Category Archives: news analysis

American Honda Posts 358,848 Q3 U.S. Sales

Posted on 2 October 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda’s Acura and Honda brands posted combined September 2025 sales of 105,097 and Q3 combined sales of 356,848. Year-to-date, American Honda has sold 1,097,799 cars and trucks, ~4% increase. The challenge forthcoming is the end of the EV tax credits, which has now expired. Still, American Honda is well positioned with its line of hybrid models.

“Balanced sales of light trucks, passenger cars, including record sales of electrified models and helping Honda and Acura manage the challenging market conditions,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Our investment in the ability to make hybrid-electric vehicles in America, including the Honda hybrid system, has led to record sales of CR-V, Accord and Civic hybrid models.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor N.A. Posts Q3 Sales of 629,137

Posted on 1 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA. NYSE: TM, 7203T) today reported September 2025 U.S. sales of 185,748 vehicles, up 14.2% on a volume basis and up 9.5% on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared with September 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 85,092 up 8.% on a volume basis and up 3.6% DSR, representing 45.8% of total sales volume.

“Strong customer demand continues across our entire lineup, and vehicles are selling as fast as we build them,” said Andrew Gilleland, senior vice president at Toyota Motor North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q3 U.S. Sales of 545,522

Posted on 1 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today posted Q3 U.S. sales of 545,522, an increase of 8.2% across Ford’s line of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles, as well as increased services from Ford Pro. Ford trailed GM in volume, which posted sales of 710,347 for a 7.7% increase. Car sales remain problematic for Ford Motor, reflecting the growth of trucks and SUVs in the U.S. at most companies.

“This quarter’s growth showcases our portfolio’s unmatched flexibility and breadth,” said Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue and Model e. “We saw strong performance in gas, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, while at the same time growing our paid software solutions, all embedded in vehicles such as Expedition, Explorer and F-150.” Continue reading →

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Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Since 1 September 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has experienced a cyber-attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people affected is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8000 agency staff. The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering support.

“The impact of the cyber-attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production,” said, Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben. Many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment. Continue reading →

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Toyota Starts a Strategic Investment Subsidiary

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the establishment of Toyota Invention Partners Company, Ltd. (TIP), a new strategic investment subsidiary with ¥100 billion yen (~$670 million) in capital. TIP will focus on accelerating collaborations between Toyota, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), Toyota Group companies, their affiliates, and external partners as part of Toyota’s ongoing transformation into a mobility company. Woven Capital, Toyota’s venture investment arm, has established Fund II with $800 million (~¥120 billion), matching the size of Fund I launched in 2021.*

“To ensure that mobility continues to bring smiles to people and remains vital to society, the Toyota Group has embraced the vision of ‘Inventing our path forward, together’. This vision places a particular emphasis on ‘Invention’, which has always been the foundation of the Group” said Kenta Kon, Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota and CFO and Director of WbyT. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber to Form a Global Racing Unit

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced the formation of its new Global Racing organization. This combines all motorsport operations under a single global structure. Xavier Fraipont will lead the newly formed organization as vice president, Global Racing, effective 1 October.

“Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer. “With Xavier’s deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we’re advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide.” Continue reading →

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Fires – Ford Recalls Expeditions and Navigators

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~4632 model year 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. An electrical short may develop in the battery junction box’s printed circuit board that is capable of an electrical current load sufficient to overheat the printed circuit board A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.

“Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed,” Ford said in the required safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Honda, Astrobotic Start Study of Lunar Power

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company and Astrobotic Technology today announced a joint-development agreement aimed at developing a scalable and integrated power supply for sustained lunar surface missions.

“The collaboration between Honda and Astrobotic marks a pivotal step toward creating scalable power solutions for long-term lunar surface missions. Powered by core Honda technologies, our regenerative fuel cell system is designed to provide efficient energy storage and regeneration to support sustained human life on the Moon, as well as advance zero-emission applications on Earth,” claimed Derek Adelman, chief engineer, Space Development Division, American Honda Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“While the federal government recklessly dismantles decades of proven science and undermines public trust, California is doubling down on facts, data and accountability,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This plan isn’t just a roadmap for cleaner air and smart climate action; it’s a declaration that science still matters. We’re building policies that are resilient, adaptive and rooted in evidence.” Continue reading →

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CARB Delays ZEV Requirements for Truck Fleets

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Heavy-duty vehicle public fleet owners subject to California’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF)* regulation have new flexibility in meeting the regulation’s requirements along with streamlined processes for applying for exemptions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval of amendments to ACF yesterday that will help state and local fleets continue introducing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to their fleets while “providing clarity, certainty and flexibility in ACF’s implementation.”

