-
Recent Posts
- Trump Slump Forecast – February 26 New Vehicle Sales Drop
- National Safety Council – 12% Drop in 2025 Traffic Fatalities
- Penske Automotive Group Buys Lexus Dealerships in Florida
- Rear-Wheel Lockup Recall on 2020-22 GM Diesel Pickups
- Transmission Failures – Toyota Recalls 2025-26 Lexus LX600s
- Nissan Rogue Recall for Engine Failures and Fires
- Trump Tariff Flops – December Goods Trade Deficit Up $15.7B
- Tennessee Triumph – VW Workers Ratify UAW Contract!
- Sting Operations Hit ~550 CDL Training Schools
- Average Gallon Price for Gasoline Drops Slightly, But…
- February 2026 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast is Down Again
- Sustainable Energy in America – Mixed Progress in 2025
- GM Canada – C$63M Outlay in Oshawa Assembly
- EV Owner Satisfaction at New High Amid Sales Slump
- Audi Revolut F1 Team and Fanwear Launched
Recent Comments
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
- UAW Ford Department Director VP Laura Dickerson on Trump's Ford Plant Visit on Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
- Ken Zino on Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000
- Laverne Oliver on Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: results
GM Recalls 1.14 Million V8 Engines for Failures and Fires
General Motors is recalling more than a million V8 engines used in 2021 – 2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87). The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This safety defect recall follows years of GM investigating the problem and concluding that no problem existed. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continued its investigation based on persistent complaints from users. NHTSA had an active engineering analysis open when GM made the recall decision.
In the required safety defect recall filing – only some of it was made public by NHTSA, GM said “Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.” The supplier will remain publicly unknown until all the documents are made public, which is likely next Monday in AutoInformed’s experience. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine failure recall, GM recall number N252494000, Ken Zino, NHTSA recall 25V274 or 25V-274., X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs
“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW South Carolina plant Spartanburg, Dr. Robert Engelhorn, Ken Zino, Seven Million U.S. BMW ALPINA XB7, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income
Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) today posted Q1 2025 financial results that showed record first quarter revenue with an increase of 2% to $7.6 Billion. Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 Million. Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $3.39.
“Our diversified international transportation services business generated record first quarter revenue, the seventh consecutive quarter of stable gross margin, and a 70-basis point improvement of adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit retailed remained consistent and strong with new vehicle gross declining only $87 per unit while used vehicle gross increased $352 per unit when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading
Posted in economy, financial results, mobility company, news, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NYSE: PAG, pag, Penske Automotive Group Q1 2025 financial results, Premier Truck Group, roger penske, Sytner Select, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.
“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged at Citroën's Rennes plant, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact C-segment SUVs, Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross, Ken Zino, Stellantis STLA-medium platform, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
GM Cancels Q1 Earnings Call as Trump Chaos Prevails
General Motors (NYSE: GM) this morning cancelled its long scheduled Q1 earnings call for media, shareholders and analysts, as Trump Tariff Chaos prevailed in Michigan, a state experiencing growing inflation and unemployment from the Trump mis-administration. General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM mis-administration Trump Tariff Chaos, Ken Zino, Trump unemployment, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Seat Belt and Electrical Recalls from Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling a previous recall for fuse boxes, electronic stability control programming and driver’s side seat belt covers, according to documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. First, an incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed. Second, the vehicle’s electronic stability program (ESP) may display an incorrect warning light during an ESP system failure. Third, the driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
All told ~6700 vehicles are affected. NHTSA recall campaigns are 25V255 or 25V-255, 25V254 or 25V-254, 25V253 or 25V-253. Planned owner notification dates are not until June 2025. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged 25V253 or 25V-253, 25V254 or 25V-254, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bosch Engineering GmbH, Ken Zino, mbusa, Mercedes-Benz NHTSA recall campaigns 25V255 or 25V-255, Mercedes-Benz recalls in the United States, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
UK Car Production Down. Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Future
“A March uplift to manufacturing is overdue good news, although the performance was boosted by a comparatively weaker month last year, when holiday timings and product changeovers combined to reduce output. With the last quarter showing demand for British-built cars rising overseas, navigating the new era of trade uncertainty is now the major challenge. Government has rightly recognized automotive manufacturing’s critical role in Britain’s export economy and must now show urgency and creativity to deliver a deal that supports our competitiveness, spurs domestic demand for the latest cleanest vehicles, and helps factory lines flourish,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, environment, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, King Trump decrees, Mike Hawes, SMMT, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Trump protectionism and retaliatory tariffs, UK exports of goods, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Hybrid-Electric Cars Dominate EU Car Sales
