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- Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!
- California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program
- Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration
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- Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs
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- Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million
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- SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!
- General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!
- Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”
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Category Archives: electric vehicles
Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration
“Consumers should stop using their vehicles immediately and contact Vanderhall North America for instructions on how to update their vehicles to at least firmware version 7.1.0 through the Vanderhall customer mobile app. The updated software was released on 15 April 2026, and can be identified by the Vanderhall logo. Owners requiring assistance updating their firmware should contact their dealer or Vanderhall directly for assistance,” Vanderhall said in a recall filing released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, public health, quality, recalls, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Consumer Product Safety Commission, cpsc, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Recalls for Brawley GTS Electric Recreational Off Highway Vehicles, ROV safety recalls, 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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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!
This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Buick and Cadillac brands in China, Buick ELECTRA E7, China’s auto market, General Motors and SAIC Motor, John Roth, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, SAIC-GM, X @KenAutoinformed, Xiao Yao super architecture
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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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Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive
Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged 250kW 800V 2-speed eDrive system, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chery, Chery Jetour G700, Diba Ilunga, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Magna in China, Magna Wuhu China plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid
Urban public transit with a Bosch fuel cell has started test operations in Madrid. Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.
“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations,” said Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bosch Power Solutions, European wildfires, FCPM C100, FCPM C190 fuel-cell system, FCPM C300, fuel-cell power module, H2 economy, Hybrion PEM electrolysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Thomas Pauer, 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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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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BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC
“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG.
“Our strategic course remains unchanged. We will continue to pursue the same technology-open strategy that has made BMW successful and will continue to make us successful in the future,” said Nedeljković. [Flexibility to build different powertrains in one plant decreases the possibility of spending million of Dollars or Deutschmarks shareholder capital betting on one model or powertrain. It hedges expensive automotive bets. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric, BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle, diesel, fuel cell EV, internal combustion, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Milan Nedeljković, Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, plug-in hybrid electric, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today reported global sales of 171,501 cars in the second quarter of 2026, down 5.6% from Q2 last year. This is partially due to the difficult operating environment across regions, especially in China, that global automakers are enduring along with the Trump mis-administration tax, trade and foreign policy strategies. [Part of the solution to the Chinese problem is that Chinese owned Volvo cars can export Chinese EVs to global markets, which it is increasingly doing – AutoCrat.]
“Overall market conditions remain challenging, specifically in China, but we are encouraged by the momentum for the fully electric cars in our largest market Europe,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. “We see increased deliveries and order intake for our EX30, even in less electrified South European markets. This is reflected in our higher market share in the growing electric car segments compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, EX30, EX60, Geely Holding, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, concept, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, vehicle personalization
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Eric Laforge, IAA Hannover, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Smart Compact Van, Stellantis Pro One, X @KenAutoinformed
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Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!
“A2RL began in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: the future of mobility must be tested openly, rigorously and at the limits of performance. Its international debut at Imola demonstrates how the UAE is translating bold R&D ambition into globally relevant technology platforms that can accelerate progress in autonomous mobility,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, racing
Tagged A2RL, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Advanced Technology and Research Council, Alessandro Tucci, Aspire, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Constructor Racing, Dallara Super Formula SF23, European Le Mans Series, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Imola circuit, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Kinetiz, PoliMOVE, Unimore Racing, X @KenAutoinformed, Yas Marina Circuit
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Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt (sic) founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, aviation, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, mobility company, news, shows and events, transportation
Tagged akio toyoda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, eVTOL, JoeBen Bevirt, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used.
“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading →