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- June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%
- BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
- “Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements
- Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
- Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
- Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived
- Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
- Porsche AG Board Drastically Cuts 2025 Annual Dividend ~50%
- Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles
- AAA – Independence Weekend Travel Forecast Flat
- IndyCar – Lundgaard Last-to-First Win at Road America!
- Carry Over Pricing Planned on the 2027 Subara Solterra
- First Look – 2027 Porsche Taycan EV. Values Crisis?
- June 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
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- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
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Category Archives: connected vehicles
Ralph Nader Arises Again in Uber Legal Accountability Bout
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader has released an open letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi condemning the company’s efforts to limit legal accountability for crashes involving rideshare drivers and autonomous vehicles. It objects to Uber’s push for federal legislation sponsored by Representative Vince Fong (Republican – Bakersfield, CA) that would limit the company’s legal exposure for crashes involving drivers using its platform. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, people, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ralph Nader, Representative Vince Fong, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Unsafe at Any Speed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover Sign MOU on Tech Development
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States. Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, Stellantis and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, design and styling, electronics, engineering, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged amazon, Antonio Filosa, apple, artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, google, jaguar land rover, jlr, JLR USA technology hub in Portland, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NVIDIA, Revenge of the RAJ, Tata Sons, V2X, X @KenAutoinformed
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Coming Soon Chinese-Built Jeeps?
“Dongfeng Motor has always taken the transformation and revitalization of Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Ltd. (DPCA) as a key strategic priority, fully supporting and advancing its sustainable development. Through the signing of this strategic cooperation, by integrating Hubei’s industrial strengths, Stellantis’ global layout advantages and Dongfeng’s intelligent electric vehicle technologies, a new path featuring complementary strengths and win-win outcomes for all parties has been forged. This will undoubtedly inject strong momentum into DPCA’s transformation,” said Qing Yang, Dongfeng Group Chairman. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese Peugeot and Jeep® vehicles, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Qing YANG, Stellantis and Dongfeng, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW N.A. Starts Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Sites
“BMW firmly believes in an electric future, and it’s no secret that reliable high-speed charging infrastructure remains essential to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, BMW of North America. “We currently offer one of the broadest portfolios of premium electric vehicles in the U.S., with the next-generation BMW iX3 arriving in the U.S. later this year. As our electric vehicle offerings continue to expand, initiatives like this help ensure our customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience wherever they travel.” Continue reading
First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV
“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.” [Today Honda posted its first Japanese full-year loss in history taking ~$9 billion in costs to restructure its electric-vehicle business. Honda also dumped its longer-term EV sales forecast.-AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, adas, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Motor posts first full-year operation loss, Honda two-motor hybrid system, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Toshihiro Mibe, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Starts $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks
The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today announced retailer enrollment is now open for the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) for electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks. CCFR is financed with revenue utilities generate from the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The innovative [and planet-saving initiative in AutoInformed’s view despite the ongoing efforts of the Trump Administration’s Environmental Pillaging Agency, aka EPA] plan is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate program for electric trucks in the country. This year $250 million will be available. There will be more than $1 billion in total rebate funding expected through 2030. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Clean Fuel Reward, carb, electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks, Funmi Williamson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, X @KenAutoinformed
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Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES
Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) said today it debuting the first integration of AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in the Lexus lineup. The enhanced version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system will make its debut in the 2026 ES before rolling out to future models in the Lexus lineup.
“We are excited for guests to experience something truly special,” said Brian Inouye, chief engineer, Connected Experiences Division. “We’ve made bold updates to Lexus Interface that deliver both function and performance, with every detail meticulously designed to delight, inform and entertain.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, vehicle personalization
Tagged AT&T 5G Network, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brian Inouye, Digital Key, Drive Recorder clips, EV Charge Management, EV Routing, Ken Zino, Lexus Voice Assistant, siriusxm, Spotify, Toyota Connected, vehicle personalization, X @KenAutoinformed
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Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today in Japan revealed a prototype version of the Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV. The all-wheel-drive, full-size SUV is aimed directly at the popular and profitable SUVs from the brands at General Motors and Ford Motor Company. TZ is capable of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas [or Tokyo to Kobe -AutoCrat] on one charge. Acceleration is rated by Lexus at 0-100 kms (62.1 miles) in 5.2 seconds. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026.* Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged 7203 T, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Forged Bamboo, Ken Zino, Lexus SUVs, Lexus TNGA platform, Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV, NYSE: TM, Takeshi Miyaura, X @KenAutoinformed
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New Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric Debuts in Beijing
Porsche AG’s (P911.DE) new Cayenne Coupé Electric model with three drive variants celebrated its world premiere at Auto China 2026 in Beijing today. They can be ordered immediately. The Chinese market has been challenging for Porsche lately as customers are turning to less expensive and innovative EVs from Chinese makers.
“The gently sloping roofline sweeps elegantly over the car’s broad shoulders and gives the Cayenne Coupé a particularly sporty appearance,” said Thomas Stopka, Head of Exterior Design, Style Porsche. “The adaptive rear spoiler blends harmoniously into the body, while the way the rear window is embedded and flush-mounted with fewer joints ensures a clean, modern look. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, new vehicle, shows and events
Tagged Auto China 2026 in Beijing, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cayenne Coupé Electric, Chinese Market, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Porsche Driver Experience, Thomas Stopka, X @KenAutoinformed
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VinFast Auto Posts March Sales of ~28,000 EVs
VinFast Auto (NASDAQ: VFS) in Hanoi today posted preliminary domestic Vietnam deliveries of 27,609 electric vehicles during March 2026, an increase of 127% year-over-year. For Q1 of 2026, the Company delivered a preliminary total of 53,684 EVs to customers in Vietnam.* [By global automaker standards this is roughly one final assembly plant on an annual basis – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, manufacturing, news analysis, sales
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, NASDAQ VFS, VF5, VF6, VF7, VinFast Auto Limo Green, VinFast Auto VF 3, X @KenAutoinformed
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Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
“As more technology is introduced into vehicles, keeping the experience simple matters more than ever,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “The biggest gains in quality come from features that are easy to use—simple controls, less-intrusive driver assistance and software that works the way customers expect. When technology becomes too complicated, the likelihood of customers experiencing a problem rises considerably.” Continue reading →