Category Archives: economy

UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine

Posted on 15 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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Stellantis to Invest $13 Billion in U.S. Plants

Posted on 15 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) late yesterday announced plans to invest $13 billion during the next four years to increase its sales in the critical United States market and to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint. Part of this are required updates to aging vehicles to stay competitive and defend market share. Some was previously planned and announced for other vehicles – notably EVs but is now being redirected to internal combustion engine products because of the relaxation of environmental rules and the elimination of  EV buying incentives and CAFE fines or fees on vehicles that inordinately pollute the air causing dire human health problems by the Environmental Pillage Agency, aka EPA, under the Trump – “Global warming is a Chinese hoax” Administration. Continue reading →

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Negative Consequences – Trump Tariffs on Input Goods

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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Mercedes-Benz Group Posts So-So Q3 Sales

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported Q3 2025 retail sales of 73,500 passenger cars. Year-to- date, U.S. retail sales to customers rose 6% to 223,800 units, helped by strong demand for Mercedes-Benz SUVs and expensive models. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported third quarter 2025 sales of 9500 units. The MBUSA overall total is 83,000 units retailed in the third quarter. Mercedes-Benz Group globally sold 441,500 cars in Q3 2025. [This gives the bragging rights to BMW Group at 588,300 – AutoCrat. BMW Group – Small Sales Increase YTD. Board Slashes Outlook]

“With sustained strong demand across our entire product lineup, our third-quarter sales results demonstrate the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand and reflect the hard work and determination of our employees and outstanding dealer partners. We remain focused on consistently delivering our customers class-leading products and benchmark experiences with our 2026 models now arriving, including the stunning Mercedes- Maybach SL 680 at the very top end of the portfolio through to a highly compelling new all-electric entry point to the brand with the CLA that will reach U.S. dealerships before the end of the year,” said Adam Chamberlain, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Sales – Small Increase YTD. Board Cuts Outlook

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group today posted Q3 Sales that increase of +8.8%. From January to September 2025, the BMW Group delivered a total of ~1.8 million BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers, This is a sales growth of only +2.4%. During the same period, the company increased sales of fully-electric vehicles by +10.0% to 323,447 units. Between January and September, the BMW Group delivered a total of 470,313 electrified vehicles (BEV and PHEV) to customers (+15.0%). However, the Board of Management of BMW AG today changed the outlook downward for the 2025 financial year. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts 358,848 Q3 U.S. Sales

Posted on 2 October 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda’s Acura and Honda brands posted combined September 2025 sales of 105,097 and Q3 combined sales of 356,848. Year-to-date, American Honda has sold 1,097,799 cars and trucks, ~4% increase. The challenge forthcoming is the end of the EV tax credits, which has now expired. Still, American Honda is well positioned with its line of hybrid models.

“Balanced sales of light trucks, passenger cars, including record sales of electrified models and helping Honda and Acura manage the challenging market conditions,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Our investment in the ability to make hybrid-electric vehicles in America, including the Honda hybrid system, has led to record sales of CR-V, Accord and Civic hybrid models.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor N.A. Posts Q3 Sales of 629,137

Posted on 1 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA. NYSE: TM, 7203T) today reported September 2025 U.S. sales of 185,748 vehicles, up 14.2% on a volume basis and up 9.5% on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared with September 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 85,092 up 8.% on a volume basis and up 3.6% DSR, representing 45.8% of total sales volume.

“Strong customer demand continues across our entire lineup, and vehicles are selling as fast as we build them,” said Andrew Gilleland, senior vice president at Toyota Motor North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q3 U.S. Sales of 545,522

Posted on 1 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today posted Q3 U.S. sales of 545,522, an increase of 8.2% across Ford’s line of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles, as well as increased services from Ford Pro. Ford trailed GM in volume, which posted sales of 710,347 for a 7.7% increase. Car sales remain problematic for Ford Motor, reflecting the growth of trucks and SUVs in the U.S. at most companies.

“This quarter’s growth showcases our portfolio’s unmatched flexibility and breadth,” said Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue and Model e. “We saw strong performance in gas, hybrid, and electrified powertrains, while at the same time growing our paid software solutions, all embedded in vehicles such as Expedition, Explorer and F-150.” Continue reading →

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General Motors Posts Strong Q3 U.S. Sales – 710,347

Posted on 1 October 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today posted record U.S. sales for the GMC brand, crossover vehicles, and EVs for Q3 2025. Total GM sales were 710,347.

“No one is in a stronger position for a changing U.S. market than GM. We have the best lineup of ICE and EV vehicles we’ve ever had, and our brands have grown market share with consistently strong pricing, low incentives and inventory,” said Duncan Aldred GM Senior Vice President and President, North America. Continue reading →

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Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Since 1 September 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has experienced a cyber-attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people affected is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8000 agency staff. The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering support.

“The impact of the cyber-attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production,” said, Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben. Many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment. Continue reading →

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Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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September 2025 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Better

Posted on 25 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for September 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,232,200, a 0.1% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. September 2025 has 24 selling days, one more than September 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 4.5% from 2024.*

“In aggregate, September sales results point to another month of strong demand for new vehicles. However, as has been the case for the past few months, assessing the health of the industry requires a closer look at the underlying market dynamics,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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CARB – Zero-Emission Vehicle Transition Ahead of Schedule

Posted on 23 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Refute Climate Change Deny-ers

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Constitution Day 2025 Thoughts

Posted on 17 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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