First look – 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First look - 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?

Click for more.

Toyota (NYSE: TM) revealed details of the 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback – a compact car with high quality, durability pert driving traits and unique value in AutoInformed’s experience, which covers decades of reviews and even ownership of one. It will be in dealerships this Summer. Both are built at the Tsutsumi Plant in Aichi, Japan. Info on the 2027 Corolla Sedan will come later.

Available in SE and XSE grades, the 2027 Corolla Hatchback starts at $24,780 (SE) and $27,875 (XSE) MSRP that excludes a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. Reinforcing the value proposition is Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory-scheduled service for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls

Click to enlarge

Chrysler* (FCA US) is recalling ~120,000 2026 model year Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L SUVs. The brake system control module software may cause a loss of electronic stability control and a loss of electronic brake assist. These SUVs go not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” The supplier is ZF group.

“The Brake System Control Module (BSCM)  may have been built with software which may disable Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electronic brake assist. A loss of ESC function and/or electronic brake assist can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning,” Chrysler said on the mandatory safety defect recall notice, that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made public this week. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, manufacturing, quality, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers

Click for more.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~43,000 2021-2023 model-year Mustang Mach E vehicles for powertrain [primary drive unit or PDU- AutoCrat] failures. It is also recalling 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD models for defective wiper and washer systems. All told ~111,000 Mustangs are affected. The most serious safety defect is a the differential pinion shaft failure (NHTSA recall 26V417 or 26V-417, Ford 26S50) that results from the Mexican supplied Borg Warner PDU for the 2021-2023 Mustang Mach E. The rear-wheel drive vehicles a rear differential pinion shaft may fracture without warning. (Read AutoInformed.com on Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls and Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles)

“In the event of a differential pinion shaft failure, the customer may experience a loss of motive power and/or unintended vehicle movement with Park requested if the parking brake is not applied. A loss of motive power or unintended vehicle movement increases 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 →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires

Click for more.

Kia America (Kia) is recalling ~463,000 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles.* The front power-seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power-seat slide knob or an improper repair of NHTSA recall 24V407. This safety defect can cause a fire while a Telluride is parked or when driving.

“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect filing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made public this morning. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%

Click to enlarge.

Audi of America reported today a Q2 sales drop of -17% when compared year-over-year. There was no release with commentary just the sales chart shown here at AutoInformed. This came as the parent company Volkswagen Group (VOW.DE) Executive Board yesterday presented the Supervisory Board with 12 initiatives to make the financially bedridden Group profitable. [Share price is down 66% during the last five years; -25% year-over-year at ~€76 as customers are apparently searching for more affordable wheels or are no longer happy with product Audi product offerings – AutoCrat.] No doubt Audi of America executives were in Wolfsburg fighting for the survival of the brand.*

Big losers at Audi of America during Q2 2026 were the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-Tron, and Q8 e-tron electric models which were walloped by the Trump Administration’s cancellation of electric vehicle incentives compounded by the Trump import tariffs, which also hurt other global automakers. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Loss Making Survival Diet – VW Group Efficiency Quest

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Loss Making Survival Diet - VW Group Efficiency Quest

Click for more.

The Executive Board of the Volkswagen Group (VOW.DE)* yesterday presented the Supervisory Board with 12 initiatives to make the financially bedridden Group profitable and competitive by 2030. [Share price is down 66% during the last five years; -25% year-over-year at ~€76. The Wolf in the room from a company with a history starting in Wolfsburg is how many German IG Metall jobs will be devoured. Furthermore, stakeholders have a legitimate question about why these steps weren’t taken long ago – AutoCrat?] 

“Our goal is clear: by 2030, we will make the Volkswagen Group the most attractive automotive company in the world – with iconic brands, inspiring products, leading technologies, robust financial results, reliable capital market performance and a team spirit in action,” claimed Oliver Blume, CEO of the Group. “With our future plan, we are moving into the next phase of transformation by our own means. We are making the Volkswagen Group faster, more resilient and more competitive: through less complexity, focused technologies, an even stronger alignment of products, development and production with regional markets, the reduction of over-capacities, a streamlined equity portfolio and significantly leaner structures. In this way, we are creating the conditions for sustained success – even in an increasingly demanding environment.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, engineering, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Click for more.

Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that its associates today celebrated their 30th anniversary as Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio (TMP-O) in Russells Point, Ohio. Transmission production began in 1996 and associates have assembled  more than 26 million transmissions.

“As we celebrate 30 years of Honda manufacturing excellence in Ohio, we’re not just reflecting on our history; we’re accelerating toward the future,” said Jason Foster, Power Unit Manufacturing Plant lead. “The unyielding continued commitment of TMP-O associates to producing top-quality drivetrains will allow us to continue building on the legacy we celebrate today,” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Auto Lending - BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Click for more.

BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and Walter Venture Group, alongside existing investors Okapi Ventures, StartFast Ventures, SaaS Ventures, and Stout Street Ventures, was oversubscribed with solid demand from both new and existing backers as the Artificial Intelligence boom continues to this point.

“We were drawn to KredosAi because of the strength of the team, the company’s differentiated approach to combining behavioral economics with AI, and the clear data network effects behind the product,” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “In an environment where enterprises are under more pressure to improve retention, we saw a compelling opportunity for a solution that can create meaningful value at scale.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!

Click for more.

Gasoline and EV Charging prices are on the rise once again,* according to the latest data from AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

 “Gas prices are going up again, as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 5 cents overnight to $3.84 after steadily dropping since late May. Crude oil prices are currently in the $70 per barrel range but could rise if volatility lingers along the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said in a release today.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index – Affordability Lurks?

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Affordability is the theme in the first half of 2026, according to the latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index published today.*

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index - Affordability Lurks

Click to enlarge.

“The first half of the year is officially in the books, and wholesale values finished on solid footing. The Manheim Index closed June up 2.1% against last year and essentially flat on the month, slightly below the typical gain for June. The story of the first half is a strong tax-refund season that pushed values to levels we haven’t seen in a few years, peaking in March before normalizing, leaving the index about 1% off that March high,” said Jonathan Gregory, Senior Director, Cox Automotive.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Recalls ~326,000 Odysseys for Bad Rearview Cameras

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Recalls ~326,000 Odysseys for Bad Rearview Cameras

Click for more.

Honda Motor (NYSE: HMC)* said today that it is recalling ~326,000 Odyssey vans because the Magna-supplied rearview cameras can fail to display when the vehicle is in the reverse gear. [Magna Electronics Holly MI – AutoCrat.] If the rearview camera image fails to display when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, rearward visibility is reduced, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. In a proactive move Honda released the mandatory safety defect filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ahead of its public released by NHTSA. The history of the defect goes back four years.**

“The defect was caused by two contributing factors. First, the specification for the rearview camera housing boss hole was inadequate for the mounting screw. Second, due to variations in the positioning of the housing on the assembly jig, the mounting screw is susceptible to being misaligned during assembly. As a result, the stress generated during screw fastening exceeded the material strength of the boss, causing it to crack. Through environmental exposure (thermal expansion/freezing of trapped water), these cracks can expand, allowing water to penetrate the interior of the assembly,” Honda told NHTSA. [This causes the printed circuit board (PCB) to corrode and fail – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, public health, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

Click for more.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)* said today that the Commission’s eFiling program is now in effect, requiring importers of regulated consumer products to submit compliance certificates electronically before products enter U.S. commerce. eFiling does not apply to domestic manufacturers, including small businesses manufacturing in the United States.

“America faces an unprecedented surge in imported consumer products entering through increasingly complex global supply chains, including millions of direct-to-consumer shipments that often bypass traditional retail distribution. CPSC faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly where products originate from countries that do not comply with U.S. safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman, a Trump appointee.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in manufacturing, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota – $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

Posted on 7 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota - $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

Click for more.

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said this week that it will invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio manufacturing site with a second vehicle assembly line for the Tacoma pickup truck. The expansion it’s claimed will create 2000 new jobs and add 2.5 million square feet to Toyota Texas, doubling its size by 2030. [In the latest trade and tariff battle under the Trump mis-administration, TMNA will move Tacoma production from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California (TMMBC) to the expanded Toyota Texas plant over ~four-years. Toyota said it encourages a quick resolution to USMCA to make the North American region globally competitive. Toyota has operations is all three countries – AutoCrat.]*

“Toyota’s continued investment in North America is a testament to our confidence in the region’s workforce, innovation and long-term growth potential,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO TMNA. “By expanding our San Antonio plant, we are deepening our commitment to American manufacturing, creating meaningful and sustainable jobs, while advancing our mission to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet the changing needs of customers today and into the future.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford and Lincoln Recalls For Bad Pedestrian Backup Warnings

Posted on 6 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 66,000 2024-2027 model-year Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.* The Phoenix Audio System supplied by Harmon International has a software error in the Digital Signal Processing Module This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed.

“Dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. The remedy is currently under development for all other Nautilus and Explorer Hybrid vehicles affected by this recall,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the morning. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, public health, quality, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

Click to enlarge.

The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Ford Motor Company leads the safety defect recall parade. Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations. The dataset includes recall information related to specific NHTSA campaigns. General Motors, Chrysler (FCAUS) Hyundai Motor and Toyota follow Ford in frequency.

Manufacturers who determine that a product or piece of original equipment either contains a safety defect or is not in compliance with Federal safety standards are required to notify NHTSA within 5 business days.  Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment