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Category Archives: auto news
Volvo Cars to Combine Polestar 3 Production in U.S.
“The move to consolidate global Polestar 3 production in Charleston help generate efficiencies for both companies, whilst also underscoring our confidence in the plant and the role it plays in our manufacturing footprint,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars. ‘The US is a very important market for Volvo Cars, both to support our growth ambitions as well as a strategic production site to meet regional and export demands.”** Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chengdu, Geely Holding, Geely Sweden Holdings, Håkan Samuelsson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michael Lohscheller, Polestar 3, X @KenAutoinformed
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NYAS – Honda To Show Fastport eQuad EV Delivery Van
Honda Motor Company (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that it will show the all-electric Fastport eQuad EV Hybrid at a press event on 1 April 1 at the Test Track where the New York Auto Show is held [Level 1 Javits’s Center -AutoCrat.]* Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies will share updates and lead a walk-around and demonstration of the vehicle.
“Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries,” AutoInformed previously noted. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies, Honda Mobile Power Pack, Honda Motor Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, new york auto show, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese Owned Volvo Cars to Import Lynk & Co Cars in Europe
“With this new arrangement, we will leverage our commercial system to support Lynk & Co’s growth ambitions in Europe,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “At the same time, it enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to address a wider customer base. With the support of our retailers and our commercial organization, Lynk & Co can achieve its true potential in Europe.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, Geely Auto, Geely Holding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lynk & Co, Lynk & Co 01 SUV, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Recalls for Diesel Pumps, Seat Belts, Rearview Cameras
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is conducting recalls for more than 252,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects including electrical system programming management and manufacturing assembly errors. The largest involves the loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) systems, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring on model year 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Diesel pump recall 26S17, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall 26C18., Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA 26V159 or 26V-159, NHTSA recall 26V158 or 26V-158, NHTSA Recall 26V165 or 26V-165, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Acura Celebrates 40th Birthday
My own personal experience and respect for Acura came in 1990. Covering the auto business Acura debuted of the groundbreaking NSX. This mid-engine sports car that would establish new levels of performance, refinement and drive-ability at a relatively inexpensive price compared to, oh, Ferrari and Porsche. I remembered a conversation with the esteemed and estimable John Dinkel of Road&Track who I had known years before I joined the magazine as its Detroit editor. Having gone to Japan to drive the car prior to its introduction, John – when I asked about it – just shook his head and said “they are going to own the world.” This opinion was not contested among the entire R&T staff as I recall. Ferrari performance, Japanese quality and an undervalued price. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, acura nsx, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, John Dinkel Road&Track magazine, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, MDX, Mike Langel, TLX, X @KenAutoinformed
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Corvette Grand Sport to Share LS6 6.7L V8 with Sting Ray
“Grand Sport has always been the Corvette for drivers who want the spirit of a race car in a package they can enjoy every day,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “With the new Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, we’ve taken that formula into the mid-engine era, pairing a heritage-rich design with the most advanced Corvette technologies we’ve ever offered. The Grand Sport model has historically acted as a high-volume player in the Corvette lineup. We expect the Stingray and Grand Sport lineup combined to account for the vast majority of Corvette sales.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chevrolet small-block V8 engine, Corvette Grand Sport, Flint Engine Operations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LS6 6.7L V8, Mike Kociba, Scott Bell, small block V8 engines, 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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Electric Vehicle Experience Home Charging Study Released
“While users of more advanced features on Level 2 systems do encounter more problems due to things like Wi-Fi and mobile app connectivity issues, their overall satisfaction levels are so much higher because they are scheduling charge times, monitoring results and engaging more actively in getting the most out of the home charging experience,” said Gruber. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, news analysis, public health, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brent Gruber, Charging costs for EV owners, J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, smart charging programs, Wi-Fi and mobile app connectivity issues, 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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Magna Increases Its Hybrid Drive Offerings
“Magna’s approach to electrification is centered on giving our customers flexible pathways forward,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “DHD REX reflects our commitment to adaptable, customer‑focused solutions that support a wide range of performance and market expectations.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DHD Duo, DHD REX, Diba Ilunga, hybrid drive systems, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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EU New Car Registrations Drop in February 2026
In February 2026 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name] The data of course are before the ongoing Trump mis-administration Iran war.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, manufacturing, marketing, opinions, results, sales
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, EU vehicle registrations February 2026, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, February 2026 EU New Car Registrations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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IIHS – 63 Vehicles Earn 2026 Top Safety Pick Awards
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety* today said that with new more stringent imperatives 63 vehicles qualify for the IIHS awards thus far. That is up from 48 at the same time last year. Of the winners, 45 earn a … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, awards, energy, engineering, news analysis, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, crash avoidance, David Harkey, IIHS 2026 Top Safety Pick Awards, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, small overlap front and side crash tests, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Manual Trans Return to Nissan Z
“We try to do something every year for the sports cars to keep them relevant and top-of-mind. We love working on these cars for our customers, and it’s a joy for us to continuously improve these things. We’ve been listening to our customers and talking to them. I think we’ve made a substantial improvement. The big thing everyone kept talking about is the desire for a manual transmission option for Z NISMO. It’s now here. Initially we didn’t launch with it because it’s a track-focused car,” said Paul Hawson, director of Advanced Product Planning & Strategy at Nissan North America. Continue reading →