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Category Archives: results
How China Is Gutting Western Automakers
“Make the world more dependent on China. Make China less dependent on the world.” – Xi Jinping (Politburo, Dual Circulation Strategy, May 2020) If China’s goal is total domination of the global auto industry, the master plan might look something like this:
Scale Up: Build enough capacity to supply more than half of the world’s annual demand for vehicles.
Flood In: Launch a frenzied push of exports into markets worldwide and, with aggressive pricing, take large chunks of market share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, customer satisfaction, economy, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news, news analysis, people, sales, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dunne Insights, Ford CEO Jim Farley, industrial policy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Li Chenggang, michael dunne, Peter Fleet, Rare earth magnets, X @KenAutoinformed, Xi Jinping
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Online Marketing – Aston Martin Reveals New Configurator
Aston Martin with the launch of the most comprehensive update of its online Configurator since it originally debuted four years ago, claims it “is a true gateway to the brand, and the refresh refines and elevates aspects of the user experience to create a truly premium digital presence.” (Marketing Babble alert – AutoCrat>
“Our Configurator is an integral part of the modern Aston Martin customer experience,” said Alex Long, Aston Martin’s Global Marketing Director. “Our digital team has worked closely with Aston Martin’s design studio to shape an experience that is vivid, responsive, and inspirational. It’s essential to us that the quality and richness of Aston Martin’s design, engineering and craftsmanship is faithfully rendered to potential customers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged Alex Long, Aston Martin Configurator, Aston Martin DBX S, Aston Martin Valhalla, Aston Martin Vanquish, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Gaydon environment, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Volante, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Job Approval Flat. Congress Drops
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) today released the results of the September Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, a monthly group effort between the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard (CAPS) and the Harris Poll and HarrisX.
“Voters’ outlook on the country remains largely the same with strong opposition to the government shutdown,” said Mark Penn, Co-Director of the Harvard CAPS / Harris poll and Stagwell Chairman and CEO. “They feel the rhetoric of today’s political leaders has grown too polarizing and is fueling political violence, and they want leadership that works to unite the country.” Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, news, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Center for American Political Studies at Harvard, Harris Poll, HarrisX, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mark Penn, September Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Yet Again
“We are pleased to reward shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend”, said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr. “We remain confident in our business and continue to generate strong cash flow, preserve a healthy balance sheet and maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation.”
Penske Automotive Group’s Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call is upcoming on 29 October 2025 at 2 pm ET. AutoCrat opines that this is a signal that the earnings will be strong. However, all the usual SEC forward looking statement caveats apply. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, results, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NYSE: PAG, penske automotive group, Robert H. Kurnick Jr, roger penske, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Endorses Graham Platner for U.S. Senate in Maine
“Inequality is out of control in our country. Today, the top 1% have more wealth than the bottom 95% of humanity combined. Graham understands this, and at a time when too many politicians take their cues from billionaires and corporate lobbyists, he has chosen to stand with the working class,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.
“As a U.S. military veteran, oyster farmer, and proud lifelong Mainer, Graham Platner is a true fighter for the working class. His campaign is grounded in rebuilding the American dream for working people who can no longer afford a good life. His service and his background give him the leadership needed to fight for policies that put the needs of workers first and demand bold solutions to our economic and political crises,” the UAW said in a news release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, environment, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, https://www.grahamforsenate.com/, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Possible Fires – Hyundai Recalls 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs
Hyundai Motor America is recalling ~135,386 model year 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUVs. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause contact with the cooling fan assembly, potentially causing an electrical short, which can increase the risk of an electrical fire. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama made the vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety administration discovered the potential safety problems when conducted a New Car Assessment Program (“NCAP”) front barrier crash test on a 2024 model year Sante Fe during November of 2024. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2024-2025 Santa Fe SUV fire recall, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama recalls, Hyundai recall 285, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA recall 25V659 or 25V-659, Recalls on 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Good Jobs First Violation Tracker at Ten Years
“Our aim has been to make Violation Tracker the definitive resource on corporate wrongdoing of all kinds,” said Philip Mattera, who created the database and leads its growth and maintenance. “We hope it serves a valuable role both for those researching corporate abuses and those working to end them.” Continue reading
Posted in blog, financial results, fools 'n frauds, litigation, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bauman Foundation, Charlie Cray, Communications Workers of America, Good Jobs First Violation Tracker, Greenpeace, Greg LeRoy, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Nell Geiser, Philip Mattera, Public Citizen, Reva & David Logan Foundation, Rick Claypool, Surdna Foundation, X @KenAutoinformed
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IMSA Petit Le Mans – Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche Win in Finale
IMSA says that 241 race transporters as well as the cars and trucks that carried in thousands of week-long campers and daily ticket holders to the Road Atlanta infield where the 10-hour Petite LeMans was scheduled to run was at capacity by early Thursday afternoon. Local landowners then rented their properties to IMSA to create additional parking areas outside the 2.54-mile circuit for the season ending series finale.
