Coming Soon Chinese-Built Jeeps?

Posted on 15 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Dongfeng Group today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement to expand their 34-year partnership through shared production of Peugeot and Jeep® vehicles in China for the Chinese market and for sales worldwide. The plan also includes the production at DPCA’s Wuhan plant of initially two Jeep®-branded off-road new energy vehicles for global markets, starting in 2027. [DPCA – Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile is a joint venture with Stellantis. Chinese automakers are now setting global trends. – AutoCrat] 

“With a track record of more than 30 years of collaboration and shared automotive expertise, Stellantis and Dongfeng are ready to further leverage their strengths and introduce all-new vehicles with cutting-edge EV technologies from brands that customers worldwide trust and love,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “We look forward to this project and to collaborate even more in the future.” Continue reading →

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BMW N.A. Starts Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Sites

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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BMW of North America (XETRA: BMWG.DE) today announced the launch of a preferred pricing program  for BMW and MINI EVs at IONNA charging locations across the U.S.*

“BMW firmly believes in an electric future, and it’s no secret that reliable high-speed charging infrastructure remains essential to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, BMW of North America. “We currently offer one of the broadest portfolios of premium electric vehicles in the U.S., with the next-generation BMW iX3 arriving in the U.S. later this year. As our electric vehicle offerings continue to expand, initiatives like this help ensure our customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience wherever they travel.”** Continue reading →

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Trumped – National Average for Fuel Prices Climbing Yet Again

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trumped - National Average for Fuel Prices Climbing Yet Again

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AAA said today that the national average for fuel prices is once again on its way back up.*

“After five straight days of declines earlier this week, the national average is once again on its way back up. Today’s national average is a couple cents lower than last week, but with crude oil prices hovering in the $100/barrel range, pump prices remain elevated,” AA said.** Continue reading →

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First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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The next-generation Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) was shown during a Honda business briefing in Japan today.* It appears to be a two-row mid-size offering that will appear in the U.S. during ~2028.

“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group to Convert Preferred Shares to Common

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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At the Annual General Meeting of BMW AG (XETRA: BMWG.DE) late yesterday, and a subsequently held separate meeting of preferred shareholders [Susanne Klatten and Stefan Quandt – AutoCrat], the conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares was approved.*

“For the weighting of BMW AG in major stock indices such as the DAX or the EURO STOXX 50, it is already the ordinary shares that are decisive as the share class with the highest free‑float market capitalization. As a result of the conversion, their proportion in free float will increase significantly by around 19%,” said Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl on Wednesday in Munich. “This step therefore strengthens the weighting of BMW AG in relevant indices. The simplified capital structure represents a clear added value for investors and may have a positive impact on the share price performance of the BMW share.” Continue reading →

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California Starts $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today announced retailer enrollment is now open for the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) for electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks. CCFR is financed with revenue utilities generate from the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The innovative [and planet-saving initiative in AutoInformed’s view despite the ongoing efforts of the Trump Administration’s Environmental Pillaging Agency, aka EPA] plan is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate program for electric trucks in the country. This year $250 million will be available. There will be more than $1 billion in total rebate funding expected through 2030.

“This new rebate program builds on California’s long record of incentivizing zero‑emission vehicle deployment and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to clean transportation,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “By returning revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard directly to truck buyers at time of purchase, we’re making zero‑emission trucks the better choice for fleets and delivering cleaner air along freight corridors where it’s needed most.” Continue reading →

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BMW Annual General Meeting – Chair Oliver Zipse Retires

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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At the 106th Annual BMW (XETRA: BMWG.DE) General Meeting today, Chair Oliver Zipse retired after 35 years with the German maker of premium automobiles and motorcycles.* Effective tomorrow, Milan Nedeljković assumes the Chair position on the Board of Management of BMW AG. Raymond Wittmann will succeed Nedeljković as Board Member for Production.

“For more than 35 years, the BMW Group has been my professional home. I am leaving with a deep sense of gratitude: for the trust that was placed in me, for the professional challenges that have taken me to various areas in the company; and above all, for an exceptional team that is shaping the mobility of the future with passion and a pioneering spirit. It has been a great honor for me to lead the BMW Group as Chairman of the Board of Management for seven years,” said Zipse.** Continue reading →

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Nissan 2025 Operating Loss at ¥533B. Drops FY 2026 Dividends

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan 2025 Operating Loss at ¥533B. Drops FY 2026 Dividends

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Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today posted financial results for the full year and the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending 31 March 2026. The struggling Japanese automaker posted a ¥533 billion yen (~$3.4 billion) loss, less than the ¥670.9 billion loss in the prior 2024 Japanese fiscal year.* Quarterly sales dropped ~2% to ¥3.43 trillion (~$22 billion).

