Category Archives: news analysis

J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Problems at New Highs

Posted on 12 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. “Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – NASCAR and Cuervo® Link

Posted on 11 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our fans come to the track to have a great time – to celebrate, connect and create memories around incredible racing – and Cuervo is a natural partner to help us elevate that experience,” said Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR. “There’s a strong commonality between NASCAR fans and Cuervo consumers, and together we’ll bring that energy to life through premium activations (sic), immersive hospitality and unforgettable moments that make race day even more special.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts $1.3 billion in 2025 Earnings

Posted on 11 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced 2025 Q4 and full-year 2025 results. For Q4 revenue was $7.8 billion compared to $8.1 billion for the same period in 2024. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $186.1 million compared … Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts 2025 Loss of $8.2B on Record Revenue

Posted on 10 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) today announced its disappointing Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results. Q4 and full-year revenue reached $45.9 billion and $187.3 billion, respectively. This was the  fifth consecutive year of full-year revenue growth. However, Q4  and full-year net losses of $11.1 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively, reflected impact of special items, some of them such as Trump tariff chaos and a shortage of aluminum because of a supplier fire were largely out of Ford management’s control.

“Ford delivered a strong 2025 in a dynamic and often volatile environment,” claimed Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We improved our core business and execution, made significant progress in the areas of the business we control – lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality – and made difficult but critical strategic decisions that set us up for a stronger future. Moving forward, we’ll continue building on our strong foundation to achieve our target of 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.” Continue reading →

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Huge Recalls for Jeep and RAM Spring and Brake Failures

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling ~537,000 various Jeep and RAM vehicles for bad coil springs, bad trailer lights and trailer brakes may failures, according to mandatory safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. [NHTSA Recall ID Numbers 26V051 or 26V-051 and 26V059 or 26V-059 – Autocrat] The largest recall covers Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System on 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Sells NextStar Energy Canadian Battery Plant

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

NextStar Energy was established as a joint venture by the two companies in 2022 to build Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ontario, NextStar Energy’s facility is one of Canada’s  most advanced manufacturing venture in the clean-energy sector. At its inception it was said to support Canada’s long-term industrial competitiveness. More than $CAD 5 billion has been invested in the facility to date, and it employs over 1300 employees, with a long-term target of 2500 employees as it scales to full production. [ That was before the Trump Administration’ war on Global Warming disregarding its planet threatening consequences – AutoCrat. ] Continue reading →

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Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) on Friday announced a vast overhaul of  its business and as it prepares for the communication of its new strategic plan in May of this year. In a release it claimed that “it has conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs required to align the Company with the real-world preferences of its customers.”[Translation – STLA is hemorrhaging cash and will take charges and add debt while it tries to return to profitability. The capital markets did not take a wait and see view. STLA dropped ~24% by the time the markets closed – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Posts Q3 FY 2026 Net Income of $7.6 billion

Posted on 6 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“In Japan, operating income decreased due to factors such as the effects of foreign exchange rates and increased expenses. In North America, operating income decreased due to U.S. tariffs. Other regions saw an increase in operating income thanks to increased sales volume, model mix and other factors,” said Kenta Kon, Chief Financial Officer, TMC. [Kon will take over from chief executive Koji Sato on 1April. “This change in roles is intended to accelerate management decision-making in response to changes in the internal and external environment,” Toyota said in a release. Sato  becomes vice chairman with a newly created position of chief industry officer. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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UAW Southern Advance – Tentative VW Chattanooga Contract

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts a -44% Group Earnings Drop in 2025

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our actions in 2025 have set us on a path to return to growth. We are confident of our long-term strategy and clear direction of travel,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive. During 2025, Chinese-owned Volvo Cars sold more than 710,000 cars, 46% of them electrified. Continue reading →

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U.S. Jobs – Trump Slump Continues

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

During the week ending 31 January 2026, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 6000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 206,250, according to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today. Total insured unemployment at 2,153,637 increased from 2,136,751 one year ago. Moreover, a key measure – vacancies, aka open or available jobs – dropped to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Continue reading →

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Electrify America Now Has 5600 Chargers

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I think about the millions of drivers who have shaped Electrify America into what it stands for today. Our year-over-year growth isn’t just a sign of a strong company; it reflects a growing community of EV drivers who believe in an electric future — and we’re honored to be their charging provider along the way,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. Continue reading →

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FAA Certifies HondaJet Elite II Emergency Autoland

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Honda Aircraft Company today announced that the HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified with Emergency Autoland (EAL), following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Adding Emergency Autoland (EAL) to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers,” said Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “I’m proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.” Continue reading →

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Indiana – Subaru Forester Hybrid Now in Production

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Monumental Sports to Sell IndyCar Freedom 250 Sponsorships

Posted on 3 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“This marquee event is more than a race – it is a celebration of our nation’s history that puts fans at the center and showcases the nation’s capital as a world-class host of unforgettable sporting experiences,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to partner with IndyCar  to bring one of the most iconic motorsports experiences to the heart of Washington, D.C., and to power the sales and marketing efforts that will connect fans to this landmark event.” Continue reading →

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