Trump-Flation Persists in Rising Trucking Costs

Posted on 13 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on TrumpFlation Persists in Rising Trucking Costs

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The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today said that the transportation equipment Producer Price Index (PPI)* rose 2.6% from October 2025 to October 2026. The Labor Department producer price index rose 0.3% from September to October, down from a 1.4% jump in the previous month. However, year-over-year, it climbed 6.5%, up from 6.3% in September. This is the largest increase since November 2022. One year ago, wholesale inflation was only 3.1%.

“In comparison, all services (transportation and non-transportation) rose 6.8% over the same time-frame. Transportation contributed 16.3% to the overall increase in the PPI for all services,” BLS said. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – 2028 Honda CRVs are Hybrids Only

Posted on 12 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - 2028 Honda CR-Vs are Hybrids Only

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Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today in Torrance announced that the next-generation 2028 model-year CR-V on-sale next year will be powered solely by an all-new two-motor Honda Hybrid system. [CR-V this fall through October is selling at a pace that will top 400,000 units for the third straight year. This tops the auto industry in total sales. CR-V hybrid accounts more than 50% of the model sales mix. AutoCrat.]*

“With a 100% hybrid powertrain, the next-generation Honda CR-V will further expand the appeal of America’s most popular SUV as demand for hybrid-electric vehicles reaches record levels,” said Luis Guerra, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. Continue reading →

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GM Announces Two Michigan Solar Generation Facilities

Posted on 12 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Announces Two Michigan Solar Generation Facilities

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General Motors(NYSE: GM) said today that it continues its manufacturing energy transition with the goal of a zero-emissions future. GM will build a utility-scale solar generation facility in Branch County, Michigan, and an accompanying Lake Iris solar project in St. Clair County. Both were developed by NorthStar Clean Energy with GM as the primary customer through a so-called virtual power purchase agreement.*

“GM plans to apply the renewable energy credits generated by these projects toward the emissions associated with electricity purchased for our manufacturing operations. GM has reduced operational emissions [known in greenhouse gas accounting as scopes 1 and 2 – AutoCrat] by 52% since 2018,” GM said in a release by Cassandra Garber, Chief Sustainability Officer. Continue reading →

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Bosch – Modular Heating, Cooling for All Engine Types

Posted on 11 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bosch – Modular Heating, Cooling for All Engine Types

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The problem as posited is the variety of powertrains that are offered by global automakers. The problem is they all must provide what used to be known as HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning for some vehicle components and its occupants. The system is apparently not in broad use in the U.S. at the moment, but the possibilities of cost-lowering mass production and part number consolidation are compelling. – AutoCrat]

“Gasoline engines, diesel engines, a variety of hybrids and fully electric vehicles are all on the road, with no clear winner. Each needs a different approach to heating and cooling, from a simple setup with a traditional engine to complex heat pumps in electric vehicles. The challenge is building one system architecture that scales across all of them without starting from scratch,” according to a social media post by German auto component supplier Bosch.* Continue reading →

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Trump Thumped: Sales Slow. Record High New Vehicle Prices

Posted on 10 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Thumped: Sales Slow. Record High New Vehicle Prices

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New-vehicle prices reached a record in October 2026 with the average transaction price (ATP) topping $51,000. [Not coincidentally, the new-vehicle sales pace slowed to its lowest level since January and fell short of Cox Automotive’s forecast- AutoCrat].*

“The higher ATP – an estimate of the average product prices paid in October before all available incentives, taxes and fees are factored in – was driven in part by both price inflation and strong sales of expensive midsize and full-size SUVs and full-size pickup trucks. Incentive spending increased modestly in October but remains below long-term averages, suggesting automakers and dealers are not aggressively pursuing sales and inventory reduction, despite record prices,” Cox Automotive said.** Continue reading →

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Loss of Brake Recalls – Cadillac LYRIQs, Chevrolet Blazer EVs

Posted on 10 November 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling ~67,000 model year 2023–2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, 2025–2026 model year Cadillac CELESTIQ, 2024–2027 Chevrolet Blazer EV, and 2026-2027 Cadillac VISTIQ vehicles. The brake system control module (BSCM) contains a software defect that may cause a loss of braking during some driving conditions. [The software wheel slip calculation may not always correctly interpret wheel movement under a specific sequence of events -AutoCrat.]*

“General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain 2023 – 2027 model year Cadillac LYRIQ, 2024 – 2027 model year Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2025 – 2026 model year Cadillac CELESTIQ, and 2026 – 2027 model year Cadillac VISTIQ vehicles. The brake system control module (BSCM) in these vehicles contains a software defect that may cause a temporary loss of braking at low speeds following a specific sequence of events. Normal brake function returns on the next brake press,” GM said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – 2027 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup

Posted on 9 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - 2027 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup

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The Chevrolet Silverado pickup has been completely redesigned for the 2027 model year, with new powertrains and a more technology-focused cabin said today. The GM division provided a complete look at a previously announced and teased product that is vital to the company. [Perhaps it’s not coincidental that offshore owned brands from other global automakers have targeted the profitable and enduring segment -AutoCrat.]*

“In place of previous 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines, there’s a new pair of next-generation small-blocks, the 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter V8s. Chevrolet’s 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is now enhanced with 40 more horsepower and gains a 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous eight-speed. The Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel is also available, producing a max available torque figure of 495 lb.-ft. and up to 12,000 lbs. max tow rating,” Chevrolet said. (footnote 2)** Continue reading →

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New $3 Billion Honda Plant in Ohio Announced

Posted on 9 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New $3 Billion Honda Plant in Ohio Announced

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Honda today announced it will invest $3 billion to build a new auto plant in Central Ohio, saying more than 2000 new American jobs will result by increasing its U.S. auto production capacity to ~1.3 million vehicles annually. The new plant, located near Honda’s existing Ohio manufacturing operations, is expected to begin production in 2029, pending final government approvals. [The new plant is a part of a broader set of investments at Honda operations in Ohio, Alabama and Georgia to increase production of Honda and Acura branded hybrid-electric vehicles, their engines and hybrid systems. It’s also a bet that tariff and trade wars of ousted president Trump are not permanently eliminated given the instability of the broken U.S. party system – AutoCrat.]*

“As Honda approaches 50 years of building products close to our customers in America, we are making one of the most significant commitments in our history to position Honda for the next 50 years,” said Bob Nelson, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Continue reading →

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U.S. Transportation Unemployment Tops U.S. Unemployment

Posted on 6 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on U.S. Transportation Unemployment Tops U.S. Unemployment

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Unemployment in the transportation sector was higher than overall unemployment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said today. BLS reports that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in October 2026 was 3.9% or 0.1 percentage points below the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in October 2026 was 4.1%. [Data does not include soon to be unemployed Republicans – AutoCrat.]*

“Seasonally adjusted, employment in the transportation and warehousing sector rose to 6,636,100 in October 2026 — up 0.4% from the previous month and up 0.3% from October 2025,” BLS said. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Q2 FY 2027 Results – First Growth in Three Years!

Posted on 5 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor Q2 FY2027 Results - First Growth in Three Years!

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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203T) posted its Q2 FY 2027 financial results today with an Operating Income at ¥2.2 trillion. This is the first increase in three years. [However it builds the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and cut costs at the suppliers of the giant Japanese Automotive Company. In Toyota’s view a major threat remains China: “Chinese manufacturers are now active in Asia and Europe and Latin America,” saying this expansion is an uncontrollable competitive risk to the company’s global market share. – AutoCrat. Read AutoInformed on Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results] The presentation was led by led by top Toyota managers including Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyazaki, Chief Accounting Officer Takanori Azuma and Chief Officer of External and Public Affairs, Hiroyuki Ueda.

