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Category Archives: economy
BMW Group Q1 2025 Earnings Drop 25%
“The more challenging the environment, the more crucial it is to have compelling products, a consistent strategy and a high degree of flexibility. Our technology-open approach remains a key success factor: with our young, highly attractive models and our broad range of drives, we are able to meet the various needs of customers worldwide. This enables us to achieve robust results and stay on course to meet our ambitious full-year targets,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Continue reading
Ford Motor 2025 Q1 Net Income $47M Down from $1.3B!
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* late yesterday announced weak first- quarter 2025 financial results and “suspended” financial guidance, including full year adjusted EBIT and adjusted free cash flow because of Trump tariff-related” uncertainties.” Ford first-quarter revenue of was $40.7 billion; net income $471 million with an adjusted EBIT of $1 billion. Operating cash flow was $3.7 billion. Improvements in cost and quality favorably contributed to performance in the quarter, Ford claimed. When excluding the nearly 200 million impact of tariffs, this was Ford’s third consecutive quarter of year-over -year cost improvement. Ford estimates a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for full year 2025, subject to ongoing tariff-related policy developments. For comparison, General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Blue, ford credit, Ford Model e, Ford Motor cost improvements, Ford Motor Q1 2025 financial results, Jim Farley, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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April 2025 Transportation Sector Unemployment Falls
Unemployment in the transportation sector was lower than overall unemployment. BLS reports that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in April 2025 was 3.9% or 0.3 percentage points above the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in April 2025 was 4.2%. (However, this was before the chaotic Trump tariff pandemic started by his executive order – AutoCrat.) Continue reading
FuelCell Energy and Toyota Get DOE’s Better Project Award
FuelCell Energy and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today announced that the first-of-its-kind “Tri-gen” facility at the Port of Long Beach has received the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award.* Commissioned by Toyota and owned and operated by FuelCell Energy, Tri-gen produces three products for port vehicle processing operations at Toyota Logistics Services: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and usable water.
The Better Project Award is said to recognize accomplishments at individual facilities for innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and waste reduction efficiency measures. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, engineering, environment, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FuelCell Energy, Jason Few, Ken Zino, Tom Stricker, Toyota Motor North America, U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income
Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) today posted Q1 2025 financial results that showed record first quarter revenue with an increase of 2% to $7.6 Billion. Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 Million. Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $3.39.
“Our diversified international transportation services business generated record first quarter revenue, the seventh consecutive quarter of stable gross margin, and a 70-basis point improvement of adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit retailed remained consistent and strong with new vehicle gross declining only $87 per unit while used vehicle gross increased $352 per unit when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading
Posted in economy, financial results, mobility company, news, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NYSE: PAG, pag, Penske Automotive Group Q1 2025 financial results, Premier Truck Group, roger penske, Sytner Select, X @KenAutoinformed
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GM Cancels Q1 Earnings Call as Trump Chaos Prevails
General Motors (NYSE: GM) this morning cancelled its long scheduled Q1 earnings call for media, shareholders and analysts, as Trump Tariff Chaos prevailed in Michigan, a state experiencing growing inflation and unemployment from the Trump mis-administration. General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM mis-administration Trump Tariff Chaos, Ken Zino, Trump unemployment, X @KenAutoinformed
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McKinsey on EVs – China Most Advanced Region by Far
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing market share, cars are becoming more connected, and autonomous vehicles are gradually starting to appear on more streets worldwide. However, the transition to new technologies has not been without challenges and kinks, especially with consumer sentiment in the EV sector, according to the Annual Mobility Survey by the respected McKinsey & Company consultancy. Respondents came from China, Europe, and the United States. The 2025 survey released today is ongoing. It will eventually include respondents from nine countries [an unknown number of which Trump wants to takeover – AutoCrat].
