Category Archives: economy

October UK Car and Commercial Vehicle Production Drops

Posted on 28 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Car production in the UK fell in October, down -23.8%, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Only 59,010 vehicles shipped, 18,474 fewer than in the same month last year. [read AutoInformed.com about Britain’s largest auto employer here: Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing – AutoCrat]

“The news comes two days after the Budget in which the Chancellor announced a number of welcome competitiveness-boosting measures, including a further £1.5 billion in automotive transformation funding, and the deferral of regulation to end critical employee car ownership schemes into the next parliament – a move the industry had warned could lead to annual losses of £1 billion and put up to 5000 jobs at stake. It also comes after government published a consultation on its proposed British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) which should bring down sky-high energy costs for manufacturers,” SMMT said. Continue reading →

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U.S. November New Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 November 2025 by Ken Zino

November’s new-vehicle sales, when posted next week, are expected to fall in both volume and pace from last year’s levels. The November new-vehicle sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), is forecast today by Cox Automotive to reach 15.7 million. This is up slightly from October’s 15.3 million pace, but significantly down from last year’s 16.5 million level. Through October, the monthly SAAR has averaged 16.2 million.*

“The new-vehicle sales pace had been expected to slow in the fourth quarter, and that’s what we are seeing,” said Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough. “The headwinds from higher prices and fewer government subsidies for electric vehicles are finally slowing the market after a surprisingly strong previous six months. Continue reading →

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September 2025 Unemployed People and Rate Up Under Trump

Posted on 21 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Both the unemployment rate, at 4.4%, and the number of unemployed people, at 7.6 million, changed little in September, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics posted yesterday. These measures are higher than a year earlier under Trump 2.0, when the jobless rate was 4.1%, and the number of unemployed people was 6.9 million. Job losses occurred in transportation and warehousing and in federal government. Continue reading →

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November U.S. and Global New Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Total new-vehicle sales for November 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are estimated to reach 1,255,900, a 5.2% decrease year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.4 million units, down 1.2 million units from November 2024. Global November sales are expected to decrease 3.9% from November 2024. The global selling rate is expected to reach 92.7 million units in November, down from a rate of 95.8 million units in November 2024.

“November’s results reflect another notable—yet anticipated—decline in the [U.S.] new-vehicle sales pace, driven largely by the pull-ahead of electric vehicle (EV) purchases prior to the expiration of federal EV tax credits on Sept. 30. That expiration prompted many shoppers to accelerate buying decisions, resulting in a surge in EV sales that temporarily inflated the overall industry sales pace. Now, two months after the credit expired, the industry continues to feel the effect of those accelerated purchases. In November, EVs are expected to account for just 6.0% of new-vehicle retail sales, consistent with October but well below the 12.9% recorded in September,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Talking Turkey – U.S. Gasoline Prices Relatively Stable

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Gasoline prices are relatively steady compared to last week AAA said today.* The national average for a gallon of regular fuel went up by a couple of cents to $3.10.

“Despite the burst of gasoline demand that will occur during Thanksgiving week, overall demand is low this time of year which helps keep pump prices down. The national average has seen few fluctuations in 2025 thanks to low crude oil prices and no major storms affecting Gulf Coast refineries.” [so far – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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UAW Visiting Capitol Hill on 2026 USMCA Renewal

Posted on 14 November 2025 by Ken Zino

This week, UAW members from the Agricultural Implements sector went to Capitol Hill to talk about “the devastating impact of bad trade deals, and fight layoffs and plant closures across the agricultural implements and construction equipment sector.” “The American taxpayer … Continue reading →

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Brexit – Angry Voter Costs Greater Than Said. Trump Parallels Abound

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In a paper published in November and brought to AutoInformed’s attention today by The Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the estimable Brookings Institute, angry voters in the United Kingdom who overwhelming approved leaving the European Union in the so-called Brexit* referendum resulted in shrinking the UK GDP by 6% to 8% by 2025. The exhaustive research paper was authored by Nicholas Bloom, Philip Bunn, Paul Mizen, Pawel Smietanka and Gregory Thwaites.**

The negative economic effects began after the 2016 referendum. They intensified following the UK’s formal exit in 2020. This paper in AutoInformed’s view is directly relevant to Trump’s Tariff Chaos and is a harbinger of still larger negative effects to come. Continue reading →

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CARB – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down Again!

