Category Archives: environment

CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline

Posted on 25 September 2026 by Ken Zino

California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts amendments to gasoline regulations to support the availability and use of E15 fuel Continue reading →

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ACEA – Hybrids Top August EU Car Registrations

Posted on 24 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Hybrid-electric vehicles again ranked as the most popular powertrain choice amongst buyers during August 2026. Battery-electric cars accounted for 21.7% of new EU car registrations. Continue reading →

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California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again

Posted on 21 September 2026 by Ken Zino

The science behind climate change is unassailable. California has tracked the impacts of climate change on the state for more than two decades finding rapidly accelerating effects. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, I personally observed during decades or working and traveling there and elsewhere nationally or internationally that  climate change is real and precipitously worsening. – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Hydrogen Fuel SUV Prototype Under Testing

Posted on 10 September 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW iX5 Hydrogen fueled SUV is now undergoing road testing. Continue reading →

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Stellantis SUSTAINera Expands Remanufactured Parts Line

Posted on 3 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“Within the SUSTAINera 4R strategy (Reman, Repair, Reuse, Recycle), Remanufacturing plays a central role, as it helps customers and repairers meet growing needs for affordable and sustainable aftermarket solutions with no compromise on quality. All the parts are restored to OEM specifications, with the same performance and warranty as genuine  parts – while reducing environmental impact by saving up to 80% raw materials and enabling up to 40% of non-emitted CO2 compared to new parts, supporting a more resource-efficient approach to mobility,” Stellantis said in a release. Continue reading →

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First Look – Lexus NX Compact Crossover Hybrid SUV

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203T) offered a world debut of an updated NX on September 1. The compact crossover hybrid model is scheduled to be introduced across global markets from the end of 2026. Presumably as a 2027 model. [However as with all global automakers, Lexus is subject to the tariff whims, resentments and revenge actions of the Trump Mis-Administration. The Lexus NX is made in Cambridge Ontario in Canada – AutoCrat.]* As of the end of July 2026, cumulative sales have reached approximately 1.9 Million units across more than 90 countries and regions, establishing the NX as a core model in the global Lexus SUV lineup. Continue reading →

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BMW to Make New Active Safety Assistance Systems Standard

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The broad rollout of our new active safety functions as standard is based on our ‘Smart, Symbiotic, Safe’ philosophy. We bring drivers and assistance systems together into a cooperative system that works in harmony. At BMW, active safety functions operate as quiet, intelligent companions in the background, discreet yet highly effective when it matters most in critical situations,” says Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

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Police Reports Undercount Cellphone Use Before Crashes

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“It’s widely accepted that police reports often fail to capture the role of cellphones in crashes. Many smartphone functions are hard for a witness to see, and drivers are reluctant to admit being distracted,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Telematics are allowing us to understand the true magnitude of the problem.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar to use Tweaked Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The updated formulation reflects the ongoing evolution of the program and the shared vision of IndyCar and Shell to advance fuel technology through competition,” IndyCar said in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. ahead of this weekend’s Freedom 250, which will run past the U.S. Capital building.  Continue reading →

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Audi URBANFILTER Debuts at F1 Race in Zandvoort

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Audi said today that its URBANFILTER for microplastics will be used at this weekend’s Formula 1 race in Zandvoort. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well a defection to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.] Continue reading →

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Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling ~49,000 model year 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly. No warning is given before the failure.*

“Seat belts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes, FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which made the recall public this morning. FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace the rear outboard seat belt retractors from Autoliv ASP. The remedy component is a new seat belt retractor. Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety regulations. Continue reading →

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Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling More than 1,271,294 model year 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups. The second-row seat-belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.

“Some 2019-2026 MY Ram 1500 vehicles may have been built with second-row seat belt buckle anchors not properly attached to the body structure, which may result in reduced occupant restraint capabilities. FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public this morning. Continue reading →

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California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used.

“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading →

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