IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

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Drivers are more likely to use their phones while speeding, a tendency that increases crash risk by combining two dangerous behaviors, according to a new study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.*

“Until now, safety experts believed drivers used their cellphones most at slower speeds,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “But data from insurance companies’ safe-driving apps show that, in free-flowing traffic, the opposite is true.”** Continue reading

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GM Posts $2.6B Q1Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts $2.6B Q1 Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

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General Motors (NYSE: GM)* today reported Q1 2026 revenue of $43.6 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.6 billion, and EBIT-adjusted number of $4.3 billion. This was an EPS of $3.70 compared analyst’s predictions $2.61. The company is raising its full-year 2026 EBIT adjusted guidance due to a favorable adjustment of a~$0.5 billion resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding certain U.S. tariffs that were paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.**

“We have solid momentum in our core operations. We maintained overall sales leadership in the U.S. and Canada. We led the U.S. industry in full-size pickup sales and share, with 42% of the market, and we were #1 in Fleet, including Commercial deliveries. In addition, we were Number Two in EVs with growing market share, and Number One in Canada,” said CEO and Chair Mary Barra. Continue reading

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NHRA Charlotte – Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHRA Charlotte - Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

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At the NHRA Charlotte competition this weekend, a Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 ran an ET of 6.76s with a top speed of 222 mph in the quarter mile, the fastest EV time. [Slower than Pro Stock – AutoCrat]. Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, beating a talent laden final quad of Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart, and Leah Pruett at the 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.*

“This was our opportunity to put Cobra Jet 2200 in front of fans, racers, media, and the broader performance community to show what this program is capable of in the environment where it matters most.” said Nick Kuhajda, Ford Racing Engineering Manager, Electric VehicleDemonstrators. (sic)” Continue reading

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Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

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Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today updated to its full‑year financial outlook for the Japanese fiscal 2025, ending 31 March 2026. The revised outlook reflects an upward adjustment to the forecast announced on 12 February 2026. It still is projecting a sizeable operating loss.*

“The revision uplifts operating profit for fiscal year 2025 from the previously forecasted negative 60 billion yen to positive 50 billion yen. The improvement mainly reflects a one-time positive impact from changes to U.S. emissions regulations, along with ongoing cost reductions and favorable foreign exchange effects,” Nissan said.** Continue reading

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Ford Motor Recalls for Brakes, Wheel Loss, Rollaways, Fires,

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~150,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects involving brake failures wheels coming off, fires and rollaways. The largest recall involves  model year 2024-2026 Ranger pickup trucks. The sun visor or headliner wiring from a supplier (Versigent) can cause a fire inside the cab. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.

“A short in the power takeout for the right or left sun visor assembly may create heat or spark, resulting in fire in the A-pillar area. When a damaged wire creates a short to ground, heat or spark at this short may also cause smoke, burn, melt or fire. A driver may experience flickering or inoperative sun visor mirror lights and overhead console lights prior to a smoking, melting or fire event,” 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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New Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric Debuts in Beijing

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric Debuts in Beijing

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Porsche AG’s (P911.DE) new Cayenne Coupé Electric model with three drive variants celebrated its world premiere at Auto China 2026 in Beijing today. They can be ordered immediately. The Chinese market has been challenging for Porsche lately as customers are turning to less expensive and innovative EVs from Chinese makers.*

“The gently sloping roofline sweeps elegantly over the car’s broad shoulders and gives the Cayenne Coupé a particularly sporty appearance,” said Thomas Stopka, Head of Exterior Design, Style Porsche. “The adaptive rear spoiler blends harmoniously into the body, while the way the rear window is embedded and flush-mounted with fewer joints ensures a clean, modern look. Continue reading

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GM First U.S. Automaker at 100% Renewable Electricity

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM First U.S. Automaker at 100% Renewable Electricity

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this week as part of Earth Day observances that in 2025 GM reached a major milestone. GM has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all its U.S. facilities — making GM the first U.S. automaker to reach this goal.*

“Managing energy use isn’t just a checkbox for a corporate environmental report these days; it’s a business necessity,” said Cassandra Garber, chief sustainability officer at GM. Continue reading

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McLaren to Run in 2027 World Endurance Championship

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McLaren Racing today revealed the name of the FIA Hypercar that will return to endurance racing. The McLaren MCL-HY will compete for overall honors in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting next year.* A variant dubbed MCL-HY GTR will enable clients to own  aversion of the McLaren Racing FIA Hypercar. This supercar was part of what was formerly known as Project: Endurance. Pricing is not available yet.

