Category Archives: news analysis

California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used.

“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading →

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Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Posted on 7 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report. Continue reading →

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Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“We delivered second quarter results in line with our expectations, reflecting continued improvement in Asia Pacific and EMEA,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s chief executive officer and president. “We’re taking actions to improve performance in a competitive environment by strengthening our product lineup, building on original equipment growth across regions, and optimizing our manufacturing footprint. These actions are designed to strengthen our competitive position and deliver stronger profitability over time.” Continue reading →

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UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His a grassroots campaign was promoted in large part by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support. Continue reading →

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SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Well, with Europe and England melting, burning and experiencing droughts as the pernicious results of Climate Change, something is clearly going have to be done – now! This means more non-fossil fueled vehicles. Enter the next round of, well, heated debates. The age old problem here is WHO PAYS. AutoInformed votes for shared costs, and is wary of subsidies to industries that are literally destroying life on planet earth. There is some room for nuance, although Britain’s revolving door of Prime Ministers, and the near suicide by Brexit policies to withdraw from a collective union in AutoInformed’s view makes the future grim for inhabitants of Old Blighty. This is a global war that needs to be won by all. Continue reading →

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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China. Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan … Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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IIHS – Driver Death Rates and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

More than half of the model 2023 vehicles with the highest driver death rates are small cars, sports cars or muscle cars, according to a  new report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* IIHS has been calculating driver death rates about every three years since 1989. This year marks the second time IIHS also analyzed the “other-driver death rate” – the number of drivers in other vehicles killed in crashes with each model. Size and power largely describe the worst models that are deadly to other vehicle drivers and occupants. Ten of the top 20 are large or very large pickups, including several heavy-duty variants with more powerful engines.[Given the laws of physics (start with F=MA – AutoCrat) it’s not surprising that the biggest vehicles are most dangerous to others. However, the age of vehicles on the road; where and when they are driven are among the many variables in play here -AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Posted on 30 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from all other regions. We improved performance across our key financial metrics with Net revenues, AOI and Industrial free cash flows all showing significant gains. With implementation of our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy well underway and this year’s exciting new product launches on time and on track, we remain confident of delivering our 2026 financial guidance,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts Q2 2026 Earnings Decline

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“In the second quarter of 2026, our diversified business delivered over 125,000 retail automotive units and more than 5400 commercial truck units. Retail automotive same-store revenue increased 6%. Retail automotive new and used vehicle gross profit per unit remained strong and consistent when compared to the first quarter of 2026, and service and parts gross margin increased by 80 basis points. Additionally, I am encouraged with the trends we are experiencing across the commercial truck market from an improved freight environment, driving strong orders of Class 8 trucks,” Chair Roger Penske said. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $1.3B

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) posted Q1 2026 financial results.* They showed revenue of $48.3 billion, down $1.9 billion year-over-year; a net loss of $1.3 billion, down $1.3 billion year-over-year, adjusted EBIT of $2.5 billion, up $0.4 billion year-over-year. As … Continue reading →

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