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- GM Posts H1 2026 Earnings of $1.3B. Raises Guidance Again
- Ford Recalls ~288,000 Explorers for Flying Roof Rail Covers
- First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid
- Volvo Cars Posts Grim Q2 2026 Operating Results
- WEC – Ford Hypercar V8 moves from Dyno to Race Car
- Stellantis Increases EU Registrations during H1 2026
- Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!
- Transportation Costs Rising for Producers. You’ll Pay More Too
- 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
- Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%
Recent Comments
- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
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Category Archives: opinions
Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV
Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today in Japan revealed a prototype version of the Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV. The all-wheel-drive, full-size SUV is aimed directly at the popular and profitable SUVs from the brands at General Motors and Ford Motor Company. TZ is capable of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas [or Tokyo to Kobe -AutoCrat] on one charge. Acceleration is rated by Lexus at 0-100 kms (62.1 miles) in 5.2 seconds. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026.* Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events
Tagged 7203 T, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Forged Bamboo, Ken Zino, Lexus SUVs, Lexus TNGA platform, Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV, NYSE: TM, Takeshi Miyaura, X @KenAutoinformed
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BTS – April 2026 Fuel Prices Soaring for U.S. End Users!
Today, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released monthly motor fuels prices for April 2026. The news was grim for U.S motorists, confirming the trend under the Trump mis-administration.
“In April 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.10 per gallon; up 12.8% from March 2026 and up 29.4% from April 2025, BTS said. “The average price for diesel no. 2 was $5.50 in April 2026, up 11.8% from March 2026, and up 54.2% from April 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading
Posted in energy, financial results, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bts, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Ken Zino, U.S. Fuel Prices April 2026, X @KenAutoinformed
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May Day – UAW Strike Votes at American Axle, Woodward MPC
UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, aka Dauch Corporation, today announced plans to hold a strike authorization vote starting 11 May. Results will be counted on 12 May, with the chance for workers to walk out of the Three … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, opinions, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged American Axle aka Dauch Corporation, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jose Tapia, Ken Zino, May Day labor actions, UAW Local 2093, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes, UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell, X @KenAutoinformed
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Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
This is a good result in AutoInformed’s view given that Magna is managing its production volumes impacted by a large and complicated range of factors. Recently, Trump’s military conflicts and tariffs. Then there are global supply chain issues, including interference to supply of and/or increased costs of steel, aluminum, resin, energy supplies and so forth. Critical parts include semiconductor and memory (DRAM) chips which are causing OEM, supplier or sub-supplier disruptions. Then there are commodity prices, labor disruptions, cost of skilled labor and political regulatory actions among other challenges – AutoCrat. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, engineering, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results, sales, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Magna International Inc, Magna Q1 2026 Earnings, Swamy Kotagiri, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trumped – Used Car Prices Spike after Hitting 12-Month Low
“With rising prices, flexibility is important,” said Sri Melkote, Chief Analytics Officer at CARFAX. “Shoppers should consider different makes, models, years, trims, or even nearby markets to find the best deals that fit their budget. This type of swing in prices suggests a volatile market, so tracking prices right now is crucial. Once you’re ready, a vehicle history report can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure real value.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, financial results, marketing, news analysis, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carfax, Iran War, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Sri Melkote, Straits of Hormuz, used car prices, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 8 cents since last week to $4.16, according to the latest data published by AAA. The last time the national average reached that price was in early August of 2022.*
“Crude oil prices remain high, even as they’ve fluctuated in recent days following the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The price for a barrel of crude dropped below $100 but then rose again, highlighting the volatility of oil markets and fluidity of geopolitical events,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, people, prices, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eia, Energy Information Administration, gasoline and all prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Straights of Hormuz, Trump’s Iranian War Costs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit Announced
The Rosen Law Firm, which bills itself as a global investor rights law firm, today announced a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange of Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) between 26 February 2025 and 5 February 2026, inclusive (the so-called “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, failed Stellantis EV strategy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, New York Stock Exchange, Rosen Law Firm, Stellantis common stock, Stellantis N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – National Gasoline Prices Hit Four Year High!
Today’s average of $4.08 is ten cents higher than last week and $1.08 higher than a month ago. Crude oil prices have been surging, surpassing $100/barrel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. In 2022, gas prices remained elevated from March through August, peaking in June when the national average reached a record of $5/gallon for one week,” AAA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, fuel economy or emissions, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crude oil prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Gasoline Prices, the Strait of Hormuz, Trump mis-administration Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
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EU New Car Registrations Drop in February 2026
In February 2026 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name] The data of course are before the ongoing Trump mis-administration Iran war.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, manufacturing, marketing, opinions, results, sales
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, EU vehicle registrations February 2026, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, February 2026 EU New Car Registrations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Predictions Markets – Wagering on Government Actions?
New Data for Progress polling finds that a majority of voters (59%) agree that wagers on potential government actions, ranging from what politicians will say in speeches to whether the U.S. will carry out a military strike, should not be permitted. Continue reading
Posted in news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Data for Progress, DfP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, predictions market conflicts of interest, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B
“The U.S. trade deficit for goods hit a record in 2025 despite Trump’s claim his signature tariffs would reduce it, new data shows. Trump declared the country’s goods trade deficit a national emergency last year and pledged to shrink it as part of efforts to revive U.S. manufacturing. Yesterday’s numbers add to previous data suggesting U.S. companies have generally not brought production back home—all while Trump’s tariff policy is being challenged in a Supreme Court case,” The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said. [The U.S. Supreme Court today in a 6-3 ruling said tariffs that Trump imposed under an emergency powers law were unconstitutional. This also covers so-called “reciprocal” tariffs that he levied. – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, opinions, results, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brad Setser, goods and services trade deficit, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, The Council on Foreign Relations, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. manufacturing jobs, U.S. trade deficit for goods, X @KenAutoinformed
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Traffic Jam – Record 48.9m Independence Day Travel
Overall travel volume for the holiday is expected to rise 4.1% over last year, with an additional 1.9 million people planning road trips and other vacations to celebrate America’s birthday. Continue reading
Trumped Thumped – N.A. Automaker 2025 Tariff Costs $12.5B!
“$12 billion is a hefty bill, and that’s only for cars and parts from two countries,” said Anh Do, senior analyst at Anderson Economic Group. “The total tariff burden borne by the American auto industry and its customers last year is much higher when you include tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as imports from Europe and Asia.” Continue reading →