Category Archives: transportation

Ralph Nader Arises Again in Uber Legal Accountability Bout

Posted on 5 June 2026 by Ken Zino

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader has released an open letter to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi condemning the company’s efforts to limit legal accountability for crashes involving rideshare drivers and autonomous vehicles. It objects to Uber’s push for federal legislation sponsored by Representative Vince Fong (Republican – Bakersfield, CA) that would limit the company’s legal exposure for crashes involving drivers using its platform. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, litigation, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, people, safety, software defined vehicles, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear to Make Tires for Pegasus Lunar Terrain Vehicle

Posted on 3 June 2026 by Ken Zino

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it is returning to the Moon.* As part of NASA’s Artemis program, Goodyear will supply advanced lunar tires for Lunar Outpost’s Pegasus Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), projected to support astronaut … Continue reading →

Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Set U.S. May Sales Record

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) said today that it posted a May 2026 sales increase of 9.9% at 148,903 units, with year-to-date sales reaching 623,139. Honda hybrid-electric vehicles set a new monthly sales record of 42,583 units, led by the CR-V hybrid setting a new May sales record, accounting for 54% of model sales in May, with Accord at 50% hybrid mix and Civic sales at 31% hybrid.

“A strong lineup of affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles powered American Honda to strong May sales results,” AHM said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, news analysis, results, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BTS – May 2026 Fuel Prices Are Sky-High Up 32-50%

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released monthly motor fuels prices for May 2026. The news shows the dire straits motorists are in with the prices at the pump confirming the ongoing trend under the Trump mis-administration. This comes as Iran on Monday has charged the Trump administration with ceasefire violations in Lebanon, saying it will close the Strait of Hormuz and stop swapping messages with the U.S. through intermediaries.

“In May 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.48 per gallon; up 9.2% from April 2026 and up 42.2% from May 2025. The average price for diesel no. 2 was $5.60 in May 2026, up 1.8% from April 2026, and up 60.0% from May 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, financial results, news, news analysis, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

“After the company now known as Dauch Corporation failed to offer a fair deal after weeks of negotiations, nearly 1000 UAW Local 2093 members walked out on strike in Three Rivers, MI starting Monday 1 June at 12:01 am. Mass picket lines started at 6:00 am,” the UAW said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

California Air Resources Board Tweaks Cap-and-Invest

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

“At a moment when climate policy is under attack and global economic upheaval is creating real uncertainty, this rule-making is critically important for California,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with consistency. By moving forward today, we are responding to real affordability concerns while sending a clear and unwavering signal to the world that we remain committed to long-term investment in clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, public health, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Teen Drivers – Good Vehicle Buys With Solid Safety Credentials

Posted on 27 May 2026 by Ken Zino

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) said today they have identified 45 used vehicles starting under $10,000 that offer good crash protection and are suitable for teen drivers. Another 29 vehicles that also have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can be found for under $20,000. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, electronics, engineering, insurance, news analysis, opinions, public health, safety, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day Weekend Gas Prices Highest in Four Years

Posted on 21 May 2026 by Ken Zino

As holiday travelers start running the roads today in record numbers, Memorial Day weekend gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, according to the latest data from AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular is at $4.56, up 3 cents over last week and $1.38 higher than this time last year.

“Current prices are close to what drivers were paying 4 years ago, when the national average on Memorial Day was $4.61. With gasoline demand on the rise and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pump prices are likely to remain elevated as the summer travel season gets underway,” AA said. Continue reading →

Posted in economy, news, news analysis, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

HondaJet APMG S Upgrade Expands to Mexico

Posted on 19 May 2026 by Ken Zino

Honda Aircraft Company said today that the so-called APMG S program (footnote 1) is now available to owners in both the U.S. and Mexico of HondaJet Classic and APMG aircraft. This improves performance and adds the capabilities of recent technical innovations.

“We are excited to provide our customers in Mexico the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations of the award-winning HondaJet,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “We are pursuing additional international certifications and hope to expand availability of the APMG S upgrade package to more HondaJet customers around the world soon.” Continue reading →

Posted in aviation, electronics, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, performance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

May 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast is Down Again

Posted on 19 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“North America’s vehicle production outlook was reduced by 13,000 units for 2026 and 339,000 units for 2027. Near-term production remains relatively steady as automakers continue building key high-volume vehicles to meet demand and support lean inventory levels, especially in pickups and core utility segments. However, the forecast assumes manufacturers will not cut output preemptively unless demand weakness or supply disruptions become more visible. As a result, the brunt of the downside risk shifts into 2027, especially for vehicles and segments more exposed to high fuel costs and softer consumer spending. [Such as the gas guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs that are (were?) extremely profitable offerings from what used to called the Detroit Three. Now GM, Ford and Stellantis – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, news, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trumped – National Average for Fuel Prices Climbing Yet Again

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino

AAA said today that the national average for fuel prices is once again on its way back up.*

“After five straight days of declines earlier this week, the national average is once again on its way back up. Today’s national average is a couple cents lower than last week, but with crude oil prices hovering in the $100/barrel range, pump prices remain elevated,” AA said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group to Convert Preferred Shares to Common

Posted on 14 May 2026 by Ken Zino

At the Annual General Meeting of BMW AG (XETRA: BMWG.DE) late yesterday, and a subsequently held separate meeting of preferred shareholders [Susanne Klatten and Stefan Quandt – AutoCrat], the conversion of preferred shares into ordinary shares was approved.

“For the weighting of BMW AG in major stock indices such as the DAX or the EURO STOXX 50, it is already the ordinary shares that are decisive as the share class with the highest free‑float market capitalization. As a result of the conversion, their proportion in free float will increase significantly by around 19%,” said Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl on Wednesday in Munich. “This step therefore strengthens the weighting of BMW AG in relevant indices. The simplified capital structure represents a clear added value for investors and may have a positive impact on the share price performance of the BMW share.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, financial results, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Annual General Meeting – Chair Oliver Zipse Retires

Posted on 13 May 2026 by Ken Zino

At the 106th Annual BMW (XETRA: BMWG.DE) General Meeting today, Chair Oliver Zipse retired after 35 years with the German maker of premium automobiles and motorcycles.* Effective tomorrow, Milan Nedeljković assumes the Chair position on the Board of Management of BMW AG. Raymond Wittmann will succeed Nedeljković as Board Member for Production.

“For more than 35 years, the BMW Group has been my professional home. I am leaving with a deep sense of gratitude: for the trust that was placed in me, for the professional challenges that have taken me to various areas in the company; and above all, for an exceptional team that is shaping the mobility of the future with passion and a pioneering spirit. It has been a great honor for me to lead the BMW Group as Chairman of the Board of Management for seven years,” said Zipse. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, milestones, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, people, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%

Posted on 12 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“The CPI for all transportation goods and services rose 7.1% from April 2025 to April 2026. Transportation contributed 31.1% to the 3.8% increase in the price of all goods and services per the CPI. Gasoline (all types) contributed the most to inflation, rising 28.4% year-over-year and contributing 24.2% to the annual change in the price of all goods and service,” BTS said. Continue reading →

Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips

Posted on 11 May 2026 by Ken Zino

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.” Continue reading →

Posted in economy, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment