Transmission Failures – Toyota Recalls 2025-26 Lexus LX600s

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~4400 model year 2025-2026 Lexus LX600 vehicles for software problems that can cause transmission damage, sudden loss of power and fires.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that contains linear solenoids to control the shifting of gears. If a solenoid failure occurs under certain driving conditions, communication may not occur between the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Engine ECU about the failure, resulting in the transmission over-revving in certain gears. This could result in damage to the transmission and a loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash,” Toyota said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading

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Nissan Rogue Recall for Engine Failures and Fires

Nissan North America (7201T and NSANY ADR) is recalling ~324,00 model year 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines.

“Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine failure,” Nissan said in the required safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading

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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B

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The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced yesterday that the goods and services deficit was $70.3 billion in December, up $17.3 billion from $53.0 billion in November, revised. December exports were $287.3 billion, $5.0 billion less than November exports. December imports were $357.6 billion, $12.3 billion more than November imports. The December increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $15.7 billion to $99.3 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $1.6 billion to $29.0 billion. U.S. manufacturing shed ~72,000 jobs since Trump announced his alleged Liberation Day tariffs last April, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

“The U.S. trade deficit for goods hit a record in 2025 despite Trump’s claim his signature tariffs would reduce it, new data shows. Trump declared the country’s goods trade deficit a national emergency last year and pledged to shrink it as part of efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing. Yesterday’s numbers add to previous data suggesting U.S. companies have generally not brought production back home—all while Trump’s tariff policy is being challenged in a Supreme Court ca se,” The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said. [The U.S. Supreme Court today in a 6-3 ruling said tariffs that Trump imposed under an emergency powers law were unconstitutional. This also covers so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that he levied. – AutoCrat]

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Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!

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Volkswagen workers have voted by a 96% margin to ratify their first union contract.* The UAW contract – the first at major Southern auto plant comes with 20 % wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, among other things, that make the UAW a formidable rival for wealthy global corporations. The final tally was announced last night.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.” Continue reading

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Sting Operations Hit ~550 CDL Training Schools

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More than 550 cheating Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training schools were found in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards of safety. The CDL schools have received notices of proposed removal from FMCSA’s national training provider registry. An additional 97 training providers remain under investigation for compliance issues.

“American families should have confidence that our school bus and truck drivers are following every letter of the law and that starts with receiving proper training before getting behind the wheel,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Continue reading

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Average Gallon Price for Gasoline Drops Slightly, But…

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The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped slightly from the previous week to $2.92, AAA said today.*

“Pump prices are expected to start their seasonal climb soon, as spring approaches and summer-blend gasoline production begins. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are another factor that could drive up crude oil prices. Right now, gas prices are the lowest they’ve been for this time of year since 2021,” AAA said in a release. [The Trump Administration is in the process of deploying one of the largest number of U.S. military forces ever in the region. Once again today Trump threatened Iran saying, “We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise bad things happen.”-AutoCrat.]** Continue reading

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February 2026 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down Again

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on February 2026 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down Again

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Total new-vehicle sales for February 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach to reach 1,183,000, a 3.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint analysis from J.D. Power* and GlobalData** as the Trump Slump continues. February 2026 has 24 selling days, equal to February 2025. The negative industry trend of affordability continues to grow.

“The February sales pace shows a modest improvement over January, but will be down from a year ago, with retail sales projected to decline 4.6%. As in January, performance is being shaped by depressed electric vehicle (EV) retail demand. EVs are expected to account for just 6.6% of retail sales, down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago, while elevated transaction prices continue to weigh on volumes through ongoing affordability pressure,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power. Continue reading

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Sustainable Energy in America – Mixed Progress in 2025

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Sustainable Energy in America – Mixed Progress in 2025

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BloombergNEF (sic) and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) today revealed the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. It inarguably delivers valuable year-over-year data and insights on the American energy expansion and progress across the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy sectors.

“In 2025, U.S. electricity demand rose considerably for the first time in decades, coinciding with rising electricity prices. At the same time, far-reaching and unpredictable policy changes provided both major challenges and a few unanticipated opportunities for the energy sector,” the Factbook noted. Continue reading

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GM Canada – C$63M Outlay in Oshawa Assembly

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Canada - C$63M Outlay in Oshawa Assembly

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GM Canada said today announced a new c$63 million investment in Oshawa Assembly to upgrade stamping operations. This is part of  preparations to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups and enhancing capability in the service parts business.* This  builds on the c$280 million announced in June 2023, bringing GM’s total investment in Oshawa since 2020 to c$1.5 billion.*

“This additional investment underscores Oshawa’s importance in GM’s full-size truck portfolio,” said Jack Uppal, president and managing director of GM Canada.** “With a long history of building trucks in Canada, the talented team at Oshawa Assembly will continue to play a critical role for years to come in delivering the pickups our customers know and trust.” Continue reading

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EV Owner Satisfaction at New High Amid Sales Slump

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The JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study,SM released today, notes that overall satisfaction among current battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners is at its highest level since the study’s inception in 2021. “Notably, nearly all owners of new BEVs (96%) say they would consider purchasing or leasing another BEV for their next vehicle,” J.D. Power said in a release. *

“EV market share has declined sharply following the discontinuation of the federal tax credit program in September 2025, but that dip belies steadily growing customer satisfaction among owners of new EVs,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at JD Power. “Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever. What’s more, the vast majority of current EV owners say they will consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, regardless of whether they benefited from the now-expired federal tax credit.”** Continue reading

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Audi Revolut F1 Team and Fanwear Launched

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Audi* said today that its Formula 1 factory team will sell to fans the “adidas x Audi Revolut F1 Team collection for team and fans starting 19 February 2026.

“As a blend of modern lifestyle and sportswear, the fan collection – including the DNA Range, the Elevated Fanwear Range and drivers’ merchandise – targets a broad audience. Designed for everyday wear, not just race weekends, the diverse product portfolio spans T‑shirts, hoodies, jackets, caps, shoes and more,” Audi said in a release. Continue reading

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Toyota bZ Woodland Mid-Size SUV EV Priced at $45,300

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota bZ Woodland Mid-Size SUV EV Priced at $45,300

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Toyota (NYSE: TM and 7203.T)* said today that the first-ever 2026 bZ Woodland is expected to arrive at dealerships nationwide next month. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland starts at $45,300, excluding dealer processing and handling fees. 

“The 2026 bZ Woodland brings a different twist to the existing bZ’s style. It adds rugged black over-fenders to the Toyota hammerhead front end, has nearly 6-inches of additional length, and just under one inch of additional height in the rear. The extra length gives it a bit more space than its bZ sibling, with 74.3 cubic feet of storage with second row seats folded flat, versus the bZ model’s 67.1 cubic feet,” Toyota Motor said. Continue reading

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CAFE Regs Intact Post Trump Endangerment Finding Repeal

On 12 February 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, aka the environmental Plundering Agency at AutoInformed) Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized a rule-making that rescinds the 2009 rule-making known as the “Endangerment Finding” for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.*

“The February 12 rule making also substantially revises the federal mobile source regulations to eliminate all federal GHG emission standards established since 2009 for motor vehicles and certain other mobile source engines. This reversal on climate policy creates uncertainty for mobile source manufacturers who made significant investments since 2009 to comply with limits on greenhouse gases, as well as other industries subject to greenhouse gas limits not explicitly rescinded by the rule,” the Foley & Lardner law firm noted today.** Continue reading

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First Look – 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Prototype

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Prototype

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Prior to its spring debut at the New York International Auto Show in April, Volkswagen showcased the capability of the all‑new, second‑generation Atlas.* Camouflaged prototypes were put through their paces on a frozen lake in Québec for what was claimed to be “a true winter test.”

Looks more like a marketing photo and video shoot opportunity to AutoInformed. It’s extremely unlikely the garish camouflage will be available for production models. – AutoCrat. Continue reading

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Park Outside – More Jaguar I-PACE Battery Fire Recalls

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on: Park Outside – More Jaguar I-PACE Battery Fire Recalls

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Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling 2278 model year 2020-2021 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles as part of a series of  previous electrical system fire problems the have plagued the out of production model. The high voltage battery supplied by LG Energy Solution may overheat.

“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, charge outside, and limit their charge to a maximum of 90% until the recall repair is complete. As an interim repair, the battery software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update to limit the state of charge to 90%. The final remedy is currently under development,” Jaguar said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading

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