Category Archives: shows and events

IndyCar Makes Single Car Qualifying Permanent with Tweaks

Posted on 13 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“The debut of single-car Firestone Fast Six qualifying in Arlington was extremely popular and well received,” claimed IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles. [Not with some driver’s and teams at the Good Ranchers 250-AutoCrat.]* “Following the event, we reached out to stakeholders to help evaluate the format and look into ways to improve an already exciting session. This slight update will provide the fastest from the Top 12 an earned advantage of choosing when they would like their run in the Fast Six, while tire selection before lining up at pit out will save time and more closely equalize the session.” [Precisely – changing track conditions and allowed tire changes for late qualifiers made a mockery of the pole position -AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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EcoCAR Innovation Challenge Pits General Motors v Stellantis

Posted on 13 April 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) have joined the Challenge as sponsors, along with technology partner MathWorks. This combination of government and industry partners focuses on cultivating the next generation of auto-industry innovators. This is the first collaboration between two major automakers in the same series in more than 25 years. Additional EcoCAR Innovation Challenge sponsors announced today include Caterpillar, Siemens Digital Industries Software, dSPACE, Bosch, Altec, Hesse, and Volta Foundation. Continue reading →

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AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring

Posted on 9 April 2026 by Ken Zino

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 8 cents since last week to $4.16, according to the latest data published by AAA. The last time the national average reached that price was in early August of 2022.*

“Crude oil prices remain high, even as they’ve fluctuated in recent days following the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The price for a barrel of crude dropped below $100 but then rose again, highlighting the volatility of oil markets and fluidity of geopolitical events,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading →

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Magna to Sell Lighting and Rooftop Systems Firms

Posted on 9 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today said that it has entered into definitive agreements to divest its Lighting business through two separate transactions, as well as its Rooftop Systems business in a third transaction.* “Today’s announcement underscores our … Continue reading →

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AB Volvo Board Meeting Approves Extraordinary Dividend

Posted on 8 April 2026 by Ken Zino

AB Volvo held its Annual General Meeting today in Göteborg, Sweden. The Board adopted the income statement and balance sheet, as well as the consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with the Board’s proposal, the Meeting resolved that an ordinary dividend of SEK 8.50 per share and an extraordinary dividend of SEK 4.50 per share should be paid to the shareholders – 10 April 2026 is the record date for the right to receive dividends. Continue reading →

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Penske Truck Rental – New Indy 500 VIP Contest

Posted on 7 April 2026 by Ken Zino

“Penske Truck Rental has always been about moving lives and businesses forward—and for true racing fans, the Indianapolis 500 is the ultimate fan destination,” said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of rental at Penske. “This new contest celebrates the stories that move us all, and we’re honored to help two passionate fan’s dreams come true of attending this legendary race and enjoying a VIP experience.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Model Year Toyota Land Cruiser

Posted on 7 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said today that the 2027 model-year Land Cruiser revealed last fall will have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $57,880. [excludes $1450 Dealer Processing and Handling Fee, which can vary – AutoCrat] when it finally arrives at dealerships this spring. Land Cruiser is offered in two grades the retro-look Land Cruiser 1958 and Land Cruiser.

“Both Land Cruisers are equipped exclusively by the turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain and a full-time four-wheel drive system. This performance hybrid powertrain is rated by Toyota at 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Ford GT Mk IV Runs Nordschleife at 6m15.977s

Posted on 2 April 2026 by Ken Zino

The Ford GT Mk IV (NYSE: F) has set the record as the fastest American OEM around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Ford Racing said today. It is at the moment the third fastest overall car to ever lap the Nordschleife. The 6:15.977 ET also means that the GT Mk IV, as a track-only vehicle classified in the prototype category, is the fastest car currently available for purchase to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Just bring money –  stacks of it – starting price of ~$1.7 million. Continue reading →

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Ground Effects Workers – Yet Another UAW Supply Chain Win

Posted on 2 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Auto supply chain workers have voted to unionize at Ground Effects, the UAW said late yesterday in a  second UAW union organizing victory in two days. Workers at Ground Effects have been organizing since last year. “They began their campaign to form a union due to low pay, overwork, forced overtime, management abuse, and favoritism.,” the UAW said in a release. Workers at Ground Effects won a majority in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with the UAW. Ground Effects produces spray-on truck bedliners, in addition to other aftermarket parts. Continue reading →

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AAA Promoting April as National Car Care Month

Posted on 1 April 2026 by Ken Zino

AAA said today that it is collaborating with industry organizations, including NAPA, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and the Auto Care Association to celebrate National Car Care Month this April. It wants to highlight the importance of preventive vehicle maintenance as drivers gear up for spring travel. Continue reading →

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Webasto Detroit – Another UAW Supply Chain Win

Posted on 1 April 2026 by Ken Zino

The unionization at Webasto Detroit is “part of a growing movement of auto supply workers who want the benefits and protections of forming a union at their plants. Workers in the supply chain are a vital part of the auto industry but are paid well below their counterparts at assembly plants. They often face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper precautions,” the UAW said. Continue reading →

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Subaru Shows 2027 Forester Wilderness Hybrid SUV

Posted on 1 April 2026 by Ken Zino

As with the Subaru Forester Hybrid, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid uses an Atkinson/Miller-cycle [Delayed intake valve closing, compensated for with supercharging or other methods such as electric motors for recovering lost power – AutoCrat.] 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer® engine optimized for efficiency, paired with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and electric motors to produce 194 horsepower. The next-generation Subaru Hybrid system uses a series-parallel configuration to integrate with the existing Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Combine Polestar 3 Production in U.S.

Posted on 31 March 2026 by Ken Zino

“The move to consolidate global Polestar 3 production in Charleston help generate efficiencies for both companies, whilst also underscoring our confidence in the plant and the role it plays in our manufacturing footprint,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars. ‘The US is a very important market for Volvo Cars, both to support our growth ambitions as well as a strategic production site to meet regional and export demands.”** Continue reading →

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NYAS – Honda To Show Fastport eQuad EV Delivery Van

Posted on 30 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Honda Motor Company (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that it will show the all-electric Fastport eQuad EV Hybrid at a press event on 1 April 1 at the  Test Track where the New York Auto Show is held  [Level 1 Javits’s Center -AutoCrat.]* Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies will share updates and lead a walk-around and demonstration of the vehicle.

“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,” AutoInformed previously noted. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Acura Celebrates 40th Birthday

Posted on 27 March 2026 by Ken Zino

My own personal experience and respect for Acura came in 1990. Covering the auto business Acura debuted of the groundbreaking NSX. This mid-engine sports car that would establish new levels of performance, refinement and drive-ability at a relatively inexpensive price compared to, oh, Ferrari and Porsche. I remembered a conversation with the esteemed and estimable John Dinkel of Road&Track who I had known years before I joined the magazine as its Detroit editor. Having gone to Japan to drive the car prior to its introduction, John – when I asked about it – just shook his head and said “they are going to own the world.” This opinion was not contested among the entire R&T staff as I recall. Ferrari performance, Japanese quality and an undervalued price. Continue reading →

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