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- Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!
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- Cut Energy Waste. Save $4.8 Trillion or $31,000 a Household!
- Trump-conomics – Consumer Cost For Transportation up 6.5%
- First look – 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls
- Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers
- Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires
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Category Archives: opinions
First Look – 2027 Porsche Taycan EV. Values Crisis?
Porsche (P911.DE) said yesterday that it is enhancing the driving experience of all Taycan models. Some of the changes arise from what AutoInformed thinks is an identity crisis caused by long-held Porsche technology and marketing values facing new-age electronics and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2027 Porsche Taycan EV, AI-supported Voice Pilot, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Kevin Giek, Lars Kern, Manthey Kits, Porsche Digital Interaction, Porsche Electric Sport Sound, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Weissach package, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup
“Silverado has earned truck customers’ trust over decades of hard work in the real world,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “With the Next-Generation 2027 Silverado 1500, we’re taking that legacy forward by building the most capable, refined and advanced Silverado lineup we’ve ever offered.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, opinions
Tagged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado, 2027 Silverado 1500 High Country, 2027 Silverado 1500 Work Truck, 2027 Silverado 1500 ZR2, American Expedition Vehicles, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Flint Engine Operations, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Mark Dickens, Phil Zak, Scott Bell, Silverado 1500, Tonawanda Propulsion, X @KenAutoinformed, ZR2 Bison Edition
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Why Wars Are Costing Motorists So Much
From our friends across the pond comes a timely warning today about wars and government fuel economy policies. [AutoInformed is thinking here about the relaxation of fuel economy standards by the Trump mis-administration, as well as its foreign wars and … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, opinions, people, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ben Hermer, Iran conflict, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, motorists' exposure to global conflict, Ukraine war, Vehicle Data Global, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mixed Results on Trump Auto Tariff, Policy Scorecards
Plante Moran shared its North American Production Outlook 2026 – 2033 forecast with the Society of Automotive Analysts this week. It is investigating at the mid-2026 point how electrification continues to influence auto industry direction as the year unfolds. The estimable mega-consulting firm that deals in audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management globally has a significant advisory presence in the auto industry. It says changes are coming later this decade and into the early 2030s.
“The North American production volume outlook for growth remains, but we’re seeing some geographic shifts, mostly to the US. And amount of this growth will be encountered in the later years of our projections,” said Dan Lee, principal at the Southfield, MI office. And that’s largely due to the delays in EV adoption that we’ve seen whether that’s planned to be paused or not.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dan Lee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Plante Moran, Society of Automotive Analysts, USMCA tariff volume, X @KenAutoinformed
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Striking UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement at American Axle
After walking out on strike at midnight on June 1, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle/Dauch Corporation have reached a tentative agreement with the company, the UAW said last night. The as yet unratified contract gets the workers’ “topline demand” of $30 per hour by 2030, a more than 36% increase to the top wage rate over four years. The UAW claimed there are other “historic gains in a record contract” at the Tier 1 parts supplier to GM.
“Tonight, after 10 days on strike, I am proud to announce that UAW Local 2093 has reached a tentative agreement at American Axle,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “And tonight, after 18 years of sacrifice, these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them.” Continue reading
Posted in blog, customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues, litigation, manufacturing, opinions, people, shows and events
Tagged Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Josh Jager, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Steve Dawes, uaw, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, UAW President Shawn Fain, X @KenAutoinformed
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Harley‑Davidson On-Shoring Motorcycle Production
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) said this week that it is bringing production of the Revolution® Max platform for North America back to the United States as part of the Company’s so-called Back to the Bricks strategy. [The venerable company has been clobbered by Trump Administration economic policies – AutoCrat.]. The move returns machining, powertrain assembly, painting, and final vehicle assembly work back to Harley-Davidson facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with union jobs. The motorcycles are Pan America, Sportster® S, and Nightster models. The production transition is expected to be completed ahead of the start of Model Year 2028 production in 2027. Harley-Davidson expects to manufacture more than 100,000 motorcycles out of the Company’s York, Pennsylvania facility in 2027. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, motorcycles, news analysis, opinions, sales, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged America and Sportster® S and Nightster motorcycles, Artie Starrs, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Vehicle Affordability – Price Increases Small as Incentives Grow
“Average transaction prices are rising 2 – 4% year-over-year across key vehicle segments, powered by a convergence of product cycles and supply dynamics,” said Erin Keating, Executive Analyst, Cox Automotive, the parent company of KBB. “Redesigned SUVs from Toyota, Kia, Jeep, and Hyundai are commanding higher prices out of the gate, while Ford’s F-Series production constraints are tightening truck inventory, lifting average transaction prices, with freshened Ram pickup stepping in to capture buyers at the premium end,” said Keating. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, opinions, prices, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, average vehicle transaction prices, Cox Automotive, Erin Keating, Incentive spending, kelley blue book, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Beware! Catalytic Converters are Pursued by Thieves
“There are a wide range of vehicles impacted, and most of these are pickup trucks and SUVs, which tend to sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to get in and out,” said Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief at CARFAX. “Experts also tell us that while thieves can make anywhere from $25-$300 for a standard catalytic converter, converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1400 because they have even more of those precious metals inside.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, insurance, news analysis, opinions, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Catalytic Converter thefts, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Patrick Olsen, pickup truck and SUV catalytic converter thefts growing., X @KenAutoinformed
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Ralph Nader Arises Again in Uber Legal Accountability Bout
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader has released an open letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi condemning the company’s efforts to limit legal accountability for crashes involving rideshare drivers and autonomous vehicles. It objects to Uber’s push for federal legislation sponsored by Representative Vince Fong (Republican – Bakersfield, CA) that would limit the company’s legal exposure for crashes involving drivers using its platform. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, people, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ralph Nader, Representative Vince Fong, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Unsafe at Any Speed, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike
“After the company now known as Dauch Corporation failed to offer a fair deal after weeks of negotiations, nearly 1000 UAW Local 2093 members walked out on strike in Three Rivers, MI starting Monday 1 June at 12:01 am. Mass picket lines started at 6:00 am,” the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation
Tagged American Axle Three Rivers plant, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, The International Union United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, uaw, UAW Local 2093, UAW parts and components suppliers, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
“The top theme over the last year or so has really been affordability, and this isn’t only related to the auto industry but really about everything facing consumers. And the issue is ALL about purchasing power or more clearly – the erosion of purchasing power for many Americans over the last several years. We’ve all seen new highs in the stock market that have happened many times this year, and those equity gains and asset appreciation really help high income households. Those consumers are driving a lot of consumption across the economy, but the wealth effect gains are concentrated at the very top of the pyramid. The vast majority of the US population sees little gain from the wealth effect and their number one source of income are the paychecks they take home every week. That’s why inflation matters,” said Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist Cox Automotive. Continue reading →