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- GM Posts H1 2026 Earnings of $1.3B. Raises Guidance Again
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- 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
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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
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- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
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Category Archives: Trump Truth Tests
UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate
The UAW today officially endorsed Sherrod Brown for US Senate. Approximately 100,000 active and retired UAW members live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio CAP (Community Action Program) Council formally voted to endorse Brown and said it will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the US Senate.
“Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Ohioans don’t need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they’ll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, 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, Shawn fain, Sherrod Brown, Sherrod Brown for US Senate, uaw, UAW Ohio Community Action Program Council, UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green, X @KenAutoinformed
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Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
Magna (TSX: MG. NYSE: MGA) today posted U.S. $613 million EBIT Q3 2025 compared to $594 million in the third quarter of 2024. Subject to the approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Magna Board of Directors approved a new Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to approximately 25.3 million of Magna Common Shares, representing 10% of the public float of Common Shares. This NCIB is expected to be effective on 7 November 2025 and will terminate no later than 6 November 2026.
“Our strong third quarter performance exceeded our expectations and underscores the resilience of our business amid dynamic operating conditions and evolving macroeconomic trends. These results reflect the strength of our global team and the effectiveness of our strategic execution,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, 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, Magna International, Magna Q3 2025 earnings, Swamy Kotagiri, X @KenAutoinformed
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How China Is Gutting Western Automakers
“Make the world more dependent on China. Make China less dependent on the world.” – Xi Jinping (Politburo, Dual Circulation Strategy, May 2020) If China’s goal is total domination of the global auto industry, the master plan might look something like this:
Scale Up: Build enough capacity to supply more than half of the world’s annual demand for vehicles.
Flood In: Launch a frenzied push of exports into markets worldwide and, with aggressive pricing, take large chunks of market share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, customer satisfaction, economy, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news, news analysis, people, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dunne Insights, Ford CEO Jim Farley, industrial policy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Li Chenggang, michael dunne, Peter Fleet, Rare earth magnets, X @KenAutoinformed, Xi Jinping
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Trump Job Approval Flat. Congress Drops
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) today released the results of the September Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, a monthly group effort between the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard (CAPS) and the Harris Poll and HarrisX.
“Voters’ outlook on the country remains largely the same with strong opposition to the government shutdown,” said Mark Penn, Co-Director of the Harvard CAPS / Harris poll and Stagwell Chairman and CEO. “They feel the rhetoric of today’s political leaders has grown too polarizing and is fueling political violence, and they want leadership that works to unite the country.” Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, news, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Center for American Political Studies at Harvard, Harris Poll, HarrisX, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mark Penn, September Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine
“Inequality is out of control in our country. Today, the top 1% have more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. Graham understands this, and at a time when too many politicians take their cues from billionaires and corporate lobbyists, he has chosen to stand with the working class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, environment, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, https://www.grahamforsenate.com/, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Negative Consequences – Trump Tariffs on Input Goods
“While income taxes have been the cornerstone of U.S. federal tax policy since the early 20th century, the Trump administration is shifting tax burdens away from income taxes and toward import taxes. Kimberly A. Clausing of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute estimate that a U.S. effective tariff rate of 20% would generate roughly $300 billion in revenue per year, which amounts to less than one-sixth of the revenue raised annually by personal income taxes. Tariffs also generate considerable deadweight losses—expanding import-competing sectors and shrinking export and non-traded goods sectors—that will amount to approximately $113 billion per year, or more than one-third of the revenue raised by the tariffs. Continue reading
Posted in economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, prices, 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, Kimberly A. Clausing, Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute, NBER Working Paper 34192, the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, X @KenAutoinformed
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Lawsuit Filed Against Trump-Vance National Data Banks
“This country was founded on the principle that government has no business arbitrarily intruding in our private affairs,” said John Davisson, Director of Litigation for the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). “Yet this administration is trampling on our privacy at the grandest scale, illegally hoarding our sensitive personal information and threatening our most cherished rights. The law is clear: no national data bank. Together we’ll put a stop to this in court.” Continue reading
