Category Archives: results

Rear-Wheel Lockup Recall on 2020-22 GM Diesel Pickups

Posted on 23 February 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~1100 model-year 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups with diesel engines that may have been repaired incorrectly with the wrong software under NHTSA recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.

“Dealers were presented with an option in GM’s Global Warranty Management (GWM) system to mark a vehicle as having been remedied without first verifying the most recent software version was available. That option has been removed,” GM said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Transmission Failures – Toyota Recalls 2025-26 Lexus LX600s

Posted on 23 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~4400 model year 2025-2026 Lexus LX600 vehicles for software problems that can cause transmission damage, sudden loss of power and fires.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that contains linear solenoids to control the shifting of gears. If a solenoid failure occurs under certain driving conditions, communication may not occur between the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Engine ECU about the failure, resulting in the transmission over-revving in certain gears. This could result in damage to the transmission and a loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash,” Toyota said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Nissan Rogue Recall for Engine Failures and Fires

Posted on 23 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Nissan North America (7201T and NSANY ADR) is recalling ~324,00 model year 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5-liter variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines.

“Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine failure,” Nissan said in the required safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. “If the engine fails while driving, it can result in a loss of motive power (LOMP), and an inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash. In certain rare cases, a bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire, “Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!

Posted on 20 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen workers have voted by a 96% margin to ratify their first union contract. The UAW contract – the first at major Southern auto plant comes with 20 % wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, among other things, that make the UAW a formidable rival for wealthy global corporations. The final tally was announced last night.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.” Continue reading →

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February 2026 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down Again

Posted on 19 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The February sales pace shows a modest improvement over January, but will be down from a year ago, with retail sales projected to decline 4.6%. As in January, performance is being shaped by depressed electric vehicle (EV) retail demand. EVs are expected to account for just 6.6% of retail sales, down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago, while elevated transaction prices continue to weigh on volumes through ongoing affordability pressure,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power. Continue reading →

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Sustainable Energy in America – Mixed Progress in 2025

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Ken Zino

BloombergNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) today revealed the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. It inarguably delivers valuable year-over-year data and insights on the American energy expansion and progress across the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy sectors.

“In 2025, U.S. electricity demand rose considerably for the first time in decades, coinciding with rising electricity prices. At the same time, far-reaching and unpredictable policy changes provided both major challenges and a few unanticipated opportunities for the energy sector,” the Factbook noted. Continue reading →

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EV Owner Satisfaction at New High Amid Sales Slump

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Ken Zino

The JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study,SM released today, notes that overall satisfaction among current battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners is at its highest level since the study’s inception in 2021. “Notably, nearly all owners of new BEVs (96%) say they would consider purchasing or leasing another BEV for their next vehicle,” J.D. Power said in a release. Continue reading →

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Audi Revolut F1 Team and Fanwear Launched

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“As a blend of modern lifestyle and sportswear, the fan collection – including the DNA Range, the Elevated Fanwear Range and drivers’ merchandise – targets a broad audience. Designed for everyday wear, not just race weekends, the diverse product portfolio spans T‑shirts, hoodies, jackets, caps, shoes and more,” Audi said in a release.

“The DNA Range forms the foundation of the collection, focusing on essential pieces built around core styles and the team’s primary colors to clearly express the Audi Revolut F1 Team identity. The Elevated Fanwear Range complements this with lifestyle‑driven key pieces that combine comfort, clean design and subtle branding for a modern everyday look.

“In addition, the collection includes exclusive merchandise from the team’s two drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Several limited‑edition special drops released throughout the season further expand the collection – bold statements that celebrate style, culture and the evolving identity of the Audi Revolut F1 Team,” Audi said. Continue reading →

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Toyota bZ Woodland Mid-Size SUV EV Priced at $45,300

Posted on 17 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The 2026 bZ Woodland brings a different twist to the existing bZ’s style. It adds rugged black over-fenders to the Toyota hammerhead front end, has nearly 6-inches of additional length, and just under one inch of additional height in the rear. The extra length gives it a bit more space than its bZ sibling, with 74.3 cubic feet of storage with second row seats folded flat, versus the bZ model’s 67.1 cubic feet,” Toyota Motor said. Continue reading →

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CAFE Regs Intact Post Trump Endangerment Finding Repeal

Posted on 16 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“The February 12 rule making also substantially revises the federal mobile source regulations to eliminate all federal GHG emission standards established since 2009 for motor vehicles and certain other mobile source engines. This reversal on climate policy creates uncertainty for mobile source manufacturers who made significant investments since 2009 to comply with limits on greenhouse gases, as well as other industries subject to greenhouse gas limits not explicitly rescinded by the rule,” the Foley & Lardner law firm noted today. Continue reading →

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Park Outside – More Jaguar I-PACE Battery Fire Recalls

Posted on 16 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, charge outside, and limit their charge to a maximum of 90% until the recall repair is complete. As an interim repair, the battery software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update to limit the state of charge to 90%. The final remedy is currently under development,” Jaguar said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Magna Posts 2025 EBIT of $2,364 Million

Posted on 13 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“We closed 2025 with a strong fourth quarter, successfully navigating another dynamic year in our industry. Our disciplined execution and commitment to operational excellence enabled us to deliver financial results that were in line with, or exceeded, our February 2025 Outlook across all key metrics. We expanded full-year adjusted EBIT margin by 20 basis points and generated robust Free Cash Flow of $1.9 billion,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna CEO. Continue reading →

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Trump’s EPA Kills Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

Posted on 12 February 2026 by Ken Zino

If upheld by the sure to follow litigation, this is the Death Penalty for Planet Earth. However, the Supreme Court in 2007 ruled that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Since the high court’s decision, in a case known as Massachusetts v. EPA, other courts have rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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IndyCar Stays Green – New Hybrid Engines Coming in 2028

Posted on 12 February 2026 by Ken Zino

IndyCar today announced a multiyear commitment from Chevrolet and Honda to continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of IndyCar and the NTT IndyCar Series.* Each OEM agreement will commence in 2027 and run for multiple years.[Buried in the release was the fact that a new hybrid powertrain – presumably with more electric power – will be used with a new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine introduced in the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series – AutoCrat]

“This is a monumental day for IndyCar, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” said IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles. “Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.” Continue reading →

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