Approved Auto Repair – AAA celebrates 50th Anniversary

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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AAA said today that it is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program. Since its inception in 1975, the AAR program has connected drivers with auto repair services that uphold the highest standards of quality and affordability.*

“Fifty years ago, we recognized a huge gap in the automotive repair marketplace, where consumer frustration was all too common,” said Margaret Pittelkow, Vice President of AAA Automotive Services. “Today, our AAR program stands as a testament to AAA’s commitment to supporting drivers in their journey, providing them peace of mind and a hassle-free repair experience.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Starts a Strategic Investment Subsidiary

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the establishment of Toyota Invention Partners Company, Ltd. (TIP), a new strategic investment subsidiary with ¥100 billion yen (~$670 million) in capital. TIP will focus on accelerating collaborations between Toyota, Woven by Toyota (WbyT), Toyota Group companies, their affiliates, and external partners as part of Toyota’s ongoing transformation into a mobility company. Woven Capital, Toyota’s venture investment arm, has established Fund II with $800 million (~¥120 billion), matching the size of Fund I launched in 2021.*

“To ensure that mobility continues to bring smiles to people and remains vital to society, the Toyota Group has embraced the vision of ‘Inventing our path forward, together’. This vision places a particular emphasis on ‘Invention’, which has always been the foundation of the Group” said Kenta Kon, Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota and CFO and Director of WbyT. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber to Form a Global Racing Unit

Posted on 30 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced the formation of its new Global Racing organization. This combines all motorsport operations under a single global structure. Xavier Fraipont will lead the newly formed organization as vice president, Global Racing, effective 1 October.

“Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer. “With Xavier’s deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we’re advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide.” Continue reading →

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Fires – Ford Recalls Expeditions and Navigators

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~4632 model year 2020 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. An electrical short may develop in the battery junction box’s printed circuit board that is capable of an electrical current load sufficient to overheat the printed circuit board A short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.

“Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed,” Ford said in the required safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Steering Loss – Ford Recalls F-Series Trucks

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~116,000 model-year 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control. HL Mando made the part in Korea. During the first half of 2025 Ford Motor booked a $1.3 billion loss from repairs of vehicles under warranty, cancellation of plans to build an electric sport utility vehicle and other one-time costs. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its handing of recalls.

“The steering column upper shaft hard slider does not satisfy anti-pull apart load specifications,” Ford said in the required safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Honda, Astrobotic Start Study of Lunar Power

Posted on 29 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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American Honda Motor Company and Astrobotic Technology today announced a joint-development agreement aimed at developing a scalable and integrated power supply for sustained lunar surface missions.

“The collaboration between Honda and Astrobotic marks a pivotal step toward creating scalable power solutions for long-term lunar surface missions. Powered by core Honda technologies, our regenerative fuel cell system is designed to provide efficient energy storage and regeneration to support sustained human life on the Moon, as well as advance zero-emission applications on Earth,” claimed Derek Adelman, chief engineer, Space Development Division, American Honda Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Climate Change – CARB Adopts Five-Year Research Plan

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted its Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2025–2030, “reaffirming the agency’s commitment to science-driven policymaking that protects public health and addresses the growing threats of climate change.” The plan outlines CARB’s research priorities in five areas – health, ambient air quality, climate, mobile sources, and sustainable transportation, housing, and communities. Environmental justice and economic concerns are addressed throughout the five areas.

“While the federal government recklessly dismantles decades of proven science and undermines public trust, California is doubling down on facts, data and accountability,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “This plan isn’t just a roadmap for cleaner air and smart climate action; it’s a declaration that science still matters. We’re building policies that are resilient, adaptive and rooted in evidence.” Continue reading →

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Lexus Adds F-Sport Trim to the 2026 LX 

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Lexus Adds F-Sport Trim to the 2026 LX

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Lexus said today that the LX for the 2026 model year will offer an F SPORT Appearance Package, available exclusively on the LX 700h F SPORT Handling model. The package has color-keyed lower front and rear bumper accents, black outside mirror covers, black rear spoiler winglets, and color-keyed running board accents. The 2026 LX is offered in five grades: Premium, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and Overtrail. For the first time a Hybrid Powertrain is available. Pricing ranges from $107,950 to $142,450. The 2026 LX lineup is assembled at Toyota Auto Body Yoshiwara.

