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Author Archives: Ken Zino
Financing Costs Ease a Tad But Payments Set July Record
“As with last year, macroeconomic uncertainty and affordability challenges persist, while higher fuel prices are an additional headwind this year. Despite all these complex dynamics, new vehicle demand remains robust. In fact, retail consumers are expected to spend $51.8 billion buying new vehicles this month, up $1.2 billion from a year ago and the highest ever for the month of July,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power.
“Regarding affordability, the cost of financing a new vehicle keeps easing, though not by enough to neutralize the structural affordability pressures weighing on buyers. The average interest rate on new-vehicle loans is expected to fall 7 basis points to 6.54%, the lowest July reading since 2022. However, the average transaction price of a new vehicle has increased to $45,369, an increase of 1.2% from a year ago, while average monthly finance payments have climbed 3.3% to $808, the highest ever for the month of July. A key driver of the higher monthly payment, despite longer loan terms, is lower trade-in equity. Many of the buyers returning to showrooms today purchased when prices were at their peak several years ago when inventory was scarce. This is resulting in more buyers carrying negative equity on their trade-in; 29.4% of trade-ins had negative equity in July, up 1.1 percentage points from a year ago,” said King. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, news analysis, prices, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, average transaction price of a new vehicle, cost of financing a new vehicle, J.D. Power July 2026 Thomas King, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, longer loan terms, monthly payments, u.s. sales forecast, X @KenAutoinformed
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EPA Certifies Higher Estimated Range for 2027 Volvo EX60
“After its debut earlier this year and the opening of U.S. order books in May, the EX60 positions Volvo Cars in the mid-size electric SUV segment, the largest and fastest-growing category in the electric vehicle market. The game-changing SUV offers impressive range, fast charging, and exceptional performance – all at a competitive price,” Volvo Car claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis
Tagged 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, mid-size electric SUVs, Volvo Car USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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J.D. Power 2026 APEAL Scores Rise Again
“Automakers have made real progress in reducing problems, but JD Power data makes it clear that quality alone isn’t enough,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Owners are most enthusiastic when their vehicle not only works reliably but also feels thoughtfully designed and offers comfortable interiors, useful storage and technology that’s easy to live with. The brands that get both sides of that equation right see the strongest advocacy from their customers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality
Tagged auto benchmarking at JD Power, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Hanley, J.D. Power 2026 APEAL Scores, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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ACEA – New EU Car Registrations Up 5.7% YTD
New EU car registrations rose by 5.7% year-to-date, with a solid performance in June contributing to a positive first half of 2026, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].
“This came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical headwinds weighing on the outlook. The market continued to benefit from robust consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, driven primarily by market support measures. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice among buyers, while battery-electric cars reached 20.7%. In addition, plug-in hybrids captured 9.8% of the EU market,” ACEA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, transportation
Tagged ACE, acea, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, eu car sales, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, HI 2026 EU New Car Registrations, June 2026 EU auto registrations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Gasoline Prices Keep Rising!
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 15 cents from last week to $4.09 according to the latest data from AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
“Most states are now averaging $4 per gallon or higher. Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump. Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the $90 per barrel range and could continue driving up costs during the second half of summer,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, energy, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, gas prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Trumpoline, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again!
Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.44 per share, an increase of $0.02 per share (+1.4%), bringing the annualized dividend to $5.76 per share. This represents the Company’s 23rd consecutive quarterly dividend increase. It comes as a proposal to take PAG private for $210 per share was announced.*
“Our continued dividend growth reflects the strength of our business and disciplined capital allocation strategy,” said Robert H. Kurnick, Jr., President of Penske Automotive Group. “We remain committed to creating shareholder value through a balanced strategy that includes dividends, securities repurchases, and strategic acquisitions.” The dividend is payable September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of 14 August 2026. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, mobility company, news analysis, results, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Freightliner, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, pag, Penske Transportation Solutions, roger penske, X @KenAutoinformed
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Take Private Offer Made to Penske Automotive Group!
Late yesterday, the Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* announced that it had received an unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal from Penske Corporation (PC) and Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) 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 Board has established a special committee comprised of disinterested and independent directors to review and consider the Proposal. The special committee is authorized to retain advisors, including independent legal and financial advisors, to assist it in its work. There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached,” PAG said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mitsui & Co, PAG takeover bid, Penske Corporation, roger penske, Securities and Exchange Commission, X @KenAutoinformed, Yahoo finance
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July 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Slightly Higher
“Against that backdrop, our near-term forecast moves mostly higher, except in Greater China, where soft consumer sentiment is still dragging sales and pulling production down,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global. “The important nuance: Chinese OEMs are leaning harder on exports to keep plants running, and that is reshaping pricing and competitive intensity across multiple regions.**
“At the same time, inflation is keeping buyers price-sensitive. Demand is resilient in many markets, but it can turn quickly if fuel prices rise, credit tightens, or confidence slips, especially in higher-priced segments where mix and margins move first,” said Wall. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, results, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese vehicle production, inflation and car buyers, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Middle East Wars, Mike Wall, Mobility Global, S&P Global Mobility, short-term vehicle production forecast, Strait of Hormuz, Trump tariffs wars and foreign policy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Aston Martin’s Vanquish 25
“Anyone familiar with this iconic British brand knows the provenance of the name ‘Vanquish’ in our modern history,” said Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin. “25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate’s contribution to our heritage. Vanquish 25 builds on the extraordinary achievements of the modern, third-generation Vanquish with a carefully curated package of exterior and interior features that subtly celebrate this important milestone in our history.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Monterey Car Week, Q by Aston Martin, Vanquish 25, Vittorio Gabba, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz Studio Los Angeles
“As one of the world’s most valuable brands, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for combining engineering excellence with emotional experiences that bring our ‘Welcome home’ promise to life. That is why we are introducing Mercedes-Benz Studios, bringing our brand into the heart of the world’s most iconic cities. Los Angeles is an important part of this global network, creating new ways for people to experience Mercedes-Benz in everyday life and making our brand feel even more accessible, personal, and welcoming,” claimed Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Sales & Customer Experience. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged Adam Chamberlain, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure Hub, Mathias Geisen, Mercedes-AMG GT, Mercedes-AMG SL, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, Sindelfingen, Studio Los Angeles, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar – Palou Wins at Nashville Superspeedway
“I can’t believe it! I started P4, shuffled a little bit from back to front and then we were a bit lucky with a yellow and we went from P3 to P1. It was great, it was awesome. The car was awesome. I was super confident in the end, but it was a close battle with Josef [Josef Newgarden Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet- AutoCrat] there for a little bit. Thank you to all the fans for sticking with us today, on the Monday. Thank you, Honda, for the amazing power we had today on track. And on to the next one,” said Palou. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, performance, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, Chip Ganassi Racing Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden Team Penske, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Recalls ~288,000 Explorers for Flying Roof Rail Covers
“Affected vehicles are equipped with roof rail covers that may loosen over time, exhibiting a visible gap, developing a rattle, or detaching from the vehicle while in motion,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning.
“Vehicles with this condition may exhibit increased wind noise and/or squeaks and rattles as the roof rail cover begins to loosen. A visible gap or misalignment between the roof rail cover and the roofline may develop,” Ford said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Explorer recall 20N11, Ford Explorer roof rail cover recall 26S54, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, NHTSA Ford Explorer recall 26V448 or 26V-448. NHTSA Ford Explorer recall 21V316 or 21V-316, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid
The 2027 Toyota Prius (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, of $28,755 plus a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. The top of the range MSRP is … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, new vehicle, news analysis, public health
Tagged 2027 Toyota Prius, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fifth-Generation Toyota Hybrid System, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, THS 5, Toyota Audio Multimedia system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, X @KenAutoinformed
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Autokiniton Workers in Milan, Michigan Vote to Join the UAW
“The main reason I wanted to unionize is our wages,” said Randy Struble, a member of the Workers Volunteer Organizing Committee. “I worked at American Axle in 2006 making $25/hour. I do the same job now at Autokiniton for $23/hour. I have not had a raise since September 2022. When someone quits or gets fired, they don’t replace them. They just put the work on the remaining workers.”
“Autokiniton workers won their union election with 92% of the vote. It is clear from this overwhelming majority that they are ready for change — they are tired of the disrespect from management, low wages, and unpredictable schedules,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “They are ready to fight for the fair treatment and fair contract they deserve. I congratulate each and every Autokiniton worker on their victory. Welcome to the UAW.” Continue reading →