Category Archives: news analysis

July Record – $49.8B Spent New Vehicles in U.S.

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for July 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,380,500, a 3.2% increase from July 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 7.4% from 2024. Nonetheless, consumer spending set record for month with $49.8 billion spent on new vehicles if the forecast holds, which is likely given the track record of the source.

“July retail sales are projected to finish 4.1% higher than a year ago but interpreting that gain requires care due to events both last year and this year that disrupted normal monthly sales patterns,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are pleased to provide shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting the continued strength of our balance sheet and strong cash flow,” said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr 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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Football marketing – BYD and FC Internazionale Milano

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The BYD Group, a massive China-based electric vehicle company (1211 HKG) announced the launch of a three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the club’s Global Automotive Partner. It’s the latest foray of Chinese EV companies into established markets. 

“BYD’s name means Build Your Dreams, and I think this partnership is a dream for young people, for everybody with a passion for football. Inter Milan is well recognized for its energy, for never giving up, for always fighting for success and for its rapid growth into a global brand with a worldwide fanbase that extends beyond the San Siro stadium and Serie A. These are qualities that BYD shares as a fast-growing brand too – we’re a global green technology company with the dream to fight climate change and cool the earth by one degree. We’re working so hard to do this – we have 120,000 engineers working day and night, producing 45 patents every working day because they love their job and they want to win. This determination, this constant pushing for change and working so hard to make it happen, is something that is really shared between BYD and Inter,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. Continue reading →

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American Honda Joins Tesla Supercharger Network

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners now have access to more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States with the availability of the first Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, the company said today. The only DC fast charging adapter approved by Honda (NYSE: HMC) was tested for performance and compatibility for use with the Prologue and ZDX at any NACS DC fast-charging point. This confirms a previous announcement made in March 2025.

“Planning a road trip just got a lot easier for our Honda and Acura EV owners with access to the Tesla Supercharger network,” said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Combined with other growing charging networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers now have added peace of mind with a wider range of dependable DC fast charging options nationwide.”

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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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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Milestones – Honda Anna Engine Plant 40 Years

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda  said today that that its Anna Engine Plant (AEP) has built more than 32.5 million engines for automobiles and powersports products, as well as a variety of powertrain components for engines and transmissions since it began production of motorcycle engines on July 22, 1985. Production of auto engines began in 1986 with a 4-cylinder powerplant for the Honda Civic.

“Everything that Honda has accomplished at the Anna Engine Plant during the past 40 years has been achieved through the skills and commitment of our associates and this will continue as we pursue an expanded form of flexible manufacturing in the future,” said Michael Tinch, plant lead of Anna Engine Plant. “As we maximize production of ICE and hybrid models, even while preparing for the future of EV production, I know our associates will continue to produce high quality products that meet the needs of our customers.”
Continue reading →

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BMW Group – My Trips Apps Now Show Driver’s Carbon Footprint

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group said today that it is now offering customers an analysis of their driving personal carbon footprint stats in the My BMW App and MINI App for the first time. This in AutoInformed’s view is a breakthrough that will ease the ride on the sometimes-bumpy road to electrification.

“Our usage research shows: The information in My Trips is one of the most popular features in the app,” said Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “We are now expanding this successful function with carbon footprint calculation, giving our customers simple and straightforward access to sustainability-related information via a popular and widely used channel.” 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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China – BMW Group Links with Momenta for ADAS

Posted on 15 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“This collaboration of partners sharing the same mindset, will enable us to offer our customers in China a unique automated driving experience. We are combining 20+ years of pioneering safety with locally trained driving knowledge and state of the art Chinese AI technology,“ said Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President, Driving Experience, BMW Group. Continue reading →

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