Category Archives: results

June Auto Market – Consumer Sentiment is Trump Chaotic

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“Cox Automotive leading g indicators are mixed … in mid-June with a decreasing week-over -week trend related to service appointments, which were down 4% against 2024 in the week ending June 14 as geopolitical issues drive down consumer sentiment. We risk seeing momentum further decline in retail vehicle sales with scorching temperatures at the start of summer. Consumers may stay inside and away from dealerships with high prices and high uncertainty about what comes next in Iran and with uncertainty about when gas prices, interest rates and – of course – tariffs will come back down,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~93,000 Vehicles with Sunroofs

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling ~93,000 model year 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant’s head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior,” MBUSA told NHTSA. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss – 11,000+

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling all 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In some driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using “B” mode or “One Pedal Drive,” the vehicle may lose brake function, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 11,000 Volvo electric vehicles are affected by the potentially deadly safety defect. Continue reading →

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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading →

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Mazda Restructures Its Waning Japanese Business

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced its “Domestic Business Structural Reform Policy” to revive its failing operations in its home market. Domestic sales volume for the Japanese Fiscal Year ending 31 March 2025 was 152,000 units – just barely above its all-time low of 148,445 in 1974. Mazda has a ~4% market share in Japan.

“The three pillars of the business structural reform are investment for growth to nurture brand, designate priority regions and thorough front-line support to improve in-store experience,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.

“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading →

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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading →

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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Shows All-New Third-Generation LEAF

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) today unveiled the all-new 2026 LEAF. The all-new LEAF will reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in the Fall, with other markets to follow, subject to the of the man who would be King, aka Donald Trump. The all-new Nissan LEAF will be assembled for the U.S. and Canada markets alongside the Ariya at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.

“Completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, the third-generation LEAF combines a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Inside, a refined, minimalist cabin is optimized for roominess, comfort and wellbeing to accommodate all of life’s journeys. With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Bike Lane Delivery – Honda Shows Fastport eQuad Prototype

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced the establishment of Fastport, a new business dedicated to transforming the last-mile delivery industry with what it calls “innovative micromobility solutions.” Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries.

“The Fastport team has worked tirelessly to create the Fastport eQuad, a zero-emission alternative to delivery vans that solves the challenge of last mile urban logistics by meeting the needs of urban residents expecting on-demand deliveries of packages, groceries and other items,” said Jose Wyszogrod, general manager and founding member of Fastport. “Drawing from the deep knowledge of Honda design and engineering talent in the U.S., the Fastport eQuad is a testament to the commitment of Honda to advancing a more sustainable future through innovative mobility solutions.” Continue reading →

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First Look – the 2026 Corvette ZR1X Hypercar

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said this morning that it is introducing an all-wheel drive Corvette with the ZR1 designation.* The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is GM rated at 1250 horsepower [footnote 1] and has electrified all-wheel drive. This makes the ZR1X the most advanced Corvette ever. With ZR1 and ZR1X, Chevrolet now has the most powerful American performance car duet of any auto manufacturer.

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars [3] and delivering world-class performance at every level.” Continue reading →

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Bring Your Own Bronco Optional at Off-Roadeo

Posted on 16 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it is now offering Bronco owners who have attended the complimentary Bronco Off-Rodeo – an immersive driving school available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners the chance to bring their own Bronco to an advanced dirt driving program so to speak.

“Ninety percent of Bronco Off-Roadeo participants say they want to return and learn even more,” said Kelsey Gerken, Bronco consumer strategy manager at Ford. “Bring Your Own Bronco gives them that chance, expanding the Off-Roadeo experience to two unique, four-hour courses that further grow a Bronco owner’s skillset.” Continue reading →

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CARB Blasts Trump’s Attack on California Clean Air Act

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Today the California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph responded to President Trump signing” illegal actions” attacking California’s Clean Air Act waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus. The California Attorney General is challenging the actions in Federal court.

“Despite the President’s signature, this remains an unconstitutional, illegal, and foolish attempt to undermine California’s clean air protections. We welcome Governor Newsom’s and California Attorney General Bonta’s prompt legal action and look forward to judicial review. In the meantime, CARB will use every tool at its disposal to continue our critical work to clean the air and address the climate crisis. The health and well-being of all Californians depends on it– especially those who live in underserved communities with unhealthy air. We look forward to engaging with the state legislature, stakeholders, and the public as we follow the Governor’s executive order to further advance the state’s clean vehicle transition,” said Liane Randolph. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Toyota Indiana Builds 1-Millionth Hybrid

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) celebrated today the manufacturing of the 1-millionth hybrid vehicle at the Princeton Indiana plant. The Sienna van has been assembled at Toyota Indiana since 2003, with the all-hybrid model being the latest iteration built by the plant’s 7650 team members.

“It’s a significant achievement to reach this milestone and something our team members should be proud of,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Indiana. “The all-hybrid Sienna demonstrates our commitment to electrification and remains a top-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Shows Hydrogen-Fueled Racing Car

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept at le Mans yesterday, a liquid hydrogen fueled test car for the potential use of advanced technology in motorsports.

“The presentation of the forward-looking GR LH2 Racing Concept completes a celebration of past, present and future which marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s first participation at Le Mans, following the introduction of a unique combination of livery designs. The #7 GR010 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries carries a red and white tribute livery inspired by the iconic TS020 which participated in 1998. The #8 GR010 Hybrid, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, represents the team’s present determination to win. Its matt black livery is built around a GR logo, capturing the team’s “Hate to lose” spirit and the “Prototype” concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and continuous evolution,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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