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- Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!
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- By the Seat of Their Pants – Premium Seats Lag in Quality?
- September 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
- California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again
- Chrysler Recalls 97,349 Jeeps for Flying Roof Racks
- November Michigan Ballot Proposals – UAW Con and Pro
- Vehicle Affordability Still Worrying Despite Wage Increases
- TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising
- Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ
- Annals of Marketing – New User Interface on GM Pickups
- AAA – Annual New Vehicle Ownership Cost at $12,863 Up ~11%
- Indy 500 Winner Rosenqvist to Be Honored in Värnamo
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- NHTSA on Steering Loss – Ford Recalls F-Series Trucks
- AAA on AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!
- Nissan Motor on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year
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- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
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Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
September 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
As the Iran war continues with limited options for the Trump mis-administration, Mobility Global [Formerly GlobalData and a frequent associate with J.D. Power – AutoCrat.] notes that global auto industry is still surviving the fallout from the ongoing and expanding Iran War, with higher oil prices adding inflation pressure, disrupting supply chains. This, of course, increases the risk of extensive negative economic consequences for many countries, and people. Continue reading
TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising
Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas or President Trump’s losing war against Iran, as well as other policy failures Gas prices are now they were during spring 2026. The trend is clear; the national average is about to reach this year’s record high of $4.56 set on 21 May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on 14 June 2022. Passing it appears certain. – AutoCrat Continue reading
Posted in economy, energy, news analysis, prices, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Council of Foreign Relations, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, mid-east wars, national average for a gallon of fuel, Trumpoline, X @KenAutoinformed
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Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ
“A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I recently called the president to relay how the ever-changing tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families. We need to be smart and strategic about trade policy, and lower costs so we can bring back American manufacturing.” Continue reading
Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails
“The war seems likely to continue, stockpiles are depleted, and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming “more successful.” To boot, the Houthis appear poised to control access to the Red Sea, Harrell said. Oil flows remain depressed as traffic through Hormuz is still far below pre-war levels, and the administration’s attempts to boost supplies elsewhere have failed to make up the shortfall,” said Harrell. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Diesel fuel prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino writing as AutoCrat, Strait of Hormuz, TrumpFlation, Twitter now X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Labor Day Weekend Travelers Face Record Pump Prices
“The national average is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range. After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on September 3, 2012. Even though gasoline demand decreases this time of year, typically bringing down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil.,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, opinions, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AAA - Labor Day Travelers Facing Record Pump Prices, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com, Strait of Hormuz, Trump misadministration, Twitter now X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump-Conomics = Everybody Loses a U.S.-Canada Trade War
AutoInformed fully agrees with CAR and Abraham Lincoln. This is not a U.S. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. AutoInformed is against tariffs by tyrants or kings. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, Edgar Faler, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nafta, Tyler Harp, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.
“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, AutoInformed news, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Energy Information Administration, gasoline pump prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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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
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Governor Gavin Newsom, California MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lauren Sanchez, MyFirstEV program, X @KenAutoinformed, zero-emission vehicle rebates
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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
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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
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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
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Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!
Gasoline is up ~5 cents from last week as the Trump mis-administration policies continue to, well, bomb – AutoCrat. Continue reading →