Nissan. The New Alliance Agreement would be amended to increase the flexibility of each party regarding their cross-shareholdings by setting the lock-up undertaking at 10% (instead of 15% currently). Nissan would be released from its commitment to invest in Ampere while continuing the agreed product projects,” the companies said in a joint release. Continue reading
Trumped? Hyundai Says It Will Maintain Current MSRPs
Hyundai Motor America today launched a Customer Assurance program “in response to dynamic market conditions and the potential impact of tariffs on the automotive industry.” This proposal may help customers who purchase or lease any new Hyundai vehicle between today and 2 June 2025. They might not see any increase in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) during the protection period. Genesis is also part of the proposal. However, dealers are able to set actual price of a vehicle under various State franchise laws and regulations. [See footnote 1] This appears to be a negotiating strategy with the lame-duck U.S. president, aka April Fool, who has just presented Wall Street with its worst week since the last Trump Administration.*
“At Hyundai, we have a long history of providing value and doing what’s right for our customers and communities,” claimed José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, which includes the Genesis Hyundai and Kia brands. “We know consumers are uncertain about the potential for rising prices and we want to provide them with some stability in the coming months,” said Muñoz. Continue reading →