Category Archives: auto news

California Ballot Scheme Limiting Robocar Liability Criticized

Posted on 19 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Uber announced today a partnership to put 50,000 Rivian Robotaxis on the road, including in San Francisco, the site of the Cruise AV crash with a pedestrian and Fire Truck. This comes as powerful corporate and legal interests are embattled in a fight over an upcoming California ballot initiative in November limiting victims’ medical recovery in all accident cases. Opponents claim it will prevent the seriously injured from finding contingency fee attorneys, making it difficult to sue robocar operators, manufacturers, or any reckless driver or automaker.

“This is a naked power grab by Uber to remove liability for its robotaxis and accelerate their rollout without accountability when their robotaxis harm or kill pedestrians and other drivers,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit that issued a report, “License To Kill: How Uber’s Rush To Close Courthouse Doors And Roll Out Robocars Threatens Public Safety.” Continue reading →

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U.S. Fuel Prices Climbing. Up 28 Cents in a Week!

Posted on 19 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Fuel prices at the pump continued to climb by 28 cents since last week, according to a report released by AAA today.* With the Spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand. The Trump Administration Iranian war is clearly in play.

“Last week’s announcement by the White House to release 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserves over four months has no immediate relief on the oil market as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb,” AAA said. “According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.24 million barrels a day to 8.72 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 249.5 million barrels to 244.0 million. Gasoline production also decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day. Continue reading →

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First Look – Genesis GV60 Magma Performance EV

Posted on 18 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“In a very short period of time, our engineers achieved something truly remarkable,” stated Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division. “They created a car that is not only fast, but truly Genesis; a car that inspires confidence and provides a true emotional connection.” Continue reading →

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Revised Auto Forecasts Assume Slight Iranian War Effects?

Posted on 18 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“The base scenario assumes a short-term conflict, with the most significant effects in Iran and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while other markets experience milder impacts mainly through higher oil prices,” said Mike Wall the Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility in a release yesterday. [Oddly in AutoInformed’s view, North America’s production outlook is “only marginally reduced for 2026, with a slight increase in 2027…” the respected consultancy said – Autocrat.] Continue reading →

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Sudden Power Loss – Ford Motor Recall Parade Persists

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~48,000 model year 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick,  and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. Affected vehicles are equipped with suspect Korean-made EGR valves installed in the 2.0-liter Gas, and 2.0-liter Hybrid Engines.

“Customers may initially experience weak acceleration, engine vibration, a no start condition, or a check engine light,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls Continue reading →

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GM Expands Owners’ Manual Recalls

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 13 April 2026, GM said in the required safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Andretti Global Rules Inaugural Java House Grand Prix

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“What an absolutely phenomenal day for our #27 JM Bullion Andretti Global Honda. And hats off to Honda really for a 1-2-3-4 today,” Kirkwood said. “Man, did we have some pace. This JM Bullion Honda, Andretti, all these guys right here, they gave me the tools today. It’s because of this race car we won today, because of teamwork….“One-three-four (finish) for Andretti; we’re just so stacked here. I’m so stoked.” Continue reading →

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American Axle – UAW Demands Released Before Contract End

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“As a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $2.9 billion in profits since 2022. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $47.9 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $100 million in compensation. Meanwhile, UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars, the UAW said. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power – Dealer Service Satisfaction High, But…

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“While it’s no surprise that customers gravitate to operations that serve them well, the study clearly shows that good service leads to loyal customers,” said John Tenerovich, director of automotive retail at J.D. Power. “This phenomenon proves true across all service types – oil changes, repair, tires and brakes. While complimentary maintenance programs drive strong retention, the level of intent to return for actual customer-paid service depends on the service experience delivered by the dealer.” Continue reading →

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Legal Tariffs – Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Recall Laid Off Workers

Posted on 12 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.” Continue reading →

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Porsche AG Reorganization 2.0 or The New Strategy 2035

Posted on 11 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today at the company’s annual press conference in Stuttgart that it is shifting into the next gear in the realignment of the company and its product portfolio, which began in 2025 after disastrous financial results.*

“Since I took office, our management team has systematically analyzed the situation and begun a series of initial targeted measures. These include the consistent application of our Value over Volume principle, especially in the difficult market environment of China; and the quality-oriented ramp-up of production of the all-electric Cayenne,” said the new CEO, Dr Michael Leiters. Continue reading →

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Hit-And-Run Crashes at Record High

Posted on 11 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.” Continue reading →

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Honda Heritage Parts Program Debuts

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“In this 40th anniversary year of the Acura brand, the launch of Honda Heritage Parts is especially meaningful, giving Acura enthusiasts the support they need to continue enjoying their first-generation Acura NSX,” said Steven Bailey, vice president of Honda and Acura Parts, Service and Technical Division. “At its core, the new Honda Heritage Parts program honors our shared passion for these iconic vehicles and helps ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Freedom 250 to Run Past U.S. Capital

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said two‑time NTT IndyCar Series champion and back‑to‑back Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who toured the circuit on Monday morning. “You’ve got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect. Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can’t wait to be back here to race and celebrate America’s birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” Continue reading →

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Instrument Panel Display Failures – Honda, Acura Recalls

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Due to software defects, the instrument cluster and center infotainment display can go blank while the vehicle is in operation. When the condition occurs, the instrument cluster will not display vehicle information, including but not limited to the speedometer, tachometer, warning telltales, and indicator lamps,” Honda said in the required safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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