Category Archives: opinions

Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, … Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Board established the Special Committee to review and consider the unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal received by the Board on July 22, 2026 from Penske Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own for cash consideration of $210 per share (the “Proposal”).

“There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to the Proposal or any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached. The Company does not intend to comment further or disclose any developments regarding the Proposal unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. The Company’s shareholders do not need to take any action at this time,” PAG said. 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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Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Posted on 7 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report. Continue reading →

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Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading →

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UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His a grassroots campaign was promoted in large part by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support. Continue reading →

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SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Well, with Europe and England melting, burning and experiencing droughts as the pernicious results of Climate Change, something is clearly going have to be done – now! This means more non-fossil fueled vehicles. Enter the next round of, well, heated debates. The age old problem here is WHO PAYS. AutoInformed votes for shared costs, and is wary of subsidies to industries that are literally destroying life on planet earth. There is some room for nuance, although Britain’s revolving door of Prime Ministers, and the near suicide by Brexit policies to withdraw from a collective union in AutoInformed’s view makes the future grim for inhabitants of Old Blighty. This is a global war that needs to be won by all. Continue reading →

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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China. Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading →

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Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading →

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CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading →

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July 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Slightly Higher

Posted on 22 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Against that backdrop, our near-term forecast moves mostly higher, except in Greater China, where soft consumer sentiment is still dragging sales and pulling production down,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global. “The important nuance: Chinese OEMs are leaning harder on exports to keep plants running, and that is reshaping pricing and competitive intensity across multiple regions.**

“At the same time, inflation is keeping buyers price-sensitive. Demand is resilient in many markets, but it can turn quickly if fuel prices rise, credit tightens, or confidence slips, especially in higher-priced segments where mix and margins move first,” said Wall. Continue reading →

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Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!

Posted on 16 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump and pushing crude oil prices toward $80 per barrel. Most states are still averaging less than $4 per gallon. Earlier this year, the national average remained in the $4 range all of April and May and most of June. Last time the national average was $4 or above was on June 17 when it was $4.02,” AAA said. Continue reading →

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Transportation Costs Rising for Producers. You’ll Pay More Too

Posted on 15 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released the change in the costs faced by producers purchasing transportation services and industries producing them, from June 2025 to June 2026. Transportation equipment PPI indicate the changes in transportation equipment prices faced by transportation providers. Any increase raises providers costs, which ultimately are passed on to everyday Americans. The PPI shows that prices increased for freight transportation and equipment by 2.3% in June 2026 compared to June 2025. Continue reading →

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Cut Energy Waste. Save $4.8 Trillion or $31,000 a Household!

Posted on 15 July 2026 by Ken Zino

ACEEE found opportunities for progress in eight broad areas: buildings equipment efficiency, zero-emissions new buildings, existing building improvements, industrial energy efficiency and electric heat, reduced industrial materials, efficient and electric vehicles, transportation system efficiency and access, and electricity demand flexibility. Continue reading →

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