-
Recent Posts
- US New-Vehicle Sales Q4 Forecast Down in 2025. Year Up a Tad
- Toyota to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan
- Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs
- Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development
- Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump
- Honda Recalls 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EVs
- Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face
- Wadda You Say? Personalized Sound at Nissan, Infiniti
- Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team
- Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive
- Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs
- ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences
- Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring
- IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series
- Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026
Recent Comments
- Magna on its Share Repurchase Plan in reference to on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
- Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador on Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
- Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000? | AutoInformed on Milestones – Nissan Begins Assembly of 2013 LEAF EV in Tennessee
- ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping | AutoInformed on New DOGE Scorecard Announced to Track Trump
- Cadillac Off-Roader – Elevated Velocity | AutoInformed on Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: news analysis
Trump Presidency Effects on Auto Industry – All Bad?
After the election of Donald Trump, Jeff Schuster, Vice President Research Automotive at the GlobalData* consultancy, offered thoughts some of the changes expected in the US automotive industry from Trump 2.0. Fasten your safety belts! AutoInformed thinks it’s going to be a bumpy job, climate and economy threatening ride.
“Automotive is one of the sectors that could see a significant mid-term impact from the new Trump presidency in the areas of Trade, Electric Vehicle Transition and Regulations, “said Schuster this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GlobalData consultancy, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, second Trump Presidency, X @KenAutoinformed
1 Comment
Toyota Motor FY2025 Q2 Earnings Down Significantly
Toyota Motor* today in Tokyo (NYSE: TM, 7203T) posted a FY Q2 profit drop of ~¥1.28 trillion yen year-over-year at ~¥573.7 billion. Toyota sold 2.3 million vehicles globally, compared to 2.4 million YOY. Quarterly sales revenue rose a tad ~¥11.44 trillion (~$75 billion) from ¥ 11.43 trillion. Nonetheless, Toyota re-affirmed its full fiscal year 2025 profit forecast of ¥3.57 trillion (~$23 billion), down from ~¥4.94 trillion fiscal year 2024. Simply put Toyota’s certification problems and plant shut downs clobbered earnings.
“This fiscal year, while maintaining our ability to earn 5 trillion yen, we are strengthening and accelerating our investment in people, including suppliers and dealers, and investment in growth areas. We are taking such measures a step higher, expanding total investments to 830 billion yen,” said Toyota Chief Financial Officer Yoichi Miyazaki. Continue reading
AC Ace Classic electric at SEMA 2024 – Bring Money
AC Cars unveiled the AC Ace Classic electric at the SEMA 2024 show in Las Vegas today with electrified performance technologies partner TREMEC Electric GT. With 49 examples available for the launch, the new AC Ace Classic electric can be reserved exclusively at the SEMA show and by visiting here. Priced at $275,000 (£212,000) before tax and any personalization or custom options. It’s available as left- and right-hand drive and intended for US as well as UK clients. Continue reading
October 2024 US Light Vehicle Sales Up at 1.34 Million
Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 11.5% year-on-year (YoY) in October 2024, to 1.34 million units. Although the month had two additional selling days than it did in 2023, sales still exceeded expectations and provided a more cheerful perspective on the industry than has generally been the case in recent months, according to preliminary estimates released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.
“Sales have generally disappointed for much of 2024, but October provided a pleasant change of pace. While the fundamentals of the market have probably not shifted to a great extent, some consumers appear to have been enticed by the gradual uptick in incentives, allied with greater vehicle availability and an easing in interest rates. A number of brands highlighted how Electric and Hybrid Vehicles performed better,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration economic recovery, David Oakley, GlobalData, Jeff Schuster, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
U.S. International Trade Deficit Up in September
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $84.4 billion in September, up $13.6 billion from $70.8 billion in August, revised. As the economy continues to expand, consumers are buying more raising the deficit. The news comes on Election Day where under new Trump Administration – if it returns – proposed tariffs by Trump will cost consumers billions upon billions of dollars, send the cost of living soaring and hurt the economy overall. Trumpa-nomics 2 the sequel: Tanking the Economy Again. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, balance of trade, Chinese trade war, Ken Zino, Trump economics nonsense, Trump taxes on the working class, US Trade deficit, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Conflicting China September 2024 Light Vehicle Sales
As of 25 September, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), more than 1.1 million vehicles were registered for scrapping and trading-in on the National Auto Trade-in Platform. The actual number of those that have resulted in new vehicle sales remains unclear. If they all did, it would imply that approximately half of the 2.1 million PV sales in September were subsidized. Moreover, auto exports are increasing their importance and significance for the Chinese auto industry. Thus the trade wars will continue. The Chinese government has told giant EV makers BYD, SAIC and Geely to halt investment plans in Europe. This will likely play out globally in other trade blocs and countries. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, China September2024 Light Vehicle Sales, Chinese EV trade war, GlobalData, GlobalData Asia-Pacific Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Ford Motor Recalls a Transit Recall for Wheel Lockup
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles previously repaired under recall number 24V-102. Incorrect bolts may have been used to attach the rear axle shaft, which can lead to the rear wheel locking up or separating from the axle, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Transit recall 24S05, Ford Transit recall 24S67, Ford Transit recalls, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 24V-805, NHTSA 24V805, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Toyota Motor, Joby Aviation Meet at Toyota’s Technical Center
Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation executives came together at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan on Saturday 2 November. Present were Akio Toyoda, chairman Toyota Group, and Joby CEO and founder, JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby’s air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL*). After its first flights in Japan on previous day, the plan was to get senior executives on board, so to speak.