During Q1 2025, new EU car registrations declined by 1.9% compared to Q1 2024, with March 2025 figures showing a slight 0.2% year-on-year (YOY) decline according to registration data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name.* The battery-electric car market share stood at 15.2% market in Q1 2025, far from where it was expected to be by regulators and analysts. Hybrid electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type among buyers. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health, results, sales
Tagged acea, ACEA European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, eu march sales, hybrid-electric car sales, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
California Continues Expanding ZEV Programs
The State of California has awarded $500 million to school districts and other educational agencies to buy zero-emission school buses and chargers. Zero-emission school buses are part of the state’s relentless move to a clean-energy future and lead to better health for students and communities. California’s transition to zero-emission transportation is also accelerating with support from the state’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Funded primarily with proceeds from the Cap-and-Trade Program, HVIP underwent 177% year-over-year growth in 2024. This February, more than 200 HVIP-funded zero-emission trucks and buses were deployed with $31 million in incentives. The incentive program is a collaboration between the California Air Resources Board (CARB)* and the California Energy Commission (CEC), and is administered by CALSTART, a non-profit transportation organization. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged and the California Energy Commission, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California’s Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Market, CALSTART, carb, CEC, Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Tesla Tanking as Musk Leaves DOGE
Tesla said late yesterday that 2025 profits during Q1 plunged from $1.39 billion to $409 million. This was a drastic drop from analyst guess-timates as the Elon Musk’s DOGE chainsaw kicked back on the company and slashed revenue from $21.3 billion to $19.3 billion. Amidst the carnage of lower customer deliveries, lower margins and lower profits, Elon Musk also claimed that he was leaving DOGE behind as his major work there was finished.
“So at Tesla, we’ve gone through many, many of crisis over the years and actually been through many near death experiences. Like, we probably were on the ragged edge of death at least on maybe a dozen times,” Musk claimed. “This is not one of those times.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, financial results, news analysis, quality, results, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DOGE, elon musk, Ken Zino, Tesla Q1 2025 Financial Results, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Audi Airbag Recall – RS E-TRON GT and E-TRON GT
Audi, part of Volkswagen Group of America, is recalling ~4000 2022-2023 model year RS E-TRON GT and E-TRON GT vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
“A manufacturing error may cause the passenger occupant detection system(PODS) to detect a malfunction and switch off the passenger airbag even though the seat may be occupied. As designed, a warning light in the instrument panel comes on together with an acoustic warning sound and an error message is displayed in the instrument cluster. The airbag indicator light shows Passenger Airbag OFF,” Audi said in the mandatory safety recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Ford Recalls Expedition and Navigator SUVs for Bad Brakes
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~124,000 model year 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster. Customer complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prompted this latest expansion of a previous safety defect recall.
“In some of the affected vehicles, a seal in the rear of the brake master cylinder may become compromised, allowing brake fluid to leak into the brake booster. If the brake fluid reservoir is depleted below a predetermined level, the driver will be alerted that brake system service is required by a combination of an audible chime, a full screen message center alert, and illumination of the red brake warning indicator,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall notification made public this morning by NHTSA. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Expedition brake recalls, Ford Expedition recalls, Ford Motor brake recall 25S37, Ford Motor recall, Ken Zino, Lincoln Navigator brake recalls, NHTSA recall 25V236 or 25V-236, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Porsche 911 GT3 – Sets Nordschleife Record
“More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line. “We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK seven-speed is significantly faster – we drove our official lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK, and with a conventional instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 shaved ~3.6 seconds off the time of its predecessor with PDK.” Continue reading

Milestones – The Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100
Rolls-Royce* said today that it is marking Phantom’s centenary by reflecting on some of the fascinating stories where Phantom has played a role. The marque’s designers have also created a series of original artworks about Phantom’s legacy, celebrating the motor car’s cultural impact through the decades and “capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations.”
“Phantom is much more than a motor car. For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it. From its earliest days, Phantom has been one of the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Beyond status, it has always offered its owners a canvas for personal expression, transformed through Bespoke craftsmanship into a moving work of art. Across music, politics, art and beyond, Phantom has been present at many of history’s defining moments. The stories that surround it – and the images they’ve inspired our designers to create – reveal its extraordinary reach, and its enduring connection to greatness,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →