Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs

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Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR)* said today that it is the only automaker to offer Qi2 wireless charging in the U.S. with 2026 versions of the Pathfinder and Murano. (1 Pathfinder. 2 Murano. See Inevitable footnotes below.)**

“It’s a common frustration: placing a phone in a wireless charger, only to arrive with it hardly charged, or worse – overheated or shifted out of place. The Qi2 (pronounced chee-two) wireless charger is a huge step forward. One major difference from previous-generation chargers is easy to spot: The Qi2 charger features a raised magnetic circle. This holds phones in place with the magnetized back of iPhones (12 and newer), Google Pixels (10 and newer) and Android devices with compatible accessory cases, Nissan said in a release. Continue reading →

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Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

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Electrify America* has announced plans to support WS Development with its white-label electric vehicle (EV) charging ‘solution’ in the launch of 15 Hyper-Fast electric vehicle (EV) stations across the United States. installation will begin in Massachusetts this winter followed by 15 properties across the U.S.

“Partnering with Electrify America allows us to take another meaningful step toward making sustainability part of the everyday experience at our properties,” said Jake Stahl, Chief Financial Officer of WS Development. “We’re proud to offer our visitors the convenience of fast, reliable EV charging while investing in clean energy solutions that support the future of our communities.”** Continue reading →

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Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump

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US Airlines net profit was $1.6 billion in Q3 2025, a decrease of profit compared to Q3 2024 of $2.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today.

“U.S. scheduled passenger airlines reported a third-quarter 2025 after-tax net income of $1.6 billion and a pre-tax operating profit of $2.7 billion. One year earlier, in the third quarter of 2024, the airlines reported an after-tax net income of $2.1 billion and a pre-tax operating profit of $3.1 billion,” BTS said in a release. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EVs

Posted on 17 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Recalls 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EVs

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American Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) is recalling 388 Honda 2025 model-year CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles.* Coolant inside the fuel cell stack may leak into the fuel cell stack case, causing an internal short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, “Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection.” [Unlike most automakers, Honda made the filing public via press release before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made it public, usually on Monday mornings. – AutoCrat.]

“The fuel cell stack coolant leak can occur as a result of two potential causes: (1) insufficient verification during a process change to reduce the amount of adhesive sealant resulted in unfilled areas, shortened adhesive length, and reduced sealing performance of the FC stack assembly end joint, and (2) the supplier (Fuel Cell System Manufacturing Brownstown Township, MI) failed to establish a deburring process for the O-ring groove of the wobble joint, resulting in burrs which reduced sealing performance. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face

Posted on 16 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* effectively abandoned its Electric Vehicle strategy this week in an attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of billions of dollars in shareholder money. Ford announced a series of actions to improve its so-called Ford+ plan, reassigning capital to meet what it described as customer demand and drive profitable growth. Ford will write off $19.5 Billion as it attempts to do this.

“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” said (claimed?) Ford president and CEO Jim Farley. “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business.” Continue reading →

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Wadda You Say? Personalized Sound at Nissan, Infiniti

Posted on 15 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Wadda You Say - Personalized Sound at Nissan, Infiniti

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Nissan and Infiniti said today that the Personalized Sound app that debuted – also today – on the Google Play store is available now for download on every Nissan and Infiniti equipped with Google built-in (footnote 1) including those on the road, at no additional cost. After downloading the Personalized Sound app from the Google Play store, the program directs drivers through a hearing test by playing tones of varying loudness and pitch. The driver responds with how well they can hear each sound by tapping on the infotainment screen, and the program creates a personalized listening profile based on that individual’s hearing.

“We want to elevate every driver’s experience, whether they have a hearing impairment, are audiophiles, or simply want to get the most out of their sound system,” said Mitchell Pope, a senior product planner at Nissan who helped lead the development of Personalized Sound. “Offering an individually tailored audio experience like this is a big first in the U.S. auto industry.” Continue reading →

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Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team

Posted on 15 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team

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The Audi Revolut F1 Team today unveiled its official name, logo, and announced that its global launch will take place in Berlin on 20 January 2026. This is the latest phase for the Audi Revolut F1 Team toward joining the Formula One World Championship in 2026. The team name and logo combine Audi F1 and global fintech Revolut, following the confirmation of the title partnership in July 2025.*

“Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit. We now look ahead to Berlin in January, where we will officially present this exciting new chapter for the Audi brand to the world,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading →

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Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing - Stellantis and Cox Automotive Europe

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the sector, from large companies and dealerships to small traders.

“The Stellantis Pre-Owned Team are thrilled to collaborate with Cox Automotive Europe. Taking this significant step forward together, by creating a cutting-edge remarketing solution to grow our buyer base, buyer choice, and ultimately our combined performance. SPOTICAR Trade will be more than an innovative platform. Together, we will transform the Pre-Owned Vehicle Business to Business (BtB) market in Europe by offering a dynamic and class leading borderless marketplace, with tailor-made services, optimized stock and price management,” claimed James Weston, Senior Vice President of Stellantis Pre-Owned Vehicle Business Unit. Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk - Luyuan Youth ATVs

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The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Luyuan is recalling Youth ATVs due to risk of serious injury or death from crash hazard. The X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs violate mandatory standard for all-terrain vehicles.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs and contact Luyuan for a free repair from an authorized repair shop,” CPSC said. Continue reading →

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ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences

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The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. OEM ICE App ReportSM released this week shows that owner satisfaction with mobile apps for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is more and more shaped by reliable connectivity, intuitive design, and the availability of essential features. Nearly 80% of ICE vehicle owners indicate using the OEM-provided app, “yet engagement and satisfaction remain inconsistent year-over-year. High-performing brands are pulling ahead, widening the gap with competitors,” J.D. Power said.*

“Connectivity and speed continue to be the most significant challenges for ICE vehicle apps,” said Violet Allmandinger, mobile apps lead at J.D. Power. “Owners want apps that work seamlessly every time, with core features that are easy to access and perform reliably. The top performers notably stand out, and this year’s scores reflect that.”** Continue reading →

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Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring

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The U.S. Census Bureau said today that its Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue confirms a nationwide surge in sports betting revenue. The national total of state sales tax revenue from sports betting increased 382%, from $190 million in Q3 of 2021 (when data collection began) to $917 million in Q2 of 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue (QTAX).

“Sports betting became possible in May 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Since then, a majority of states have legalized some form of sports betting; including online, mobile, retail sports betting and pari-mutuels, such as wagers made on horse-racing,” Census said. Continue reading →

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IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series

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IndyCar said today it will have an independent officiating system presiding over the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. The not-for-profit organization, IndyCar Officiating Inc., will be governed by a three-person Independent Officiating Board (IOB). This board will select a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) and establish its annual budget.

“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team. It was at least two instances of Penske team cheating that forced the issue. Still the IOB will be funded by Penske. Letting team owners including Penske run the rule enforcement so to speak is a dubious proposition. Key here is the next step. Who is the Managing Director? – AutoCrat.]* Continue reading →

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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026

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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the 2011-2014 Boss 302R, the 2012-2014 Boss 302S and the 2017 FP350S.*

“This addition to the Mustang Cup series aims to further increase Ford’s involvement and investment in grassroots racing, which has played an important role in our past and will continue to play an important role in our future,” said Chris Ward manager of Ford Racing Global One Make Series. Continue reading →

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GM Canada Leadership Change – Jack Uppal new President

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Canada Leadership Change - Jack Uppal new President

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today announced the appointment of Jack Uppal to president and managing director, GM Canada, effective 1 February 2026. Uppal is currently president and managing director, GM Africa & Middle East. Uppal has more than a decade of international experience in China, India, Singapore and the Middle East. He will report to senior vice president and president, GM North America, Duncan Aldred. [The latest Canadian shuffle comes on month after the appointment of Kristian Aquilina, formerly president and managing director, GM Canada, to vice president of global Cadillac, effective 1 January 2026. Aquilina reports to Duncan Aldred. Aquilina had continued to oversee GM Canada operations. – AutoCrat]*

“Jack’s proven global leadership experience and deep knowledge of Canada will be instrumental for building a strong future for GM in Canada,” said Aldred. Continue reading →

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Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground

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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today celebrated the completion of new construction and updated offerings at its Arizona Proving Ground. Joined by local government officials during an event, Toyota leaders discussed the improvements for vehicle and automotive technology testing and development.*

“We are proud to strengthen the offerings at our world-class facility in Arizona, not only for Toyota, but for any company that has use for these amenities,” said Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Vehicle Development Engineering at Toyota Motor North America’s Research and Development. Continue reading →

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