IndyCar announces 17-Race 2026 Schedule

Posted on 16 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar announces 17-Race 2026 Schedule

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IndyCar announced today what it hopes and likely will be an action-packed 17-race schedule for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, highlighted by multiple new events and several exciting showcases “for the stars of racing’s most exhilarating and competitive series.” For the second consecutive season, all 17 races will be broadcast on Fox, with two additional appearances during the two days of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT IndyCar Series is once again the only premier motorsport series in North America with all races broadcast on network television.*

“Our growth is industry-leading and will only accelerate faster as we continue our powerful partnership with Fox Sports and increase investment in our events,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series schedule provides a dynamic showcase for our sport and its stars, blending fan-favorite race weekends with incredible showcases at exciting new venues. We cannot wait for 2026.” 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. (read AutoInformed.com on: Environmental Pillage Agency attacks California)**

“Serving the public has been the honor of a lifetime and I am incredibly proud of everything the agency has accomplished over the last five years. I thank Governor Newsom for the opportunity, my fellow board members for their partnership, and CARB staff for their unwavering dedication to the mission of clean air and a better future for all Californians,” said Chair Randolph. Continue reading →

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Bad Defrosters – Toyota Motor Recalls Lexus and Subaru SUVs

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling ~94,000 2023-2025 model-year bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra SUVs. During certain Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system problems (HVAC), such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative because of a software problem in the Denso supplied ECU software. Apparently, Transport Canada originally identified the safety hazard.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that, among other things, control the windshield defroster function. Due to the programming of the HVAC control ECU software, under certain conditions, such as a specific failure mode of the electrical compressor, the HVAC system will enter a failsafe mode that suspends the heater operation of the system and affects defroster function. In some cases, when the vehicle is operated in certain low temperatures, the defrosting performance reduces and may not remove frost, ice, and/or fog from the windshield glass. This can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash in certain driving conditions,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect recall (49 CFR § 573) filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 1.5M Vehicles for Bad Rear-View Cameras

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is model-year  2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rear-view camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. The latest of seemingly endless recalls were made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is an expansion of a previous recall involving a Magna produced part. (Read AutoInformed.com on More Ford Motor Recalls – Air Bags, Brakes, Instrument Panels, Tail Lights, Trailer Lights and More Ford Motor Recalls – Lincoln Corsairs, F-150s, Mach-Es) Ford is operating under a NHTSA consent decree because of its previous problems with defective vehicles and if or how safety recalls were conducted.

 “Customers may experience a distorted, and/or intermittent or persistent loss of image. A rear-view camera that intermittently displays a blank, distorted or inverted image while in reverse can reduce or distort the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” Ford Motor said in the mandatory safety recall defect filing. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Demolish Glass House, Build New WHQ

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor to Demolish Glass House, Build New WHQ

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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 or firm.

“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 24/7 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.*

“UAW Local 647 members showed that you don’t beat a multi-billion-dollar company by backing down – you win by standing up and joining together in a common cause,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Priced – Bring Money

Posted on 12 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Priced – Bring Money

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Mercedes-Benz USA said today that 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid* arrives at U.S. dealerships in early fall 2025, starting from $93,3502. That excludes a $1150 destination and delivery charge as well as options. AutoInformed speculates that Trump Tariff chaos had something to do with the price. Green would be an appropriate color under the circumstances. No U.S. photos or the rear interior area of the wagon were provided. [See footnote 1]**

“The AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon is an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, producing a combined output of 577 hp, 604 hp with optional Race Start [3]. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in as little as 3.8 seconds [3] thanks to standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive adjustable damping and 2.5-degree active rear-axle steering also contribute to the dynamic driving experience,” Mercedes said. Continue reading →

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New Porsche 911 Turbo S Most Powerful 911 Ever

Posted on 12 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche (P911.DE) showed the new 911 Turbo S series at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The twin-turbo powertrain with so-called T-Hybrid technology makes the new 911 Turbo S the most powerful production 911 thus far. The sports car, available as a coupé and cabriolet, claims more intelligent aerodynamics, an optimized chassis and more exclusive equipment. Prices, inevitably high, are thus far are unknown. They will be influenced negatively by the ongoing Trump Tariff economic chaos.*

“The 911 Turbo S is the most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911. Whether in daily use, on long autobahn journeys or on the racetrack – we have made the new 911 Turbo S even more comfortable, more individual and significantly faster than its predecessor,” said Frank Moser, Vice President of the 911 and 718 model line.** Continue reading →

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Trump Economics – Growth Slowing, Unemployment Rising

Posted on 11 September 2025 by Ken Zino

John C. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer Federal Reserve Bank of New York spoke at the Economic Club of New York on 4 September 2025. The views expressed are his own. However, AutoInformed notes that, regrettably, the data when used by experts continue to show rising inflation and declining employment and loss of income for large numbers of U.S. taxpayers. That is unless you are member of the Economic Elite.*

“I’d like to take the next 10 minutes or so to share my outlook for the economy and how I see the path forward in the current moment. I’ll put my Federal Reserve hat back on now and give the standard Fed disclaimer that the views I express today are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) or others in the Federal Reserve System,” Williams said. Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Stable as Summer Travel Ends

Posted on 11 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Gasoline Prices Stable as Summer Travel Ends

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There remains an abundance of crude oil supply which is outweighing demand, AAA said today. (Read AutoInformed.com on: AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Remain Steady)*

“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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Trump Tariffs Hit N.A. Automakers $1.389B

Posted on 11 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Tariffs Hit N.A. Automakers $1.389B

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North American automakers faced a sharp increase in tariff duties on imported vehicles in July. Analysis by Anderson Economic Group reveals more than $1.1 billion in tariffs was imposed on assembled vehicles from Canada and Mexico, and another $276 million was levied on auto parts, in the month of July 2025. In total, $1.389 billion in tariff duties was imposed on cars and auto parts from both countries. The data are from the respected Anderson Economic Group (AEG). (Read AutoInformed.com on Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming)

“Tariffs hit North American automakers hard in July,” said Patrick L. Anderson, Principal & CEO of Anderson Economic Group. “The automakers made extensive use of temporary allowances that effectively allowed an exemption for the majority of both parts and vehicles through June. That changed in July for assembled vehicles, and we can expect that these costs will become embedded into the prices consumers are paying in the very near future.” Continue reading →

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Magna Names Philip D. Fracassa CFO

Posted on 11 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna Names Philip D. Fracassa CFO

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Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) announced today the appointment of Philip D. Fracassa as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. He succeeds Patrick McCann, who will step down after more than 26 years with Magna. To support a “seamless transition,” McCann will remain in an advisory role until the end of February 2026.*

“I would like to extend my gratitude to Pat for his significant contributions and partnership, particularly during a dynamic period in the global economy and our industry,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna President and Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of the entire Magna team, we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Testing Cooperative Congestion Management

Posted on 10 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Testing Cooperative Congestion Management

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Nissan (7201.T) 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. (Read AutoInformed.com on: State Privacy Laws Failing to Protect Your Data and IIHS Safety Award to Use Risky Driver Behavior Tech)*

“Our goal is to eliminate the waste of stop-and-go traffic,” said Zvi Guter, senior manager of mobility research, who is leading the CCM project at Nissan’s Silicon Valley lab. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Audi F1 and Adidas

Posted on 10 September 2025 by Ken Zino
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The Audi F1 Team and adidas (sic) today announced a multi-year partnership whereby the German sporting goods manufacturer becomes the team’s official apparel partner. The collection will be released before the start of the 2026 season when Audi takes over Sauber Motorsport.*

“adidas and Audi have decades of collaboration in top-level sports – built on shared values and the desire to inspire through performance. Our partnership in Formula 1 goes far beyond the pursuit of innovation and peak performance: it combines the strengths and visions of two progressive brands. The upcoming adidas collection will be characterized by clarity and precision, just like Audi’s new design philosophy. The fact that we are shaping our brand’s entry into the premier class of motorsport together with adidas underscores the great trust and appreciation we have for our collaboration,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading →

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IIHS Safety Award to Use Risky Driver Behavior Tech

Posted on 9 September 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Safety Award to Use Risky Driver Behavior Tech

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Vehicle technology that can detect certain types of risky driver behavior will soon be added to the requirements for a safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Institute’s president, David Harkey, announced today during a roundtable on impaired driving organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).*

“As part of our 30×30 vision to cut U.S. road deaths 30% by 2030, we are committed to addressing the risky – and often illegal – behavior that underlies most fatalities today,” Harkey said. “One way we plan to do that is to leverage our ratings and award programs to encourage automakers to adopt this new class of safety technology, just as we got them to improve vehicle structures, airbags and collision avoidance systems.” Continue reading →

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