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- 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
AAA – National Gasoline Prices Hit Four Year High!
Today’s average of $4.08 is ten cents higher than last week and $1.08 higher than a month ago. Crude oil prices have been surging, surpassing $100/barrel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. In 2022, gas prices remained elevated from March through August, peaking in June when the national average reached a record of $5/gallon for one week,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, fuel economy or emissions, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crude oil prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Gasoline Prices, the Strait of Hormuz, Trump mis-administration Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Regular Gasoline Prices Up $1 in a Month
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 10 cents from last week and one dollar since last month, according to the latest data released today by AAA.
“Crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict nears the 4-week mark. The national average could reach $4/gallon in the coming days for the first time since August 2022. Gasoline demand is also on the rise as spring break season continues, another factor in rising pump prices,” AA said. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EIA data, Energy Information Administration, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, oil market dynamics and changes, State Gas and EV Charging Price Trends, Trump Administration Iran War, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. New Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat in March
“After a year marked by policy-driven sales volatility, the new-vehicle market has settled into a slower rhythm in early 2026,” said Jeremy Robb, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “The pull-ahead demand created by last spring’s tariff announcements and, later, the loss of EV tax credits is (sic) now all firmly in the rear-view mirror. While the stimulus of a good tax-return season is a positive, the new-vehicle market today is being shaped by higher vehicle prices, ongoing inflationary pressures, and still-elevated interest rates.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive, Jeremy Robb, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mid-East War Haze, Mid-East War Haze economic fog, U.S. March 2026 new vehicle sales forecast, X @KenAutoinformed
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Consumers, Not Regulators Now Rule EV Market
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) today released its analysis of the U.S. electric vehicle market for Q4 and full-year 2025. EV sales in Q4 lowest since first quarter of 2022; down year-over-year. The market reflected a major shift to actual consumer demand free of the influence of now eliminated EV incentives under the Trump mis-administration in AutoInformed’s view. Consumer satisfaction with and demand for electrified vehicles remain considerable and too large for automakers to ignore, now matter the follies of Trump appointed idolaters/regulators. Hybrids in particular remain a strong and growing segment. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, public health, results, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged AAI, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cory Bullis, EVgo, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Sarah Robinson, Tricia Cauley, X @KenAutoinformed
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Predictions Markets – Wagering on Government Actions?
New Data for Progress polling finds that a majority of voters (59%) agree that wagers on potential government actions, ranging from what politicians will say in speeches to whether the U.S. will carry out a military strike, should not be permitted. Continue reading
Posted in news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Data for Progress, DfP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, predictions market conflicts of interest, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. Fuel Prices Climbing. Up 28 Cents in a Week!
Fuel prices at the pump continued to climb by 28 cents since last week, according to a report released by AAA today.* With the Spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand. The Trump Administration Iranian war is clearly in play.
“Last week’s announcement by the White House to release 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserves over four months has no immediate relief on the oil market as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb,” AAA said. “According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.24 million barrels a day to 8.72 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 249.5 million barrels to 244.0 million. Gasoline production also decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, energy, news, news analysis, prices, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, fuel prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Trump mis-administration Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
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Revised Auto Forecasts Assume Slight Iranian War Effects?
“The base scenario assumes a short-term conflict, with the most significant effects in Iran and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while other markets experience milder impacts mainly through higher oil prices,” said Mike Wall the Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility in a release yesterday. [Oddly in AutoInformed’s view, North America’s production outlook is “only marginally reduced for 2026, with a slight increase in 2027…” the respected consultancy said – Autocrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive production forecasts, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Light Vehicle Production Forecasts, Mike Wall, S&P Global Mobility, Trump’s Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
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Legal Tariffs – Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Recall Laid Off Workers
“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Detroit Diesel Axle unit, Detroit Diesel Components, IEEPA, International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Supreme Court, Tariffs and the U.S. Constitution, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Slump Forecast – February 26 New Vehicle Sales Drop
“The new-vehicle sales pace shifted to a lower gear in Q4 of last year, and that weakness is expected to continue through this month as well,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, fools 'n frauds, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, results, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive, February 2026 U.S. new vehicle sales forecast, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B
“The U.S. trade deficit for goods hit a record in 2025 despite Trump’s claim his signature tariffs would reduce it, new data shows. Trump declared the country’s goods trade deficit a national emergency last year and pledged to shrink it as part of efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing. Yesterday’s numbers add to previous data suggesting U.S. companies have generally not brought production back home—all while Trump’s tariff policy is being challenged in a Supreme Court case,” The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said. [The U.S. Supreme Court today in a 6-3 ruling said tariffs that Trump imposed under an emergency powers law were unconstitutional. This also covers so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that he levied. – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, results, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brad Setser, goods and services trade deficit, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, The Council on Foreign Relations, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. manufacturing jobs, U.S. trade deficit for goods, X @KenAutoinformed
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Sustainable Energy in America – Mixed Progress in 2025
BloombergNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) today revealed the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. It inarguably delivers valuable year-over-year data and insights on the American energy expansion and progress across the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy sectors.
“In 2025, U.S. electricity demand rose considerably for the first time in decades, coinciding with rising electricity prices. At the same time, far-reaching and unpredictable policy changes provided both major challenges and a few unanticipated opportunities for the energy sector,” the Factbook noted. Continue reading
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BloombergNEF, BloombergNEF and BCSE, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, retail demand for electricity, U.S. electricity demand, U.S. energy productivity
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CAFE Regs Intact Post Trump Endangerment Finding Repeal
“The February 12 rule making also substantially revises the federal mobile source regulations to eliminate all federal GHG emission standards established since 2009 for motor vehicles and certain other mobile source engines. This reversal on climate policy creates uncertainty for mobile source manufacturers who made significant investments since 2009 to comply with limits on greenhouse gases, as well as other industries subject to greenhouse gas limits not explicitly rescinded by the rule,” the Foley & Lardner law firm noted today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged Amanda Beggs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, automotive emission limits, Automotive news and analysis, criteria pollutants, Foley & Lardner LLP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, New Source Performance Standards, Pete Tomasi, Prevention of Significant Deterioration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump’s EPA Kills Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
If upheld by the sure to follow litigation, this is the Death Penalty for Planet Earth. However, the Supreme Court in 2007 ruled that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Since the high court’s decision, in a case known as Massachusetts v. EPA, other courts have rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding. – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged ACEEE, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lee Zeldin, Peter Huether, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, X @KenAutoinformed
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U.S. Jobs – Trump Slump Continues
During the week ending 31 January 2026, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 6000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 206,250, according to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today. Total insured unemployment at 2,153,637 increased from 2,136,751 one year ago. Moreover, a key measure – vacancies, aka open or available jobs – dropped to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Continue reading
Posted in economy, labor issues, news, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, job openings, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Trump economy, U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit Announced
The Rosen Law Firm, which bills itself as a global investor rights law firm, today announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange of Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) between 26 February 2025 and 5 February 2026, inclusive (the so-called “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. Continue reading →