“After rising rapidly for years, EV sales growth has slowed in many regions. Meanwhile, new competitors, especially those from China, are entering the EV market and attracting attention by offering innovative and technologically-sophisticated vehicles that are often more affordable than offerings from incumbents,” according to the detailed, multi-sourced McKinsey analysis.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, McKinsey & Company, McKinsey’s Automotive & Assembly Practice, Patrick Hertzke, Patrick Schaufuss, Philipp Kampshoff, the California Air Resource Board, the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility, Timo Möller, Trump Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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UK Car Production Down. Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Future
“A March uplift to manufacturing is overdue good news, although the performance was boosted by a comparatively weaker month last year, when holiday timings and product changeovers combined to reduce output. With the last quarter showing demand for British-built cars rising overseas, navigating the new era of trade uncertainty is now the major challenge. Government has rightly recognized automotive manufacturing’s critical role in Britain’s export economy and must now show urgency and creativity to deliver a deal that supports our competitiveness, spurs domestic demand for the latest cleanest vehicles, and helps factory lines flourish,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, King Trump decrees, Mike Hawes, SMMT, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Trump protectionism and retaliatory tariffs, UK exports of goods, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hybrid-Electric Cars Dominate EU Car Sales
During Q1 2025, new EU car registrations declined by 1.9% compared to Q1 2024, with March 2025 figures showing a slight 0.2% year-on-year (YOY) decline according to registration data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name.* The battery-electric car market share stood at 15.2% market in Q1 2025, far from where it was expected to be by regulators and analysts. Hybrid electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type among buyers. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health, results, sales
Tagged acea, ACEA European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, eu march sales, hybrid-electric car sales, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariff Pandemic is Crisis for the U.S. Auto Industry
Swamy Kotagiri the Chief Executive Officer of MAGNA spoke to the Automotive Press Association this week in Michigan about the complexities of the global automobile industry. He spoke as global volumes are relatively flat and volumes in North America and Europe are down. Now programs are being canceled after the investments are made. Volumes are being reduced after the capacity is installed.
“There is increased spending over a smaller number of units. This is sub-optimal for returns. And what does our industry look for? Scale and we need stability to be efficient through the value chain, given how the industry works to be efficient,” said Kotagiri, whose next big event is the Shanghai Motor Show at the end of the month to be held in the midst of the ongoing Trump versus the world trade wars. Last year MAGNA did ~$5.5 billion in sales in China, growing 15%. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, engineering, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, magna, Magna International, Swamy Kotagiri, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Members OK Strike at General Dynamics Electric Boat
UAW President Shawn Fain and Local 571 President Bill Louis yesterday with more than a thousand union members announced a “major escalation” in the ongoing labor dispute at General Dynamics Electric Boat. The marine drafters, a highly skilled workforce responsible for designing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet, have voted to authorize a strike against their employer. The decision underlines growing frustration with the defense contractor, which has reported massive profits even as the workers behind a foundation of the nation’s nuclear deterrence fight for a contract that delivers on their priorities: fair pay, retirement security for all, and dignity on the job. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, labor issues, manufacturing, news, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, General Dynamics Electric Boat, JoAnna McClenathan, Ken Zino, Local 571 President Bill Louis, UAW President Shawn Fain, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariff Chaos – Latest CAR Analysis is Grim
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) released today a new analysis of the impact of potential tariffs on imported auto parts and light vehicles. It tackles what impact will a uniform 25% tariff on all trading partners have on the automotive industry overall?
“The analysis emphasizes the complexity of the modern automotive supply chain, noting that ‘the modern automotive supply chain is both global and complex, convoluting the seemingly simple question of the cost of 25% tariffs on the industry,’ and that ‘automakers and their suppliers are often multinational companies with facilities spread out across the world,’ making it difficult to discern how much of a vehicle is domestically produced,” said Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer at CAR Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB – Cap and Trade Funds ~$33 Billion of Climate Fixes
Nearly $33 billion has been raised to fund so-called climate solutions in communities across the state with money from the state’s Cap-and-Trade Program, according to a new report published by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today. The annual report provides detailed information about California Climate Investments, which tracks funds generated by cap and trade auction proceeds and allocated to 117 programs by the State Legislature.
“California is proving that cutting pollution creates jobs and boosts communities. By holding polluters accountable, we’re sending billions of dollars back to communities and back to people’s wallets through credits on utility bills,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “And we’ve got the receipts: healthier and cleaner communities and thousands of good paying jobs.” Continue reading →