Category Archives: engineering

Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04

Posted on 1 May 2026 by Ken Zino

This is a good result in AutoInformed’s view given that Magna is managing its production volumes impacted by a large and complicated range of factors. Recently, Trump’s military conflicts and tariffs. Then there are global supply chain issues, including interference to supply of and/or increased costs of steel, aluminum, resin, energy supplies and so forth. Critical parts include semiconductor and memory (DRAM) chips which are causing OEM, supplier or sub-supplier disruptions. Then there are commodity prices, labor disruptions, cost of skilled labor and political regulatory actions among other challenges – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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McLaren to Run in 2027 World Endurance Championship

Posted on 24 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“The MCL‑HY GTR proudly continues a lineage that began with the McLaren F1 GTR’s outright Le Mans victory in 1995 and then continued with the McLaren P1 GTR™ and McLaren Senna GTR track cars. This badge stands for moments that define McLaren. With the MCL‑HY GTR, we are writing the next chapter for our most focused, authentic, and uncompromising track cars,” said Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading →

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Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP

Posted on 22 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Well, the paddock rumors were accurate – or should AutoInformed say Acura-it? Marcus Armstrong’s Honda-powered IndyCar will carry Acura branding in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, the Acura’s first appearance on the Indy 500 grid. Moreover, Acura will “pause” the IMSA GTP program following 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This move to the NTT IndyCar Series keeps the Acura name in motorsports of course. It also, perhaps, adds a complication to the viability of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, if other brands do likewise. Continue reading →

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Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference

Posted on 22 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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First Look – Mercedes-Benz 2027 C‑Class EV

Posted on 20 April 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Mustang GTD Runs Record Nordschleife Lap at 6m 40.835s

Posted on 17 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“Driven once again by Ford Racing and Multimatic factory driver Dirk Müller, the Mustang GTD Competition secured the sixth fastest time on the Nürburgring Pre-Production / Prototype Class leader-board,” said Joe Bellino Mustang GTD brand manager today. “Ford Racing engineer Steve Thompson also piloted the GTD Competition to a time of 6:49.337 around the Nürburgring – faster than Müller’s original record. Thompson has modest driving experience at the ‘Green Hell,’ having cumulatively driven the Nürburgring fewer than 40 laps,” Bellino said. Continue reading →

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Bosch Group Plans Sales, EBIT Growth after a So-So 2025

Posted on 16 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Bosch said “it believes that the weak economic development of 2025 will continue in the current business year. High levels of uncertainty, primarily due to geopolitical developments with the as yet unpredictable effects of the war in the Middle East, are likely to continue to affect inflation and global economic output. Moreover, price and competitive pressure remain high. Nonetheless, in the first three months of the year, Bosch was able to keep its sales more or less at the previous year’s level; after adjusting for exchange-rate effects, revenue was some 5% higher. Bosch expects the global economy to achieve only moderate growth, at the level of recent years.” Continue reading →

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Light-Duty Fuel Cell Trucks – Isuzu, Toyota Collaboration!

Posted on 15 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“One of the challenges to the widespread adoption of FCEVs is the high vehicle price point. Isuzu is working to reduce costs by optimizing the vehicle body structure and reviewing manufacturing processes. Toyota is undertaking similar efforts through innovations in fuel cell design and manufacturing processes,” the companies said. Continue reading →

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Airbag Malware – Honda Recalls ~440,000 Odyssey Vans

Posted on 15 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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Nissan in Survival Mode Sheds Models for Next Gen Products

Posted on 14 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“This is the right moment to articulate Nissan’s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced, and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced,” said Ivan Espinosa, the latest President and CEO of Nissan. [With this role of the Company dice, loss-making Nissan is betting on the come line. Wagering that new products in the future will be profitable enough to ensure survival – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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EcoCAR Innovation Challenge Pits General Motors v Stellantis

Posted on 13 April 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Magna to Sell Lighting and Rooftop Systems Firms

Posted on 9 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today said that it has entered into definitive agreements to divest its Lighting business through two separate transactions, as well as its Rooftop Systems business in a third transaction.* “Today’s announcement underscores our … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Recalls 2025 Jetta and Taos Vehicles for IP failures

Posted on 6 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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