Category Archives: news analysis

CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline

Posted on 25 September 2026 by Ken Zino

California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts amendments to gasoline regulations to support the availability and use of E15 fuel Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!

Posted on 24 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Gasoline is up ~5 cents from last week as the Trump mis-administration policies continue to, well, bomb – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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September 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So

Posted on 22 September 2026 by Ken Zino

As the Iran war continues with limited options for the Trump mis-administration, Mobility Global [Formerly GlobalData and a frequent associate with J.D. Power – AutoCrat.] notes that global auto industry is still surviving the fallout from the ongoing and expanding Iran War, with higher oil prices adding inflation pressure, disrupting supply chains. This, of course, increases the risk of extensive negative economic consequences for many countries, and people. Continue reading →

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California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again

Posted on 21 September 2026 by Ken Zino

The science behind climate change is unassailable. California has tracked the impacts of climate change on the state for more than two decades finding rapidly accelerating effects. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, I personally observed during decades or working and traveling there and elsewhere nationally or internationally that  climate change is real and precipitously worsening. – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising

Posted on 17 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas or President Trump’s losing war against Iran, as well as other  policy failures Gas prices are now they were during spring 2026. The trend is clear; the national average is about to reach this year’s record high of $4.56 set on 21 May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on 14 June 2022. Passing it appears certain. – AutoCrat Continue reading →

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Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I recently called the president to relay how the ever-changing tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families. We need to be smart and strategic about trade policy, and lower costs so we can bring back American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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AAA – Annual New Vehicle Ownership Cost at $12,863 Up ~11%

Posted on 15 September 2026 by Ken Zino

AAA said the average annual full cost of vehicle ownership in 2026 is $12,863, up ~11% compared to 2025. Continue reading →

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Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails

Posted on 14 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“The war seems likely to continue, stockpiles are depleted, and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming “more successful.” To boot, the Houthis appear poised to control access to the Red Sea, Harrell said. Oil flows remain depressed as traffic through Hormuz is still far below pre-war levels, and the administration’s attempts to boost supplies elsewhere have failed to make up the shortfall,” said Harrell. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sells Its Bets on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Financially ailing Porsche said today that the sale of its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group have been sold. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – McLaughlin Wins Laguna Seca. 2027 Preview?

Posted on 7 September 2026 by Ken Zino

McLaughlin in this race [an 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course- AutoCrat] only trailed during pit stops. McLaughlin led 87 of 95 laps.

This cursory view, however, slights the 2026 Honda season [It was the second time since the return of multi-manufacturer competition in 2012 that any engine manufacturer has swept all three championships and the Indianapolis 500 in the same season, the first being Honda’s sweep of all four in 2025 – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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AAA – Labor Day Weekend Travelers Face Record Pump Prices

Posted on 3 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“The national average is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range. After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on September 3, 2012. Even though gasoline demand decreases this time of year, typically bringing down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil.,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading →

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First Look – Lexus NX Compact Crossover Hybrid SUV

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203T) offered a world debut of an updated NX on September 1. The compact crossover hybrid model is scheduled to be introduced across global markets from the end of 2026. Presumably as a 2027 model. [However as with all global automakers, Lexus is subject to the tariff whims, resentments and revenge actions of the Trump Mis-Administration. The Lexus NX is made in Cambridge Ontario in Canada – AutoCrat.]* As of the end of July 2026, cumulative sales have reached approximately 1.9 Million units across more than 90 countries and regions, establishing the NX as a core model in the global Lexus SUV lineup. Continue reading →

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Trump-Conomics = Everybody Loses a U.S.-Canada Trade War

Posted on 28 August 2026 by Ken Zino

AutoInformed fully agrees with CAR and Abraham Lincoln. This is not a U.S. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. AutoInformed is against tariffs by tyrants or kings. Continue reading →

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Police Reports Undercount Cellphone Use Before Crashes

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“It’s widely accepted that police reports often fail to capture the role of cellphones in crashes. Many smartphone functions are hard for a witness to see, and drivers are reluctant to admit being distracted,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Telematics are allowing us to understand the true magnitude of the problem.” Continue reading →

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Unobtrusive Technology Favored by New Vehicle Buyers

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works,” said Doron Hikry, director of customer success at JD Power. “Smart ignition and smart climate control make every day driving easier without demanding the driver’s attention, while more automation and additional screens don’t necessarily translate into a better experience. For automakers, the opportunity is to prioritize technology that makes driving simpler, not more complicated. The features that solve real problems without adding effort or stress for the driver are the ones resonating most with customers.” Continue reading →

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