Posted on 7 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The latest publication of California’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory released today shows a 3% drop in statewide emissions. This is the third largest annual percentage decrease since the pandemic under the Trump Administration. The decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars from California’s roads for one year.

“Today’s milestone once again confirms that bold climate action can deliver real results,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California’s climate pollution is falling even as our economy grows – a powerful testament to the strength of our programs, innovation in clean technology, and the commitment of communities across the state. We’re not just investing in a healthier future; we’re actively building it.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts ¥27.7 Billion Loss for First Half FY 2025

Posted on 7 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor (7201T and NSANY ADR) posted First Half results for the Japanese FY 2025 ending 31 March 2026 this week. I also estimated (guesstimated given global financial chaos? – AutoCrat) a stronger second-half in fiscal 2025. Nissan’s global sales were 1.48 million units and consolidated net revenue totaled ¥5.6 trillion with an operating loss of ¥27.7 billion. The company recorded a net loss of ¥221.9 billion, largely due to lower income from equity-method companies’ impairments and restructuring costs.*

“Our first-half results reflect the challenges we face, yet they confirm that Nissan is firmly on the path to recovery. The second half will bring its own hurdles, but with focus, discipline, and the actions underway, I am confident we will deliver stronger results,” said Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s president and chief executive. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Posts Q3 €8B in Pre-Tax Earnings

Posted on 5 November 2025 by Ken Zino

“In the third quarter, we once again proved that our business model is robust and resilient”, said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We have all the right factors for continued success: a technology-neutral approach, exciting products, a strong global presence and outstanding innovation capabilities throughout the entire value chain. Thanks to our broad model and drive train portfolio, we were able to increase our global sales – with BMW M and our electrified vehicles as the main growth drivers. At the same time, we remain fully on track to meet Europe’s ambitious CO2 targets for 2025 – without relying on flexibility mechanisms or pooling. This demonstrates that our technology-neutral approach is working and delivering strong results.” Continue reading →

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Michigan – Tariffs Cause Higher Grocery Prices, More Expensive Housing, Put Jobs at Risk

Posted on 5 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive directive to gauge the impact of federal tariffs on Michigan’s economy, several State of Michigan departments submitted reports pointing to higher prices and costly delays that would ultimately impact Michiganders. Today, the U.S. … Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Q2 FY 2026 Net Income Drops 7%

Posted on 5 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Today, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) posted FY 2026 Q2 [1 April 2025 through 30 September 2025- AutoCrat] results that showed total consolidated vehicle unit sales increased globally by 227,000,+ 5.0% to 4,783,000. However, net income attributable to Toyota Motor Corporation was 1,773.4 billion yen, a decrease of 133.6 billion yen or -7.0% compared with FY2025 first half. Nonetheless, Toyota increased its fiscal-year profit forecast. Toyota maintains that its products and sales outside the United States would counter the negative effects of  of U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs. The world’s largest automaker forecasts an operating profit of 3.4 trillion yen (~$22.6 billion) for the financial year ending March 26, a jump of +6% from the 3.2 trillion yen it formerly forecast. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Tire Posts Q3 2025 Loss of $2.2 Billion

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT)* posted Q3 2025 results today that showed a net loss of $2.2 billion ($7.62 per share) compared to a Goodyear net loss of $37 million (13 cents per share) a year ago. Third quarter 2025 adjusted net income was $82 million compared to adjusted net income of $102 million in Q3 of last year. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.28, compared to $0.36 (diluted) in Q3 2024.

“We delivered a meaningful increase in segment operating income relative to the second quarter in an industry environment that continued to be marked by global trade disruption,” said Mark Stewart, chief executive officer and president. “This growth underscores our strong product portfolio and the consistency of our execution under the Goodyear Forward plan, both of which we expect to support further acceleration in our earnings during the fourth quarter.” Continue reading →

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UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain

Posted on 31 October 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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