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- Wheels Off? GM Front Wheel Bolt Recall on 24-in Wheels
- Airbag Failures – American Honda Recalls ~99,000 Vehicles
- UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike
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Category Archives: labor issues
December U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Down. Global Sales Up
U.S. new-vehicle sales for December 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,454,000, a 7.5% decrease year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. December 2025 has 26 selling days, one more than December 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days shows a decrease of 3.8% from 2024. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total U.S. new-vehicle sales is forecast at 15.9 million units, down 1.1 million units from December 2024 as the Trump slump continues.
“December caps a year marked by volatility, as the industry continues to deal with the consequences of import tariffs and changes to electric vehicle legislation. To say it’s been a sales roller coaster of a year would be an understatement,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. “Fears of future tariff-related price hikes caused sales to jump by 173,000 vehicles between March and April, followed by a sales slowdown in subsequent months. Another sales jump occurred between August and September as 304,200 electric vehicle shoppers made purchases before the September 30th expiration of federal EV tax credits, followed by another sales slowdown whose effects are still being felt in December.”
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Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Oakley, J.D. Power and GlobalData, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Thomas King, Trump slump, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* effectively abandoned its Electric Vehicle strategy this week in an attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of billions of dollars in shareholder money. Ford announced a series of actions to improve its so-called Ford+ plan, reassigning capital to meet what it described as customer demand and drive profitable growth. Ford will write off $19.5 Billion as it attempts to do this.
“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” said (claimed?) Ford president and CEO Jim Farley. “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, financial results, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, F-150 Lightning, Ford battery energy storage systems, Ford Blue, Ford Pro, Ford Universal EV Platform, Ford+ plan, Jim Farley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lightning EREV, Louisville Assembly Plant, Model e, Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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September 2025 Unemployed People and Rate Up Under Trump
Both the unemployment rate, at 4.4%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in September, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics posted yesterday. These measures are higher than a year earlier under Trump 2.0, when the jobless rate was 4.1%, and the number of unemployed people was 6.9 million. Job losses occurred in transportation and warehousing and in federal government. Continue reading
Posted in economy, labor issues, news, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
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, September 2025 U.S. Employment trends, Trump Administration 2.0, Trump Economics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Visiting Capitol Hill on 2026 USMCA Renewal
This week, UAW members from the Agricultural Implements sector went to Capitol Hill to talk about “the devastating impact of bad trade deals, and fight layoffs and plant closures across the agricultural implements and construction equipment sector.” “The American taxpayer … Continue reading
Posted in economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 2026 review of the USMCA, Agricultural Implements Department of the UAW, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brandon Campbell, Caterpillar, CNH, John Deere, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Laura Dickerson, Marcques Derby, X @KenAutoinformed
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Michigan – Tariffs Cause Higher Grocery Prices, More Expensive Housing, Put Jobs at Risk
In response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive directive to gauge the impact of federal tariffs on Michigan’s economy, several State of Michigan departments submitted reports pointing to higher prices and costly delays that would ultimately impact Michiganders. Today, the U.S. … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, auto insurance, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DIFS, Ford, GM, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, MDOT, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Stellantis, Whitmer-Gilchrist administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Factory Booster Day Held in Detroit
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* held today the 10th annual edition of its Factory Booster Day at the Conner Center – aka Conner Avenue Assembly – in Detroit. This year’s event saw 80 invited participants showing more than 100 “solutions” aimed at transforming the future of industrial operations.
“Factory Booster Day is not just an event, it’s a reflection of our manufacturing culture and global collaboration,” said Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Stellantis Production Way. “By empowering our teams and partnering with startups and suppliers, we co-create smart solutions that drive quality, agility and sustainability across Stellantis.
“Together, we are building the future of manufacturing. Through an Open Challenge process, plant leaders invited suppliers and startups to pitch ideas for improving manufacturing processes, making Factory Booster Day a global showcase for practical, forward-thinking solutions delivered through both physical and virtual demonstrations,” said Fallon. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson, KCF Technologies, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, predictive maintenance, Stellantis Factory Booster Day, Stellantis Production Way, Sterling Heights Michigan Assembly Plant, Tim Fallon, virtual reality for retooling production lines, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate
The UAW today officially endorsed Sherrod Brown for US Senate. Approximately 100,000 active and retired UAW members live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio CAP (Community Action Program) Council formally voted to endorse Brown and said it will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the US Senate.
“Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Ohioans don’t need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they’ll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
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, Shawn fain, Sherrod Brown, Sherrod Brown for US Senate, uaw, UAW Ohio Community Action Program Council, UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine
“Inequality is out of control in our country. Today, the top 1% have more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. Graham understands this, and at a time when too many politicians take their cues from billionaires and corporate lobbyists, he has chosen to stand with the working class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, environment, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, https://www.grahamforsenate.com/, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis to Invest $13 Billion in U.S. Plants
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) late yesterday announced plans to invest $13 billion during the next four years to increase its sales in the critical United States market and to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint. Part of this are required updates to aging vehicles to stay competitive and defend market share. Some was previously planned and announced for other vehicles – notably EVs but is now being redirected to internal combustion engine products because of the relaxation of environmental rules and the elimination of EV buying incentives and CAFE fines or fees on vehicles that inordinately pollute the air causing dire human health problems by the Environmental Pillage Agency, aka EPA, under the Trump – “Global warming is a Chinese hoax” Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NYSE: STLA, Stellantis U.S. Plant Investments, X @KenAutoinformed
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Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing
Since 1 September 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has experienced a cyber-attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people affected is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8000 agency staff. The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering support.
“The impact of the cyber-attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production,” said, Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben. Many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BEN, hacking, Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack, JLR hacking, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, vehicle hacking, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Has Tentative Contract at GE Aerospace
The UAW said today that after a two-week strike over “unfair labor practices,” UAW Local 647 members at GE Aerospace now have an agreement that addresses the principal issues. The tentative agreement covers a five-year term. However, all picket lines at both the Erlanger, Kentucky and Evendale, Ohio sites will continue until the UAW Local 647 membership (~600) at GE Aerospace holds a ratification vote on Friday 19 September 2025. The strike was the first UAW strike at GE since 1988. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brian Strunk, GE Aerospace, GE Aerospace Erlanger Kentucky and Evendale Ohio plants, Ken Zino, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Has Tentative Contract at GE Aerospace, Shawn fain, uaw, UAW Local 647, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Detroit Auto Show today, discussing the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting business and creating good-paying local jobs amidst what was respectfully termed “national uncertainty.”
Unlike President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker during his Ford Motor River Rouge Plant visit in Dearborn, Michigan this week, where The Man Who Would Be King was caught on video flipping off a Ford worker [with the map of Manhattan – AutoCrat] while using gutter profanity, Whitmer was poised, pleasant, well-informed and inarguably committed to helping workers with a track record that proves it. Whitmer even had an announcement that will be good for all Michiganders, notwithstanding social status, wealth or power. Continue reading →