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- Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles
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Category Archives: manufacturing
Milestones – 40 Years for BMW Group Plant Regensburg
BMW Group Plant Regensburg* posted a a new production record of 356,901 vehicles during 2025, making it the BMW Group’s highest-volume car plant in Europe. Since the plant opened in 1986, 8.7 million vehicles have rolled off its production line.
“With this record production, we not only reached a new all-time high in the plant’s 40-year history but also – as in the previous year – helped the BMW Group’s German plants build more than one million vehicles again in 2025,” said Plant Director Armin Ebner. “For 40 years, the plant has been a central development powerhouse for the eastern Bavarian region. “Continuous and consistent efforts to increase our competitiveness remain the key to our success. Every single day in Regensburg, we demonstrate that competitive production is possible in Germany,” said Ebner. By implementing efficiency measures within its production system, BMW Group Plant Regensburg has lowered costs by more than a quarter since 2019. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged Armin Ebner, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw 3-series, BMW Group Plant Regensburg, BMW X1 series, BMW X2 series, eastern Bavarian region, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Neutraubling, X @KenAutoinformed
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Fires – Volkswagen Group of America Recalls 2023-2025 ID.4s
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 2023-2025 model year ID.4 vehicles because the high-voltage battery may overheat and cause a fire. Two companies are involved in the safety defect recall of ~44,000 vehicles. Volkswagen supplied the software (BMCe Software); SK Battery America supplied the battery cell modules. [Owners should park outside. – AutoCrat]
“Defective high-voltage battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. A joint analysis with the supplier has not led to a clear root cause determination despite extensive cell module and vehicle data analysis. Nevertheless, current analysis results show that certain deviations at the supplier of the battery modules may result in self-discharge,” Volkswagen said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, software recalls
Tagged 2023-2025 ID.4 fire recalls, 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, Volkswagen battery fire recall 93EA, Volkswagen Group of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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More Ford Recalls – 2026 Explorer, 2025 F-59 and F-53 Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released this morning (2 February 2026) two more Ford Motor {NYSE: F) safety defect recalls with descriptions from Ford required under as required by 49 CFR § 573. Ford is operating under a … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2026 Explorer Recalls, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford recall 26C01, Ford Recall 26C02, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nhtsa, NHTSA recall number 26V024 or 26V-024, NHTSA recall number 26V025 or 26V-025, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM to Layoff 500 Employees at Oshawa Assembly
General Motors (NYSE:GM) conformed today that Oshawa Assembly will return to two shifts of production beginning 2 February. However approximately 500 employees will be placed on layoff.
“Preparations continue at Oshawa Assembly to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups, supported by a $280 million investment that reinforces Oshawa’s future in GM’s key full-size truck program,” GM said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, gm canada, GM Canadian manufacturing, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Oshawa Assembly, unifor, X @KenAutoinformed
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EVs Outsell Internal Combustion Vehicles in EU!
EV sales outsold internal combustion vehicles in EU during December 2025, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Notably, Tesla at 150,504 dropped -38% for the year. Chinese maker BYD at 128,827 posted a 228% increase. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].* EV sales for the full year amounted to 17.4% of the European market. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, news analysis, public health, results, sales, transportation
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese maker BYD, Death of the diesel, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, tesla, X @KenAutoinformed
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Fire Risk – Ford Recalls Escape, Explorer, Focus, MKC Models
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* is recalling more than 119,000 model-year 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, 2024 Ford Explorer and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2-liter engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EBH fires, Engine Block Heater fires, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Recall 26V012 or 26V-012, NHTSA Recall26V011 or 26V-011, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan Sells South African Plants to Chery SA
Nissan and Chery SA, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Chery Group** [China’s Number One exporter with more than 100,000 employees and sales in 132 countries or regions. AutoCrat*], said today they have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
“Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners. External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilization of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan. Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” claimed Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bidvest, Chery Group, Jordi Vila, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Nissan and Chery SA, X @KenAutoinformed
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January 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Down
“January is historically the lowest volume sales month of the year and is also historically the least indicative of full-year sales performance. Nevertheless, January opens 2026 with a modest performance with retail sales expected to increase by 1317 units compared to a year ago,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Oakley, GlobalData, j.d power, J.D. Power and GlobalData, January 2026 U.S. Auto Sales, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Thomas King, Tyson Jominy, 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
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged American manufacturing, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive research, Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, detroit auto show, geologic hydrogen, incentivizing R&D, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
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American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat
American Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today outlined its 2026 U.S. automobile business outlook during its annual media briefing. It also showed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a towable travel trailer developed by engineers and designers at its U.S. R&D centers. Basically, the Japanese company is going to focus on lower cost models with package and trim changes because of the affordability crisis that is an industry-wide problem.* [The briefing also underscored another industry trend, the decline of traditional auto shows since it occurred during a media preview day of the Detroit Auto Show. -AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, economy, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged 7267.T and NYSE: HMC, american honda, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Base Station, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lance Woelfer, Mike Langel, X @KenAutoinformed
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Park Outside – 2025 Volvo EX30 Battery Fires
“The recall population is determined by the first and last vehicles that were produced with a high voltage battery from the Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China. The start of production with these cell variants began on 6 September 2024, and ended on 25 October 2025. Vehicles produced after 25 October 2025 do not have the high voltage battery cell deviation. This recall affects certain model year 2025 EX30 vehicles,” Volvo said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
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, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Company, Volvo Car NHTSA recall 26V103 or 26V-103, Volvo Car NHTSA Recall Number 26V001 or 26V-001, Volvo Car recall R10355, Volvo Car USA recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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Indiana – Subaru Forester Hybrid Now in Production
Subaru Of Indiana Automotive (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) began hybrid production this week when a 2026 Forester Hybrid Premium in Autumn Green Metallic drove off one of its assembly lines. Forester is first hybrid vehicle to be produced by the automaker in the U.S. All Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. are now assembled at the automaker’s facility in Lafayette, IN. SIA began production of the 2026 Forester gas model on 7 October 2025. Continue reading →