Category Archives: manufacturing

Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling ~49,000 model year 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly. No warning is given before the failure.*

“Seat belts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes, FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which made the recall public this morning. FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace the rear outboard seat belt retractors from Autoliv ASP. The remedy component is a new seat belt retractor. Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety regulations. Continue reading →

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Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling More than 1,271,294 model year 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups. The second-row seat-belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.

“Some 2019-2026 MY Ram 1500 vehicles may have been built with second-row seat belt buckle anchors not properly attached to the body structure, which may result in reduced occupant restraint capabilities. FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public this morning. Continue reading →

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UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His a grassroots campaign was promoted in large part by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support. Continue reading →

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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza. Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Posted on 30 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from all other regions. We improved performance across our key financial metrics with Net revenues, AOI and Industrial free cash flows all showing significant gains. With implementation of our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy well underway and this year’s exciting new product launches on time and on track, we remain confident of delivering our 2026 financial guidance,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

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Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls ~566,000 Broncos for Wiring Harness Fires

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The problem is caused by insufficient protection on the wiring harness which can lead to exposed wires and short circuiting. In the event of a short, drivers may notice smoke in the air vents or a warning message on their dashboard followed by flames coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA today. Continue reading →

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Autokiniton Workers in Milan, Michigan Vote to Join the UAW

Posted on 24 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The main reason I wanted to unionize is our wages,” said Randy Struble, a member of the Workers Volunteer Organizing Committee. “I worked at American Axle in 2006 making $25/hour. I do the same job now at Autokiniton for $23/hour. I have not had a raise since September 2022. When someone quits or gets fired, they don’t replace them. They just put the work on the remaining workers.”

“Autokiniton workers won their union election with 92% of the vote. It is clear from this overwhelming majority that they are ready for change — they are tired of the disrespect from management, low wages, and unpredictable schedules,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “They are ready to fight for the fair treatment and fair contract they deserve. I congratulate each and every Autokiniton worker on their victory. Welcome to the UAW.” Continue reading →

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J.D. Power 2026 APEAL Scores Rise Again

Posted on 24 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Automakers have made real progress in reducing problems, but JD Power data makes it clear that quality alone isn’t enough,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Owners are most enthusiastic when their vehicle not only works reliably but also feels thoughtfully designed and offers comfortable interiors, useful storage and technology that’s easy to live with. The brands that get both sides of that equation right see the strongest advocacy from their customers.” Continue reading →

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ACEA – New EU Car Registrations Up 5.7% YTD

Posted on 23 July 2026 by Ken Zino

New EU car registrations rose by 5.7% year-to-date, with a solid performance in June contributing to a positive first half of 2026, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].

“This came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical headwinds weighing on the outlook. The market continued to benefit from robust consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, driven primarily by market support measures. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice among buyers, while battery-electric cars reached 20.7%. In addition, plug-in hybrids captured 9.8% of the EU market,” ACEA said. Continue reading →

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