-
Recent Posts
- BMW Group Sales Barely Increase in 2025
- Mercedes AMG 2026 Experience Goes Off-Road
- Manufacturer Websites Lack Product Details?
- Chinese RoboVan Maker Neolix Debuts Next Gen Products
- Cox Fleet Commences for Trucking and other Industries
- UK New Car Registrations at 2M during 2025
- Ford Motor 2025 U.S. Sales Posted at 2.2 Million
- GM at Top of U.S. Auto Sales in 2025
- Audi Recalls Seat Belts for Child Seat Retention Failures
- Porsche Recalls More Than 173,000 Vehicles for Rear Visibility
- Ford Recalls Previous Expedition Roll-Away Recall Repair
- BMW Group Adds Alpina Brand
- Milestones – 50 Years of the VW Golf GTI
- EPA Administrator and Trump Booster Zeldin Praises Himself
- Happy Clean New Year California Air Resources Board!
Recent Comments
- Ken Zino on Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000
- Laverne Oliver on Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000
- Magna on its Share Repurchase Plan in reference to on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
- Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador on Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
- Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000? | AutoInformed on Milestones – Nissan Begins Assembly of 2013 LEAF EV in Tennessee
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
Used Vehicle Prices Down as Consumer Sentiment Drops
“We started to see stronger sales trends in late July and early August for retail and wholesale markets, and that’s causing some additional volatility in wholesale pricing trends in recent weeks, against a stronger comparison from last year,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, autotrader, Cox Automotive, Jeremy Robb, kelley blue book, Ken Zino, Manheim, Morning Consult, University of Michigan sentiment index, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
California Movies Ahead as Fed Agencies Retreat on Clean Air
“Cleaner vehicles will also save Californians billions of dollars in fuel, maintenance and healthcare costs as the state pushes for the cleanest, most affordable ways to travel,” the agencies said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Consumer Affairs, California Energy Commission, California State Transportation Agency, carb, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed, Zero-emission vehicles
Leave a comment
Cap-and-Invest Cleans Air in Most Polluted Areas
A new report released today by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows that the California law funded by Cap-and-Invest dollars improves air in the state’s most polluted communities. In each of the 19 communities the program supports, CARB and the local air districts established partnerships to develop plans to address local pollution problems where people live, work and play. CARB is now expanding the program’s offerings to 64 communities in coordination with other regulatory partners. In AutotInformed’s view this is democracy in action – in sharp contrast to the politics of grievances by the super-rich.
“The Community Air Protection Program has become a critical tool for improving air quality in areas most impacted by sources of pollution,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “As one of the hallmark efforts funded by Cap-and-Invest revenue, it is recognized as a national model for substantially and cost-effectively reducing harmful emissions in vulnerable communities. The success of the program is a testament to the power of partnerships and a result of our collective commitment to the pursuit of clean air for all Californians.” Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Cap-and-Invest Program, California Community Air Protection Program, carb, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, The California Air Resources Board, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
California Strikes Back for Clean Air
California state agencies today announced a series of “dialogue sessions to generate public discussion around proposed measures to support increased zero emission vehicle adoption in California.” The agencies are planning to host three in-person sessions during business hours and one evening session online. If upheld, President Trump’s illegal rollback of the state’s regulations would cost Californians an estimated $45 billion in health care costs.
“In response to illegal federal efforts to revoke California’s clean air waivers, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on June 12, 2025. The order directed the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California State Transportation Agency, and Department of Consumer Affairs to assess additional actions to spur light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption in California, and to deliver formal recommendations for additional actions to the governor in August,” the agencies said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, people, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Departme nt of Consumer Affairs, California State Transportation Agency, Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Ken Zino, President Trump’s allegedly illegal rollback of the California state regulations, the California Energy Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies
The Trump administration is amid a political purge of CPSC Board members. It requested earlier this week that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss three Democratic members appointed by President Biden to seven-year terms on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were fired in May by President Trump. However, they were then reinstated by a federal judge.
The Trump mis-administration asked the court for an immediate order to allow the firings to go forward. Lawyers for the commissioners objected of course. More fireworks will be coming here – safe or unsafe for Democracy. Bungling presidencies can cause tragedies too. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, safety, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration, cpsc, Ken Zino, Peter Feldman, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Trump Mis-Administration, U.S. Supreme Court, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
U.S. May Trade Deficit increases $11.3 Billion
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised. May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.
