Category Archives: results

Volvo Cars Posts Q2 2025 -10B SEK Loss

Posted on 17 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.STO) said today that it posted a Q2 group operating profit (EBIT) of SEK -10.0 billion. The gigantic loss followed a warning this week that it would take an impairment charge( read AutoInformed.com on: Chinese Trade Wars – Volvo Q2 2025 Impairment Charge). The Chinese owned company also said that it would build its best-selling car in the U.S. in South Carolina starting in late 2026 (Volvo Cars to Build XC60 SUV in Ridgeville). The loss, down from a profit of 8B SEK year-over year, appears to have surprised analysts who thought the loss would be much higher.

“The market continued to be challenging in Q2 as well,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “Demand remains under pressure from the macroeconomic environment, tariff-related uncertainties and tougher competition. However, our turnaround actions are starting to show results. In a Q2 market with headwinds we made a clear improvement of free cash flow versus Q1 and our EBIT margin excluding items affecting comparability was slightly higher.”

Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Cars to Build XC60 SUV in Ridgeville

Posted on 16 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) said today it will add its XC60 mid-size SUV to the production line of its US car plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The plant also assembles the fully electric EX90. The XC60 is scheduled to start production there in late 2026.

“Adding the XC60 to our Charleston production line will further strengthen its position and attractiveness in the competitive US market, while supporting and creating American manufacturing jobs,” said Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “It is also in line with our ambition to build where we sell and reinforces our long-term commitment to the US market, where we are celebrating our 70th anniversary and have sold over 5 million cars.” Continue reading →

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

Stellantis Drops Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plan

Posted on 16 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that it will discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program between Forvia, Michelin and Stellantis. As a result, mass-production of its new range of hydrogen-powered Pro One vehicles scheduled to start this summer in Hordain, France (medium-sized vans) and Gliwice, Poland (large vans) is cancelled. Net profit at Stellantis plunged 70% for 2024.

“In a context where the Company is mobilizing to respond to demanding CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to discontinue its hydrogen fuel cell technology development program,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Operating Officer for Enlarged Europe. Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan to Close Oppama Plant!

Posted on 15 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today that, as part of its global production restructuring under its recovery plan dubbed Re: Nissan, it plans to transfer and integrate vehicle production at the Oppama Plant, located in the Oppama district, to Nissan Motor Kyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. The company will cease vehicle production at the Oppama plant at the end of fiscal year 2027. Following this, both current and future models scheduled for production at Oppama will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu. Nissan posted a net loss of ¥670.9 billion (~$4.5 billion) during the Japanese Fiscal Year 2024.

Today, Nissan made a tough but necessary decision. It wasn’t easy—for me or for the company—but I believe it’s a vital step toward overcoming our current challenges and building a sustainable future. The Oppama Plant is a proud part of our history, and its legacy will endure. I want to sincerely thank our employees, the local community, and our partners who have supported this plant with dedication and heart. We will continue to operate in the Oppama area with strong support for the local community, as we carry forward the spirit of Oppama plant and work to restore Nissan’s true value,” said Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa. Continue reading →

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

IndyCar Iowa Speedway – Palou’s Seventh Honda Win

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou has been a strong driver in NTT IndyCar Series 2025. However lady luck [an old, outdated CART term] played a role in his victory at Iowa Speedway yesterday. Palou was running in third place late in the Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup when time came for the final round of pit stops. Josef Newgarden and David Malukas brought their Chevrolet-powered cars in for fuel ahead of Palou. However, Palou’s Honda, in perhaps an over-cut move, stayed out. However, a caution flag waved because of Colton Herta’s wall contact on the backstretch. Advantage Palou, – he was able to stop under yellow while the other front runners did under green. The race resumed with 11 laps remaining, and the driver of the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda kept the lead and held on for his seventh race win of the season. Continue reading →

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

JLR NA Land Rover Evoque Passenger Airbag Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Jaguar Land Rover North America (JLR NA) is recalling ~21,000 model year 2021-2025 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The Hungarian made passenger air bag may tear during deployment.

“The basis of the recall population is all Land Rover Range Rover Evoque vehicles from 2021 Model Year up until the introduction of a modified airbag specification in production during 2025 Model Year. A concern has been identified on 2021 – 2024 and certain 2025 Model Year Range Rover Evoque vehicles where, during a passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may tear as a result of improper folding of the airbag during the airbag assembly process [at the Halewood UK plant- AutoCrat],” JLR NA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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

Another Ford Mach E Electrical System Recall

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling 239 2022 model year Mustang Mach E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat. This recall is an expansion of a previous NHTSA recall number 23V687 or 23V-687 because of a calculation error. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls. 

“The recalled Bussed Electrical Center parts NK48-10C666-AA, NK48-10C666-BA, or LK98- 10C666-AB were introduced into production on 05/27/2020 and were taken out of production on 05/27/2022. Vehicles produced 5/27/2020 through 5/24/2022 are included in the original recall population (23V687). Affected vehicles are equipped with the extended range battery, but without the GT powertrain. These vehicles are not produced in VIN order,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public today. Continue reading →

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

Chinese Trade Wars – Volvo Q2 2025 Impairment Charge

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Chinese owned Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today announced a SEK 11.4 billion (~$1.2B) non-cash impairment charge in Q2 of 2025. Volvo is adjusting the financial assumptions for the EX90 and ES90 platform, because of previous launch delays and import tariffs in several markets. Among other woes, Volvo can’t sell the ES90 profitable in the U.S. Volvo Cars will publish its second quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, 17 July 2025 at 07:00 CEST. Continue reading →

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

Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling

Posted on 11 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling model year 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The Mexican made low-pressure fuel pump from Phinia Inc. may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving. The driver may experience poor engine performance – misfiring or rough running – a check engine light, or a reduction in engine power. Fuel pump failure is more likely to occur in low fuel or warm weather and hot fuel in the fuel tank.

“Fuel pump failure can result in an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA earlier this week. “Loss of fuel pressure and flow from the low-pressure fuel pump can be due to internal contamination of the jet pump, specifically in low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.” Ford said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

California Strikes Back for Clean Air

Posted on 9 July 2025 by Ken Zino

California state agencies today announced a series of “dialogue sessions to generate public discussion around proposed measures to support increased zero emission vehicle adoption in California.” The agencies are planning to host three in-person sessions during business hours and one evening session online. If upheld, President Trump’s illegal rollback of the state’s regulations would cost Californians an estimated $45 billion in health care costs.

“In response to illegal federal efforts to revoke California’s clean air waivers, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on June 12, 2025. The order directed the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California State Transportation Agency, and Department of Consumer Affairs to assess additional actions to spur light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption in California, and to deliver formal recommendations for additional actions to the governor in August,” the agencies said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, people, public health, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche Macan Sales ~60% Electric

Posted on 8 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) said today in Stuttgart that it increased its share of electrified vehicles sold during the first half of 2025 to ~36.%  for a 14.5 percentage points increase year-over-year.* These consist of 23.5% fully electric vehicles and 12.6 % plug-in hybrids. The strongest growth among the sports car manufacturer’s six model lines was recorded by the Macan with a 15 % increase.

“The fully electric Macan is making a significant contribution to our proportion of electrified cars,” said Matthias Becker, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Overall, we have succeeded in keeping sales volumes stable and balanced across the sales regions despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. Our customers continue to place great value on individualized vehicles, and we will continue to expand our offerings in this area.” Continue reading →

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

IndyCar – Cunning Scott Dixon wins at Mid-Ohio

Posted on 7 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Veteran IndyCar driver Scott Dixon was  the third different winner in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, in the number 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to the win in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport yesterday. Dixon scored his record seventh win at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He made completed all 90 laps on just two pit stops using his considerable “lift and coast” racing skills. His other Mid-Ohio victories were in 2019, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009 and 2007. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy Fourth of July 2025! Let’s Return to our Founding Ideals

Posted on 4 July 2025 by Ken Zino

On this day, the Fourth of July 1776, the Continental Congress after considerable debate released our Declaration of Independence. AutoInformed notes that this is or should be our still continuing guide to what were then awakened American ideals. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston – the so-called Committee of Five – did much of the enlightenment conceptual work. Jefferson, the most eloquent writer in the Congress, created one of our essential documents with the input of what were 56 men of the opinion that all of us equals could and would work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Then in the course of human events these ideals led to our following War of Independence. It turns out that these ideas were powerful. So powerful that they were bigger than the despots, Redcoats, Hessians and other mercenaries deployed against us. We overcame this oppression and the Divine Right of Kings against impossible odds with the help of the French. Who also later  added the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Continue reading →

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, concept, milestones, news, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nürburgring – BMW M2 CS Beats Audi RS-3 Record

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW said today that the new BMW M2 CS setsa new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. In March Audi set a new record lap in the compact vehicle class on the Nordschleife at 7:33.123 minutes. Depending on the ongoing Trump tariff wars, Audi might still retain the lower price entry point for a top Nordschleife runner., depending on who you value – in currency units – the ~8 seconds in elapsed times. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

U.S. May Trade Deficit increases $11.3 Billion

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised. May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.

Noteworthy was that the May deficit with China ($13.9 billion) was the lowest since March 2020 ($11.7 billion). However, May exports to China ($6.6 billion) were the lowest since September 2009 ($5.8 billion). This in the middle of the ongoing Trump Tariff chaos. Continue reading →

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