Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions

Why Wars Are Costing Motorists So Much

Posted on 12 June 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Honda Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Set U.S. May Sales Record

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) said today that it posted a May 2026 sales increase of 9.9% at 148,903 units, with year-to-date sales reaching 623,139. Honda hybrid-electric vehicles set a new monthly sales record of 42,583 units, led by the CR-V hybrid setting a new May sales record, accounting for 54% of model sales in May, with Accord at 50% hybrid mix and Civic sales at 31% hybrid.

“A strong lineup of affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles powered American Honda to strong May sales results,” AHM said. Continue reading →

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California Air Resources Board Tweaks Cap-and-Invest

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

“At a moment when climate policy is under attack and global economic upheaval is creating real uncertainty, this rule-making is critically important for California,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with consistency. By moving forward today, we are responding to real affordability concerns while sending a clear and unwavering signal to the world that we remain committed to long-term investment in clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities.” Continue reading →

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First Glance – Acura Hybrid SUV

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Honda will reallocate more development and production resources into hybrid models to accelerate the market launch ahead of the original schedule and increase the number of compelling products,” said Toshihiro Mibe, global CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “We have made steady progress in the development of hybrid vehicle technologies, where Honda has strengths, based on our belief that hybrid models will continue to be the key to addressing environmental challenges.” [Today Honda posted its first Japanese full-year loss in history taking ~$9 billion in costs ‌to restructure its electric-vehicle business. Honda also dumped its longer-term EV sales forecast.-AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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GM First U.S. Automaker at 100% Renewable Electricity

Posted on 24 April 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this week as part of Earth Day observances that in 2025 GM reached a major milestone. GM has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all its U.S. facilities — making GM the first U.S. automaker to reach this goal.

“Managing energy use isn’t just a checkbox for a corporate environmental report these days; it’s a business necessity,” said Cassandra Garber, chief sustainability officer at GM.
Continue reading →

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Light-Duty Fuel Cell Trucks – Isuzu, Toyota Collaboration!

Posted on 15 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“One of the challenges to the widespread adoption of FCEVs is the high vehicle price point. Isuzu is working to reduce costs by optimizing the vehicle body structure and reviewing manufacturing processes. Toyota is undertaking similar efforts through innovations in fuel cell design and manufacturing processes,” the companies said. Continue reading →

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Shared Fuel Cell Technology – Daimler Truck, Volvo, Toyota

Posted on 6 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric (sic) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a non-binding agreement to cooperate in the fuel cell system joint venture called cellcentric. The timing is propitious given the Artemis II Orion spacecraft uses hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell systems to generate electricity and potable water for the crew during its 10-day mission that is underway. Continue reading →

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AAA – National Gasoline Prices Hit Four Year High!

Posted on 2 April 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Subaru Shows 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid SUV

Posted on 1 April 2026 by Ken Zino

As with the Subaru Forester Hybrid, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle [Delayed intake valve closing, compensated for with supercharging or other methods such as electric motors for recovering lost power – AutoCrat.] 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer® engine optimized for efficiency, paired with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and electric motors to produce 194 horsepower. The next-generation Subaru Hybrid system uses a series-parallel configuration to integrate with the existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Continue reading →

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Consumers, Not Regulators Now Rule EV Market

Posted on 25 March 2026 by Ken Zino

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) today released its analysis of the U.S. electric vehicle market for Q4 and full-year 2025. EV sales in Q4 lowest since first quarter of 2022; down year-over-year. The market reflected a major shift to actual consumer demand free of the influence of now eliminated EV incentives under the Trump mis-administration in AutoInformed’s view. Consumer satisfaction with and demand for electrified vehicles remain considerable and too large for automakers to ignore, now matter the follies of Trump appointed idolaters/regulators. Hybrids in particular remain a strong and growing segment. Continue reading →

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Magna Increases Its Hybrid Drive Offerings

Posted on 24 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Magna’s approach to electrification is centered on giving our customers flexible pathways forward,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “DHD REX reflects our commitment to adaptable, customer‑focused solutions that support a wide range of performance and market expectations.” Continue reading →

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EPA – Use Abandoned Scrap Tires as Fuel

Posted on 20 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“Abandoned tire piles across the U.S. pose a threat to the health and safety of Americans, but this waste stream can be and should be responsibly and carefully addressed to make America both healthy and energy dominant again. Our latest proposal provides a common-sense approach to better clean up scrap tires and realize their full potential as fuel,” claimed Office of Land and Emergency Management Acting Assistant Administrator Thomas Croci. 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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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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