The Overtrail grade offers additional equipment “to help customers revel in the exploration of the outdoors. It exudes a tough and rugged persona too: offering exterior color Earth1  and, inside, Black or Stone Brown semi-aniline leather-trim on the seats and door panels with Stone Brown stitching and Black Open Pore wood accents on the center console and door panels. Continue reading →

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CARB Delays ZEV Requirements for Truck Fleets

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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Heavy-duty vehicle public fleet owners subject to California’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF)* regulation have new flexibility in meeting the regulation’s requirements along with streamlined processes for applying for exemptions. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval of amendments to ACF yesterday that will help state and local fleets continue introducing zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to their fleets while “providing clarity, certainty and flexibility in ACF’s implementation.”

“Today’s approval of amendments to ACF – a critical component in the state’s efforts to achieve emissions reductions for a healthier future for all residents – keeps California advancing towards the cleanest fleet in the nation and provides flexibilities to help ensure a smooth implementation,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Carrera GT 25 Anniversary and ZEPETO

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Carrera GT 25 Anniversary and ZEPETO

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Porsche and Arthur Kar have teamed to launch an exclusive capsule collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Carrera GT. ZEPETO, a global avatar platform, is partnering with Porsche as it marks the anniversary. Attached to the collection launch, Porsche presents a Paris showcase and exhibition near the Champs-Élysées. ZEPETO is extending the audience to millions of global users. Four exclusive items from the 25Y Porsche Carrera GT Anniversary Collection, including a jacket, T-shirt, cap, and Porsche x PUMA trainers will be available in the Porsche shop on ZEPETO.

“Running from September 26 to October 25, ZEPETO users will be invited to step into three immersive booths, each offering a narrative thread drawn from the Carrera GT’s heritage. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Subaru Connection Hub

Posted on 25 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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Subaru of America today unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. Customers will begin to see the Subaru Connection Hub at participating retailers in 2026.*

“Following decades of growth and evolution at Subaru, the new Connection Hub reflects where our brand stands today and where we are headed, while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to our customers and communities through the Subaru Love Promise. This is more than a design update – it transforms our retailers’ facilities into welcoming hubs for customers and communities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate what they love about our brand,” said Tim Stallings, Vice President, Retailer Development, Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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September 2025 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Better

Posted on 25 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on September 2025 U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Better

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Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for September 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,232,200, a 0.1% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. September 2025 has 24 selling days, one more than September 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 4.5% from 2024.*

“In aggregate, September sales results point to another month of strong demand for new vehicles. However, as has been the case for the past few months, assessing the health of the industry requires a closer look at the underlying market dynamics,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Audi of America Debuts 2026 A6 Sedan

Posted on 24 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Audi of America Debuts 2026 A6 Sedan

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Audi of America today announced the latest specifications and pricing for its ninth-generation upper mid-sized luxury sedan, the all-new 2026 Audi A6. An optional Sport plus package brings S model dynamics and equipment to the A6 model line.*

“Embodying the most quintessential parts of the Audi brand’s DNA, the 2026 A6 sedan arrives in America with an all-new modern and sophisticated design inside and out. Engine performance has been improved and, with its enhanced dynamic capabilities, the all-new A6 is both quicker and better handling than the previous generation. Continue reading →

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Subaru 2026 BRZ Starts at $37,055

Posted on 24 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru 2026 BRZ Starts at $37,055

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Subaru of America today announced pricing on the 2026 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports car. The 2026 BRZ will arrive in retailers early next year with a starting price of $35,860 MSRP, the same as the outgoing model.* The lineup includes Limited, tS, and a new limited-production Series.Yellow (sic) edition. The BRZ Premium trim level is discontinued for 2026.

“Our streamlined BRZ lineup reflects our buyers’ preferences in a lightweight, performance coupe with technology and creature comforts found in BRZ Limited and BRZ tS trim levels, which more than 90% of our buyers chose last year,” said Bill Stokes, Car Line Planning Manager for Subaru of America, Inc. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariffs – Auto Brand Loyalty Matters But…

Posted on 24 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Tariffs – Auto Brand Loyalty Matters But…

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Tariffs have introduced greater volatility into new-vehicle shopping behavior. However, brands with strong reputations, such as Toyota and Honda, continue to retain loyal customers. This is according to the considered view expressed in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty StudySM released today.

“Brand loyalty matters to vehicle buyers because it’s often associated with higher residual values, making vehicles from trusted brands a more financially sound choice over time,” said Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data & analytics at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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