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- World Endurance Championship – New Ferrari 499P
- Toyota Develops New 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System
- J.D. Power – Three Year Old Vehicle Problems Up
- Penske Automotive Group Posts Record Q4 Revenue of $7.7B
- Magna Expands Partnership with Mercedes-Benz
- U.S. EV Adoption to Stall in 2025
- Corvette ZR1 Sets Five Records on U.S. Track Tour
- Toyota Recalls 2024-2025 Tacoma Models for Bad Brakes
- First Look – New Volvo EX30 Cross Country
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Category Archives: car sharing
World Endurance Championship – New Ferrari 499P
“True to the philosophy of the Prancing Horse, the 2025 499P looks ahead, supported by the creativity of Ferrari’s designers. The livery has been modernized with a new composition, blending red – a darker shade that reinterprets the colors seen on Ferrari race cars from past decades, with Giallo Modena, accentuating the car’s body lines,” Ferrari said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Alessandro Pier Guidi, Antonio Fuoco, Antonio Giovinazzi, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ferrari – AF Corse team, FIA World Endurance Championship, James Calado, Ken Zino, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Develops New 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System
“The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle, Toyota 3rd Gen Fuel Cell System, X @KenAutoinformed
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J.D. Power – Three Year Old Vehicle Problems Up
The results of this year’s study are consistent with the results of the J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality StudySM which tracked problems early in the ownership period of 2022 model-year vehicles. That year, initial vehicle quality notably declined from 2021, and problems also reached a record high. Three years later, the issues continue to be problematic for owners, according to findings of the 2025 VDS. (Read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Vehicle Quality Flaws at 36-Year Record High) Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, car sharing, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, quality, software recalls
Tagged 2025 J.D. Power VDS, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM, Jason Norton, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. EV Adoption to Stall in 2025
“Amid a flurry of speculation about how Trump administration policies on everything from EV incentives and tariffs on foreign imports to federal emissions and mileage standards will affect the future of EV adoption, J.D. Power has focused its attention on the data, reassessing the major trends in EV adoption for the past four years, and analyzing current government policies and manufacturer strategies to get the most accurate reading possible on consumer sentiment heading into 2025. Though many variables are still at play, which could create potential headwinds and tailwinds to EV adoption, J.D. Power is projecting that 2025 will be a reset year for EV adoption, in which total retail share will hold at 9.1% as manufacturers and consumers adjust to new market dynamics,” J.D. Power said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, j.d power, J.D. Power EV Index, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Corvette ZR1 Sets Five Records on U.S. Track Tour
The Corvette ZR1* (NYSE: GM) set five new production car lap records during a U.S. track tour Chevrolet said today. The runs occurred at Road America, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway Full Course, Virginia International Raceway Grand Course, and Watkins Glen Long Course.
“Corvette ZR1 continues to showcase how this nameplate elevates at every corner,” Corvette executive chief engineer Tony Roma said. “From design, engineering, development, validation, to driving and setting incredible lap records like these – we do it all in house.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, corvette zr1, Ken Zino, Road America, Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway Full Course, Virginia International Raceway Grand Course, Watkins Glen Long Course, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Recalls 2024-2025 Tacoma Models for Bad Brakes
Toyota Motor North America is recalling more than 106,000 model 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel-drive vehicles built in Mexico and California. The clearance between the rear brake hose and wheel may allow mud and dirt to build up, which can damage the brake hose and lead to a brake fluid leak. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NHTSA 25V058 or 25V-058, Toyota recalls 25TB04 and 25TA04, toyota tacoma recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – New Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Volvo Cars (Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B)* at a literal fireside chat in the North of Sweden revealed today the new EX30 Cross Country SUV. Outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven was part of the show. The EX30 Cross Country is a compact fully-electric SUV. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring. It will eventually appear in North America.**
“We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fjällräven, Geely Holding, Google Maps, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Volvo EX30 app, X @KenAutoinformed
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MBUSA Recalling EQB models for Battery Fires
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 7000 model year 2022-2024 EQB 250, EQB 300 4MATIC, and EQB 350 4MATIC electric vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
