Category Archives: transportation

Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows

Posted on 23 September 2025 by Ken Zino

A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.

“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.” Continue reading →

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CARB Chair Liane Randolph to Retire

Posted on 16 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Late yesterday, California governor Gavin Newsom announced that California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair Liane Randolph will be retiring from state service effective 30 September 2025. Newsome named Senior Advisor to the Governor for Climate Lauren Sanchez to serve as the next CARB Chair. Chair Sanchez starts 1 October 2025 and assumes Chair Randolph’s current term which ends in December 2026. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation. It is inarguably the most powerful position in the Clean Air movement now that the US EPA has abandoned its role on protecting the environment and dealing with planet threatening Global Warming. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Demolish Glass House, Build New WHQ

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

In a letter sent to Ford employees this morning Bill Ford, executive chair, and Jim Farley, president and CEO, said Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) will demolish its World Headquarters, aka Glass House, and replace it on the newly named Henry Ford II World Center, formerly the Product Development Center or Campus. It is scheduled to open this November. It will be dedicated as Ford World Headquarters. Ford did not name the architect.

“This is more than just a new building; it’s a catalyst for innovation and a physical symbol of our Ford+ transformation. To win in this new era, we must work more closely together than ever before,” Bill Ford and Jim Farley said. “This is more than just a new building; it’s a catalyst for innovation and a physical symbol of our Ford+ transformation. To win in this new era, we must work more closely together than ever before.” Continue reading →

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UAW Has Tentative Contract at GE Aerospace

Posted on 13 September 2025 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that after a two-week strike over “unfair labor practices,” UAW Local 647 members at GE Aerospace now have an agreement that addresses  the principal issues. The tentative agreement covers a five-year term. However, all picket lines at both the Erlanger, Kentucky and Evendale, Ohio sites will continue until the UAW Local 647 membership (~600) at GE Aerospace holds a ratification vote on Friday 19 September 2025. The strike was the first UAW strike at GE since 1988. Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Stable as Summer Travel Ends

Posted on 11 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“The national average for a gallon of regular is down about a penny to $3.19. There remains an abundance of crude oil supply which is outweighing demand. The seasonal transition to winter-blend gasoline – which is cheaper to produce – is also beginning. While the national average has been relatively stable, drivers in the Pacific Northwest are feeling pain at the pump. Gas prices in the area have jumped more than 20 cents in the past week due to the shutdown of a major pipeline that transports fuel from Washington to Oregon. The pipeline is reportedly expected to resume operations in a few days,” said AAA Continue reading →

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Nissan Testing Cooperative Congestion Management

Posted on 10 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan said today that a trial with UC Berkeley and Contra Costa Transportation Authority showed how connected vehicles can help reduce congestion. Nissan’s Cooperative Congestion Management (CCM) trial resulted in 85% fewer hard-braking events and 70% less time stopped in traffic during 600 miles of testing. It’s the latest example of how connected vehicles can yield safety benefits, although there are still huge, unanswered questions about privacy rights and the lack of regulations with the impending monitoring by State and the Federal government entities. Continue reading →

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CARB Files Comments on DOE Climate Misinformation

Posted on 3 September 2025 by Ken Zino

“This DOE document relies on the old tobacco industry strategy of undermining established science, spreading doubt about established reality and carelessly endangering fellow human beings,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “If the endangerment finding is rolled back, it will clearly establish that the federal government is further stamping its approval on a proposal that puts profits before the health of the people the administration claims to represent.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Joins Tokyo Hydrogen Fuel Venture

Posted on 3 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) announced today that it has joined “TOKYO H2,” a new project launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on 3 September aiming to make Tokyo a global leader in hydrogen. As part of this public-private initiative, the Crown has been introduced into the fuel cell taxi fleet to expand adoption.

“The Crown combines the exceptional quietness unique to a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) with spacious rear seating and excellent ease of entry and exit, delivering comfortable and a premium travel experience unmatched by conventional taxis,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Environmental Pillage Agency attacks California

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino

This proposed disapproval comes after two complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in federal courts against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) about the State’s enforcement of emissions standards through its so-called “Clean Truck Partnership” with heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers. This politicization of the Justice Department – long attacked previously by President Trump as a misuse of power and directly opposed to the Republican party’s long-standing support of States’ rights, is yet another baffling move by the Trump mis-administration. A better name for the agency given its actions under Trump 2.0 is the Environmental Pillage Agency in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading →

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August New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Up. EVs at Record

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Total new-vehicle sales for August 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,483,000, an 8.2% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast issued today by J.D. Power* and GlobalData.** August 2025 has 27 selling days, one fewer than August 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days is an increase of 4.4% from 2024.

“August new-vehicle sales are expected to climb 8.2% from a year ago, including a 7.8% increase in retail volume. A strong result, although the results should be viewed in the context of several unusual factors that are distorting typical monthly sales trends” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Prices Down as Consumer Sentiment Drops

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“We started to see stronger sales trends in late July and early August for retail and wholesale markets, and that’s causing some additional volatility in wholesale pricing trends in recent weeks, against a stronger comparison from last year,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. Continue reading →

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California Movies Ahead as Fed Agencies Retreat on Clean Air

Posted on 19 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Cleaner vehicles will also save Californians billions of dollars in fuel, maintenance and healthcare costs as the state pushes for the cleanest, most affordable ways to travel,” the agencies said. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Posts H1 2025 Loss of $59 million

Posted on 8 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today posted a Q2 2025 loss of $48 million compared to a net income of $48 million in Q2 of 2024. Goodyear during H1 2025  had net sales of $8.7 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 76.4 million. Goodyear net income was $369 million ($1.27 per share) compared to Goodyear net income of $10 million (4 cents per share) a year ago. Goodyear’s first six months 2025 saw net sales of$8.7 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 76.4 million. Goodyear net income was $369 million ($1.27 per share) compared to Goodyear net income of $10 million (4 cents per share) a year ago. Nonetheless, the stock market punished the stock dropping it ~17% from the previous day closing as the impending Trump tariff recession appears to be underway. Tariff costs at Goodyear are now estimated at, gulp, $350,000,000 for 2025.
“The second quarter proved challenging in both our consumer and commercial businesses, driven by industry disruption stemming from shifts in global trade – including a surge of low-cost imports across our key markets,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear CEO. “We expect conditions to stabilize in the coming quarters, and we see clear opportunity ahead as we capitalize on our strong U.S. manufacturing footprint. We continue to expect to exceed the original goals for Goodyear Forward both in terms of cost savings and proceeds from asset sales.” Continue reading →

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Pep Boys to Run Auto Service Centers on U.S. Navy Bases

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Pep Boys said today that it has a contract with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). Under the contract, Pep Boys plans to operate 14 of NEXCOM’s automotive service centers located on U.S. Navy bases across the country. This transition, which will be implemented on a rolling basis, will provide service to military personnel and their families. The converted locations* will be rebranded under the Pep Boys name, continuing a legacy that dates back to the company’s founding by Navy veterans Manny, Moe & Jack.

“We are honored to work with NEXCOM*** to bring Pep Boys’ best-in-class automotive & tire services to Navy personnel and their families,” said Joe Auriemma, CEO of Pep Boys. “Our company was founded by three Navy veterans, and we take immense pride in continuing that tradition by serving the military community with the same dedication and excellence that has defined us for more than 100 years.” Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research – Elizabeth Krear is President

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Krear as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Krear assumes the role following interim leadership by David Leckey.

“I am excited and honored to lead CAR during such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Krear. “CAR’s work is essential in helping stakeholders navigate electrification, automation, sustainability, and policy shifts. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure CAR remains a trusted voice and strategic catalyst for the future of automotive,” said Krear. She brings a career-long focus on automotive innovation, electrification, and strategic planning. She is a home-grown Michigan engineer, executive and industry analyst. Continue reading →

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