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Recent Posts
- CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline
- Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!
- ACEA – Hybrids Top August EU Car Registrations
- Volkswagen Debuts In-Vehicle Gaming on Some 2027 Models
- 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
Recent Comments
- 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
- 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
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Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
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
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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
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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
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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,” 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
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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, Trump-conomics, Trumped!, 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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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 →