Category Archives: transportation

Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the … Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Luyuan is recalling Youth ATVs due to risk of serious injury or death from crash hazard. The X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs violate … Continue reading →

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Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today celebrated the completion of new construction and updated offerings at its Arizona Proving Ground. Joined by local government officials during an event, Toyota leaders discussed the improvements for vehicle and automotive technology testing and development.

“We are proud to strengthen the offerings at our world-class facility in Arizona, not only for Toyota, but for any company that has use for these amenities,” said Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Vehicle Development Engineering at Toyota Motor North America’s Research and Development. Continue reading →

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Happy Nightmare! Holiday Travel to Set New Record

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino

AAA* said today that it estimates that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning 20 December  and ending 1 January 2926. This year’s forecast if accurate is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.

“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Bolt, a European mobility platform, today announced they have entered a partnership to jointly explore the development and use of Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe. [The move is a defensive one as the Chinese undoubtedly are preparing to attack this lucrative segment – AutoCrat]*

“Our AV-Ready Platforms™ are designed for maximum flexibility, so we can deliver the best possible experience for European customers. Autonomous fleets can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint by enabling a shared and optimized mobility, reducing congestion and emissions. Partnering with Bolt is intended to bring this vision closer to reality, combining our engineering expertise with their operational reach in the hopes of making driverless mobility a trusted part of everyday life in Europe,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading →

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Detroit Auto Show – Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The Detroit Auto Show today announced it has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The exhibition is part of “The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure,” a … Continue reading →

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Trump Mis-Administration Proposes a Weaker CAFE

Posted on 3 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The Trump Mis-Administration today proposed to reduce fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks. Obviously, this would significantly raise the cost of driving a car for years to come. It also could also damage the competitiveness of U.S. automakers in a global industry. The preliminary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – not yet officially published in the Federal Registers as required –  would gut standards set by the Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2024. Those standards would save owners of personal vehicles an average of more than $600 in fuel costs over the life of a new vehicle. Continue reading →

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October UK Car and Commercial Vehicle Production Drops

Posted on 28 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Car production in the UK fell in October, down -23.8%, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Only 59,010 vehicles shipped, 18,474 fewer than in the same month last year. [read AutoInformed.com about Britain’s largest auto employer here: Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing – AutoCrat]

“The news comes two days after the Budget in which the Chancellor announced a number of welcome competitiveness-boosting measures, including a further £1.5 billion in automotive transformation funding, and the deferral of regulation to end critical employee car ownership schemes into the next parliament – a move the industry had warned could lead to annual losses of £1 billion and put up to 5000 jobs at stake. It also comes after government published a consultation on its proposed British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) which should bring down sky-high energy costs for manufacturers,” SMMT said. Continue reading →

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Magna Expanding EV Powertrain Production in China

Posted on 21 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA)* said this week that it is increasing its presence in China with a new facility in the Jiujiang Economic Development Zone, Wuhu to support the growing demand of electric drive systems—starting with Chery but ultimately capable of supplying additional automakers in the future.

“This expansion reflects Magna’s commitment to supporting our customers’ electrification strategies and advancing sustainable mobility,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “Wuhu offers a strong industrial foundation and an environment conducive to innovation. We are excited to bring our world-class electric drive technologies closer to Chery and other partners in China.” Continue reading →

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Talking Turkey – U.S. Gasoline Prices Relatively Stable

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Gasoline prices are relatively steady compared to last week AAA said today.* The national average for a gallon of regular fuel went up by a couple of cents to $3.10.

“Despite the burst of gasoline demand that will occur during Thanksgiving week, overall demand is low this time of year which helps keep pump prices down. The national average has seen few fluctuations in 2025 thanks to low crude oil prices and no major storms affecting Gulf Coast refineries.” [so far – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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IONNA Plans $250M Outlay in California EV Charging

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

IONNA* said today that is planning an outlay of more than $250 million in infrastructure across California during the next three years.**

“This week’s expansion into California is a snapshot of the national momentum IONNA has built in under a year’s time,” said Seth Cutler, Chief Executive Officer of IONNA. ‘IONNA Speed’ isn’t just about how quickly we grow, but also how we deliver, and the IONNA team consistently operates with a driver-first mentality to elevate the charging experience. Every new Rechargery reflects our commitment to providing the coverage, quality, and reliability our drivers deserve.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys More U.S. Dealerships

Posted on 19 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has acquired Longo Toyota and Longo Lexus, located in El Monte, California, Lexus of Stevens Creek, located in San Jose, California, and Longo Toyota of Prosper, located in Prosper, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

“The acquisition of these premier dealerships represents a strategic addition to the Penske Automotive Group portfolio. The transaction strengthens our relationship with the Toyota and Lexus brands and expands the Company’s presence in southern California to the Los Angeles area, complements the Company’s existing presence in northern California and expands our operations in Texas to the fast-growing Dallas market. We look forward to continuing the outstanding legacy of these dealerships and are excited to welcome these new team members to Penske Automotive Group,” said Rich Shearing, North American Operations Officer. Continue reading →

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Brexit – Angry Voter Costs Greater Than Said. Trump Parallels Abound

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In a paper published in November and brought to AutoInformed’s attention today by The Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the estimable Brookings Institute, angry voters in the United Kingdom who overwhelming approved leaving the European Union in the so-called Brexit* referendum resulted in shrinking the UK GDP by 6% to 8% by 2025. The exhaustive research paper was authored by Nicholas Bloom, Philip Bunn, Paul Mizen, Pawel Smietanka and Gregory Thwaites.**

The negative economic effects began after the 2016 referendum. They intensified following the UK’s formal exit in 2020. This paper in AutoInformed’s view is directly relevant to Trump’s Tariff Chaos and is a harbinger of still larger negative effects to come. Continue reading →

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Tariff Chaos – Honda All-Terrain Factory to Build More Parts

Posted on 11 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Today Honda announced a $9.658 million investment to modernize its North Carolina Manufacturing (NCM) plant to let build more parts. The new investment is likely to exceed $9.6 million and create 18 new non-union jobs.*

“By equipping Honda North Carolina Manufacturing with important new capabilities to build key parts for our products right here at the facility, we can continue growing our ATV business in North Carolina,” said Lynne Hedrick, site lead at NCM. “We are grateful for the continued support from Alamance County and look forward to the benefits this investment will provide to our associates and the region.”** Continue reading →

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CARB – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down Again!

Posted on 7 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The latest publication of California’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory released today shows a 3% drop in statewide emissions. This is the third largest annual percentage decrease since the pandemic under the Trump Administration. The decrease is equivalent to removing more than 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars from California’s roads for one year.

“Today’s milestone once again confirms that bold climate action can deliver real results,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California’s climate pollution is falling even as our economy grows – a powerful testament to the strength of our programs, innovation in clean technology, and the commitment of communities across the state. We’re not just investing in a healthier future; we’re actively building it.” Continue reading →

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