Penske Automotive Group Posts Q1 2026 Net of $234.5M

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts Q1 2026 Net of $234.5M

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Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), a diversified international transportation services company and one of the world’s premier automotive and commercial truck retailers, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2026. For the quarter, revenue was $7.9 billion compared to $8.0 billion for the same period in 2025. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $234.5 million compared to $257.7 million for the same period in 2025, and related earnings per share was $3.56 compared to $3.86 for the same period in 2025.*

“In the first quarter of 2026, our business delivered over 126,000 retail automotive and commercial truck units, generated $7.9 billion in revenue and $323.7 million in earnings before taxes. During the quarter, we continued to demonstrate a flexible approach to capital allocation by completing the acquisition of two Lexus dealerships in the Orlando metropolitan area of Central Florida, increasing the dividend paid to stockholders by 1.4% and repurchasing 170,393 shares of common stock,” said Chair Roger Penske.** Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Q1 2026 Earnings per Share Rise

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Q1 2026 Earnings per Share Rise

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today posted group operating income (EBIT) of SEK 1.6 billion and EBIT margin of 2.2% for the first quarter of 2026.* Volvo Cars strength in electric cars and cost and cash actions helped the improvement at the struggling Chines-owned automaker.** As with all global automakers, Volvo is  operating under a challenging external political environment, such as the President Trump’s Iranian war, tariffs, heavy competition, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

“The first quarter of 2026 shows a divide between what we can control and a very challenging external environment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “The areas we can control continued to improve in Q1. Our BEV share increased to a class-leading level and we delivered a strong momentum in our cost and cash actions.” Continue reading →

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GM Canada to Build Next-Generation Truck V8 Engines

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Canada to Build Next-Generation Truck V8 Engines

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General Motors Canada (NYSE: GM) said today that it is investing C$691 million in its St. Catharines Propulsion Plant to support production of the sixth generation of General Motors’ V8 engine, which will power GM full-size trucks and SUVs. Yesterday, GM reported strong sales and earnings for Q1 2026 bolstered in part by sales of such vehicles. Complicating GM’s global strategy is the Trump mis-administration’s repudiation of the successful North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its subsequent revision proposed, promoted and signed by President Trump known in the U.S. as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)*

“Today’s announcement confirms St. Catharines will play a key role in one of our core vehicle programs for years to come, and it reflects General Motors’ confidence in the St. Catharines team and their proud 74-year legacy of powering our most popular vehicles,” said Jack Uppal, president and managing director, GM Canada.** Continue reading →

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IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

Posted on 28 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

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Drivers are more likely to use their phones while speeding, a tendency that increases crash risk by combining two dangerous behaviors, according to a new study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.*

“Until now, safety experts believed drivers used their cellphones most at slower speeds,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “But data from insurance companies’ safe-driving apps show that, in free-flowing traffic, the opposite is true.”** Continue reading →

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GM Posts $2.6B Q1Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

Posted on 28 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts $2.6B Q1 Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

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General Motors (NYSE: GM)* today reported Q1 2026 revenue of $43.6 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.6 billion, and EBIT-adjusted number of $4.3 billion. This was an EPS of $3.70 compared analyst’s predictions $2.61. The company is raising its full-year 2026 EBIT adjusted guidance due to a favorable adjustment of a~$0.5 billion resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding certain U.S. tariffs that were paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.**

“We have solid momentum in our core operations. We maintained overall sales leadership in the U.S. and Canada. We led the U.S. industry in full-size pickup sales and share, with 42% of the market, and we were #1 in Fleet, including Commercial deliveries. In addition, we were Number Two in EVs with growing market share, and Number One in Canada,” said CEO and Chair Mary Barra. Continue reading →

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NHRA Charlotte – Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

Posted on 27 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHRA Charlotte - Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

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At the NHRA Charlotte competition this weekend, a Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 ran an ET of 6.76s with a top speed of 222 mph in the quarter mile, the fastest EV time. [Slower than Pro Stock – AutoCrat]. Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, beating a talent laden final quad of Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart, and Leah Pruett at the 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.*

“This was our opportunity to put Cobra Jet 2200 in front of fans, racers, media, and the broader performance community to show what this program is capable of in the environment where it matters most.” said Nick Kuhajda, Ford Racing Engineering Manager, Electric VehicleDemonstrators. (sic)” Continue reading →

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Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

Posted on 27 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

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Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today updated to its full‑year financial outlook for the Japanese fiscal 2025, ending 31 March 2026. The revised outlook reflects an upward adjustment to the forecast announced on 12 February 2026. It still is projecting a sizeable operating loss.*

“The revision uplifts operating profit for fiscal year 2025 from the previously forecasted negative 60 billion yen to positive 50 billion yen. The improvement mainly reflects a one-time positive impact from changes to U.S. emissions regulations, along with ongoing cost reductions and favorable foreign exchange effects,” Nissan said.** Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls for Brakes, Wheel Loss, Rollaways, Fires

Posted on 27 April 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~150,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects involving brake failures wheels coming off, fires and rollaways. The largest recall involves  model year 2024-2026 Ranger pickup trucks. The sun visor or headliner wiring from a supplier (Versigent) can cause a fire inside the cab. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.

