The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule Partially Announced

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule Partially Announced

Click to enlarge.

IndyCar today announced the dates and locations for the first eight races of the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season as Phase One of the schedule unveiling.* For the third consecutive season, all NTT IndyCar Series races will be broadcast on FOX. The NTT IndyCar Series is again the only major motorsport series in North America with all races broadcast on network television.

“It has been another remarkable year of growth through our powerful partnership with FOX Sports, and we look forward to focusing on even greater opportunities through the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We are pleased to confirm Phase One of next year’s championship alongside another accelerated start with races in St. Petersburg, Phoenix and Arlington. 2026 has been proof of concept that our sport is fueled by an expanding presence across marquee events and destinations, and we look forward to carrying that momentum into 2027.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, marketing, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Click for more.

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, title, license and dealer fees. Dealer sets final price.*

“Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ gives clients the chance to create a vehicle that reflects their individual taste by working alongside expert Cadillac designers,” said Kristian Aquilina, vice president, Global Cadillac. “We’re extending the hand-built CelestIQ experience to deliver true customization capabilities for a select number of Escalade IQ clients.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, performance, shows and events, vehicle personalization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG),* has announced that the special committee of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has retained Moelis & Company LLC to act as its independent financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP to act as its independent legal counsel.

The Board established the Special Committee to review and consider the unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal received by the Board on July 22, 2026 from Penske Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own for cash consideration of $210 per share (the “Proposal”). Continue reading

Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title

Click for more.

Alex Palou is now clearly the favorite to post a record-tying fourth consecutive NTT IndyCar Series championship and fifth overall title with his victory Sunday in the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.* Palou earned his sixth victory of the season and 25th of his career, driving his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a 4.1167-second victory over the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of NTT P1 Award winner Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajani, finishing second.

“Everybody at CGR and Honda did an incredible job,” Alex Palou said. “I had an absolute rocket ship today. It was very, very nice to drive every single lap. Chip puts the best guys around me, but then also everybody is just executing. That car is a rocket ship, and I’m just lucky enough to drive it.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, news analysis, performance, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Seat Belt Recalls - Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Click for more.

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling ~49,000 model year 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly. No warning is given before the failure.*

“Seat belts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes,” FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which made the recall public this morning. Continue reading

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

Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling More than 1,271,294 model year 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups. The second-row seat-belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.

“Some 2019-2026 MY Ram 1500 vehicles may have been built with second-row seat belt buckle anchors not properly attached to the body structure, which may result in reduced occupant restraint capabilities. FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public this morning. Continue reading

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

California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

Click for more Clean Air.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used. No passage through the Strait of Hormuz is required. *

“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration

Click for more.

Vanderhall North America is recalling ~210 Brawley GTS Electric Recreational Off Highway Vehicles (ROVs) because there is a risk of serious injury or death from crash hazard. all Vanderhall model years 2024, 2025, and 2026 Brawley GTS electric ROVs are affected. The vehicles come in Emerald Green, Ida Rose, Ivory White, Jean Grey, Obsidian Black, and Royal Blue. The VIN numbers for the affected vehicles range is  under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle.*

“Consumers should stop using their vehicles immediately and contact Vanderhall North America for instructions on how to update their vehicles to at least firmware version 7.1.0 through the Vanderhall customer mobile app. The updated software was released on 15 April 2026, and can be identified by the Vanderhall logo. Owners requiring assistance updating their firmware should contact their dealer or Vanderhall directly for assistance,” Vanderhall said in a recall filing released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.** Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, public health, quality, recalls, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Click to enlarge.

Mainstream brand vehicles clearly now deliver many of the technologies, amenities and sensory details that once separated premium offerings from the rest of the market. It also allowed for premium pricing, which in some cases was often stratospheric. However, vehicle buyers are increasingly coming down to earth.*

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report.** Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, people, sales, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Click for more.

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer  of Michigan shared the latest reports from Michigan state departments finding that surging federal tariffs have driven up costs for working Michigan families. The reports found higher consumer prices, construction and transportation costs, among other economic disasters.*

“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

Click for more.

Subaru Corp (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) and Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) this week announced that Subaru will enter the captive finance business to provide financing directly to Subaru of America customers and retailers.*

“Entering the captive finance business will help us support our sales division and our retailers, and strengthen our relationship directly with our customers, which will provide long-term value for our shareholders and partners. This is a strategic opportunity to create future growth and continue our focus on customer loyalty,” said Yoichi Hori, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SOA. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, milestones, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million

Click to enlarge.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) late yesterday posted a net loss of $204 million, or $0.71 per share, compared to Goodyear net income one year ago of $254 million, or $0.87 per share. Second quarter 2026 included several significant items, including, on a pre-tax basis, rationalization charges of $29 million. This significant item, and others, are excluded from adjusted earnings.

“We delivered second quarter results in line with our expectations, reflecting continued improvement in Asia Pacific and EMEA,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s chief executive officer and president. “We’re taking actions to improve performance in a competitive environment by strengthening our product lineup, building on original equipment growth across regions, and optimizing our manufacturing footprint. These actions are designed to strengthen our competitive position and deliver stronger profitability over time.” Continue reading

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

UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Click for more government of the people and for the people.

The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His grassroots campaign was promoted by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support.

“UAW members are done with business as usual in Michigan. The billionaire class thought they could buy another election. They underestimated the power of workers talking to workers. Shop floor conversations beat Wall Street’s checkbook. We backed Abdul because he answers to workers – not billionaires or corporate PACs. Tonight showed what happens when working people get organized and fight together. We are ready for two working-class champions at the top of the ticket in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate and Jocelyn Benson for Governor. Michigan voters chose candidates who know the economy should work for working people – not just the wealthy and well-connected,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. Continue reading

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, people, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on SMMT - Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Click to enlarge and see heated arguments.

The new car market in Britain grew 11.7% in July with 156,571 units registered, according to the latest data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Although compared with a relatively weak July last year [140,154 – AutoCrat], this marks an eighth consecutive month of growth. Therefore the market continues its longer-term recovery towards pre-Covid levels. [July 2019 – 157,198 – AutoCrat] Moreover, BEV registrations skyrocketed 44.5% [43,106 BEV, 23,359 PHEV] after quiet July 2025. [ 29,825 BEV, 17,489 PHEV – AutoCrat]*

“July’s record EV performance is a great achievement, reflecting industry’s huge investment in zero emission mobility. But that progress cannot be sustained if manufacturers continue hemorrhaging billions in EV discounts, distorting demand to avoid even steeper penalties. The sector’s commitment to decarbonisation is not in doubt but its ability to remain viable – and attract investment for an EV future – is under intense pressure. A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry,” claimed. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Click for more.

General Motors and SAIC Motor today announced a 20-year extension of their joint venture partnership to 2047. This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China.*

“Today’s agreement reflects our shared confidence in SAIC-GM and its long-term growth potential,” said John Roth, GM Senior Vice President and President of GM China. “We are committed to strong performance in the China market, and we see meaningful opportunities to compete in select international markets: the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico and Asia-Pacific.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment