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Category Archives: transportation
Goodyear Posts H1 2025 Loss of $59 million
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
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, financial results, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Goodyear Forward Mark Stewart, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino, NASDAQ: GT, X @KenAutoinformed
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Pep Boys to Run Auto Service Centers on U.S. Navy Bases
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
Center for Automotive Research – Elizabeth Krear is President
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
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, milestones, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Andrew Brown Jr, Electric Vehicle Practice at J.D. Power, Elizabeth Krear, Ken Zino, Michigan State University Executive MBA Program, Wayne State University, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Remain Steady
“The national average for a gallon of regular is back at $3.16 after dropping a couple of cents this past week. The summer of lower gas prices continues thanks to crude oil prices averaging around $65 a barrel. Pump prices so far in 2025 haven’t had any major spikes or dips compared to other recent years,” according to AAA. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, transportation
Tagged AAA TripTik Travel, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Energy Information Administration, expensive gasoline markets, Ken Zino, public EV charging, top 10 most expensive states for public charging, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cap-and-Invest Cleans Air in Most Polluted Areas
A new report released today by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows that the California law funded by Cap-and-Invest dollars improves air in the state’s most polluted communities. In each of the 19 communities the program supports, CARB and the local air districts established partnerships to develop plans to address local pollution problems where people live, work and play. CARB is now expanding the program’s offerings to 64 communities in coordination with other regulatory partners. In AutotInformed’s view this is democracy in action – in sharp contrast to the politics of grievances by the super-rich.
“The Community Air Protection Program has become a critical tool for improving air quality in areas most impacted by sources of pollution,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “As one of the hallmark efforts funded by Cap-and-Invest revenue, it is recognized as a national model for substantially and cost-effectively reducing harmful emissions in vulnerable communities. The success of the program is a testament to the power of partnerships and a result of our collective commitment to the pursuit of clean air for all Californians.” Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Cap-and-Invest Program, California Community Air Protection Program, carb, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, The California Air Resources Board, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Amends Clean Truck Regs With Trucking Industry!
“California’s commitment to cleaner trucks has created an ecosystem of programs and incentives that will continue to drive progress despite the federal administration’s unlawful actions challenging our state’s efforts to reduce emissions and deploy to clean transportation technologies,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The amendments approved today provide manufacturers with flexibility, and we look forward to continued collaboration with manufacturers in efforts to reduce emissions, protect public health and ensure global competitiveness as the rest of the world shifts to zero-emission technologies.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged Advanced Clean Truck regulations, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, carb, Governor Gavin Newsom, Ken Zino, Liane Randolph, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again
“We are pleased to provide shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting the continued strength of our balance sheet and strong cash flow,” said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, pag, penske automotive group, Penske Entertainment, Penske Transportation Solutions, Robert H. Kurnick Jr, roger penske, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions
“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading
Stellantis Drops Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plan
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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Forvia Michelin Stellantis, Gliwice, Hordain, hydrogen, Jean-Philippe Imparato, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Autonomous Cars – Cognitive Intelligence v Machine Learning
MOTOR Ai* announced today a $20 million “seed funding round to bring ‘cognitive intelligence’ autonomous driving technology into full deployment, starting with German public roads.” The new capital will support hiring, commercial rollouts, and expansion of its technology. AutoInformed notes that the recent Nazi propaganda spouted by Grok, the X social media chatbot, is just the latest example of the problems with large language models, aka L.L.M.s. Gathering large amounts of data doesn’t mean that systems using LLMs can think and reason safely without unintended dire consequences, such as X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino being fired by Elon Musk or Tesla’s Autopilot or leaving the company for her own reasons? [Ironically there isn’t enough verifiable data on this -AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, electronics, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cyber Resilience Act provisions, eCAPITAL, elon musk, ISO 26262, Ken Zino, Large Language Models, Linda Yaccarino, MOTOR Ai, Roy Uhlmann, Segenia Capital, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – 2025 Gas Prices Holding Stable for Summer Travel
AAA said today that gas prices are relatively stable during a peak travel season.
“With summer road trips in full swing, drivers are getting a break at the pump, as gas prices match July 2021 numbers. The national average for a gallon of gas dipped as low as $3.14 this past week before going up a few cents to $3.17,” AAA said. Continue reading
California Strikes Back for Clean Air
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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California Departme nt of Consumer Affairs, California State Transportation Agency, Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, Ken Zino, President Trump’s allegedly illegal rollback of the California state regulations, the California Energy Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive
Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Andreas Zygan, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz VLE. MB Van Electric Architecture, X @KenAutoinformed
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As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots
“The across-the-board decrease in visibility for this small group of models is concerning. We need to investigate whether this is a broader trend that may have contributed to the recent spike in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “This study also illustrates that the new method developed by IIHS gives researchers a straightforward, repeatable way to assess driver visibility,” he added. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, news analysis, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Becky Mueller, IIHS President David Harkey, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino, U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center, Volpe Center study, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Movies Ahead as Fed Agencies Retreat on Clean Air
“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 →