Noteworthy was that the May deficit with China ($13.9 billion) was the lowest since March 2020 ($11.7 billion). However, May exports to China ($6.6 billion) were the lowest since September 2009 ($5.8 billion). This in the middle of the ongoing Trump Tariff chaos. Continue reading
Toyota Motor North America Q2 Sales up 7.2%
“Steady demand for our Toyota and Lexus brands resulted in strong sales throughout the second quarter,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TMNA. “Our lineup of 32 electrified vehicles was a big part of that draw as they represented over 46% of our sales in June.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mark Templin, NYSE: TM, Toyota Motor North America sales, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft
Total U.S. new-vehicle sales during June 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,247,900, a slight 2.5% increase from June 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today.* June 2025 has 24 selling days, two fewer than June 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 5.4% from 2024.The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, up 0.2 million units from June 2024. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Oakley, GlobalData, j.d power, J.D. Power and GlobalData forecasts, Ken Zino, Thomas King, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
June Auto Market – Consumer Sentiment is Trump Chaotic
“Cox Automotive leading g indicators are mixed … in mid-June with a decreasing week-over -week trend related to service appointments, which were down 4% against 2024 in the week ending June 14 as geopolitical issues drive down consumer sentiment. We risk seeing momentum further decline in retail vehicle sales with scorching temperatures at the start of summer. Consumers may stay inside and away from dealerships with high prices and high uncertainty about what comes next in Iran and with uncertainty about when gas prices, interest rates and – of course – tariffs will come back down,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist. Continue reading
Nissan Shows All-New Third-Generation LEAF
Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) today unveiled the all-new 2026 LEAF. The all-new LEAF will reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in the Fall, with other markets to follow, subject to the of the man who would be King, aka Donald Trump. The all-new Nissan LEAF will be assembled for the U.S. and Canada markets alongside the Ariya at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.
“Completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, the third-generation LEAF combines a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Inside, a refined, minimalist cabin is optimized for roominess, comfort and wellbeing to accommodate all of life’s journeys. With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market,” Nissan said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged 2026 Nissan LEAF, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Nissan Tochigi assembly plant, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
CARB Blasts Trump’s Attack on California Clean Air Act
Today the California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph responded to President Trump signing” illegal actions” attacking California’s Clean Air Act waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus. The California Attorney General is challenging the actions in Federal court.
“Despite the President’s signature, this remains an unconstitutional, illegal, and foolish attempt to undermine California’s clean air protections. We welcome Governor Newsom’s and California Attorney General Bonta’s prompt legal action and look forward to judicial review. In the meantime, CARB will use every tool at its disposal to continue our critical work to clean the air and address the climate crisis. The health and well-being of all Californians depends on it– especially those who live in underserved communities with unhealthy air. We look forward to engaging with the state legislature, stakeholders, and the public as we follow the Governor’s executive order to further advance the state’s clean vehicle transition,” said Liane Randolph. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Clean Air Act waivers, Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Fuel Prices Dropping as Summer Travel Begins?
With the summer driving season proceeding there are counter historical-trend results in fuel prices. Gasoline prices normally peak this time of the year, however drivers are getting a break, or is that brake? Moreover, does the ongoing global economic chaos caused by the Trump Administration tariff decrees signal something much darker – recessions and perhaps impending global depressions? Continue reading
Trump Tariff Chaos Continues Despite Court Ruling
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruling Wednesday against Trump Administration tariffs is just a bump in the road. Although it was widely and loudly hailed as a defeat for President Trump and his whimsical, constantly changing tariff executive orders it is actually just a continuation of the economically damaging Administration policies, irrelevant to the misleading Wall Street TACO moniker – Trump Always Chickens Outs.
By late Thursday, the Administration had swiftly obtained an emergency stay. Tariffs on steel aluminum, automobiles and auto parts and remain in place.
“The CIT’s ruling affects the tariffs that Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the president some power to regulate commerce after declaring a national emergency. It does not affect other, more specific tariffs he has imposed on commodities such as steel,” said Inu Manak, a fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, fools 'n frauds, litigation, news, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, IEEPA tariffs, International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Inu Manak, Ken Zino, The Council on Foreign Relations, U.S. Court of International Trade, Wall Street TACO moniker, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Environmental Pillage Agency attacks California
This proposed disapproval comes after two complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in federal courts against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) about the State’s enforcement of emissions standards through its so-called “Clean Truck Partnership” with heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers. This politicization of the Justice Department – long attacked previously by President Trump as a misuse of power and directly opposed to the Republican party’s long-standing support of States’ rights, is yet another baffling move by the Trump mis-administration. A better name for the agency given its actions under Trump 2.0 is the Environmental Pillage Agency in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading →