-
Recent Posts
- Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set
- Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title
- Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets
- Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!
- California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program
- Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration
- Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!
- Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs
- Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030
- Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million
- UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins
- SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!
- General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!
- Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”
Recent Comments
- Nissan Motor on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year
- Jeff Badman on Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling
- 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
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs
“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
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Trump-conomics, Trumpoline Prices, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins
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
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, people, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Donovan McKinney, Jocelyn Benson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LaShawn English, Mark DePaoli, Steve Dawes, UAW Michigan CAP Council forums, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”
“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
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged access to capital, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, China Speed, Elizabeth Krear, industrial policy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, localized sourcing, rapid product iteration and digital-first vehicle development. CAR MBS 2026, streamlined decision-making, vertical integration, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive
Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged 250kW 800V 2-speed eDrive system, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chery, Chery Jetour G700, Diba Ilunga, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Magna in China, Magna Wuhu China plant, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies
King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Management Briefing Seminars 2026 Center for Automotive Research, North American auto industry competitiveness, supply chains, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
AAA – Gasoline Prices Keep Rising!
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 15 cents from last week to $4.09 according to the latest data from AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
“Most states are now averaging $4 per gallon or higher. Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump. Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the $90 per barrel range and could continue driving up costs during the second half of summer,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, energy, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, gas prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Trumpoline, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
July 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Slightly Higher
“Against that backdrop, our near-term forecast moves mostly higher, except in Greater China, where soft consumer sentiment is still dragging sales and pulling production down,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global. “The important nuance: Chinese OEMs are leaning harder on exports to keep plants running, and that is reshaping pricing and competitive intensity across multiple regions.**
“At the same time, inflation is keeping buyers price-sensitive. Demand is resilient in many markets, but it can turn quickly if fuel prices rise, credit tightens, or confidence slips, especially in higher-priced segments where mix and margins move first,” said Wall. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, results, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese vehicle production, inflation and car buyers, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Middle East Wars, Mike Wall, Mobility Global, S&P Global Mobility, short-term vehicle production forecast, Strait of Hormuz, Trump tariffs wars and foreign policy, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!
“Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump and pushing crude oil prices toward $80 per barrel. Most states are still averaging less than $4 per gallon. Earlier this year, the national average remained in the $4 range all of April and May and most of June. Last time the national average was $4 or above was on June 17 when it was $4.02,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, fools 'n frauds, news, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, AAA gas prices, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eia, Energy Information Administration, gasoline prices, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, National Average Gas Prices 16 July 2026, Trump War Crimes, Trump-conomics, Trumpoline err Gasoline Prices, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Transportation Costs Rising for Producers. You’ll Pay More Too
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released the change in the costs faced by producers purchasing transportation services and industries producing them, from June 2025 to June 2026. Transportation equipment PPI indicate the changes in transportation equipment prices faced by transportation providers. Any increase raises providers costs, which ultimately are passed on to everyday Americans. The PPI shows that prices increased for freight transportation and equipment by 2.3% in June 2026 compared to June 2025. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bts, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, transportation cost of consumer goods, Transportation equipment PPI, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Cut Energy Waste. Save $4.8 Trillion or $31,000 a Household!
ACEEE found opportunities for progress in eight broad areas: buildings equipment efficiency, zero-emissions new buildings, existing building improvements, industrial energy efficiency and electric heat, reduced industrial materials, efficient and electric vehicles, transportation system efficiency and access, and electricity demand flexibility. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged ACEEE, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, climate pollution, Electric efficiency measures, Energy costs savings, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Lowell Ungar, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, u.s. economy, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Trump-conomics – Consumer Cost For Transportation up 6.5%
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released today the change in the costs faced by consumers for transportation goods and services. From June 2025 to June 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). [The annual change in CPI … Continue reading
Posted in economy, news, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Airline Fares, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, contributors to inflation, CPI, gasoline costs, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Motor vehicle maintenance and repair, nhtsa recall, Trump Administration economy, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!
“Gas prices are going up again, as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 5 cents overnight to $3.84 after steadily dropping since late May. Crude oil prices are currently in the $70 per barrel range but could rise if volatility lingers along the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said in a release today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eia, Energy Information Administration, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Strait of Hormuz, Trump Wars, Trumpoline err Gasoline Prices, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
CARB Adds $70M of Funding for Clean Off-Road Equipment
“Off-road equipment remains a major source of harmful emissions in California and demand for incentives has consistently exceeded what’s been available,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “With other funding dedicated to clean cars and trucks, we’re focusing these funds where they can make the biggest difference – helping clean the air in communities where off-road equipment is most heavily used for agricultural, constriction and freight operations.”
“The plan was designed to ensure that funding delivers the greatest benefit, especially in areas most impacted by poor air quality. CARB allocated funding to CORE because it is one of the most cost-effective zero-emission programs and has strong stakeholder support. Demand in the program also continues to exceed available funding with the amount requested in the last funding cycle being nearly three times the amount available. In public workshops, stakeholders have expressed how important continued incentives are in the zero-emission off-road sector,” CARB said. Continue reading
Posted in environment, global warming, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, CORE, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Lauren Sanchez, X @KenAutoinformed, zero-emission off-road equipment
Leave a comment

California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program
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 →