Category Archives: results

Trump Presidency Effects on Auto Industry – All Bad?

Posted on 6 November 2024 by Ken Zino

After the election of Donald Trump, Jeff Schuster, Vice President Research Automotive at the GlobalData* consultancy, offered thoughts some of the changes expected in the US automotive industry from Trump 2.0. Fasten your safety belts! AutoInformed thinks it’s going to be a bumpy job, climate and economy threatening ride.

“Automotive is one of the sectors that could see a significant mid-term impact from the new Trump presidency in the areas of Trade, Electric Vehicle Transition and Regulations, “said Schuster this morning. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, results, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Honda Motor Company Posts ¥742.6B Profit

Posted on 6 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Honda Motor Company (NYS: HMC) today posted consolidated financial results for the 2025 fiscal first half for the year ending 30 September 2024. Operating Profit was ¥742.6 billion with an Operating Margin 6.9%. The operating cash flow after R&D adjustment remained at the same level as the same period last year at ¥1 trillion 285.1 billion. The Board of Directors has approved acquisition of the Company’s own shares of ¥100.0B, in addition to the ¥300B share buyback resolution made on 10 May. Continue reading →

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

Toyota Motor FY2025 Q2 Earnings Down Significantly

Posted on 6 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor* today in Tokyo (NYSE: TM, 7203T) posted a FY Q2 profit drop of ~¥1.28 trillion yen year-over-year at ~¥573.7 billion. Toyota sold 2.3 million vehicles globally, compared to 2.4 million YOY. Quarterly sales revenue rose a tad ~¥11.44 trillion (~$75 billion) from ¥ 11.43 trillion. Nonetheless, Toyota re-affirmed its full fiscal year 2025 profit forecast of ¥3.57 trillion (~$23 billion), down from ~¥4.94 trillion fiscal year 2024. Simply put Toyota’s certification problems and plant shut downs clobbered earnings.

“This fiscal year, while maintaining our ability to earn 5 trillion yen, we are strengthening and accelerating our investment in people, including suppliers and dealers, and investment in growth areas. We are taking such measures a step higher, expanding total investments to 830 billion yen,” said Toyota Chief Financial Officer Yoichi Miyazaki. Continue reading →

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

AC Ace Classic electric at SEMA 2024 – Bring Money

Posted on 5 November 2024 by Ken Zino

AC Cars unveiled the AC Ace Classic electric at the SEMA 2024 show in Las Vegas today with electrified performance technologies partner TREMEC Electric GT. With 49 examples available for the launch, the new AC Ace Classic electric can be reserved exclusively at the SEMA show and by visiting here. Priced at $275,000 (£212,000) before tax and any personalization or custom options. It’s available as left- and right-hand drive and intended for US as well as UK clients. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Leave a comment

October 2024 US Light Vehicle Sales Up at 1.34 Million

Posted on 5 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Light Vehicle (LV) sales grew by 11.5% year-on-year (YoY) in October 2024, to 1.34 million units. Although the month had two additional selling days than it did in 2023, sales still exceeded expectations and provided a more cheerful perspective on the industry than has generally been the case in recent months, according to preliminary estimates released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.

“Sales have generally disappointed for much of 2024, but October provided a pleasant change of pace. While the fundamentals of the market have probably not shifted to a great extent, some consumers appear to have been enticed by the gradual uptick in incentives, allied with greater vehicle availability and an easing in interest rates. A number of brands highlighted how Electric and Hybrid Vehicles performed better,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

U.S. International Trade Deficit Up in September

Posted on 5 November 2024 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $84.4 billion in September, up $13.6 billion from $70.8 billion in August, revised. As the economy continues to expand, consumers are buying more raising the deficit. The news comes on Election Day where under new Trump Administration – if it returns – proposed tariffs by Trump will cost consumers billions upon billions of dollars, send the cost of living soaring and hurt the economy overall. Trumpa-nomics 2 the sequel: Tanking the Economy Again. Continue reading →

Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Recalls a Transit Recall for Wheel Lockup

Posted on 4 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles previously repaired under recall number 24V-102. Incorrect bolts may have been used to attach the rear axle shaft, which can lead to the rear wheel locking up or separating from the axle, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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

Toyota Motor, Joby Aviation Meet at Toyota’s Technical Center

Posted on 4 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation and Joby Aviation executives came together at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan on Saturday 2 November. Present were Akio Toyoda, chairman Toyota Group, and Joby CEO and founder, JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby’s air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL*). After its first flights in Japan on previous day, the plan was to get senior executives on board, so to speak.

