Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today posted relatively strong Q1 FY 2027 financial results of a net income of  ¥1.1 trillion, an increase of ~76%. It also revised its forecast and said it would repurchase $6 billion worth of stock.*

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Motor City Garage to Debut

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Goodyear Motor City Garage

Click to enlarge.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it is opening the Goodyear Motor City Garage, its first retail store in Detroit on Saturday 15 August 2026, which is the date of the Woodward Dream Cruise. A considerable automotive event, the Dream Cruise claims more than 40,000 classic and custom cars and ~1.5 million enthusiasts.

“Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for ultra-high performance or just need help picking the best tires to get your SUV through the school pick-up line, we’re looking to show you how easy Goodyear can make vehicle care. Detroit’s car culture makes it the perfect place to showcase our new retail concept alongside our Mobile Garage service that can install tires and service your vehicle right in your driveway,” said Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart.

At the Goodyear Motor City Garage during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend, Goodyear will display the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Heritage Collection. The vehicle is equipped with Goodyear Performance Series F70/14 custom wide-tread tires with raised white letters, a factory-accurate recreation of the original equipment specification. “The tires deliver unmistakable vintage performance and period-correct muscle-car presence,” Goodyear said.*

Also on display from the General Motors Heritage Center and Archive is the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am W72 “Bandit.” This black-and-gold special edition was inspired by the movie, “Smokey and the Bandit,” starring Sally Field and Burt Reynolds. This Trans Am originally was outfitted with Goodyear GR70/15 GM Custom Tread tires. Additional vehicle displays and featured automotive attractions will be announced closer to the event.

The Goodyear Motor City Garage will be open to the public on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 8 a.m. Located at 3075 East Grand Blvd, Detroit.

Guests can visit the Goodyear Motor City Garage for the same service available at other Goodyear Auto Service locations, including:

  • Tire sales and installation
  • Oil changes
  • Alignments
  • Brake service
  • Battery replacement
  • Free vehicle inspections
  • Preventive maintenance

*AutoInformed on

Tweet
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Click to enlarge.

Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today posted financial results for the three months ending 30 June 2026 or Q1 of the Japanese fiscal year. Nissan recorded global sales of 701,000 units and consolidated net revenue of ¥2.964 trillion, up ¥257 billion over the prior year. Consolidated operating profit after two years of losses finally returned at ¥77.9 billion, an improvement of ¥157 billion for the struggling Japanese company.*

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, sales, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Lexus Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Click for more.

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Lexus unveiled its latest brand message, “DISCOVER―Imitate No One.” This is an effort of transforming the brand into one that “delivers truly one-of-a-kind experiences for each individual customer.” We will see if it flies…

“Lexus has continuously challenged itself to create new luxury experiences that reflect the increasingly diverse values and lifestyles of its customers. Through a diverse lineup of offerings, including the LS Concept, which redefined the flagship with its innovative six-wheel package, and the LY680 flagship yacht, Lexus has expanded the luxury experience across both land and sea, helping customers discover their own unique luxury lifestyle. With the addition of the LEXUS Helicopter as its air mobility offering, LEXUS further expands its value proposition into a seamless 360-degree mobility experience spanning land, sea, and air,” the luxury brand of Toyota said in a release. [Read AutoInformed on: Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business! –AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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

Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Click to enlarge.

Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.*

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, results, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS – Driver Death Rates and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS - Driver Death Rate Data and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers. [Deaths per million registered vehicle years, 2023 and equivalent earlier models, 2021-24]

Click to enlarge.

More than half of the model 2023 vehicles with the highest driver death rates are small cars, sports cars or muscle cars, according to a  new report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* IIHS has been calculating driver death rates about every three years since 1989. This year marks the second time IIHS also analyzed the “other-driver death rate” – the number of drivers in other vehicles killed in crashes with each model. Size and power largely describe the worst models that are deadly to other vehicle drivers and occupants. Ten of the top 20 are large or very large pickups, including several heavy-duty variants with more powerful engines. [Given the laws of physics (start with F=MA), it’s not surprising that the biggest vehicles are most dangerous to others. However, the age of vehicles on the road; where and when they are driven are among the many variables in play here -AutoCrat.]

“Even the safest small cars don’t fare well in crashes with large pickups and heavy SUVs,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Powerful engines and marketing that attracts aggressive drivers is the issue for sports cars and muscle cars. They’re dangerous mainly because of how they’re driven.” Continue reading →

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

Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Posted on 30 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Click to enlarge.

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) today posted Q2 2026 financial results showing modest improvements in operating results that are still negatively affected by previous capital investments and management’s neglect of key brands, compounded by the ongoing negative effects of the foreign policy wars and tariff impositions of the Trump mis-administration that all global automakers are dealing with.* The 2026 net tariff gale Stellantis is sailing into is now estimated to be at €1.0 billion to €1.2 billion of costs. During H1 2026 net tariff costs were €0.3 billion, including an International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff refund of €0.4 billion.

“The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from all other regions. We improved performance across our key financial metrics with Net revenues, AOI and Industrial free cash flows all showing significant gains. With implementation of our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy well underway and this year’s exciting new product launches on time and on track, we remain confident of delivering our 2026 financial guidance,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Penske Automotive Group Posts Q2 2026 Earnings Decline

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts Q2 2026 Earnings Decline

Click to enlarge.

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* today posted Q2 2026 financial results that showed revenue increased 6% to $8.5 billion when compared to $8.0 billion in Q2 2025. However, net income attributable to common stockholders at $260.4 million dropped ($266.6 million in 2025), and related earnings per share at $3.96 dropped as well ($4.03 in 2025.) [Penske Automotive is subject to a take the company private bid at $210 per share:Take Private Offer Made to Penske Automotive Group! PAG stock is currently trading in the $223.69 per share range – AutoCrat.]

“In the second quarter of 2026, our diversified business delivered over 125,000 retail automotive units and more than 5400 commercial truck units. Retail automotive same-store revenue increased 6%. Retail automotive new and used vehicle gross profit per unit remained strong and consistent when compared to the first quarter of 2026, and service and parts gross margin increased by 80 basis points. Additionally, I am encouraged with the trends we are experiencing across the commercial truck market from an improved freight environment, driving strong orders of Class 8 trucks,” Chair Roger Penske said.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, financial results, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $1.3B

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ford Motor Q2 and H1 2026 Financial Results – Courtesy of and Copyright FMC 28 July 2026 all rights reserved

Click to Enlarge.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) posted Q1 2026 financial results.* They showed revenue of $48.3 billion, down $1.9 billion year-over-year; a net loss of $1.3 billion, down $1.3 billion year-over-year, adjusted EBIT of $2.5 billion, up $0.4 billion year-over-year. As predicted, the net loss includes a $3.6 billion largely non-cash special item charge tied to the previously announced disposition of the BlueOval SK (BOSK) joint venture.

“We delivered another strong quarter and raised our full-year guidance, but the more important story is the growing evidence that Ford is becoming a more profitable, more disciplined and genuinely different company,” claimed Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “Our iconic trucks, off-roaders and hybrids are commanding real pricing power; our quality is now industry-leading in the U.S.; and profitable new adjacencies, such as Ford Energy, are opening fresh sources of growth.” Continue reading →

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

Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Click to enlarge.

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by its government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods, which will hurt U.S. automakers and suppliers.*

“Magna’s strength lies in our ability to support customers across propulsion technologies and regions,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “This new 800V eDrive award with Chery reflects how we support OEMs as they move forward, whether through electric, hybrid or mixed technology strategies, while delivering the performance, efficiency and scalability today’s markets demand.”

“Magna’s strength lies in our ability to support customers across propulsion technologies and regions,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “This new 800V eDrive award with Chery reflects how we support OEMs as they move forward, whether through electric, hybrid or mixed technology strategies, while delivering the performance, efficiency and scalability today’s markets demand.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid

Click for more.

Urban public transit with a Bosch fuel cell has started test operations in Madrid. Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.

“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations,” said Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions.* Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Sells Free2move to a Private Equity Firm

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Sells Free2move to a Private Equity Firm

Click for more.

Stellantis* (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Mutares** (ISIN: DE000A2NB650) said today that they have an agreement for the sale of Stellantis’ entire shareholding in the Free2move car-sharing business to Mutares. The transaction is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. This strategy move of shedding companies is a core part of  Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 plan. Under it, financially ailing Stellantis will focus investments and resources to the regions, brands and technologies that it thinks can generate the strongest returns.

“By sharpening our focus on core automotive activities, we strengthen our capacity to deliver long-term performance,” commented Virgilio Cerutti, Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Stellantis. “We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to support a smooth transition process for customers, partners, and employees.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars 2026 held 15-16 June had a so called roundtable series that convened automotive experts from the U.S. and Canada to discuss one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: how tariffs are redefining manufacturing, supply chains, and the future of North American competitiveness. Participants included automakers, suppliers, researchers, and representatives from Canada and the United States for a dialogue on the trade and operational strains facing the auto industry resulting from tariffs.

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] The CAR analysis bared a critical point for the North American automotive industry. Key issues centered around the consequences of tariffs on automakers and the increasing strain on the supply base. AutoInformed’s conclusions is that the King has no clothes. Read more AutoInformed coverage on related topics below – AutoCrat.* Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Non-Binding ‘cellcentric’ Fuel Cell Agreement Moves Ahead

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric (sic) and Toyota Motor Corporation said today that they have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join as an equal partner and shareholder in cellcentric. Each owner will hold a one third share. This completes a previously announced non-binding agreement to cooperate in the Daimler Truck and Volvo Group fuel cell system joint venture called cellcentric.*

“Completion of the transaction is conditional upon obtaining regulatory approvals. Through the collaboration, the parties intend to strengthen cellcentric’s position as a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications,” the companies said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Recalls ~566,000 Broncos for Wiring Harness Fires

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor Recalls ~566,000 Broncos for Wiring Harness Fires

Click for more.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~566,000 model year 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The Mexican made engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.*

“The problem is caused by insufficient protection on the wiring harness which can lead to exposed wires and short circuiting. In the event of a short, drivers may notice smoke in the air vents or a warning message on their dashboard followed by flames coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA today. Continue reading →

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