Category Archives: results

ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Automakers are navigating a market where innovation and practicality collide,” said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “Customers expect advanced technology and efficiency, but they’re also scrutinizing every dollar spent. The brands that thrive will be those that can deliver meaningful improvements without losing sight of what matters most to drivers right now.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Ford Motor Recalls – Lincoln Corsairs, F-150s, Mach-Es

Posted on 18 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a variety of vehicles for safety defects according to the mandatory recall documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Ford is operating under a NHTSA consent decree because of its previous problems with defective vehicles and if or how safety recalls were conducted. The largest recall (~103,174) covers 2023-2025 model year F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. This is a recall of a previously ineffective recall as customer complaints continued to be received by NHTSA. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Armada Starts at $58,840

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Following the all-new debut of the 2025 model year, Nissan continues to deliver an Armada for every adventure – offering supreme comfort, premium technology, a bold new design and uncompromising capability. With three rows of seating, a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds [3], and the added confidence of standard Nissan Safety Shield® 3604, the Armada is ready for whatever the road – or trail – may bring,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Production of Ford GT Mk IV Track Day Cars Ending

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today that it is about release the third and final wave of production of the Ford GT Mk IV. After nearly a decade of hand assembling every Ford GT of this generation in the same facility, this run will mark the end of this line for the road and race cars.

“With the majority of the 67 total units produced already in the hands of customers, Ford Performance is now taking orders on the remaining cars. Created in conjunction with our GT racing partner Multimatic Motorsports, the Mk IV boasts technology that exceeds that of most GT race cars and on-track capabilities unimaginable for the street. The Ford GT Mk IV finds itself perfectly placed as a collector car that will be too thrilling to be kept in the garage,” said Mark Rushbrook global director of Ford Performance. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cadillac Off-Roader – Elevated Velocity

Posted on 14 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today revealed the so-called Elevated Velocity concept. It is said to be a continuation of the Cadillac V-Series performance formula. [It’s not available for sale yet – Autocrat] This off-roader built on an elevated platform appears to be a serious concept that is winding its way through the sand, rocks, and mud of the GM bureaucracy to become a production vehicle. Yes, an off-road Cadillac?! Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Racing Starts Merchandise and Memorabilia Sales

Posted on 13 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the global racing branch of Honda, will launch a new merchandise and memorabilia business this week during California’s Monterey Car Week. To commemorate the new memorabilia business, HRC will auction the Honda V10 engine used by Ayrton Senna in his McLaren Honda MP4/5B during the final two rounds of the 1990 Formula 1 season. The historic engine will be auctioned by Bonhams during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering at Quail Lodge on 15 August.
“Throughout our history, Honda has won at the highest levels of motorsports all over the world, and the new HRC merchandise and memorabilia business is all about sharing our incredible racing heritage with our race fans in exciting new ways,” said Jon Ikeda, senior vice president, Honda Racing Corporation US. “HRC will build an even stronger connection with Honda and Acura enthusiasts by offering exclusive opportunities to own a piece of racing history, including limited-edition collectibles and rare artifacts from our storied legacy in motorsport.”

Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EV Infrastructure Better J.D. Power Says

Posted on 13 August 2025 by Ken Zino

In the face of Trump chaos and continued uncertainty surrounding National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, the electric vehicle (EV) public charging industry is showing strong signs of resilience and progress, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging StudySM released today. Non-charging visits at public EV chargers [when the driver visited a charger but was unable to charge their vehicle] are at their lowest level in four years. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac

Posted on 12 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Curated by Cadillac embodies our commitment to delivering an elevated level of customization,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Drawing upon experience from the ultra-luxury, hand-built CELESTIQ, we are now offering a limited number of CT5-V Blackwing customers an opportunity to create a vehicle that is as unique as their own story.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Palou Takes Fourth IndyCar Drivers’ Championship

Posted on 11 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou’s third-place finish yesterday at the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland resulted in his fourth NTT IndyCar Series drivers’ championship in five years, as well as his third-consecutive title. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver now has eight victories on the season with two races left of the 2025 season. Honda as a result took manufacturers’ championship. This is Honda’s seventh NTT IndyCar Series manufacturers’ title, and 11th in American Open Wheel Racing. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, performance, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Avoidable Contact – IndyCar Penalizes Kyffin Simpson

