Category Archives: manufacturing

Nissan Motor Posts Loss of ¥29.1B for Q1 FY 2025

Posted on 30 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company* (7201T and NSANY ADR)** today announced financial results of a ¥29.1 Billion loss for the three months of the Japanese fiscal year ending 30 2025. Both its outlook and future survival remain murky. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts H1 2025 Loss of €2.3 Billion

Posted on 29 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA)* today announced results for the H1 2025, reporting Net revenues of €74.3 billion, down 13% compared to H1 2024. The breathtaking net loss was -€2.3) billion, including €3.3 billion of net charges excluded from Adjusted operating income, down compared to H1 2024 Net Profit of €5.6 billion. It updated its tariff cost assumptions to an estimated 2025 net tariff of~€1.5 billion (~$1.7B), of which only €0.3 billion was incurred in H1 2025. Continue reading →

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ACEA – June and H1 EU Sales Dropping

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

During the first half of 2025 (H1 2025), new EU car registrations dropped by 1.9% compared to the same period last year, with a large -7.3% year-on-year (YOY) decline for June, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name.**

The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that “the battery-electric car market share for H1 2025 stood at 15.6%, still far from where it needs to be at this point in the transition. Hybrid-electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type amongst buyers.” Continue reading →

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BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading →

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GM Posts Q2 Earnings of $3 Billion

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, “Overall, GM is well positioned to succeed in an ICE market that now has a longer runway, Barra said. Continue reading →

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Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5-liter engines. A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment and cause a fire. This is an ongoing safety problem related to NHTSA Recall numbers 22V859, 24V187, 25V165. It’s the latest in a growing series of Ford recalls that were not properly repaired the first time because of software programming errors, requiring a recall of the recall, so to speak. The injectors were supplied by Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies S.R.L. of Italy. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Struggles – Q2 2025 Shipments Mostly Down Again

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. today released some preliminary and unaudited financial information for the First Half of 2025, in addition to its global quarterly consolidated shipment estimates and commentary on related trends in what appears to be an attempt to ameliorate financial market expectations based on its recently dismal operating results and program cancellations as it struggles to maintain what some consider too many brands and too little resources. See The Stellantis Spin below. Continue reading →

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Oppama Plant Closing – Nissan Starts Talking with Stakeholders

Posted on 18 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today that it has begun “engagement” with key stakeholders after the July 15 announcement that Nissan will cease vehicle production at the Oppama plant at the end of  the Japanese fiscal year 2027. Nissan plans to transfer vehicle production from the Oppama Plant to Nissan Motor Kyushu. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts Q2 2025 -10B SEK Loss

Posted on 17 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.STO) said today that it posted a Q2 group operating profit (EBIT) of SEK -10.0 billion. The gigantic loss followed a warning this week that it would take an impairment charge( read AutoInformed.com on: Chinese Trade Wars – Volvo Q2 2025 Impairment Charge). The Chinese owned company also said that it would build its best-selling car in the U.S. in South Carolina starting in late 2026 (Volvo Cars to Build XC60 SUV in Ridgeville). The loss, down from a profit of 8B SEK year-over year, appears to have surprised analysts who thought the loss would be much higher.

“The market continued to be challenging in Q2 as well,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Demand remains under pressure from the macroeconomic environment, tariff-related uncertainties and tougher competition. However, our turnaround actions are starting to show results. In a Q2 market with headwinds we made a clear improvement of free cash flow versus Q1 and our EBIT margin excluding items affecting comparability was slightly higher.”

Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Build XC60 SUV in Ridgeville

Posted on 16 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) said today it will add its XC60 mid-size SUV to the production line of its US car plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The plant also assembles the fully electric EX90. The XC60 is scheduled to start production there in late 2026.

“Adding the XC60 to our Charleston production line will further strengthen its position and attractiveness in the competitive US market, while supporting and creating American manufacturing jobs,” said Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “It is also in line with our ambition to build where we sell and reinforces our long-term commitment to the US market, where we are celebrating our 70th anniversary and have sold over 5 million cars.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Drops Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plan

Posted on 16 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that it will discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program between Forvia, Michelin and Stellantis. As a result, mass-production of its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans) is cancelled. Net profit at Stellantis plunged 70% for 2024.

“In a context where the Company is mobilizing to respond to demanding CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe. Continue reading →

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Nissan to Close Oppama Plant!

Posted on 15 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today that, as part of its global production restructuring under its recovery plan dubbed Re: Nissan, it plans to transfer and integrate vehicle production at the Oppama Plant, located in the Oppama district, to Nissan Motor Kyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. The company will cease vehicle production at the Oppama plant at the end of fiscal year 2027. Following this, both current and future models scheduled for production at Oppama will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu. Nissan posted a net loss of ¥670.9 billion (~$4.5 billion) during the Japanese Fiscal Year 2024.

Today, Nissan made a tough but necessary decision. It wasn’t easy—for me or for the company—but I believe it’s a vital step toward overcoming our current challenges and building a sustainable future. The Oppama Plant is a proud part of our history, and its legacy will endure. I want to sincerely thank our employees, the local community, and our partners who have supported this plant with dedication and heart. We will continue to operate in the Oppama area with strong support for the local community, as we carry forward the spirit of Oppama plant and work to restore Nissan’s true value,” said Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa. Continue reading →

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Spring Hill to Make Advanced LFP Batteries

Posted on 15 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio.” Continue reading →

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JLR NA Land Rover Evoque Passenger Airbag Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR NA) is recalling ~21,000 model year 2021-2025 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The Hungarian made passenger air bag may tear during deployment.

“The basis of the recall population is all Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vehicles from 2021 Model Year up until the introduction of a modified airbag specification in production during 2025 Model Year. A concern has been identified on 2021 – 2024 and certain 2025 Model Year Range Rover Evoque vehicles where, during a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may tear as a result of improper folding of the airbag during the airbag assembly process [at the Halewood UK plant- AutoCrat],” JLR NA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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Another Ford Mach E Electrical System Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 239 2022 model year Mustang Mach E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat. This recall is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall number 23V687 or 23V-687 because of a calculation error. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls. 

“The recalled Bussed Electrical Center parts NK48-10C666-AA, NK48-10C666-BA, or LK98- 10C666-AB were introduced into production on 05/27/2020 and were taken out of production on 05/27/2022. Vehicles produced 5/27/2020 through 5/24/2022 are included in the original recall population (23V687). Affected vehicles are equipped with the extended range battery, but without the GT powertrain. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public today. Continue reading →

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