-
Recent Posts
- Honda Recalls 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EVs
- Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face
- Wadda You Say? Personalized Sound at Nissan, Infiniti
- Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team
- Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive
- Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs
- ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences
- Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring
- IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series
- Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026
- GM Canada Leadership Change – Jack Uppal new President
- Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground
- Happy Nightmare! Holiday Travel to Set New Record
- First Look – $34,995 Subaru Uncharted EV
- Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility
Recent Comments
- Magna on its Share Repurchase Plan in reference to on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
- Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador on Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
- Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000? | AutoInformed on Milestones – Nissan Begins Assembly of 2013 LEAF EV in Tennessee
- ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping | AutoInformed on New DOGE Scorecard Announced to Track Trump
- Cadillac Off-Roader – Elevated Velocity | AutoInformed on Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: manufacturing
GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.
“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged Akron Rubber Development Lab, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM fire recall N242482680, Ken Zino, Kodiak Controls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA recall 25V390 or 25V-390, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released
The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, design and styling, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality
Tagged 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Hanley, j.d power, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft
Total U.S. new-vehicle sales during June 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,247,900, a slight 2.5% increase from June 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today.* June 2025 has 24 selling days, two fewer than June 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 5.4% from 2024.The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, up 0.2 million units from June 2024. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Oakley, GlobalData, j.d power, J.D. Power and GlobalData forecasts, Ken Zino, Thomas King, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
ACEA – May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat. Tesla Down Again!
During the May 2025 year-to-date (YTD) period, new EU car registrations fell by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed based on its original French name. Notably, the anti Elon Musk backlash continued as Tesla sales dropped to 13,863 from 19,227 or -27.9% YoY in May. Year-to Date sales of Musk-mobiles are off -37.1% at 75,196, down from 119,482 YoY.
The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that, “Nonetheless, year-on-year (YOY) registrations for May increased by 1.6% compared to the same month last year.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, Ken Zino, May 2025 EU car registrations or sales, Tesla sales slump, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy
The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. {See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of British political thinking.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, financial results, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, automotive industry in the UK, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mike Hawes, SMMT, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
June Auto Market – Consumer Sentiment is Trump Chaotic
“Cox Automotive leading g indicators are mixed … in mid-June with a decreasing week-over -week trend related to service appointments, which were down 4% against 2024 in the week ending June 14 as geopolitical issues drive down consumer sentiment. We risk seeing momentum further decline in retail vehicle sales with scorching temperatures at the start of summer. Consumers may stay inside and away from dealerships with high prices and high uncertainty about what comes next in Iran and with uncertainty about when gas prices, interest rates and – of course – tariffs will come back down,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist. Continue reading
Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Offroad Vehicles recalls, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Milestones – Toyota Indiana Builds 1-Millionth Hybrid
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) celebrated today the manufacturing of the 1-millionth hybrid vehicle at the Princeton Indiana plant. The Sienna van has been assembled at Toyota Indiana since 2003, with the all-hybrid model being the latest iteration built by the plant’s 7650 team members.
“It’s a significant achievement to reach this milestone and something our team members should be proud of,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Indiana. “The all-hybrid Sienna demonstrates our commitment to electrification and remains a top-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, public health, sales
Tagged (NYSE: TM and 7203.T), auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jason Puckett, Ken Zino, Toyota Indiana, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Ford Motor Recalls – Seat Belts, Instruments, Lost Steering
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects. Included are Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, Transit and F150 Lightning models, according to filings made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Among the group of the latest Ford Motor recalls, the most potentially deadly safety defect appears to be loss of steering control caused by “Front Control Arm Separation” covering 2024-2025 model F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles.
“Certain vehicles may have an improperly torqued nut on the ball joint which secures the front upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. An improperly torqued nut on the ball joint can result in separation of the front upper control arm from the knuckle assembly,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2024-2025 F-150 Lightning Safety Recalls, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor Safety Recalls, Ford Transit Safety Recalls, Ken Zino, Lincoln Aviator and Corsair Safety Recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW Members Ratify Contract at Electric Boat
The UAW said this morning that UAW Local 571 members have ratified a new contract with General Dynamics – Electric Boat. Members voted by 85% to ratify the new agreement.
“During the campaign, the local leadership rejected closed-door bargaining, and instead regularly updated their membership on negotiations. Union members built a new network of over 100 strike captains, and signed up 2,200 members, or more than 90% of the bargaining unit, for picket duty – mounting a serious threat of a strike,” the UAW said.
“We did negotiations differently this time,” said Bill Louis, the President of Local 571. “Our members worked hard and got involved in our campaign. After more than a decade of ‘living to fight another day,’ we finally stood up and won the respect that all workers deserve.” Continue reading
Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, results
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, General Dynamics - Electric Boat Groton CT, Ken Zino, Marine Draftsmen Association, uaw, UAW Marine Drafters, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
House Republicans Flunk Math on Energy Incentives
On 22 May the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation bill. The bill. among other economic disasters for U.S. inhabitants and businesses includes proposals to alter existing federal energy tax credits – from fast elimination of several credits to new phase-down schedules, and adding new requirements, including provisions related to foreign entities of concern. Are any of our representatives paying attention to Chinese state-owned and directed capitalism? Take a look at the Chinese lead in new energy vehicles, the adoption of solar energy, the making of 21st century industrial goods and above all the funding of a University research in advanced transportation products, manufacturing technologies and medical drugs. AutoInformed notes the Trump’s big, beautiful bill, obsession with job destroying and inflation creating tariffs, among other things adds up to negative numbers for our economy. Republicans flunk math. Continue reading
Bad Brakes! Recalls on Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~274,000 2022-2024 model year Navigator and Expedition SUVs for failing brakes.
“The front brake line may have been bent during the engine installation process at Ford’s Kentucky Truck final assembly plant,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Expedition recalls, Ford Motor brake recall 25S47, Ken Zino, Lincoln Navigator Recalls, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA brake recall number 25V314 or 25V-314, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will with LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220),* commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The announcement could be a battery technology breakthrough with significant sales and marketing advantages. This builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.
“GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, MI, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility,” GM said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM EV trucks, GM lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells, Ken Zino, Kurt Kelty, lg chem., LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese-rich prismatic battery cells, LMR prismatic battery cell, Wonjoon Suh, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling model year 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The Mexican made low-pressure fuel pump from Phinia Inc. may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving. The driver may experience poor engine performance – misfiring or rough running – a check engine light, or a reduction in engine power. Fuel pump failure is more likely to occur in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel in the fuel tank.
“Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA earlier this week. “Loss of fuel pressure and flow from the low-pressure fuel pump can be due to internal contamination of the jet pump, specifically in low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.” Ford said. Continue reading →