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- Ford Recalls ~288,000 Explorers for Flying Roof Rail Covers
- First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid
- Volvo Cars Posts Grim Q2 2026 Operating Results
- WEC – Ford Hypercar V8 moves from Dyno to Race Car
- Stellantis Increases EU Registrations during H1 2026
- Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!
- Transportation Costs Rising for Producers. You’ll Pay More Too
- Cut Energy Waste. Save $4.8 Trillion or $31,000 a Household!
- Trump-conomics – Consumer Cost For Transportation up 6.5%
- First look – 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls
- Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers
- Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires
- Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%
- Loss Making Survival Diet – VW Group Efficiency Quest
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- 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
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Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
“The top theme over the last year or so has really been affordability, and this isn’t only related to the auto industry but really about everything facing consumers. And the issue is ALL about purchasing power or more clearly – the erosion of purchasing power for many Americans over the last several years. We’ve all seen new highs in the stock market that have happened many times this year, and those equity gains and asset appreciation really help high income households. Those consumers are driving a lot of consumption across the economy, but the wealth effect gains are concentrated at the very top of the pyramid. The vast majority of the US population sees little gain from the wealth effect and their number one source of income are the paychecks they take home every week. That’s why inflation matters,” said Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist Cox Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, opinions, people, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive, ford motor, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeremy Robb, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ram Truck, tesla, Toyota 4Runner and hybrid Camrys, X @KenAutoinformed
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June 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
S&P Global Mobility’s May forecast released today noted that Geopolitical risk around the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz keeps oil risks elevated, with “higher for longer” pricing still a base case and possible shipping/logistics hiccups. The biggest shift is a more constrained outlook for China light-vehicle demand, translating into lower sales and production. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lexus ZC, Mike Wall, S&P Global Mobility, S&P Global Mobility’s June 2026 light vehicle production forecast, Strait of Hormuz, X @KenAutoinformed
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Affordability – Used Vehicle Prices Hit Three Year High!
The Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data released today show used-vehicle inventory increased in May as the retail sales pace braked.* Average listing prices rose for the third consecutive month, reaching $26,918, the highest since mid-2023 and … Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive, kelley blue book, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Scott Vanner, vAuto Live Market View data, X @KenAutoinformed
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Why Wars Are Costing Motorists So Much
From our friends across the pond comes a timely warning today about wars and government fuel economy policies. [AutoInformed is thinking here about the relaxation of fuel economy standards by the Trump mis-administration, as well as its foreign wars and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, opinions, people, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ben Hermer, Iran conflict, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, motorists' exposure to global conflict, Ukraine war, Vehicle Data Global, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mixed Results on Trump Auto Tariff, Policy Scorecards
Plante Moran shared its North American Production Outlook 2026 – 2033 forecast with the Society of Automotive Analysts this week. It is investigating at the mid-2026 point how electrification continues to influence auto industry direction as the year unfolds. The estimable mega-consulting firm that deals in audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management globally has a significant advisory presence in the auto industry. It says changes are coming later this decade and into the early 2030s.
“The North American production volume outlook for growth remains, but we’re seeing some geographic shifts, mostly to the US. And amount of this growth will be encountered in the later years of our projections,” said Dan Lee, principal at the Southfield, MI office. And that’s largely due to the delays in EV adoption that we’ve seen whether that’s planned to be paused or not.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, 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, Dan Lee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Plante Moran, Society of Automotive Analysts, USMCA tariff volume, X @KenAutoinformed
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Harley‑Davidson On-Shoring Motorcycle Production
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) said this week that it is bringing production of the Revolution® Max platform for North America back to the United States as part of the Company’s so-called Back to the Bricks strategy. [The venerable company has been clobbered by Trump Administration economic policies – AutoCrat.]. The move returns machining, powertrain assembly, painting, and final vehicle assembly work back to Harley-Davidson facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with union jobs. The motorcycles are Pan America, Sportster® S, and Nightster models. The production transition is expected to be completed ahead of the start of Model Year 2028 production in 2027. Harley-Davidson expects to manufacture more than 100,000 motorcycles out of the Company’s York, Pennsylvania facility in 2027. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, motorcycles, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged America and Sportster® S and Nightster motorcycles, Artie Starrs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Thumped – U.S. Air Carriers Fuel Costs Climb 26%!
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics [BTS is part of the Department of Transportation – AutoCrat.] released today the April 2026 fuel cost and consumption numbers of U.S. Air Carriers. The airlines used 1.573 billion gallons of fuel, 2.6% less fuel than in March 2026 (1.615 billion) and 0.2% less fuel than April 2025 (1.575B).*
“Total fuel expenditure ($6.47B) of U.S. scheduled service airlines was up 26.2% from March 2026 ($5.12B) and up 78.0% from April 2025 ($3.63B). The cost per gallon of fuel in April 2026 ($4.11) was up 94 cents (29.6%) from March 2026 ($3.17) and up 181 cents (78.2%) from April 2025 ($2.31),” BTS said. All fuel consumption data is in regard to fuel paid for by the carrier. Continue reading
Posted in aviation, customer satisfaction, economy, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bts, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, department of transportation, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, U.S. Air Carrier fuel costs, X @KenAutoinformed
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BTS – May 2026 Fuel Prices Are Sky-High Up 32-50%
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released monthly motor fuels prices for May 2026. The news shows the dire straits motorists are in with the prices at the pump confirming the ongoing trend under the Trump mis-administration. This comes as Iran on Monday has charged the Trump administration with ceasefire violations in Lebanon, saying it will close the Strait of Hormuz and stop swapping messages with the U.S. through intermediaries.
“In May 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.48 per gallon; up 9.2% from April 2026 and up 42.2% from May 2025. The average price for diesel no. 2 was $5.60 in May 2026, up 1.8% from April 2026, and up 60.0% from May 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, financial results, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bts, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Death of the diesel, Iran and Lebanon wars, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump-conomics – May 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Flat
U.S. new-vehicle sales volume in May is expected to be mostly flat from year-ago levels, increasing a modest 0.1%, according to the latest forecast from Cox Automotive. There are 26 selling days this May, which is the same as last month, but one less than May last year.*
“May sales appear to be holding up despite significant economic uncertainty,” Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough said. “New-vehicle buyers today are more affluent than ever, so they may not be as impacted by inflationary pressures as much as other consumers who are more acutely feeling the sharply higher fuel costs. If the economy and stock market can remain on this growing but volatile path, new-vehicle sales will likely follow. However, those are two large necessities during extremely volatile times.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, opinions, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, May 2025 U.S. consumer sentiment, X @KenAutoinformed
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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,” AA said. Continue reading →