Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive Europe

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the sector, from large companies and dealerships to small traders.

“The Stellantis Pre-Owned Team are thrilled to collaborate with Cox Automotive Europe. Taking this significant step forward together, by creating a cutting-edge remarketing solution to grow our buyer base, buyer choice, and ultimately our combined performance. SPOTICAR Trade will be more than an innovative platform. Together, we will transform the Pre-Owned Vehicle Business to Business (BtB) market in Europe by offering a dynamic and class leading borderless marketplace, with tailor-made services, optimized stock and price management,” claimed James Weston, Senior Vice President of Stellantis Pre-Owned Vehicle Business Unit. Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Luyuan is recalling Youth ATVs due to risk of serious injury or death from crash hazard. The X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs violate mandatory standard for all-terrain vehicles.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs and contact Luyuan for a free repair from an authorized repair shop,” CPSC said. Continue reading →

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ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. OEM ICE App ReportSM released this week shows that owner satisfaction with mobile apps for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is more and more shaped by reliable connectivity, intuitive design, and the availability of essential features. Nearly 80% of ICE vehicle owners indicate using the OEM-provided app, “yet engagement and satisfaction remain inconsistent year-over-year. High-performing brands are pulling ahead, widening the gap with competitors,” J.D. Power said.*

“Connectivity and speed continue to be the most significant challenges for ICE vehicle apps,” said Violet Allmandinger, mobile apps lead at J.D. Power. “Owners want apps that work seamlessly every time, with core features that are easy to access and perform reliably. The top performers notably stand out, and this year’s scores reflect that.”** Continue reading →

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Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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The U.S. Census Bureau said today that its Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue confirms a nationwide surge in sports betting revenue. The national total of state sales tax revenue from sports betting increased 382%, from $190 million in Q3 of 2021 (when data collection began) to $917 million in Q2 of 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue (QTAX).

“Sports betting became possible in May 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Since then, a majority of states have legalized some form of sports betting; including online, mobile, retail sports betting and pari-mutuels, such as wagers made on horse-racing,” Census said. Continue reading →

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IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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IndyCar said today it will have an independent officiating system presiding over the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. The not-for-profit organization, IndyCar Officiating Inc., will be governed by a three-person Independent Officiating Board (IOB). This board will select a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) and establish its annual budget.

“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team – AutoCrat.]* Continue reading →

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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the 2011-2014 Boss 302R, the 2012-2014 Boss 302S and the 2017 FP350S.*

“This addition to the Mustang Cup series aims to further increase Ford’s involvement and investment in grassroots racing, which has played an important role in our past and will continue to play an important role in our future,” said Chris Ward manager of Ford Racing Global One Make Series. Continue reading →

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GM Canada Leadership Change – Jack Uppal new President

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today announced the appointment of Jack Uppal to president and managing director, GM Canada, effective 1 February 2026. Uppal is currently president and managing director, GM Africa & Middle East. Uppal has more than a decade of international experience in China, India, Singapore and the Middle East. He will report to senior vice president and president, GM North America, Duncan Aldred. [The latest Canadian shuffle comes on month after the appointment of Kristian Aquilina, formerly president and managing director, GM Canada, to vice president of global Cadillac, effective 1 January 2026. Aquilina reports to Duncan Aldred. Aquilina had continued to oversee GM Canada operations. – AutoCrat]*

“Jack’s proven global leadership experience and deep knowledge of Canada will be instrumental for building a strong future for GM in Canada,” said Aldred. Continue reading →

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Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today celebrated the completion of new construction and updated offerings at its Arizona Proving Ground. Joined by local government officials during an event, Toyota leaders discussed the improvements for vehicle and automotive technology testing and development.*

“We are proud to strengthen the offerings at our world-class facility in Arizona, not only for Toyota, but for any company that has use for these amenities,” said Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Vehicle Development Engineering at Toyota Motor North America’s Research and Development. Continue reading →

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Happy Nightmare! Holiday Travel to Set New Record

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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AAA* said today that it estimates that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning 20 December  and ending 1 January 2926. This year’s forecast if accurate is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.

“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.” Continue reading →

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First Look – $34,995 Subaru Uncharted EV

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced pricing of the new 2026 Uncharted EV due to arrive at dealers early next year. The all-new, all-electric compact crossover has standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most models, and an available manufacturer-estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge. The 2026 Subaru Uncharted starts at $34,995 MSRP, the lowest entry price across Subaru’s EV lineup. It is made in Japan and therefore subject to the chaos and whims of Trump’s trade wars.*

“The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is available in three trim levels: Premium FWD, Sport, and GT. The entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD model will be offered in limited numbers. It is front-wheel-drive only with an estimated range of more than 300 miles and 221 horsepower. Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE®, an estimated range of more than 285 miles and 338 horsepower, which is more than the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV,” Subaru claimed. Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Bolt, a European mobility platform, today announced they have entered a partnership to jointly explore the development and use of Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe. [The move is a defensive one as the Chinese undoubtedly are preparing to attack this lucrative segment – AutoCrat]*

“Our AV-Ready Platforms™ are designed for maximum flexibility, so we can deliver the best possible experience for European customers. Autonomous fleets can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint by enabling a shared and optimized mobility, reducing congestion and emissions. Partnering with Bolt is intended to bring this vision closer to reality, combining our engineering expertise with their operational reach in the hopes of making driverless mobility a trusted part of everyday life in Europe,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading →

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Detroit Auto Show – Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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The Detroit Auto Show today announced it has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The exhibition is part of “The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure,” a nine-day cross-country vehicle convoy from Jan. 3 in Santa Monica, Calif., to Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 12, ending at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 14. The vehicles then will be on exhibition for the duration of the 2026 Auto Show. [Read AutoInformed.com on: Route 66 on Regent Street? – AutoCrat]

“It’s an honor to have our ‘Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition’ selected as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project, and we’re excited for show attendees to have a chance to experience a treasured part of Americana right on the show floor,” said Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Sam Klemet. Continue reading →

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Genesis Recall for Sudden Unintended Braking

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) is recalling ~ 500 model year 2023-2026 G90 vehicles in Silver paint for a defect in the semi-autonomous driving system that causes sudden braking. (Read AutoInformed.com on: IP Software Failure – Hyundai Recalls Genesis Models)

“The subject vehicles are equipped with Highway Drive Assist (“HDA”), an advanced driving assistance system that allows semi-autonomous driving on limited-access highways with continuous, direct supervision by the driver. The vehicles may falsely detect another vehicle entering its lane of travel and apply the brakes without warning when HDA is enabled at speeds below approximately 12 mph or when HDA is enabled along with the Lane Change Assist (“LCA”) feature, activated by the driver moving the turn signal lever to the desired direction to change lanes,” HMA said  in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today. Continue reading →

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Road Hazard – Ford Escape Liftgate Hinge Cover Recall

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling ~108,762 model year 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape* compact SUVs with a Panoramic sunroof because the rear liftgate hinge covers can fall off. Ford back in the summer of 2012 had dismissed the problem as minor involving few vehicles. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.

“A hinge cover that detaches while driving can create a distraction and/or road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Lando Norris Wins Formula One World Drivers’ Championship

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Lando Norris took the 2025 FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship title with a third place finish in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He beat race winner Max Verstappen to the title by two points, ending Verstappen’s dominance of the F1 championship for four straight seasons. Oscar Piastri finished the race in second place to end the season in P3 overall.

“It feels amazing,” said Norris post-race. “I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them. It’s been an honor. I’ve learned a lot from both of them as well, so I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been a long year. But we did it. And I’m so proud of everyone.” Continue reading →

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