Category Archives: news

First look – 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE: TM) revealed details of the 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback – a compact car with high quality, durability pert driving traits and unique value in AutoInformed’s experience, which covers decades of reviews and even ownership of one. It will be in dealerships this Summer. Both are built at the Tsutsumi Plant in Aichi, Japan. Info on the 2027 Corolla Sedan will come later.

Available in SE and XSE grades, the 2027 Corolla Hatchback starts at $24,780 (SE) and $27,875 (XSE) MSRP that excludes a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. Reinforcing the value proposition is Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory-scheduled service for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage. Continue reading →

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Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler* (FCA US) is recalling ~120,000 2026 model year Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L SUVs. The brake system control module software may cause a loss of electronic stability control and a loss of electronic brake assist. These SUVs go not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” The supplier is ZF group. Continue reading →

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Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)) is recalling ~43,000 2021-2023 model-year Mustang Mach E vehicles for powertrain [primary drive unit or PDU- AutoCrat] failures. It is also recalling 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD models for defective wiper and washer systems. All told ~111,000 Mustangs are affected. The most serious safety defect is a powertrain failure (NHTSA recall 26V417 or 26V-417, Ford 26S50) that results from Mexican supplied Borg Warner PDU for the 2021-2023 Mustang Mach E. The rear-wheel drive vehicles a rear differential pinion shaft may fracture without warning. Continue reading →

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Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect filing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made public this morning. Continue reading →

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Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Audi of America reported today a Q2 sales drop of -17% when compared year-over-year. There was no release with commentary just the sales chart shown here at AutoInformed. This came as the parent company Volkswagen Group (VOW.DE) Executive Board yesterday presented the Supervisory Board with 12 initiatives to make the financially bedridden Group. [Share price is down 66% during the last five years; -25% year-over-year at ~€76 as customers are apparently searching for more affordable wheels or are no longer happy with product Audi product offerings – AutoCrat.] No doubt Audi of America executives were in Wolfsburg fighting for the survival of the brand. Continue reading →

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Loss Making Survival Diet – VW Group Efficiency Quest

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our goal is clear: by 2030, we will make the Volkswagen Group the most attractive automotive company in the world – with iconic brands, inspiring products, leading technologies, robust financial results, reliable capital market performance and a team spirit in action,” claimed Oliver Blume, CEO of the Group. “With our future plan, we are moving into the next phase of transformation by our own means. We are making the Volkswagen Group faster, more resilient and more competitive: through less complexity, focused technologies, an even stronger alignment of products, development and production with regional markets, the reduction of over-capacities, a streamlined equity portfolio and significantly leaner structures. In this way, we are creating the conditions for sustained success – even in an increasingly demanding environment.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“As we celebrate 30 years of Honda manufacturing excellence in Ohio, we’re not just reflecting on our history; we’re accelerating toward the future,” said Jason Foster, Power Unit Manufacturing Plant lead. “The unyielding continued commitment of TMP-O associates to producing top-quality drivetrains will allow us to continue building on the legacy we celebrate today,”

With a total investment of more than $1 billion, the 1.1-million square-foot Ohio transmission plant employs more than 1200 associates, with the annual capacity to produce more than 1 million transmissions and gear shifts, 500,000 two-motor hybrid systems, along with transfer cases and differentials for four-wheel drive vehicles. Continue reading →

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Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and … Continue reading →

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War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

 “Gas prices are going up again, as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 5 cents overnight to $3.84 after steadily dropping since late May. Crude oil prices are currently in the $70 per barrel range but could rise if volatility lingers along the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said in a release today. Continue reading →

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Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index – Affordability Lurks?

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Affordability is the throughline in the first half of 2026. We’ve seen stronger appreciation in older units this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers. The risk we’re watching for the second half is that steep ramp in off-lease supply, EVs especially, which could pressure specific segments even as the headline holds firm. Gas is the swing factor: If pump prices keep falling, some of that EV demand could fade as availability increases,” said Gregory.

“I’d caution against reading too much into the softer year-over-year print: the deceleration from May’s 3.6% to June’s 2.1% is mostly a base effect, as we’re now lapping last June, when values were still climbing on tariff-induced demand. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls ~326,000 Odysseys for Bad Rearview Cameras

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The defect was caused by two contributing factors. First, the specification for the rearview camera housing boss hole was inadequate for the mounting screw. Second, due to variations in the positioning of the housing on the assembly jig, the mounting screw is susceptible to being misaligned during assembly. As a result, the stress generated during screw fastening exceeded the material strength of the boss, causing it to crack. Through environmental exposure (thermal expansion/freezing of trapped water), these cracks can expand, allowing water to penetrate the interior of the assembly,” Honda told NHTSA. [This causes the printed circuit board (PCB) to corrode and fail – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“America faces an unprecedented surge in imported consumer products entering through increasingly complex global supply chains, including millions of direct-to-consumer shipments that often bypass traditional retail distribution. CPSC faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly where products originate from countries that do not comply with U.S. safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. Continue reading →

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Toyota – $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

Posted on 7 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Toyota’s continued investment in North America is a testament to our confidence in the region’s workforce, innovation and long-term growth potential,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO TMNA. “By expanding our San Antonio plant, we are deepening our commitment to American manufacturing, creating meaningful and sustainable jobs, while advancing our mission to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet the changing needs of customers today and into the future.” Continue reading →

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Ford and Lincoln Recalls For Bad Pedestrian Backup Warnings

Posted on 6 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 66,000 2024-2027 model-year Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.* The Phoenix Audio System supplied by Harmon International has a software error in the Digital Signal Processing Module This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Continue reading →

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Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Ford Motor Company leads the safety defect recall parade. Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations. The dataset includes recall information related to specific NHTSA campaigns. General Motors, Chrysler (FCAUS) Hyundai Motor and Toyota follow. Continue reading →

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