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- Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!
- ACEA – Hybrids Top August EU Car Registrations
- Volkswagen Debuts In-Vehicle Gaming on Some 2027 Models
- By the Seat of Their Pants – Premium Seats Lag in Quality?
- September 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
- California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again
- Chrysler Recalls 97,349 Jeeps for Flying Roof Racks
- November Michigan Ballot Proposals – UAW Con and Pro
- Vehicle Affordability Still Worrying Despite Wage Increases
- TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising
- Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ
- Annals of Marketing – New User Interface on GM Pickups
- AAA – Annual New Vehicle Ownership Cost at $12,863 Up ~11%
- Indy 500 Winner Rosenqvist to Be Honored in Värnamo
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- NHTSA on Steering Loss – Ford Recalls F-Series Trucks
- AAA on AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!
- Nissan Motor on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year
- Jeff Badman on Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling
- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
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Category Archives: AutoInformed Editorial
Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ
“A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I recently called the president to relay how the ever-changing tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families. We need to be smart and strategic about trade policy, and lower costs so we can bring back American manufacturing.” Continue reading
Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails
“The war seems likely to continue, stockpiles are depleted, and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming “more successful.” To boot, the Houthis appear poised to control access to the Red Sea, Harrell said. Oil flows remain depressed as traffic through Hormuz is still far below pre-war levels, and the administration’s attempts to boost supplies elsewhere have failed to make up the shortfall,” said Harrell. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Diesel fuel prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino writing as AutoCrat, Strait of Hormuz, TrumpFlation, Twitter now X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump-Conomics = Everybody Loses a U.S.-Canada Trade War
AutoInformed fully agrees with CAR and Abraham Lincoln. This is not a U.S. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. AutoInformed is against tariffs by tyrants or kings. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, Edgar Faler, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nafta, Tyler Harp, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs
“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
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, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Trump-conomics, Trumpoline Prices, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins
The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His a grassroots campaign was promoted in large part by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, people, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Donovan McKinney, Jocelyn Benson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LaShawn English, Mark DePaoli, Steve Dawes, UAW Michigan CAP Council forums, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, X @KenAutoinformed
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SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!
Well, with Europe and England melting, burning and experiencing droughts as the pernicious results of Climate Change, something is clearly going have to be done – now! This means more non-fossil fueled vehicles. Enter the next round of, well, heated debates. The age old problem here is WHO PAYS. AutoInformed votes for shared costs, and is wary of subsidies to industries that are literally destroying life on planet earth. There is some room for nuance, although Britain’s revolving door of Prime Ministers, and the near suicide by Brexit policies to withdraw from a collective union in AutoInformed’s view makes the future grim for inhabitants of Old Blighty. This is a global war that needs to be won by all. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brexit, climate change, July 2026 new car sales in Britain, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mike Hawes, new car market in Britain, SMMT, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, X @KenAutoinformed
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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”
“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged access to capital, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, China Speed, Elizabeth Krear, industrial policy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, localized sourcing, rapid product iteration and digital-first vehicle development. CAR MBS 2026, streamlined decision-making, vertical integration, X @KenAutoinformed
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CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies
King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
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, Management Briefing Seminars 2026 Center for Automotive Research, North American auto industry competitiveness, supply chains, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
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CAFE Regs Intact Post Trump Endangerment Finding Repeal
“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
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Amanda Beggs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, automotive emission limits, Automotive news and analysis, criteria pollutants, Foley & Lardner LLP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, New Source Performance Standards, Pete Tomasi, Prevention of Significant Deterioration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump’s EPA Kills Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
If upheld by the sure to follow litigation, this is the Death Penalty for Planet Earth. However, the Supreme Court in 2007 ruled that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Since the high court’s decision, in a case known as Massachusetts v. EPA, other courts have rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding. – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged ACEEE, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lee Zeldin, Peter Huether, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Detroit Auto Show today, discussing the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting business and creating good-paying local jobs amidst what was respectfully termed “national uncertainty.”
Unlike President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker during his Ford Motor River Rouge Plant visit in Dearborn, Michigan this week, where The Man Who Would Be King was caught on video flipping off a Ford worker [with the map of Manhattan – AutoCrat] while using gutter profanity, Whitmer was poised, pleasant, well-informed and inarguably committed to helping workers with a track record that proves it. Whitmer even had an announcement that will be good for all Michiganders, notwithstanding social status, wealth or power. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged American manufacturing, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive research, Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, detroit auto show, geologic hydrogen, incentivizing R&D, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
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EPA Administrator and Trump Booster Zeldin Praises Himself
The EPA Office of the Administrator sent this “bulletin” out at 10:00 AM EST this morning.
“It has been a historic year at EPA, and we look forward to even more victories in the year ahead,” said Trump crony Lee Michael Zeldin, administration of the EPA since 29 January 2025 at the beginning of the Second Trump administration. Following are Zeldon’s assertions edited for space. [As with EPA fuel mileage ratings, and Zeldin’s dismissal of Global Warming and Climate Change your observed results and therefore opinions on these boasts may vary significantly- AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged American Auto Jobs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Coal Combustion Residuals, crony Lee Michael Zeldin, EPA Office of the Administrator, Global Warming and Climate Change, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Water Quality Standards, X @KenAutoinformed
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Thanksgiving 2025 Meets a Thankless Administration
In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims – early immigrants or transplanted settlers of Plymouth Colony – held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Many regard this event as the nation’s first Thanksgiving, including AutoInformed. Thanksgiving is rooted in the traditions of early 17th century pilgrims. These were celebrations of survival because of bountiful, and more importantly shared harvests. This was the beginning of “We the People,” which in the course of human events resulted in the wealthiest nation on earth.
President George Washington presiding from New York City, a freedom fighter that the British regarded as a terrorist – first designated the celebration of Thanksgiving by our national government a century later in 1789. Previously the Continental Congress of our nascent republic proclaimed several such days at varying times during the war of rebellion against England. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, blog, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Electoral College, george washington, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, King George the Third, Lord North, Plymouth Colony, President Franklin Roosevelt, President Lincoln, President Trump who would be King, Star Chaber court of England, Thanksgiving 2025, Trump Department of Injustice, Voting Rights Act, We the People, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again
The science behind climate change is unassailable. California has tracked the impacts of climate change on the state for more than two decades finding rapidly accelerating effects. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, I personally observed during decades or working and traveling there and elsewhere nationally or internationally that climate change is real and precipitously worsening. – AutoCrat. Continue reading →