Category Archives: news analysis

Milestones – 40 Years for BMW Group Plant Regensburg

Posted on 3 February 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW Group Plant Regensburg* posted a a new production record of 356,901 vehicles during 2025, making it the BMW Group’s highest-volume car plant in Europe. Since the plant opened in 1986, 8.7 million vehicles have rolled off its production line.

“With this record production, we not only reached a new all-time high in the plant’s 40-year history but also – as in the previous year – helped the BMW Group’s German plants build more than one million vehicles again in 2025,” said Plant Director Armin Ebner. “For 40 years, the plant has been a central development powerhouse for the eastern Bavarian region. “Continuous and consistent efforts to increase our competitiveness remain the key to our success. Every single day in Regensburg, we demonstrate that competitive production is possible in Germany,” said Ebner. By implementing efficiency measures within its production system, BMW Group Plant Regensburg has lowered costs by more than a quarter since 2019. Continue reading →

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Fires – Volkswagen Group of America Recalls 2023-2025 ID.4s

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 2023-2025 model year ID.4 vehicles because the high-voltage battery may overheat and cause a fire. Two companies are involved in the safety defect recall of ~44,000 vehicles. Volkswagen supplied the software (BMCe Software); SK Battery America supplied the battery cell modules. [Owners should park outside. – AutoCrat]

“Defective high-voltage battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. A joint analysis with the supplier has not led to a clear root cause determination despite extensive cell module and vehicle data analysis. Nevertheless, current analysis results show that certain deviations at the supplier of the battery modules may result in self-discharge,” Volkswagen said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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More Ford Recalls – 2026 Explorer, 2025 F-59 and F-53 Vehicles

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released this morning (2 February 2026) two more Ford Motor {NYSE: F) safety defect recalls with descriptions from Ford required under as required by 49 CFR § 573. Ford is operating under a … Continue reading →

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Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class Robotaxi Advances

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Mercedes‑Benz is the pioneer in safe autonomous driving. The next step on our roadmap is to enable a robotaxi experience based on the new S‑Class. To accomplish our goal, we have strong industry-leading partners at our side. For us, these partnerships mark the beginning of our entry into the robotaxi market with the S-Class and MB.OS as the ultimate platform,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies

Posted on 31 January 2026 by Ken Zino

Americans’ views of President Donald Trump, already more negative than positive, have continued to slip one year into his second term, according to the latest poling data from the estimable Pew Research Center.

A new Pew survey of 8512 U.S. adults, conducted Jan. 20-26, also finds that – across six key qualities and abilities needed to serve as president – more Americans express little or no confidence in Trump than say they are extremely or very confident in him. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Freedom 250 Grand Prix at Washington National Mall

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” said Roger Penske, owner of the IndyCar series. “This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”

The move while deeply surprising to AutoInformed is – on reflection given Fox Sports broadcasting control of the series and its parent company’s uncritical support of the Trump Administration – business as usual. Trump is turning to sports to help. To borrow a thought from a dictionary writer, it is not surprising that so many in all ages and countries made Patriotism a cloak for self-interest. We await to hear what Corporation or entity will be the title sponsor of the race. Oh, the Department of Transportation [your tax dollars] is funding this? Penske’s self-interest is obvious as well. This is a one-time event only? Then there’s the security costs… Continue reading →

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Brr Frozen January U.S. Auto Sales

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“Weather-related impacts from cold weather and late-month winter storm activity will likely contribute to some of the mild January result,” said Chris Hopson, manager of North American light vehicle sales forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. “Setting up what could be some volatility for the monthly SAAR metric in the first half of 2026.”

Continued development of battery-electric vehicle sales remains increasingly uncertain. The auto policy implications of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or One Big BAD Bill at AutoInformed.com – AutoCrat) and developing new regulatory standards could further temper long-term BEV demand growth. Continue reading →

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GM to Layoff 500 Employees at Oshawa Assembly

Posted on 29 January 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM) conformed today that Oshawa Assembly will return to two shifts of production beginning 2 February. However approximately 500 employees will be placed on layoff.

“Preparations continue at Oshawa Assembly to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups, supported by a $280 million investment that reinforces Oshawa’s future in GM’s key full-size truck program,” GM said in a release. Continue reading →

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GM Spending $30M at Fairfax to Flex EV and ICE Making

Posted on 29 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“For us, this work is more than building vehicles – it’s building a legacy. General Motors has been a place where families grow their careers across generations, including my own,” Fairfax Plant Director Michael Youngs said. “The investment in people isn’t just about preparing for the production of new vehicles; it’s about giving our people the opportunity to build a future their families can be proud of.” Continue reading →

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Porsche Head of Design – Sühlmann Succeeds Mauer

Posted on 28 January 2026 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that a generational change will see Tobias Sühlmann (46 left) succeed Michael Mauer (63 right) as Head of Design at Porsche from 1 February 2026. Sühlmann comes from, ahem, the British sports car manufacturer McLaren. … Continue reading →

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GM Posts 2025 Net of $12.7B on $185B Revenue

Posted on 27 January 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today reported full-year 2025 net income attributable to stockholders of $2.7 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $12.7 billion. Fourth-quarter 2025 net income attributable to stockholders was a loss of $3.3 billion, EBIT-adjusted was $2.8 billion. The GM Board announced a dividend at 20% higher quarterly rate, and approved new $6 billion share repurchase authorization.

“We expect the U.S. new vehicle market will continue to be resilient, and with our compelling vehicles, technology-driven services, and operating discipline, 2026 should be an even better year for GM. We expect our full year EBIT-adjusted margins in North America will be back in the 8-10% margin range,” said Mary Barra GM CEO and Chair. Continue reading →

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EVs Outsell Internal Combustion Vehicles in EU!

Posted on 27 January 2026 by Ken Zino

EV sales outsold internal combustion vehicles in EU during December 2025, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Notably, Tesla at 150,504 dropped -38% for the year. Chinese maker BYD at 128,827 posted a 228% increase. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].* EV sales for the full year amounted to 17.4% of the European market. Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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