“We had a complete sellout,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “We had to stop selling tickets because we couldn’t fit any more people in. From the attendance to the racing, it was truly an epic weekend.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged 10-hour Petite LeMans, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Racing, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, Earl Bamber, Filipe Albuquerque, Frederik Vesti, GTP, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Jack Aitken, John Doonan, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Laurens Vanthoor, Motul Petit Le Mans, Nicky Catsburg, Nico Varrone, Porsche 963 racecars, Ricky Taylor, Road Atlanta, roger penske, Thomas Laudenbach, Tommy Milner, Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, X @KenAutoinformed
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HondaJet Flies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel!
Honda Aircraft Company today announced it has become the first twin-turbine very light business jet manufacturer to fly the HondaJet on a successful test flight running a 100% blend of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). HondaJet aircraft currently in service have been operated by customers on approved SAF blends of up to 50%. GE Honda Aero successfully completed tests of the HF120 engine on the ground utilizing 100% SAF fuel blends in 2022 and 2023, providing an early demonstration of the feasibility of the HondaJet’s recent test flight.
“We are immensely proud of our Honda Aircraft Company engineering team carrying forward our commitment to the future of aviation by demonstrating that the HondaJet is capable of operating on a 100% SAF blend,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “This achievement is a step toward aligning our business activities with the global Honda goal of decarbonizing our business activities by 2050.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, aviation, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged Amod Kelkar, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GE Honda Aero, Honda aircraft company, hondajet, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Piedmont Triad International Airport, sustainable aviation fuels or SAF, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Post Q3 2025 Shipments of 1.3M
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) today released its Q3 consolidated shipment estimates. “Shipments” is the volume of vehicles delivered to dealers, distributors, or directly from the Company to retail and fleet customers, which results in revenue recognition. Consolidated shipments for the three months ending September 30, 2025, were an estimated 1.3 million units, a 13% increase y-o-y. Most of the increase was driven by North America, also supported by year-over-year shipment growth in Enlarged Europe and Middle East & Africa. Business environment and competitive challenges remain in China and South America.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Citroën C3, Citroën C3 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, HEMI® V8-powered Ram 1500, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NYSE: STLA, Opel Frontera, Stellantis Q3 2025 consolidated shipment estimates, Stellantis Q3 2025 sales, X @KenAutoinformed
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Genesis Opens California Design Studio
“At Genesis, design is brand and brand is design,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “Genesis Design California is the embodiment of this. It embraces our distinct Korean identity creating a space that inspires creativity. I cannot wait to see that inspiration come to life in the team’s work.” Continue reading
Posted in concept, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Genesis Design California in El Segundo, José Muñoz, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Luc Donckerwolke, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Mercedes Joins Renewable Carbon Initiative
“Joining the ‘Renewable Carbon Initiative’ is an important step in driving the transition to renewable carbon sources and working with strong partners to develop innovative, fossil-free solutions,” said Dr. Ulf Zillig, Vice President Group Research, Sustainability and RD Functions, Mercedes-Benz AG. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, basf, Continental, Covestro, Dr. Ulf Zillig, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, michelin, Renewable Carbon Initiative, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Sales Tank in China. So-So Elsewhere
Porsche (P911.DE) said today that a total of 212,509 cars were delivered to customers worldwide between January and September, of which 35.2% were electrified (+12.8 percentage points). However, in China the world’s largest market, Porsche has lost its once gleaming image and lucrative result. In China, 32,195 cars were delivered to customers (-26%.) The primary Porsche excuses for this decline “remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and the intense competition in the Chinese market.” The gleam is also fading elsewhere for Porsche.
“Porsche continues to maintain robust delivery figures this year. The level is in line with our expectations, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical and economic conditions,“ claimed Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “In the coming months, our customers can look forward to many exceptional product offerings. We recently unveiled the new 911 Turbo S at the IAA, the range-topping version of our iconic sports car. This strengthens our brand core. Demand for the new flagship is very strong, and the car has received a lot of praise from the media and prospective customers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese Market, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Matthias Becker, Porsche sales results Q3 2025, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000
“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged 2027 Bolt, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bolt and Equinox EV, DC public fast charging, Global Chevrolet, Google Maps, Google Play, Hey Google’ voice assistance, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nacs charging port, Scott Bell, Super Cruise, U.S. Department of Energy, vehicle-to-home power, X @KenAutoinformed, X76 electric drive unit
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First Look – 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT
Ford Motor Company(NYSE: F) said today that it is introducing the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® GT California Special. It’s a special edition as an optional package that brings a heritage-inspired design to the Mustang family’s newest member. In the 1960s, California dealers were responsible for a large portion of all Mustang sales and wanted their contributions to the vehicle’s success commemorated through a unique package. In 1968, the original California Special was born. The coupe’s original red and black accents and aero features would define the trim package for years. Just over 4000 of the original California Special Mustang vehicles were built. Continue reading →