Category Archives: news analysis

Jeep Wrangler Finally Fixes Crash-Test Tipping

Posted on 6 March 2026 by Ken Zino

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler 4-door remained upright during the driver-side small overlap crash test, resolving a longstanding issue with the popular SUV, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said today. The improved result came after changes were made to the frame rail.*

“Wranglers built after October 2025 earn an acceptable small overlap rating, which combines results from the driver-side and passenger-side tests. While the vehicle provides solid protection overall, in the passenger-side test, it showed a high risk of injury to the front passenger’s right foot and leg,” IIHS said. Continue reading →

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Acura and Honda to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Since Honda began auto production in America more than four decades ago, we have been dedicated to delivering quality for the world, made in the U.S.A.,” said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “From the onset, Honda has believed in our American manufacturing talent, and we are proud to export quality vehicles built by our associates in Alabama to Honda customers in Japan.

“Building Acura models in America for the past thirty years has been a source of immense pride, and now exporting the American‑built Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level,” said Jayaraman. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Plant Spartanburg is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength,” said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. “Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Pushing for Optimal State Safety Belt Use Laws

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“This calculator will help advocates and policymakers understand the safety benefits a state can reap with simple legislative changes,” said Chuck Farmer, IIHS vice president for research. “For the 22 jurisdictions that already have the strongest provisions in place, it shows the cost of any potential backsliding.” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Increase EX60 SUV Production to Meet Demand

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “We are very encouraged to see such strong demand for our game-changing electric SUV, and we are now reviewing our production plans for 2026, as we gear up for the start of customer car production next month. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars – 2.5 Million Software Upgrades Are Now Free

Posted on 3 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people,” says Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Chinese-owned Volvo Cars. “Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvement in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Vault Online Debuts

Posted on 3 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Goodyear* (NASDAQ: GT) has introduced another way for consumers to “experience the company, its brands and its 128-year legacy.” The so-called “The Vault” is an online marketplace where consumers can explore and purchase historic artifacts, signed memorabilia, limited-edition merchandise and … Continue reading →

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Ganassi Racing’s Palou Rules 2026 NTT IndyCar Start

Posted on 2 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou opened the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series* season with a dominant victory in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with a 12.49 second lead over the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet of NTT P1 Award winner Scott … Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B

Posted on 26 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“In the second half of the year we began to see initial, positive signs of progress with the early results of our drive to improve quality, strong execution of the launches of our new product wave and a return to top line growth. In 2026 our focus will be on continuing to close the execution gaps of the past, adding further momentum to our return to profitable growth,” claimed Filosa. [A large portion of the Stellantis Corporate farm appears to be bet on its ability to sell large Ram pickup trucks and some cars with V8 engines – Hemi – and sell more Jeeps in North America where GM and Ford are firmly entrenched. Affordability is an issue as well, so a mid-size Dakota Pickup truck is in the works. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Trump Slump Forecast – February 26 New Vehicle Sales Drop

Posted on 25 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The new-vehicle sales pace shifted to a lower gear in Q4 of last year, and that weakness is expected to continue through this month as well,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The U.S. trade deficit for goods hit a record in 2025 despite Trump’s claim his signature tariffs would reduce it, new data shows. Trump declared the country’s goods trade deficit a national emergency last year and pledged to shrink it as part of efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing. Yesterday’s numbers add to previous data suggesting U.S. companies have generally not brought production back home—all while Trump’s tariff policy is being challenged in a Supreme Court case,” The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said. [The U.S. Supreme Court today in a 6-3 ruling said tariffs that Trump imposed under an emergency powers law were unconstitutional. This also covers so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that he levied. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen workers have voted by a 96% margin to ratify their first union contract. The UAW contract – the first at major Southern auto plant comes with 20 % wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, among other things, that make the UAW a formidable rival for wealthy global corporations. The final tally was announced last night.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.” Continue reading →

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Sting Operations Hit ~550 CDL Training Schools

Posted on 19 February 2026 by Ken Zino

More than 550 cheating Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training schools were found in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards of safety. The CDL schools have received notices of proposed removal from FMCSA’s national training provider registry. An additional 97 training providers remain under investigation for compliance issues.

“American families should have confidence that our school bus and truck drivers are following every letter of the law and that starts with receiving proper training before getting behind the wheel,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Continue reading →

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Average Gallon Price for Gasoline Drops Slightly, But…

Posted on 19 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Pump prices are expected to start their seasonal climb soon, as spring approaches and summer-blend gasoline production begins. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are another factor that could drive up crude oil prices. Right now, gas prices are the lowest they’ve been for this time of year since 2021,” AAA said in a release. [The Trump Administration is in the process of deploying one of the largest number of U.S. military forces ever in the region. Once again today Trump threatened Iran saying, “We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise bad things happen.”-AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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February 2026 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down Again

Posted on 19 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The February sales pace shows a modest improvement over January, but will be down from a year ago, with retail sales projected to decline 4.6%. As in January, performance is being shaped by depressed electric vehicle (EV) retail demand. EVs are expected to account for just 6.6% of retail sales, down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago, while elevated transaction prices continue to weigh on volumes through ongoing affordability pressure,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power. Continue reading →

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