Posted in fools 'n frauds, litigation, news, news analysis, people, Privacy, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, Electronic Privacy Information Center, John Davisson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, X @KenAutoinformed
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Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan
“While the federal government recklessly dismantles decades of proven science and undermines public trust, California is doubling down on facts, data and accountability,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This plan isn’t just a roadmap for cleaner air and smart climate action; it’s a declaration that science still matters. We’re building policies that are resilient, adaptive and rooted in evidence.” Continue reading
Posted in economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California State University, carb, CARB Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2025–2030, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, The California Air Resources Board, University of California, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule
Zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales continued to rise in California during 2024, with manufacturers reporting 30,026 zero-emission trucks, buses, and vans sold — representing nearly 23% of all new Class 2b–8 vehicle sales. The data is according to information reported by manufacturers to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which released it today. That figure is more than double the minimum statewide requirement for the 2024 model year and marks the highest total of sales ever reported. Since 2021, more than 57,000 ZEVs have been sold in California’s medium- and heavy-duty market, and statewide ZEV truck sales have now increased for the fourth consecutive year.*
“This continued growth in zero-emission truck sales shows that manufacturers are stepping up to meet California’s clean air goals and that the transition to cleaner fleets is accelerating,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “With strong sales, a growing credit surplus, and rapid innovation, the industry is proving that zero-emission technology is ready for wider deployment.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, cap-and-trade, carb, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, HVIP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Liane Randolph, sales of new medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Submits “Scathing Critique” of EPA
“Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: EPA’s proposal is a stunningly sloppy and amateurish effort to sow doubt where there is no doubt,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “And EPA cannot simply repeal its own standards based on a political whim. The agency owes the American people straight, honest answers why it is proposing to carelessly risk their health, lives and property.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, Dr. Steven Cliff, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, scientific evidence, self-described climate skeptics, U.S. Department of Energy, X @KenAutoinformed
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Refute Climate Change Deny-ers
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says the evidence for current and future harm to human health and welfare created by human-caused greenhouse gases is beyond scientific dispute.*
“This study was undertaken with the ultimate aim of informing the EPA, following its call for public comments, as it considers the status of the endangerment finding,” said Shirley Tilghman, professor of molecular biology and public affairs, emeritus, and former president, Princeton University, and chair of the committee that wrote the report. “We are hopeful that the evidence summarized here shows the strong base of scientific evidence available to inform sound decision-making. Continue reading
Posted in economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, environment plundering agency, Environmental Defense Fund and Union of Concerned Scientists, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, National Academy of Sciences, President Lincoln, Shirley Tilghman, the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hyundai Motor Updates Growth and Profit Strategy
Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) in New York today unveiled its latest growth strategy at the company’s first CEO Investor Day held outside of Korea. The event served as a stage to convey the company’s mid-to long-term strategy to investors and stakeholders, prompted in large part by Trump’s tariff wars.
“In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai Motor, José Muñoz, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Constitution Day 2025 Thoughts
The point here is that to govern without facts is madness. Leaving aside the historical revisions that show that King George III, the monarch who lost the colonies to what became the United States, was, well, mad as a hatter in his later years. Donald J. Trump – the man who wishes to be our King now – should not be our president based on his deteriorating mental condition. He doesn’t even know what is going on in his own administration.Is Trump going to fire the entire CBO? [See the following] It’s time for “We the People” to fire Trump and his Curia Regis, the advisors – cabinet members, agency heads and the like – who are against the facts or falsify them. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, global warming, milestones, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Congressional Budget Office, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Curia Regis, Donald J. Trump, Erika McEntarfer, Ken Zino, King George III, The American Revolution, U.S. Constitution, X @KenAutoinformed
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Air Bag Deployments – NHTSA Investigating Honda Odysseys
Late last week in spite of the Republican led government shutdown, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at DOT opened an engineering analysis into inadvertent air bag deployments on 2018-2022 model year Honda Odyssey minivans manufactured by American Honda Motor Company. More than 440,000 vehicles are involved. Most government workers are doing their jobs without pay. House Republicans aren’t working of course, but receiving full pay and benefits.*
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 18 complaints, and some Early Warning Reporting (EWR) and death & injury reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment. These inadvertent deployments relate to the side curtain and/or side thorax air bags used in model year 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models. Continue reading →