“The MCL‑HY GTR proudly continues a lineage that began with the McLaren F1 GTR’s outright Le Mans victory in 1995 and then continued with the McLaren P1 GTR™ and McLaren Senna GTR track cars. This badge stands for moments that define McLaren. With the MCL‑HY GTR, we are writing the next chapter for our most focused, authentic, and uncompromising track cars,” said Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading

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Hybrids Rule New EU Car Registrations in March and Q1 2026

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hybrids Rule New EU Car Registrations in March and Q1 2026

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During March 2026 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name- AutoCrat]* However, new car registrations were +4% in Q1 2026 with battery-electric powertrains taking a 19.4% market share.**

“The market was supported by robust consumer activity bolstered by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries,” ACEA said in a release. Continue reading

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VinFast Auto Posts March Sales of ~28,000 EVs

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VinFast Auto Posts March Sales of ~28,000 EVs

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VinFast Auto (NASDAQ: VFS) in Hanoi today posted preliminary domestic Vietnam deliveries of 27,609 electric vehicles during March 2026, an increase of 127% year-over-year. For Q1 of 2026, the Company delivered a preliminary total of 53,684 EVs to customers in Vietnam.* [By global automaker standards this is roughly one final assembly plant on an annual basis – AutoCrat.]

“This achievement underscores VinFast’s leadership in the domestic automotive market,” the company claimed in a release. “Notably, 6795 Limo Green vehicles were delivered in March, making it VinFast’s best-selling model for the month. The VF 3 ranked second, with 4729 vehicles delivered,” Vinfast said.** Continue reading

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Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP

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Well, the paddock rumors were accurate – or should AutoInformed say Acura-it? Marcus Armstrong’s Honda-powered IndyCar will carry Acura branding in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, the Acura’s first appearance on the Indy 500 grid. Moreover, Acura will “pause” the IMSA GTP program following 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This move to the NTT IndyCar Series keeps the Acura name in motorsports of course. It also, perhaps, adds a complication to the viability of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, if other brands do likewise.*

“We’re excited for the Acura brand expansion into the NTT IndyCar Series and we can’t wait to see our Acura livery take on the Indy 500”, said Hundy Liu, manager, Acura Brand Marketing. “We saw a great response to the livery on Felix Rosenqvist’s MSR car last week at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and I know it will be even more exciting to see the Acura brand on Marcus Armstrong’s car at Indianapolis.” Continue reading

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Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference

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Transport Canada in Ottawa today said that Canada and the United States will convene the  global road safety community together in Toronto this May to strengthen international collaboration aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on roads. Under the theme “Advancing Innovation: Technologies for Safer Vehicles,” ESV 2026 will focus on developing and deploying safety technologies using evidence-based approaches that can be adopted globally. There are ~1.2 million lives lost each year to road crashes worldwide.

“Canada is proud to welcome the global road safety community to Toronto for Enhanced Safety of Vehicles 2026. By bringing together researchers, regulators, and industry leaders, we are fostering innovation and cooperation that will shape the next generation of vehicle safety and strengthen our collective efforts to make roads safer around the world,” said the Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the government in the House of Commons.
Continue reading

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April 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Drops Globally!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on April 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Drops Globally

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The latest light vehicle production forecast out this week by S&P Global Mobility is grim showing declines in every region as original March forecasts that assumed a short Trump Iranian war thought it was a temporary blip. As we said at the time “Well, yes but there is no indication that this will be a short term event or that it’s economic consequences were considered by the whimsical U.S. president who would be king. Moreover the former Detroit Three are heavily dependent on sales of gas-gulping light trucks as fuel prices are climbing with no end in sight. Additionally, the Administration is going it alone in this war, as former allies, who were not informed or consulted, refuse to be drawn into the tragic and increasingly bloody conflict – AutoCrat.”* This brings us to:

“The global auto industry’s near-term outlook is heavily influenced by the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz now expected to remain closed through April, leading to higher oil prices and increased volatility. These conditions are raising manufacturing and logistics costs, putting pressure on vehicle demand and production,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility yesterday. Continue reading

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First Look – Mercedes-Benz 2027 C‑Class EV

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - Mercedes-Benz 2027 C Class EV

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The all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Electric arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027 as MBUSA (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. [Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles – AutoCrat].*

“The all-new electric C‑Class is redefining the mid-size segment for electric vehicles. Customers will get exactly what they expect from this new version of the beloved model: the perfect blend of performance, comfort, dynamics, and intelligence. On top of that, it is the most powerful and sportiest C‑Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range, all while being the perfect sanctuary for our customer,” claimed Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Continue reading

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IMSA and IndyCar – Acura Wins 2026 Long Beach Grand Prix!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA and IndyCar – Acura Wins 2026 Long Beach Grand Prix!

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Acura and Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) took their first victory on the streets of Long Beach of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.* The overall result came as rumors emerged from the racing world that Acura is considering leaving competition. Ironically, the win was the first one since Acura became the title sponsor of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2019.

On the 1.968-mile, 11 turn Long Beach street circuit, it was a great double-header weekend for Honda Racing. Alex Palou completed a sweep of the weekend for Honda in the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, as Honda and Acura powered vehicles scored pole position and the victory Sunday in both the NTT IndyCar Series (Palou) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.** The first game went to Renger van der Zande on Saturday who drove the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 to the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) first-place trophy in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. They controlled the 100-minute sprint race from green to checkered flags.*** Continue reading

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