In the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning, MBUSA said, “Due to the combination of certain production and vehicle use conditions, an internal short circuit of a battery cell in the high-voltage battery might occur, which could lead to the risk of a fire.” The defective software supplier is Farasis Energy-Ganzhou in China. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Farasis Energy-Ganzhou, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls, NHTSA 25V0500 or 25V-0500, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars Posts Record Sales, Revenue, Profits in 2024, but…
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today posted a record-breaking year in 2024 with the highest full-year retail sales, revenues and core operating profit in its 98-year history. However, the Chinese owned company anticipates a turbulent 2025 “due to challenging market conditions,” aka Trump’s Trade and Tariff Wars.** “Full-year revenues exceeded SEK 400 billion for the first time in the company’s history, due to a new all-time sales record of 763,389 cars. Its full-year core operating profit of SEK 27 billion, excluding joint ventures and associates, was another record and up 6% compared to 2023. The core operating margin came in at 6.8%, up from 6.4% in 2023,” Volvo said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, environment, financial results, insurance, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Geely Holding, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Trump Trade and Tariff Wars, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cox Automotive Alters January Forecast Sales Down
New-vehicle sales in January increased compared to year-ago levels, but initial results indicate that market volume likely came in slightly below the forecast, Cox Automotive** said today. The original Cox Automotive forecast* called for year-over-year growth of 5.2%, but early estimates “suggest the increase was closer to 4%.” Some automakers posted record January volume and others saw declines from January 2024 levels.
“Our market continues to be one of diverging stories,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “While the macro view is one of growth, ‘actual experience may vary.’ January is typically a low-volume sales month, and there were no shortages of sales challenges last month – from extreme cold over much of the market to major fire disruptions in Southern California. Consumer confidence also declined more than expected in January and was lower than in January 2024, the first yearly decline since September. All factors considered, the positive sales performance in January was a good sign for the market,” Smoke said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive Forecast: January U.S. Auto Sales, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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More Stellantis Executive Changes as Stock Drops
“Through targeted organizational adjustments, the regions now have enhanced local decision-making and execution capabilities in respect of product planning, product development, industrial and commercial activities, while maintaining coordination with the Company’s global functions to best serve their customers,” Stellantis said. However, there still is no new permanent Chief Executive Officer from the Special Committee of the Board of Directors at a time when Trump’s executive orders – viz tariff’s – are wreaking havoc in the auto industry. Stellantis shares are down ~8% this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, environment, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, people
Tagged Alain Favey, Anne Abboud, Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bob Broderdorf, Clara Ingen-Housz, Ken Zino, Ned Curic, Olivier François, Stellantis, X @KenAutoinformed, Xavier Peugeot
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Suzuki, Daihatsu, Toyota to Release EV Mini-Commercial Vans
Suzuki Motor Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation said today that they have decided to aim for the release of their mini-commercial van electric vehicles (BEVs) respectively in fiscal 2025.*
“This mini-commercial van BEV, jointly developed by the three companies, combines Suzuki and Daihatsu’s expertise in creating small-size cars with Toyota’s electrification technology and is equipped with a BEV system suitable for mini-commercial vehicles. Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation also participated in the planning to achieve a vehicle with optimal specifications for efficient last-mile logistics,” the companies said in a joint release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation, Daihatsu, Ken Zino, mini-commercial van BEV, Suzuki, toyota, X @KenAutoinformed
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Software Recall for Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, TLX
American Honda Motor (7267.T) is recalling ~295,000 model year 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
In the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Honda said: “Due to improper programming of the fuel injection electronic control unit settings, sudden changes in the throttle opening could cause the MIL [Malfunction Indicator Light] to illuminate and/or the engine to lose drive power, hesitate and/or stall.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, software recalls
Tagged 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S recall, Acura recall AL0, acura recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda recall EL1, honda recalls, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 25V031 or 25V-031, software recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Recalls Sierra 1500 Trucks for Grilles Flying Off
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling more than 70,000 2022 model GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment, according to the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Continue reading →