“Today’s approval of amendments to ACF – a critical component in the state’s efforts to achieve emissions reductions for a healthier future for all residents – keeps California advancing towards the cleanest fleet in the nation and provides flexibilities to help ensure a smooth implementation,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Carrera GT 25 Anniversary and ZEPETO

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche and Arthur Kar have teamed to launch an exclusive capsule collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Carrera GT. ZEPETO, a global avatar platform with a claimed +400 million registered users, is partnering with Porsche as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Carrera GT. Attached to the collection launch, Porsche presents a Paris showcase and exhibition near the Champs-Élysées. ZEPETO is extending the celebration to millions of users around the world. Four exclusive items from the 25Y Porsche Carrera GT Anniversary Collection, including a jacket, T-shirt, cap, and Porsche x PUMA trainers will be available in the Porsche shop on ZEPETO.

“Running from September 26 to October 25, ZEPETO users will be invited to step into three immersive booths, each offering a narrative thread drawn from the Carrera GT’s heritage. This includes racing the Carrera GT on the Porsche Leipzig track, posing in its former production line, and revisiting its debut in Paris. By creating photo and video content within these environments, participants become part of the story themselves, re-imagining Porsche’s legacy spirit through their avatars and aesthetic preferences,” ZEPETO claimed. Continue reading →

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September 2025 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Better

Posted on 25 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for September 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,232,200, a 0.1% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. September 2025 has 24 selling days, one more than September 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 4.5% from 2024.*

“In aggregate, September sales results point to another month of strong demand for new vehicles. However, as has been the case for the past few months, assessing the health of the industry requires a closer look at the underlying market dynamics,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Subaru 2026 BRZ Starts at $37,055

Posted on 24 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today announced pricing on the 2026 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports car. The 2026 BRZ will arrive in retailers early next year with a starting price of $35,860 MSRP, the same as the outgoing model.* The lineup includes Limited, tS, and a new limited-production Series.Yellow (sic) edition. The BRZ Premium trim level is discontinued for 2026.

“Our streamlined BRZ lineup reflects our buyers’ preferences in a lightweight, performance coupe with technology and creature comforts found in BRZ Limited and BRZ tS trim levels, which more than 90% of our buyers chose last year,” said Bill Stokes, Car Line Planning Manager for Subaru of America, Inc. “BRZ delivers an ideal combination of a fun-to-drive sports car and incredible value, with impressive active safety and technology,” Stokes claimed. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariffs – Auto Brand Loyalty Matters But…

Posted on 24 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Tariffs have introduced greater volatility into new-vehicle shopping behavior. However, brands with strong reputations, such as Toyota and Honda, continue to retain loyal customers. This is according to the considered view expressed in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty StudySM released today.

“Brand loyalty matters to vehicle buyers because it’s often associated with higher residual values, making vehicles from trusted brands a more financially sound choice over time,” said Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data & analytics at J.D. Power. “However, buyer loyalty tends to weaken when shifting to a different vehicle segment. Not only that, but changing market conditions, such as increased availability of models, varying age of products and more aggressive incentive offers, have also brought brand loyalty back below 50% after finishing at 51% last year. Brand loyalty averages 49% across all nameplates and segments in this year’s study.” Continue reading →

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CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule

Posted on 23 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales continued to rise in California during 2024, with manufacturers reporting 30,026 zero-emission trucks, buses, and vans sold — representing nearly 23% of all new Class 2b–8 vehicle sales. The data is according to information reported by manufacturers to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which released it today. That figure is more than double the minimum statewide requirement for the 2024 model year and marks the highest total of sales ever reported. Since 2021, more than 57,000 ZEVs have been sold in California’s medium- and heavy-duty market, and statewide ZEV truck sales have now increased for the fourth consecutive year.*

“This continued growth in zero-emission truck sales shows that manufacturers are stepping up to meet California’s clean air goals and that the transition to cleaner fleets is accelerating,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With strong sales, a growing credit surplus, and rapid innovation, the industry is proving that zero-emission technology is ready for wider deployment.” Continue reading →

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