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- Coming Soon Chinese-Built Jeeps?
- BMW N.A. Starts Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Sites
- Trumped – National Average for Fuel Prices Climbing Yet Again
- First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV
- BMW Group to Convert Preferred Shares to Common
- California Starts $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks
- BMW Annual General Meeting – Chair Oliver Zipse Retires
- Nissan 2025 Operating Loss at ¥533B. Drops FY 2026 Dividends
- Trumped – Consumer Price Index Largest Increase in 3 Years!
- CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%
- Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW
- UAW American Axle Workers Authorize Three Rivers Strike
- Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES
- American Honda Partnered Accessories Launches with Thule
- AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips
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- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
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- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
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Category Archives: electronics
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.” 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 two-motor hybrid system, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Toshihiro Mibe, 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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Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing
A cloud-based service that uses continuously updated data from numerous sources to quickly warn drivers of potential hazards on their route, such as sudden fog or black ice is now being used in millions of different cars and commercial vehicles … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW iX1, Bosch Group, Dr. Markus Heyn, iX2, iX3, Ken Zino, Robert Bosch GmbH, X @KenAutoinformed, X3
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Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference
“Canada is proud to welcome the global road safety community to Toronto for Enhanced Safety of Vehicles 2026. By bringing together researchers, regulators, and industry leaders, we are fostering innovation and cooperation that will shape the next generation of vehicle safety and strengthen our collective efforts to make roads safer around the world,” said the Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the government in the House of Commons. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, safety, shows and events
Tagged 28th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles, Active and passive safety features, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Automated driving technologies, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crashworthiness and crash avoidance, cybersecurity, ESV 2026, Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Steven MacKinnon, transport canada, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – Mercedes-Benz 2027 C‑Class EV
The all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Electric arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027 as MBUSA (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. [Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles – AutoCrat].
“The all-new electric C‑Class is redefining the mid-size segment for electric vehicles. Customers will get exactly what they expect from this new version of the beloved model: the perfect blend of performance, comfort, dynamics, and intelligence. On top of that, it is the most powerful and sportiest C‑Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range, all while being the perfect sanctuary for our customer,” claimed Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C 400 4MATIC Electric, Google Maps, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, MBUX Hyperscreen, MBUX Virtual Assistant, Mercedes-Benz app, Ola Källenius, X @KenAutoinformed
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Airbag Malware – Honda Recalls ~440,000 Odyssey Vans
“The SRS ECU deployment threshold margin calibration was too sensitive to under-body impacts, which could cause the side curtain or side airbags to deploy unexpectedly when subjected to strong impacts caused by potholes, speed bumps, or debris on the road, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. As of 2 April 2026, there have been 25 reports of injury and no reports of death related to this issue from 24 January 2017 until today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Odyssey airbag recalls, honda recalls, Honda SRS ECU airbag recall, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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EcoCAR Innovation Challenge Pits General Motors v Stellantis
General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) have joined the Challenge as sponsors, along with technology partner MathWorks. This combination of government and industry partners focuses on cultivating the next generation of auto-industry innovators. This is the first collaboration between two major automakers in the same series in more than 25 years. Additional EcoCAR Innovation Challenge sponsors announced today include Caterpillar, Siemens Digital Industries Software, dSPACE, Bosch, Altec, Hesse, and Volta Foundation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, economy, electronics, engineering, environment, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events
Tagged Audrey Robertson, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DOE's Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Micky Bly, U.S. Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volkswagen Recalls 2025 Jetta and Taos Vehicles for IP failures
“When the ignition is switched on, the instrument cluster may read incorrect or corrupt Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) data required for proper system initialization. If invalid data is detected, the software discards the data and applies default configuration values. However, the instrument cluster and the immobilizer system are not designed to operate using these default values, which can result in the instrument cluster failing to function as intended. Software revisions introduced over time significantly increased NVM access and data traffic within the instrument cluster, thereby increasing the likelihood of NVM-related errors,” Volkswagen said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Recall 26V185 or 26V-185, Non-Volatile Memory recalls, Volkswagen Jetta and Taos warning light recall 90Z5, X @KenAutoinformed
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Park Outside! Nissan Leaf Battery Fire Recall
Nissan North America is recalling 51 2026 model-year LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the lithium ion battery module.
“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and should not charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery modules or the battery, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed 17April 2026,” Nissan said in the mandatory Safety Defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation battery recall, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Nissan Leaf recall 26V188 or 26V-188, Nissan Leaf battery fire recall R25F1, X @KenAutoinformed
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
“No one should ever get hurt or lose their life because of a text or a phone call,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “By keeping our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel, we all have the power and responsibility to make our roads safe for everyone. The National Safety Council calls on every driver to travel distraction free – doing so will save lives.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, distracted driving deaths, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lorraine Martin, national safety council, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars to Combine Polestar 3 Production in U.S.
“The move to consolidate global Polestar 3 production in Charleston help generate efficiencies for both companies, whilst also underscoring our confidence in the plant and the role it plays in our manufacturing footprint,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars. ‘The US is a very important market for Volvo Cars, both to support our growth ambitions as well as a strategic production site to meet regional and export demands.”** Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chengdu, Geely Holding, Geely Sweden Holdings, Håkan Samuelsson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michael Lohscheller, Polestar 3, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Recalls for Diesel Pumps, Seat Belts, Rearview Cameras
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is conducting recalls for more than 252,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects including electrical system programming management and manufacturing assembly errors. The largest involves the loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) systems, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring on model year 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Diesel pump recall 26S17, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall 26C18., Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 26V159 or 26V-159, NHTSA recall 26V158 or 26V-158, NHTSA Recall 26V165 or 26V-165, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Ballot Scheme Limiting Robocar Liability Criticized
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
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California ballot initiative on limiting liability for robotaxis and Robocars, Consumer Watchdog, Dara Khosrowshahi, Jamie Court, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NASDAQ: RIVN, Rivian R2 robotaxis, RJ Scaringe, 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 →