Category Archives: customer satisfaction

CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline

Posted on 25 September 2026 by Ken Zino

California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts amendments to gasoline regulations to support the availability and use of E15 fuel Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!

Posted on 24 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Gasoline is up ~5 cents from last week as the Trump mis-administration policies continue to, well, bomb – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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By the Seat of Their Pants – Premium Seats Lag in Quality?

Posted on 23 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Along with findings from the JD Power 2026 U.S. APEAL Study, which show premium brands no longer hold a clear advantage across key ownership attributes, this year’s results reveal that mass market brands now outperform premiums in seat satisfaction Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 97,349 Jeeps for Flying Roof Racks

Posted on 21 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler is recalling more than 97,000 model year 2022-2026 Jeeps for roof racks flying off. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – New User Interface on GM Pickups

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“Infotainment is a top priority for drivers,* but complex menus shouldn’t get in the way. Built directly around real customer feedback, GM’s new interface unifies software, hardware, and design to deliver fast access, clear information, and effortless control on every drive,” GM said. Continue reading →

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F-Series Fuel Tanks Falling Out – Ford Recalls 223,472 Pickups

Posted on 14 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor is recalling model-year 2023-2027 F-Series pickups because the fuel tank may be incorrectly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving. Continue reading →

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Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails

Posted on 14 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“The war seems likely to continue, stockpiles are depleted, and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming “more successful.” To boot, the Houthis appear poised to control access to the Red Sea, Harrell said. Oil flows remain depressed as traffic through Hormuz is still far below pre-war levels, and the administration’s attempts to boost supplies elsewhere have failed to make up the shortfall,” said Harrell. Continue reading →

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Triumph Motorcycles Recalls TF450 Models

Posted on 12 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Triumph Motorcycles is recalling 2025 and 2026 Triumph TF450 Closed Course Competition Motorcycles because of the  risk of serious injury or death from a crash hazard. The engine rocker arm on the recalled motorcycles can seize or stick and the exhaust valves can remain open or break. Continue reading →

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AAA – Labor Day Weekend Travelers Face Record Pump Prices

Posted on 3 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“The national average is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range. After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on September 3, 2012. Even though gasoline demand decreases this time of year, typically bringing down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil.,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading →

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Unobtrusive Technology Favored by New Vehicle Buyers

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The technology customers value most is often the technology they barely notice because it simply works,” said Doron Hikry, director of customer success at JD Power. “Smart ignition and smart climate control make every day driving easier without demanding the driver’s attention, while more automation and additional screens don’t necessarily translate into a better experience. For automakers, the opportunity is to prioritize technology that makes driving simpler, not more complicated. The features that solve real problems without adding effort or stress for the driver are the ones resonating most with customers.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The subject vehicles are equipped with front and rear shock absorbers that have an external oil reservoir attached to the shock absorber using a welded flange of a certain length. The untreated metal surfaces between the flange, reservoir, and the shock absorber can corrode over time due to moisture intrusion. The corrosion buildup can create an expansive force on the welds securing the reservoir to the shock absorber, which can lead to weld failure.

“In some cases, the reservoir can detach from the shock absorber. If the reservoir detaches while driving, it can create a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash or an injury to another road user,” Toyota said in the mandatory recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.

“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said. Continue reading →

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Software Recall – 500,000 Toyota Camry Hybrids

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling more than 500,000 model year 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid vehicles. The Visteon Corporation Mexican-built instrument cluster display may fail during vehicle startup.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch display combination meter, which controls certain vehicle functions and displays various information in the instrument panel. At vehicle startup, an error may occur in the startup sequence for this combination meter that can cause the combination meter to become blank,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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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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Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling ~49,000 model year 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly. No warning is given before the failure.*

“Seat belts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes, FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which made the recall public this morning. FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace the rear outboard seat belt retractors from Autoliv ASP. The remedy component is a new seat belt retractor. Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety regulations. Continue reading →

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