However, the weather kept them on the ground. Nonetheless, their aspirations still soared upward. “Since its founding, Toyota has been working to realize a society in which everyone can move freely. About 100 years ago, in 1925, Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group, offered a prize to encourage the development of a storage battery that could provide enough performance ‘to fly an airplane across the Pacific Ocean.’ Since then, Toyota has continued to focus on the challenge of air mobility through the generations,” Toyota said in a release likely prepared when the Sun was shining. Continue reading →

Posted in aviation, economy, environment, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Subaru of America Posts Modest Sales Increase for October

Posted on 1 November 2024 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru Corporation NASDAQ: FUJHF) today reported 54,552 vehicle sales for October 2024, an increase of 1.5% compared with October 2023 (53,772). SOA also reported year-to-date sales of 548,164, a 5.2 % increase compared with the same period in 2023. This makes for 27 consecutive months of yearly month-over-month growth.

“October was a notable month for our retailers, partners, and the entire Subaru family,” said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America. “We helped thousands of shelter pets find homes through Subaru Loves Pets® events, responded to hurricane recovery needs, and celebrated significant race wins with the Subaru Motorsports USA team. These collective efforts are what inspire us to be More Than a Car Company®, pushing our commitment forward as a team.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oh Canada – Magna Q3 Sales Off but Net Earnings Up

Posted on 1 November 2024 by Ken Zino

“We continue to mitigate industry headwinds including lower production volumes in each of our core regions. Our ongoing initiatives and results to date reinforce our conviction in our free cash flow outlook this year and beyond. As we continuously seek to optimize value creation, we are resuming share repurchases in the fourth quarter –ahead of our prior plan,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, news analysis, results, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS – Latest 2024 Top Safety Pick Laggards

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Four vehicles from four different brands fall short in one or more tests required for a 2024 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award in the latest ratings release today from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To qualify for either award in 2024, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests, an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, customer satisfaction, engineering, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

For The Record – Corvette ZR1 Hits 233 MPH

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1* is now the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. At a test track in Germany earlier this month, General Motors (NYSE: GM) President Mark Reuss drove a 2025 Corvette ZR1 233 mph, setting a top speed record for any current production car priced under $1 million. The Corvette team set this two-way average speed on the northbound and southbound straightaways of the High-Speed Oval Track at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg.

“Setting the top-speed record in the Corvette ZR1 is a true triumph for Corvette and for Chevrolet, and also an exhilarating, surreal experience for me personally,” said Reuss. “With the current generation’s switch to mid-engine, we knew the outstanding performance and balance made this a real possibility. To go over there and get it done is a testament to the power of ZR1, and to the incredibly talented team that developed and built it.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, news analysis, performance, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Software Defined Vehicles – NTT, Toyota Motor Link Together

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

NTT and Toyota Motor Corporation said today in Japan that they have agreed toa  joint initiative in the field of mobility and AI/telecommunications with the aim of realizing a society with zero traffic accidents. (read Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on: Connected Cars – Toyota and NTT Want Standardization)

“Through their previous collaborations, the two companies have confirmed that they share common values, such as contributing to society through technological and industrial development, a people-centered approach, and global contributions that start in Japan. This time, they will further deepen their collaboration with the aim of achieving a ‘society with zero traffic accidents’ as the first step towards realizing a prosperous mobility society where safety and freedom are in harmony,” the release said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Q3 2024 – Shipments and Revenues Plunge

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) said today that during Q3 2024 net revenues of €33.0 billion were down -27% compared to Q3 2023 as consolidated shipments of 1,148,000 were down 279,000 or -20% year-over-year. Stellantis also confirmed its diminished 2024 financial guidance, which was updated on September 30, 2024.*

“While Q3 2024 performance is below our potential, I’m pleased with our progress addressing operational issues, in particular U.S. inventories, which have been reduced meaningfully and are on track for year-end targets, as well as stabilization of U.S. market share. In Europe, stringent quality requirements delayed the start of certain high-volume products, but with progress resolving challenges we will soon benefit from the significantly expanded reach our generational new product wave brings to 2025 and beyond,” claimed Doug Ostermann, CFO, who replaced Natalie Knight earlier this month. Stellantis is also looking to find a successor for CEO Carlos Tavares, who will retire from his seat in 2026.

In what seems to be a “whistling past the graveyard” release appropriate for Halloween, Stellantis put forth yet again its transition plan. Stellantis’ 14 brands are to some degree or other at the heart of the Company’s planned revival/survival with ~20 new products expected this year. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One Payment – VW Maintenance, Insurance, Road Calls

Posted on 30 October 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America said today that with Volkswagen Financial Services (Volkswagen Credit Inc.) it’s starting a vehicle subscription service for Volkswagen vehicles in the Atlanta metro area. This all-new, month-to-month subscription service for some Volkswagen models bundles maintenance, insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance into a single monthly payment. It’s branded VW Flex. Beginning today 30 October, Atlanta-area consumers will be able to start their vehicle subscription memberships, selecting from Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Golf GTI and Jetta models.

“We’re thrilled our customers have a new mobility option through this partnership with Volkswagen Financial Services,” said Andrew Savvas, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Volkswagen North American Region. “This subscription service brings our brand to a whole new segment of consumers who are looking for a simple and flexible mobility option, as well as those who want an easy way to experience the Volkswagen brand for themselves.” Continue reading →

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