“A short in the power takeout for the right or left sun visor assembly may create heat or spark, resulting in fire in the A-pillar area. When a damaged wire creates a short to ground, heat or spark at this short may also cause smoke, burn, melt or fire. A driver may experience flickering or inoperative sun visor mirror lights and overhead console lights prior to a smoking, melting or fire event,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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New Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric Debuts in Beijing

Posted on 24 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric Debuts in Beijing

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Porsche AG’s (P911.DE) new Cayenne Coupé Electric model with three drive variants celebrated its world premiere at Auto China 2026 in Beijing today. They can be ordered immediately. The Chinese market has been challenging for Porsche lately as customers are turning to less expensive and innovative EVs from Chinese makers.*

“The gently sloping roofline sweeps elegantly over the car’s broad shoulders and gives the Cayenne Coupé a particularly sporty appearance,” said Thomas Stopka, Head of Exterior Design, Style Porsche. “The adaptive rear spoiler blends harmoniously into the body, while the way the rear window is embedded and flush-mounted with fewer joints ensures a clean, modern look. Continue reading →

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GM First U.S. Automaker at 100% Renewable Electricity

Posted on 24 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM First U.S. Automaker at 100% Renewable Electricity

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this week as part of Earth Day observances that in 2025 GM reached a major milestone. GM has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all its U.S. facilities — making GM the first U.S. automaker to reach this goal.*

“Managing energy use isn’t just a checkbox for a corporate environmental report these days; it’s a business necessity,” said Cassandra Garber, chief sustainability officer at GM. Continue reading →

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McLaren to Run in 2027 World Endurance Championship

Posted on 24 April 2026 by Ken Zino

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McLaren Racing today revealed the name of the FIA Hypercar that will return to endurance racing. The McLaren MCL-HY will compete for overall honors in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting next year.* A variant dubbed MCL-HY GTR will enable clients to own  aversion of the McLaren Racing FIA Hypercar. This supercar was part of what was formerly known as Project: Endurance. Pricing is not available yet.

“The MCL‑HY GTR proudly continues a lineage that began with the McLaren F1 GTR’s outright Le Mans victory in 1995 and then continued with the McLaren P1 GTR™ and McLaren Senna GTR track cars. This badge stands for moments that define McLaren. With the MCL‑HY GTR, we are writing the next chapter for our most focused, authentic, and uncompromising track cars,” said Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading →

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Hybrids Rule New EU Car Registrations in March and Q1 2026

Posted on 23 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hybrids Rule New EU Car Registrations in March and Q1 2026

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During March 2026 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name- AutoCrat]* However, new car registrations were +4% in Q1 2026 with battery-electric powertrains taking a 19.4% market share.**

“The market was supported by robust consumer activity bolstered by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries,” ACEA said in a release. Continue reading →

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VinFast Auto Posts March Sales of ~28,000 EVs

Posted on 22 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VinFast Auto Posts March Sales of ~28,000 EVs

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VinFast Auto (NASDAQ: VFS) in Hanoi today posted preliminary domestic Vietnam deliveries of 27,609 electric vehicles during March 2026, an increase of 127% year-over-year. For Q1 of 2026, the Company delivered a preliminary total of 53,684 EVs to customers in Vietnam.* [By global automaker standards this is roughly one final assembly plant on an annual basis – AutoCrat.]

“This achievement underscores VinFast’s leadership in the domestic automotive market,” the company claimed in a release. “Notably, 6795 Limo Green vehicles were delivered in March, making it VinFast’s best-selling model for the month. The VF 3 ranked second, with 4729 vehicles delivered,” Vinfast said.** Continue reading →

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Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP

Posted on 22 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP

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Well, the paddock rumors were accurate – or should AutoInformed say Acura-it? Marcus Armstrong’s Honda-powered IndyCar will carry Acura branding in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, the Acura’s first appearance on the Indy 500 grid. Moreover, Acura will “pause” the IMSA GTP program following 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This move to the NTT IndyCar Series keeps the Acura name in motorsports of course. It also, perhaps, adds a complication to the viability of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, if other brands do likewise.*

“We’re excited for the Acura brand expansion into the NTT IndyCar Series and we can’t wait to see our Acura livery take on the Indy 500”, said Hundy Liu, manager, Acura Brand Marketing. “We saw a great response to the livery on Felix Rosenqvist’s MSR car last week at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, and I know it will be even more exciting to see the Acura brand on Marcus Armstrong’s car at Indianapolis.” Continue reading →

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Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference

Posted on 22 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Canada and U.S to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference

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Transport Canada in Ottawa today said that Canada and the United States will convene the  global road safety community together in Toronto this May to strengthen international collaboration aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on roads. Under the theme “Advancing Innovation: Technologies for Safer Vehicles,” ESV 2026 will focus on developing and deploying safety technologies using evidence-based approaches that can be adopted globally. There are ~1.2 million lives lost each year to road crashes worldwide.

“Canada is proud to welcome the global road safety community to Toronto for Enhanced Safety of Vehicles 2026. By bringing together researchers, regulators, and industry leaders, we are fostering innovation and cooperation that will shape the next generation of vehicle safety and strengthen our collective efforts to make roads safer around the world,” said the Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the government in the House of Commons.
Continue reading →

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