Posted on 8 August 2025 by Ken Zino

IndyCar today announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing entry for avoidable contact involving driver Kyffin Simpson during the Sunday 27 July 27 race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during the Grand Prix of Monterey The penalty comes after a post-race review of the Lap 1, Turn 6 incident with the No. 60 entry of Meyer Shank Racing driven by Felix Rosenqvist. Continue reading →

Posted in people, performance, racing, results, safety, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Posts H1 2025 Loss of $59 million

Posted on 8 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today posted a Q2 2025 loss of $48 million compared to a net income of $48 million in Q2 of 2024. Goodyear during H1 2025  had net sales of $8.7 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 76.4 million. Goodyear net income was $369 million ($1.27 per share) compared to Goodyear net income of $10 million (4 cents per share) a year ago. Goodyear’s first six months 2025 saw net sales of$8.7 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 76.4 million. Goodyear net income was $369 million ($1.27 per share) compared to Goodyear net income of $10 million (4 cents per share) a year ago. Nonetheless, the stock market punished the stock dropping it ~17% from the previous day closing as the impending Trump tariff recession appears to be underway. Tariff costs at Goodyear are now estimated at, gulp, $350,000,000 for 2025.
“The second quarter proved challenging in both our consumer and commercial businesses, driven by industry disruption stemming from shifts in global trade – including a surge of low-cost imports across our key markets,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear CEO. “We expect conditions to stabilize in the coming quarters, and we see clear opportunity ahead as we capitalize on our strong U.S. manufacturing footprint. We continue to expect to exceed the original goals for Goodyear Forward both in terms of cost savings and proceeds from asset sales.” Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, financial results, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pep Boys to Run Auto Service Centers on U.S. Navy Bases

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Pep Boys said today that it has a contract with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). Under the contract, Pep Boys plans to operate 14 of NEXCOM’s automotive service centers located on U.S. Navy bases across the country. This transition, which will be implemented on a rolling basis, will provide service to military personnel and their families. The converted locations* will be rebranded under the Pep Boys name, continuing a legacy that dates back to the company’s founding by Navy veterans Manny, Moe & Jack.

“We are honored to work with NEXCOM*** to bring Pep Boys’ best-in-class automotive & tire services to Navy personnel and their families,” said Joe Auriemma, CEO of Pep Boys. “Our company was founded by three Navy veterans, and we take immense pride in continuing that tradition by serving the military community with the same dedication and excellence that has defined us for more than 100 years.” Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, milestones, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Center for Automotive Research – Elizabeth Krear is President

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Krear as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Krear assumes the role following interim leadership by David Leckey.

“I am excited and honored to lead CAR during such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Krear. “CAR’s work is essential in helping stakeholders navigate electrification, automation, sustainability, and policy shifts. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure CAR remains a trusted voice and strategic catalyst for the future of automotive,” said Krear. She brings a career-long focus on automotive innovation, electrification, and strategic planning. She is a home-grown Michigan engineer, executive and industry analyst. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, milestones, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – 600,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Posted on 6 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The 600,000th unit of the legendary Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria – a G580 with EQ Technology in Obsidian Black Metallic- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this week. Accompanied by the S- and E‑Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-produced model series in the history of Mercedes‑Benz passenger cars. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Ford Recalls – Aviator, Bronco, Expedition, F150, Ranger

Posted on 5 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~392,000 vehicles from its Ford and Lincoln brands for a variety of safety defects according to the latest documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week. During the first half of 2025 Ford Motor booked a $1.3 billion loss from repairs of vehicles under warranty, cancellation of plans to build an electric sport utility vehicle and other one-time costs. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls.

The largest of the latest safety defect recalls involves the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module that controls the bakes on some of the most profitable and popular Ford Motor models in the United States. Here ~312,000 model year 2025 Lincoln Navigator SUVs, Ford F-150 pickups, Expedition SUVs, Bronco SUVs, and Ranger pickups can lose power-brake assist when driving. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, software recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment