Category Archives: economy

Trump-conomics – May 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Flat

Posted on 29 May 2026 by Ken Zino

U.S. new-vehicle sales volume in May is expected to be mostly flat from year-ago levels, increasing a modest 0.1%, according to the latest forecast from Cox Automotive. There are 26 selling days this May, which is the same as last month, but one less than May last year.*

“May sales appear to be holding up despite significant economic uncertainty,” Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough said. “New-vehicle buyers today are more affluent than ever, so they may not be as impacted by inflationary pressures as much as other consumers who are more acutely feeling the sharply higher fuel costs. If the economy and stock market can remain on this growing but volatile path, new-vehicle sales will likely follow. However, those are two large necessities during extremely volatile times.” Continue reading →

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EU April 2026 Sales Dominated by Electrified Vehicles

Posted on 27 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“The market continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, supported by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular power type choice among buyers, while the battery-electric car market share reached 19.7%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids captured 9.6% of the market,” ACEA said. Continue reading →

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UAW Files Unfair Labor Practice Against American Axle

Posted on 21 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Calling the police on your own dedicated workforce for holding union flyers isn’t just a violation of federal labor law – it’s a desperate attempt to bully workers into submission,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “But that’s not going to work with UAW Local 2093 members. These workers are going to stay strong for a record contract.” [See Police Body Cam footage at a link below – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Memorial Day Weekend Gas Prices Highest in Four Years

Posted on 21 May 2026 by Ken Zino

As holiday travelers start running the roads today in record numbers, Memorial Day weekend gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, according to the latest data from AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular is at $4.56, up 3 cents over last week and $1.38 higher than this time last year.

“Current prices are close to what drivers were paying 4 years ago, when the national average on Memorial Day was $4.61. With gasoline demand on the rise and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pump prices are likely to remain elevated as the summer travel season gets underway,” AA said. Continue reading →

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First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.” [Today Honda posted its first Japanese full-year loss in history taking ~$9 billion in costs ‌to restructure its electric-vehicle business. Honda also dumped its longer-term EV sales forecast.-AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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California Starts $1 Billion Rebate Program for Electric Trucks

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today announced retailer enrollment is now open for the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) for electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty trucks. CCFR is financed with revenue utilities generate from the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The innovative [and planet-saving initiative in AutoInformed’s view despite the ongoing efforts of the Trump Administration’s Environmental Pillaging Agency, aka EPA] plan is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate program for electric trucks in the country. This year $250 million will be available. There will be more than $1 billion in total rebate funding expected through 2030. Continue reading →

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Nissan 2025 Operating Loss at ¥533B. Drops FY 2026 Dividends

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“FY2025 marked a year of steady execution under Re:Nissan, where we strengthened our foundation and began to see tangible progress in our financial performance. At the same time, we set our long‑term direction with Mobility Intelligence for everyday life. We have moved beyond recovery and are entering a phase of growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa. Continue reading →

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Trumped – Consumer Price Index Largest Increase in 3 Years!

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in April, after rising 0.9% in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today. During the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.8% before seasonal adjustment. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.8% over the past 12 months. The shelter index increased 3.3% over the last year. Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include medical care (+2.5%), airline fares (+20.7%), household furnishings and operations (+3.9%), and recreation (+2.3%). [This was the largest increase in three years – AutoCrat.]

“The index for energy rose 3.8% in April, accounting for over 40% of the monthly all items increase. The shelter index also increased in April, rising 0.6%. The index for food increased 0.5% over the month as the index for food at home rose 0.7% and the index for food away from home increased 0.2 %,” BLS said. Continue reading →

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CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“The CPI for all transportation goods and services rose 7.1% from April 2025 to April 2026. Transportation contributed 31.1% to the 3.8% increase in the price of all goods and services per the CPI. Gasoline (all types) contributed the most to inflation, rising 28.4% year-over-year and contributing 24.2% to the annual change in the price of all goods and service,” BTS said. Continue reading →

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AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor FY2026 Net Income at $24.61B Drops 19%

Posted on 8 May 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today posted a FY2026 [1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026] Net Income of $24.61B or a drop of -19% compared to FY 2025. “I view our 17 years under then-President Toyoda and then-President … Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Leapmotor to Expand Leapmotor International

Posted on 8 May 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd 9863.HK) today announced their intention to expand their strategic partnership [Leapmotor International – LMPI – is a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China – AutoCrat.] with an emphasis on European products and assembly plants and engineering technologies.

“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor – a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally – is a true win-win for both of us. It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading →

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Trumped Thumped – N.A. Automaker 2025 Tariff Costs $12.5B!

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“$12 billion is a hefty bill, and that’s only for cars and parts from two countries,” said Anh Do, senior analyst at Anderson Economic Group. “The total tariff burden borne by the American auto industry and its customers last year is much higher when you include tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as imports from Europe and Asia.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Q1 Loss of $249 Million. Per Share Loss at $0.39

Posted on 6 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” said CEO Mark Stewart. “Despite a weak environment, our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and reflect our commitment to drive value for our brands in the marketplace, where we offer world-class differentiated products and services.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Q1 2026 Sales Soft. Earnings at €2.348 Million Drop

Posted on 6 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Once again, our earnings for the first quarter demonstrate the value of strategic consistency, operational strength and a high degree of flexibility. We are well positioned to deliver continued success, despite challenging conditions,” claimed Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

[The questions for 2026 are whether EVs are salable without money on the hood so to speak in the U.S. How increased low-cost Chinese EVs in Europe affect premium brand sales, and the whim or dementia of the moment of the Trump Administration tax and tariff policies and their negative effects on Global trade. Trump said last Friday that he would boost tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% this week from 15% – AutoCrat?] Continue reading →

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