However, the weather kept them on the ground. Nonetheless, their aspirations still soared upward. “Since its founding, Toyota has been working to realize a society in which everyone can move freely. About 100 years ago, in 1925, Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group, offered a prize to encourage the development of a storage battery that could provide enough performance ‘to fly an airplane across the Pacific Ocean.’ Since then, Toyota has continued to focus on the challenge of air mobility through the generations,” Toyota said in a release likely prepared when the Sun was shining. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, economy, environment, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged akio toyoda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, eVTOL, FADEC, Higashi-Fuji Technical Center, JoeBen Bevirt, Ken Zino, Sakichi Toyoda, Shigeki Tomoyama, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Asahi Kasei and Honda to Make Lithium-ion Battery Separators
Asahi Kasei Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in Toykyo this morning that they have signed a shareholders’ agreement to convert an existing Asahi Kasei subsidiary in Canada into a joint venture company. This agreement was reached as a result of continued discussions on collaboration for the production of lithium-ion battery separators in Canada based on the basic agreement announced on 25 April 2024. They plan to establish and start the operation of the joint venture company in early 2025, subject to obtaining permits and approvals from relevant authorities. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged Asahi Kasei and Honda, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator, Asahi Kasei Honda Battery Separator Corporation, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, E-Materials Canada Corporation, Hipore™ separator business, Ken Zino, lithium-ion battery separators, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Honda Racing to Sell Parts to Honda and Acura Consumers
Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), the North American racing arm for Honda and Acura, today announced it will create a new business to produce performance parts for customer use for street, track and off-road applications. Formerly known as Honda Performance Development (HPD), HRC US will offer a new line of performance parts for retail customers.
“HRC US has been winning races and championships on and off road for three decades, and we’re excited to apply this experience to new lines of performance parts for Honda and Acura enthusiasts eager to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, senior vice president, HRC US. “To be an HRC genuine part, it must meet our exacting standards, while functionally improving vehicle performance and the driving experience.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 2024 SEMA automotive trade show, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Salters, Honda IndyCar, Honda Racing Corporation, Jon Ikeda, Ken Zino, Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 Formula 1 car, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
IIHS – Latest 2024 Top Safety Pick Laggards
Four vehicles from four different brands fall short in one or more tests required for a 2024 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award in the latest ratings release today from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To qualify for either award in 2024, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests, an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, engineering, news analysis, safety
Tagged 2024 Acura ZDX, 2024 Honda Prologue, 2024 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, 2025 Altima, 2025 Kia Sorento, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment

BMW Q3 2024 Profits Drop 61%
BMW AG posted results yesterday for Q3 of 2024 that saw earnings at €1696 million compared to 2023 at €4352M for a plunge of -61.0%. It was the worst quarterly performance in ~four years. Consequently, its stock took a beating.
“Group revenues remained significantly down on the previous year in the third quarter of 2024 at 32,406 million (2023: € 38,458 million; -15.7%; adjusted for currency effects -15.3%). The primary reasons for this decline were negative volume effects and product mix effects in the Automotive segment resulting from delivery stops related to the supplied ABS [There were ~1.5 million vehicles recalled for a bad braking system- Autocrat], among other factors,” BMW said in an earnings release. Continue reading →