“FY2025 marked a year of steady execution under Re:Nissan, where we strengthened our foundation and began to see tangible progress in our financial performance. At the same time, we set our long‑term direction with Mobility Intelligence for everyday life. We have moved beyond recovery and are entering a phase of growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa. Continue reading →

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Trumped – Consumer Price Index Largest Increase in 3 Years!

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in April, after rising 0.9% in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today. During the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.8% before seasonal adjustment. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.8% over the past 12 months. The shelter index increased 3.3% over the last year. Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include medical care (+2.5%), airline fares (+20.7%), household furnishings and operations (+3.9%), and recreation (+2.3%). [This was the largest increase in three years – AutoCrat.]*

“The index for energy rose 3.8% in April, accounting for over 40% of the monthly all items increase. The shelter index also increased in April, rising 0.6%. The index for food increased 0.5% over the month as the index for food at home rose 0.7% and the index for food away from home increased 0.2 %,” BLS said. Continue reading →

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CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%

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Today, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released the change in the costs faced by consumers for transportation goods and services, from April 2025 to April 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The annual change in CPI is, of course, a measure of inflation. It doesn’t as yet reflect the cost of financing the skyrocketing National Debt caused by the Trump Administration’s tariff, trade policies and mid-eastern wars.

“The CPI for all transportation goods and services rose 7.1% from April 2025 to April 2026. Transportation contributed 31.1% to the 3.8% increase in the price of all goods and services per the CPI. Gasoline (all types) contributed the most to inflation, rising 28.4% year-over-year and contributing 24.2% to the annual change in the price of all goods and service,” BTS said. Continue reading →

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Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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Workers at the Michigan Science Center (MI-SCI)* voted 24-1 last Friday to join the UAW in a National Labor Relations Board election the UAW said today. The new bargaining unit includes guest relations workers and educators.

“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

“The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) has been informed that eligible hourly employees have voted in favor of union representation through the United Auto Workers (UAW). We respect the outcome of this process and our employees’ right to make this decision. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on working together, as one team, in support of our mission to ‘put YOU at the center of science.’ We are committed to continuing to deliver immersive, engaging, and impactful STEM experiences for the communities we serve in Detroit and across Michigan,” MI-SCI told AutoInformed.

Continue reading →

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UAW American Axle Workers Authorize Three Rivers Strike

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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The members of UAW Local 2093 have voted by 98% to authorize a strike at American Axle (aka Dauch Corporation) should the company refuse to offer a fair contract. The current contract expires on May 31st. Workers can walk out of the Three Rivers plant starting May 31 when the current contract expires. Local 2093 members laid out their demands in a video released earlier in March, which include: no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better health care, stronger retirement, and job security.*

“The membership of UAW Local 2093 and Region 1D have sent a crystal clear message to American Axle: we need a fair contract now, or we’re ready to take the next step,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “We’ve waited long enough for this company to do the right thing, and we’re ready to do what it takes to win a fair deal at American Axle.” Continue reading →

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Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) said today it debuting the first integration of AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in the Lexus lineup. The enhanced version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system will make its debut in the 2026 ES before rolling out to future models in the Lexus lineup.

“We are excited for guests to experience something truly special,” said Brian Inouye, chief engineer, Connected Experiences Division. “We’ve made bold updates to Lexus Interface that deliver both function and performance, with every detail meticulously designed to delight, inform and entertain.”** Continue reading →

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American Honda Partnered Accessories Launches with Thule

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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American Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) today announced Honda Partnered Accessories, an adjunct to Honda Genuine Accessories available at 1000 independent U.S. Honda dealerships.*

“Honda Partnered Accessories, a new accessory line designed to enhance the vehicle purchase and ownership experience through Honda dealers by integrating popular products from trusted third‑party brands directly into the vehicle purchase process. This initiative adds a scalable accessory ecosystem alongside Honda Genuine Accessories, created to grow and adapt as customer needs and vehicle trends evolve,” American Honda said in a release. Continue reading →

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AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips

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AAA said today that it projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day between Thursday 21 May 21 and Monday 25 May. This year’s 2026 domestic travel forecast is slightly higher than last year. It sets a new Memorial Day weekend record with 39.1 million people traveling by car and 3.66 million expected to fly to their destinations. Gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend. Average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year for those who booked early.*

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”** Continue reading →

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