Category Archives: news

Covid Recovery: GM Stock Dividend Returns

GM suspended its quarterly dividend in April of 2020 in response to uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. While some uncertainty still exists, AutoInformed thinks that the ongoing successes of the Biden Administration’s public health and employment policies – particularly the passage of the Stop Inflation Recovery Act of 2022 – are reasons for optimism. Continue reading

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IMSA 2023 – Acura ARX-06 GTP Racer Revealed

The latest in a line of Acura endurance racing prototypes, the ARX-06 features Acura-specific bodywork and aerodynamics based around an all-new widely used ORECA LMDh chassis** with an electrified hybrid power unit – a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V6 internal combustion engine designed, developed and manufactured by Honda Performance Development [HPD], the racing arm for Acura Motorsports in North America. Continue reading

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First Look – 2023 Dodge Hornet and Hornet R/T PHEV

There are three versions of the Dodge brand’s new entry in the compact utility vehicles (CUV) segment. The line consists of Hornet R/T; the Hornet GT, claimed to be the quickest, most powerful CUV under $30,000; and the Hornet GT GLH Concept, which uses optional Direct Connection performance parts upgrades. Continue reading

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Success Threatens EVs as Public Charging Lacks Juice

“Public charging continues to provide challenges to overall EV adoption and current EV owners alike,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of global automotive at J.D. Power. “Not only is the availability of public charging still an obstacle, but EV owners continue to be faced with charging station equipment that is inoperable. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program promises to provide funds to states for building out their EV public charging infrastructure.” Continue reading

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BMW M is Testing a High-Performance EV Prototype

The testing at the moment centers on a four-wheel drive system with four electric motors and an integrated driving dynamics control system. BMW claims that together they provide an unprecedented level of performance and experience. If successful – not a bad bet – it could bring another aspect to the meaning of amped-up AutoInformed opines. Continue reading

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Up-sizing and Pricing: Chevy ZR2 Bison Now on Silverado

Deliveries will start in 2023 with a MSRP of $78,490 after destination. This is $8,295 more than the 2022 Silverado ZR2. Is it worth the money for modest changes in specifications and no increase in output? Well, performance trucks are a hot segment – we will see what the market will reveal. Continue reading

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Aston Martin DBR22 Concept Shown in California

Q by Aston Martin this year marks a decade of building exclusive cars for the “world’s most discerning” – or is that richest – customers? There exist one-off commissions such as Aston Martin Victor, and low volume specials such as Vulcan – limited to 24 examples worldwide, and Vantage V600 – just 14, are examples of these collaborations. Continue reading

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First Look at Nowhere – 2023 GMC Canyon and AT4X

No, the expensive truck division of GM wasn’t referring to the well-publicized industry semi-conductor and other shortages induced by Covid that has severely restricted production. Instead GMC was trying to emphasize the off-road aspects of the mid-size pickup truck.

Instead GMC was trying to emphasize the off-road aspects of the mid-size pickup truck. Continue reading

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Two Bronco Heritage Models New for 2023

Ford will build 1966 units of each Heritage Limited Edition model to commemorate the year the original Bronco debuted, which given the ongoing parts shortages likely will result in fewer less expensive versions. Continue reading

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First Look – All Electric Mercedes EQS SUV

First Look: All Electric Mercedes EQS SUV Continue reading

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VW Recalls Audi, Golf Models for Exploding Airbags

In the required NHTSA filing made public today VW Group said, “Audi is aware of one customer claim due to this issue.” The issues are an inflator explosion that may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. And/or an improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash. Continue reading

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Western European Car Sales Point to a Recession

Well partially yes, but AutoInformed’s reading of economic data leads us to believe that Europe is in an ongoing recession as the US economy is growing. LMC’s take is, arguably, more optimistic than ours. Continue reading

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Transportation Unemployment Now at Pre-Pandemic Levels

This means that the July 2022 rate – by falling 3.1 percentage points from 7.3% in July 2021 – is now same as the pre-pandemic July level of 4.2% in July 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 under the failed policies and denials of what would become the voted-out Trump Administration in November 2020. Thus the Biden Administration policies continue to strongly benefit the economy and US workers. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor FY Q1 Profit Drop Spooks Market

Aside from the well-known semiconductor problems, Covid lockdowns in Shanghai and other parts of Asia, as well as flooding in South Africa hurt the results. Toyota shares fell -3.45% after it released its earnings report, which showed a 42% year-over-year drop in operating profit, but recovered slightly to close down -2.99%. The Nikkei average share closed up 0.69% at ¥27,932.20 and even topped the ¥28,000 mark. Continue reading

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July US Light Vehicle Sales Still Stalled

“July sales were slightly behind the June volumes, but not all OEMs were that stable. GM lost more than 20,000 units, and it was outsold by Toyota for the first time since January. On the positive side, Ford, Mazda and Toyota gained the most volume from June. Toyota remained the bestselling brand, but its lead over Ford shrank considerably this month. Continue reading

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