-
Recent Posts
- Sudden EV Power Loss – Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled
- Milestones – 15 Million Honda Accords Sold in U.S.
- UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC
- June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%
- BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
- “Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements
- Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
- Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
- Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived
- Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
- Porsche AG Board Drastically Cuts 2025 Annual Dividend ~50%
- Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles
- AAA – Independence Weekend Travel Forecast Flat
- IndyCar – Lundgaard Last-to-First Win at Road America!
- Carry Over Pricing Planned on the 2027 Subara Solterra
Recent Comments
- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: news analysis
AB Volvo Board Meeting Approves Extraordinary Dividend
AB Volvo held its Annual General Meeting today in Göteborg, Sweden. The Board adopted the income statement and balance sheet, as well as the consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with the Board’s proposal, the Meeting resolved that an ordinary dividend of SEK 8.50 per share and an extraordinary dividend of SEK 4.50 per share should be paid to the shareholders – 10 April 2026 is the record date for the right to receive dividends. Continue reading
Posted in economy, environment, financial results, news, news analysis, results, shows and events, transportation
Tagged AB Volvo 2025 Annual Report, AB Volvo 2026 Annual General Meeting, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Göteborg Sweden, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Pär Boman, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
CARFAX Report Now Predicts a Vehicle’s Future
“This marks an important milestone for CARFAX and for the people who rely on our data every day,” said Paul Nadjarian, Chief Product Officer at CARFAX. “With over 151,000 data sources and more than 35 billion records, we’re introducing a powerful new insight into a vehicle’s lifecycle. Much like a crystal ball, our future Reliability will help shoppers understand the road ahead, including what repairs to anticipate and what they may cost, and soon, insights into how long that car will last – empowering consumers to buy with confidence and help them plan ahead.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, news analysis, prices, quality, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CARFAX Vehicle History Report, CARFAX Vehicle History Report CARFAX Vehicle History Report, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Paul Nadjarian, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Volkswagen Recalls 2025 Jetta and Taos Vehicles for IP failures
“When the ignition is switched on, the instrument cluster may read incorrect or corrupt Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) data required for proper system initialization. If invalid data is detected, the software discards the data and applies default configuration values. However, the instrument cluster and the immobilizer system are not designed to operate using these default values, which can result in the instrument cluster failing to function as intended. Software revisions introduced over time significantly increased NVM access and data traffic within the instrument cluster, thereby increasing the likelihood of NVM-related errors,” Volkswagen said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Recall 26V185 or 26V-185, Non-Volatile Memory recalls, Volkswagen Jetta and Taos warning light recall 90Z5, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Mercedes-Benz USA 2026 Model-Year Air Bag Recall
“The passenger air bag fabric may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.,” Mercedes said in the required safety defect filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Joyson Safety Systems airbag recalls, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls, NHTSA Mercedes Benz Airbag Recall ID 26V199 or 26V-199, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Park Outside! Nissan Leaf Battery Fire Recall
Nissan North America is recalling 51 2026 model-year LEAF vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage that can cause a short circuit within the lithium ion battery module.
“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and should not charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery modules or the battery, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed 17April 2026,” Nissan said in the mandatory Safety Defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, manufacturing, news analysis, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation battery recall, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Nissan Leaf recall 26V188 or 26V-188, Nissan Leaf battery fire recall R25F1, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Lexus 2022-24 Model-Year Front Passenger Airbag Recall
The front passenger seat in the subject vehicles is secured to a seat frame, which is equipped with a stopper and has an Occupant Classification System (OCS) that provides input to the Supplemental Restraint System to determine the deployment strategy of the front passenger airbag system, depending on the occupant load. Due to a manufacturing error during a specific production period at a certain supplier’s plant [Toyota Boshoku Corporation – AutoCrat], some vehicles may have an insufficient clearance between the seat frame and the stopper when taking into account normal production variation. If there is insufficient clearance, interference can occur between the seat frame and the stopper if the seat height is adjusted to certain positions, depending on the occupant load applied,” Toyota said in the required safety defect recall filing (49 CFR § 573) made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2022-2024 Lexus LX front passenger airbag recall, 7203 T, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208 Occupant Crash Protection, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lexus recalls 26LB03 and 26LA03, NYSE: TM, Toyota Boshoku Corporation seat recall, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Shared Fuel Cell Technology – Daimler Truck, Volvo, Toyota
Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric (sic) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate in the fuel cell system joint venture called cellcentric. The timing is propitious given the Artemis II Orion spacecraft uses hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell systems to generate electricity and potable water for the crew during its 10-day mission that is underway. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Daimler Truck AG, European Green Deal, Japanese hydrogen society act, Karin Rådström, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Koji Sato, Martin Lundstedt, Toyota Motor Corporation. fuel cell technology, Volvo Group, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
“No one should ever get hurt or lose their life because of a text or a phone call,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “By keeping our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel, we all have the power and responsibility to make our roads safe for everyone. The National Safety Council calls on every driver to travel distraction free – doing so will save lives.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, distracted driving deaths, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lorraine Martin, national safety council, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Ford GT Mk IV Runs Nordschleife at 6m15.977s
The Ford GT Mk IV (NYSE: F) has set the record as the fastest American OEM around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Ford Racing said today. It is at the moment the third fastest overall car to ever lap the Nordschleife. The 6:15.977 ET also means that the GT Mk IV, as a track-only vehicle classified in the prototype category, is the fastest car currently available for purchase to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Just bring money – stacks of it – starting price of ~$1.7 million. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford GT Mk IV, Ford Racing, Frédéric Vervisch, Green Hell, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nürburgring nordschleife, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
AAA – National Gasoline Prices Hit Four Year High!
Today’s average of $4.08 is ten cents higher than last week and $1.08 higher than a month ago. Crude oil prices have been surging, surpassing $100/barrel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. In 2022, gas prices remained elevated from March through August, peaking in June when the national average reached a record of $5/gallon for one week,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, fuel economy or emissions, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crude oil prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Gasoline Prices, the Strait of Hormuz, Trump mis-administration Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Ground Effects Workers – Yet Another UAW Supply Chain Win
Auto supply chain workers have voted to unionize at Ground Effects, the UAW said late yesterday in a second UAW union organizing victory in two days. Workers at Ground Effects have been organizing since last year. “They began their campaign to form a union due to low pay, overwork, forced overtime, management abuse, and favoritism.,” the UAW said in a release. Workers at Ground Effects won a majority in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with the UAW. Ground Effects produces spray-on truck bedliners, in addition to other aftermarket parts. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Flint Michigan union history, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Labor Relations Board election Ground Effects LLC, Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Webasto Detroit – Another UAW Supply Chain Win
The unionization at Webasto Detroit is “part of a growing movement of auto supply workers who want the benefits and protections of forming a union at their plants. Workers in the supply chain are a vital part of the auto industry but are paid well below their counterparts at assembly plants. They often face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper precautions,” the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automaker suppliers, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Bronco hard top roofs, Jörg Buchheim, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Labor Relations Board, nlrb, uaw, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Webasto Detroit, Webasto Pilot Road, Wilhelm Baier, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Volvo Cars to Combine Polestar 3 Production in U.S.
“The move to consolidate global Polestar 3 production in Charleston help generate efficiencies for both companies, whilst also underscoring our confidence in the plant and the role it plays in our manufacturing footprint,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars. ‘The US is a very important market for Volvo Cars, both to support our growth ambitions as well as a strategic production site to meet regional and export demands.”** Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chengdu, Geely Holding, Geely Sweden Holdings, Håkan Samuelsson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michael Lohscheller, Polestar 3, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
NYAS – Honda To Show Fastport eQuad EV Delivery Van
Honda Motor Company (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that it will show the all-electric Fastport eQuad EV Hybrid at a press event on 1 April 1 at the Test Track where the New York Auto Show is held [Level 1 Javits’s Center -AutoCrat.]* Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies will share updates and lead a walk-around and demonstration of the vehicle.
“Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries,” AutoInformed previously noted. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies, Honda Mobile Power Pack, Honda Motor Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, new york auto show, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment

Stellantis N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit Announced
The Rosen Law Firm, which bills itself as a global investor rights law firm, today announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange of Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) between 26 February 2025 and 5 February 2026, inclusive (the so-called “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. Continue reading →