“Our operating income for the first half of this fiscal year was ¥2.2 trillion. Through swift responses to changes in the external environment, including the situation in the Middle East, we mitigated the impact on earnings. Vehicle sales, mainly driven by hybrids, increased steadily, supported by strong demand,” said Chief Accounting Officer Takanori Azuma. Continue reading →

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UAW Voters Persuasive in Trump Mid-Term Rout!

Posted on 4 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Voters Persuasive in Trump Mid-Term Rout!

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In a virtual press conference this afternoon, UAW President Shown Fain modestly discussed the UAW’s influence in the 2026 mid-term elections. [In effect he was building organized labor’s Triumphal Arch, while citing the legendary UAW President Walter Reuther who said that there is direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the labor movement fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls. -AutoCrat.]

“The UAW’s influence in the 2026 cycle will feed directly into legislative and political campaigns to fight for the union’s ‘four core issues’ wages, healthcare, retirement, time off – as we head into the 2028 round of bargaining at the Big Three automakers, where contracts expire on May 1, 2028. The flagship economic fight of the next Congress will be delivering on retirement security for all workers, including defending and expanding Social Security and Medicare,” the UAW said in a statement just before the election. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Dodge Returns to NASCAR

Posted on 3 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Dodge Returning to NASCAR

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The Dodge brand [formerly owned by FCA and now owned by Stellantis – AutoCrat], said today that it is returning to NASCAR Cup Series racing, at the 2026 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

“Everyone said it was impossible to get back in one year. We said, ‘watch this,’” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance and Direct Connection division. “Sure, we could spend three years planning, testing and perfecting … or we could do all three in real time, on the track. It’s going to be exponentially harder this way. But slow has never been part of Dodge DNA. LFG.” Continue reading →

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Acura Begins U.S. Sales of NSX Reproduction Parts

Posted on 2 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura Begins U.S. Sales of NSX Reproduction Parts

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Acura today announced the beginning of  the Honda Heritage Parts program in the U.S. by offering Genuine Honda Reproduction Parts for the first-generation Acura NSX. It will be exclusively available through Acura dealerships nationwide and the Honda DreamShop. [First introduced in Japan in April 2026, Honda Heritage Parts supports classic Acura and Honda performance models. – AutoCrat]* More than 3,000 reproduction parts are currently available for the 1991–2005 Acura NSX, with plans to expand the offering in the future.

“Honda Heritage Parts was created to help our customers enjoy their classic Acura and Honda performance models, and it’s appropriate that we begin with an iconic model like the first-generation Acura NSX,” said Mamadou Diallo, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “By supporting our customers in preserving the legacy of the NSX, we’re celebrating our shared passion for these iconic sports cars and keeping them on the road for today’s enthusiasts and future generations.” Continue reading →

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Lexus Recall for Instrument Panel Display Failures

Posted on 26 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling ~68356 model year 2022-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, and NX450h+ vehicles. The instrument panel cluster combination meter may fail to display certain warnings or indicators. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, “Control and Displays.” The defective vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch display combination meter. Software running the display is defective.

“At vehicle startup, an error may occur in the initialization process for this combination meter that can cause certain areas of the display to become blank, and the required indicators for engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, and electrical charge may not be displayed when the corresponding underlying issue occurs. Continue reading →

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Audi to Build First American Plant in Georgia

Posted on 25 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Audi over the weekend said it is plans to establish its first U.S. plant site in Georgia. Construction of the plant, designed to assemble an annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles, is scheduled to begin in 2027. Production is planned to start in the early 2030s, of  Audi SUVs. [This is clearly an expensive bet – ~$4 billion – to protect Volkswagen AG (VOW.F) and its luxury brand Audi with its ~300 U.S. dealers from Trump mis-administration trade and tariff wars, which raised tariffs to 25% on fully finished German imports. – AutoCrat]*

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America. The United States is one of the world’s most important premium markets, and we have not yet realized our full potential. We are determined to change that — with premium products, a stronger brand and a competitive local production base. This is about building a stronger Audi business in America — not simply about building a factory,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Continue reading →

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