Category Archives: news analysis

August 2026 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for August 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,347,600, a 4.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. August new-vehicle retail sales on track for 6.9% decrease year over year, however annual comparisons are skewed by the EV tax credit pull-ahead effect on sales in 2025. August global light-vehicle sales are expected to decline 5.1% from August 2025 to 6.9 million units. This is a selling rate of 91.5 million units, down by 5.3% year-over-year. Continue reading →

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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.

“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said. Continue reading →

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Max Verstappen to Stay With Oracle Red Bull Racing

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Oracle Red Bull Racing has verified today at the Dutch Grand Prix 2026 that Max Verstappen will continue with the Team until the end of the 2030 Formula One season. Verstappen and the Team have won four Drivers’ World Championships, two Constructors’ World Championships and 71 Grand Prix victories. This season the relationship has been tumultuous since car design changed with the FIA’s 2026 regulations which modified “every aspect of F1 car design in order to create a new era of more competitive, safer and more sustainable racing.” The resulting race car wasn’t competitive and/or suited to Verstappen’s driving style. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast – Fog of War

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The fog of war is in the latest global light vehicle production forecast released today by Mobility Global.* “The global auto industry is holding up better than many expected, with small near-term upgrades in several regions, partly offset by meaningful … Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well a defection to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.] Continue reading →

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Software Recall – 500,000 Toyota Camry Hybrids

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling more than 500,000 model year 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid vehicles. The Visteon Corporation Mexican-built instrument cluster display may fail during vehicle startup.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch display combination meter, which controls certain vehicle functions and displays various information in the instrument panel. At vehicle startup, an error may occur in the startup sequence for this combination meter that can cause the combination meter to become blank,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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IndyCar 2026 – Markum Street Race Ups and Downs

Posted on 16 August 2026 by Ken Zino

IndyCar racing* moved from its traditional street course around Exposition Center in Center in Toronto that saw 40 races a bit Northwest, ~19 miles to Markum streets for the Inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The 12-turn, 2.19-mile (3.52 km)  90 lap-race was the second new venue in 2026 following Phoenix and wedged between the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC next weekend. As with all new venues, driver and team prospects were unknown, made complicated here because the promoter was not able to complete the track build on time.

This changed the pulse and pace of what are incredible fast IndyCar race weekends. What didn’t change was the ensuing fast, tough and aggressive driving along with severe crashes. The ensuing chaos ultimately put a premium on a driver’s ability to run cleanly while meticulously adhering to changing team strategies. There were 258 on-track passes, 242 of those for position – many of them high-risk overtakes. Continue reading →

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California Car Week – Acura NEXERA Vision Concept Debuts

Posted on 15 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our goal with this new design direction is to define Acura performance through disciplined proportions, sculpted form and the seamless integration of advanced technology, creating an expression that is both progressive and authentic to the brand,” said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design.

The NEXERA Vision has dual-hinge butterfly doors, active aerodynamics and a new lighting signature. Finished in Matte Titanium, an exterior color with noticeable metallic depth, the NEXERA Vision has a profile defined by its wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio and one-motion cabin. Continue reading →

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Annals of Nostalgia Marketing – McLaren McL 6GT

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

McLaren Automotive today showed the McL 6GT at the 2026 Monterey Car Week. The first McLaren car of its kind, its design connects McLaren’s heritage to the present, using the McLaren M6GT – Bruce McLaren’s original, but unfulfilled Super Car dream, as its inspiration. [The past is present here McL 6GT celebrates a form of driving connection that is now rare: tactile, analogue, and mechanical. Whether this endangered species is sought after or salable awaits production and sales results – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Stop Producing Lincolns in China

Posted on 13 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) plans to increase Lincoln model production in the U.S. beginning in 2030. Lincoln will phase out importing of vehicles from China for the U.S. market The Nautilus, Lincoln’s best-selling SUV is assembled in Hangzhou, Zhejiang by the Changan-Ford joint venture. It is imported into the U.S. and is thereby caught in President Trump’s ongoing, unstable and unpredictable tariff, trade and shooting wars. Continue reading →

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Audi Nuvolari Debuts in U.S. at Monterey Car Week

Posted on 12 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Once a year, the Monterey Peninsula becomes the pinnacle backdrop for premium and exclusive mobility, which makes it the ideal place to introduce our halo performance model to North America and share our excitement with customers, collectors, and enthusiasts,” said Audi of America President, Vito Paladino. “The Nuvolari is more than an extraordinary supercar; it is a defining moment for Audi, built on substance. Substance that delivers on what has always shaped Audi to be an iconic brand – performance, design, and innovation.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, … Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Board established the Special Committee to review and consider the unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal received by the Board on July 22, 2026 from Penske Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own for cash consideration of $210 per share (the “Proposal”).

“There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to the Proposal or any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached. The Company does not intend to comment further or disclose any developments regarding the Proposal unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. The Company’s shareholders do not need to take any action at this time,” PAG said. Continue reading →

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Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou is now clearly the favorite to post a record-tying fourth consecutive NTT IndyCar Series championship and fifth overall title with his victory Sunday in the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.* Palou earned his sixth victory of the season and 25th of his career, driving his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a 4.1167-second victory over the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of NTT P1 Award winner Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajani, finishing second. Continue reading →

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