Category Archives: news analysis

Tesla, Toyota Top Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards

Posted on 26 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“Strong wholesale retention, solid brand value and a disciplined approach on rental fleet and incentives propelled Toyota to the top spot among mainstream brands,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at J.D. Power. “Toyota topped six segments for 2026, including a four-peat for GR Supra and five-peat for Tundra. Meanwhile, Tesla avoided the high incentives of other luxury battery electric vehicle brands in 2025. That helped earn it the top rank among luxury brands with the highest performers in three segments–including the refreshed Model Y, which included introduction of a lower-priced base version and additional content on mid-level trims.” Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, news analysis, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fire Risk – Ford Recalls Escape, Explorer, Focus, MKC Models

Posted on 26 January 2026 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pessimism on the Economy – A Pox on Both Parties

Posted on 23 January 2026 by Ken Zino

During January 2025, 70% of voters said that “inflation or costs of goods” were getting worse for people like them. One year later, that figure has remained largely unchanged, with 74% of voters now saying that inflation is getting worse, according to the latest polling this week by Data for Progress (DFP).

“Despite Trump’s campaign promises, voters’ perceptions of the economy have not improved since he took office. But in a warning sign for Democrats, voters are still largely split over which party has solutions to lower the cost of living,” said DFP. Continue reading →

Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, news, news analysis, people, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Sells South African Plants to Chery SA

Posted on 23 January 2026 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

January 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 23 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FDIC Conditionally Approves Ford Credit Industrial Bank

Posted on 22 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“I am excited to share that Ford Credit’s global banking footprint is taking a significant step forward. Following conditional approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, we are set to launch a U.S. industrial bank in Salt Lake City,” said Cathy O’Callaghan is president and CEO of Ford Credit. Continue reading →

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 Racer

Posted on 22 January 2026 by Ken Zino

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team today unveiled the first images of its 2026 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, at the carbon fiber wheel of the W17, completed 67 laps of the Silverstone 2.979 km circuit, combining for almost 200 km of total mileage. The 2026 season inarguably the biggest technical revamp in the sport’s history, with all-new chassis, Power Unit, and fuel regulations. 

“Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo EX60 Mid-Size SUV Debuts

Posted on 21 January 2026 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars* today revealed the all-electric Volvo EX60 mid-size SUV. This is Chinese owned Volvo Cars’ first entry in the largest electric segment globally.** In theory this allows it to substantially increase its addressable market and electric market share. [Sales … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

S&P Global Mobility – GM Tops Maker Loyalty Ratings Again

Posted on 20 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“For 30 years, this analysis has provided a fact-based measure of brand health and this year’s results are particularly telling,” said Joe LaFeir, President of Mobility Business Solutions at S&P Global Mobility. “The data shows the market is not rewarding just one type of strategy. Instead, we see sustained, high-level performance from manufacturers with broad portfolios. In the current market, retaining customers remains a critical performance indicator for the industry.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, news analysis, people, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Corvette ZR1X Runs 8.675-Second Quarter Mile

Posted on 19 January 2026 by Ken Zino

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the most advanced and expensive Corvette ever, is the quickest American production car available – and the fastest way to get down a quarter-mile drag strip for under a million dollars.

“Testing on the ZR1X culminated in October 2025 with validation at US 131 Motorsports Park – reflective of the real-world environments where Corvette customers exercise their vehicles. On a prepped surface, the ZR1X completed the quarter mile in 8.675 seconds at 159 mph(see footnote 1), on pump gas, using standard-equipment tires and production 50-state street-legal engine calibration, and achieving a 0-60 mph time of 1.68 seconds (1) on the same run. The ZR1X blasted to 60 mph in less than 100 feet, generating a peak of 1.75G of acceleration force,” Chevrolet said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche Sales Drop 10% in 2025

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino

Porsche made the debatable claims that it re-positioned itself in 2025 and made forward-looking strategic product decisions. The delivery mix in 2025 offered combustion-engined, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric cars. In 2025, 34.4% of Porsche cars delivered worldwide were electrified (+7.4 percentage points), with 22.2% being fully electric and 12.1% being plug-in hybrids.

“This puts the global share of fully electric vehicles at the upper end of the target range of 20 to 22% for 2025. In Europe, for the first time, more electrified cars were delivered than pure combustion-engined models (57.9% electrification share), with every third car being fully electric. Among the Panamera and Cayenne models, plug-in hybrid derivatives lead European delivery figures. At the same time, the combustion-engined and T-Hybrid 911 set a new record with 51,583 deliveries worldwide,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Global Warming – Michigan Studying Geologic Hydrogen

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“Michigan is a leader in clean-energy solutions,” said Governor Whitmer. “This initiative will uncover more about Michigan’s geologic hydrogen stores, which have the potential to attract long-term investments in our state and create thousands of good paying jobs for Michiganders. Together, we’re building the future of clean energy in Michigan.” [Whether this prompts an Invasion by the Trump Administration remains to be seen – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show

Posted on 15 January 2026 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat

Posted on 14 January 2026 by Ken Zino

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Cadillac Formula 1 Camouflaged Livery!

Posted on 13 January 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors President Mark Reuss today revealed the Cadillac Formula 1® Team’s Special Edition testing livery at GM’s new global headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building. The livery will be used at the all-team Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, 26 – 30 January, ahead of unveiling the final livery on February 8 at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. [Practice starts in Melbourne, Australia on March 6. So it’s unlikely the practice cars will be camouflaged enough to hide the racing configuration. Sponsorship logos may be lacking – AutoCrat?] The racing car of sorts will also be on display at the Detroit Auto Show until 25 January. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment