Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)* said today that the Commission’s eFiling program is now in effect, requiring importers of regulated consumer products to submit compliance certificates electronically before products enter U.S. commerce. eFiling does not apply to domestic manufacturers, including small businesses manufacturing in the United States.

“America faces an unprecedented surge in imported consumer products entering through increasingly complex global supply chains, including millions of direct-to-consumer shipments that often bypass traditional retail distribution. CPSC faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly where products originate from countries that do not comply with U.S. safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman, a Trump appointee.** Continue reading →

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Toyota – $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

Posted on 7 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota - $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said this week that it will invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio manufacturing site with a second vehicle assembly line for the Tacoma pickup truck. The expansion it’s claimed will create 2000 new jobs and add 2.5 million square feet to Toyota Texas, doubling its size by 2030. [In the latest trade and tariff battle under the Trump mis-administration, TMNA will move Tacoma production from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California (TMMBC) to the expanded Toyota Texas plant over ~four-years. Toyota said it encourages a quick resolution to USMCA to make the North American region globally competitive. Toyota has operations is all three countries – AutoCrat.]*

“Toyota’s continued investment in North America is a testament to our confidence in the region’s workforce, innovation and long-term growth potential,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO TMNA. “By expanding our San Antonio plant, we are deepening our commitment to American manufacturing, creating meaningful and sustainable jobs, while advancing our mission to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet the changing needs of customers today and into the future.” Continue reading →

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Ford and Lincoln Recalls For Bad Pedestrian Backup Warnings

Posted on 6 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 66,000 2024-2027 model-year Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.* The Phoenix Audio System supplied by Harmon International has a software error in the Digital Signal Processing Module This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed.

“Dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. The remedy is currently under development for all other Nautilus and Explorer Hybrid vehicles affected by this recall,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the morning. Continue reading →

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Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

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The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Ford Motor Company leads the safety defect recall parade. Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations. The dataset includes recall information related to specific NHTSA campaigns. General Motors, Chrysler (FCAUS) Hyundai Motor and Toyota follow Ford in frequency.

Manufacturers who determine that a product or piece of original equipment either contains a safety defect or is not in compliance with Federal safety standards are required to notify NHTSA within 5 business days.  Continue reading →

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CARB Adds $70M of Funding for Clean Off-Road Equipment

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CARB Adds $70M of Funding for Clean Off-Road Equipment

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The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* has approved the next round of funding – $70 million -for the Air Quality Improvement Program and allocated it to the state’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). CORE encourages California off-road equipment owners to purchase or lease commercial zero-emission off-road equipment.

“Off-road equipment remains a major source of harmful emissions in California and demand for incentives has consistently exceeded what’s been available,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “With other funding dedicated to clean cars and trucks, we’re focusing these funds where they can make the biggest difference – helping clean the air in communities where off-road equipment is most heavily used for agricultural, constriction and freight operations.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Blimp Returns to NYC for the Fourth of July

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Blimp Returns to NYC for the Fourth of July

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The Goodyear Blimp will offer millions of Americans with an aerial view during Sail 4th 250, a nautical event in New York City during what’s said to be the world’s largest gathering of tall ships. Aerial coverage will begin at 7 a.m. EST on the TODAY Show on NBC. No drones need apply.*

“The blimp’s historic appearance at Sail 4th 250 is the fourth time it’s flown over an Operation Sail event. It was a fixture at the first celebration in 1964, America’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Now, it returns to provide aerial coverage in celebration of America’s 250th,” the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

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The BMW Group (XETRA: BMWG.DE)* celebrated a milestone this week at the “Home of X” event at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. With this milestone, BMW Group has completed the expansion of Plant Spartanburg and the construction of Plant Woodruff, establishing the basis for the assembly of fully electric BMW vehicles in South Carolina. The United States remains one of BMW Group’s most important markets worldwide.

“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG. “Today, we are delivering on that commitment. The completion of our investments in Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff demonstrates our confidence in the United States and reinforces South Carolina’s role at the center of BMW Group’s global operations.” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today reported global sales of 171,501 cars in the second quarter of 2026, down 5.6% from Q2 last year. This is partially due to the difficult operating environment across regions, especially in China, that global automakers are enduring along with the Trump mis-administration tax, trade and foreign policy strategies. [Part of the solution to the Chinese problem is that Chinese-owned Volvo cars can export Chinese EVs to global markets, which it is increasingly doing – AutoCrat.]

“Overall market conditions remain challenging, specifically in China, but we are encouraged by the momentum for the fully electric cars in our largest market Europe,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars.** “We see increased deliveries and order intake for our EX30, even in less electrified South European markets. This is reflected in our higher market share in the growing electric car segments compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van.

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September to “address the evolving needs of industry professionals through one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle line-ups on the market. At the trade show 13 vehicles on display and four professional brands represented,” Stellantis said. It will be revealed during a Press Conference in Hall 13 on September 14.

“Stellantis Pro One is setting the stage for a world premiere poised to redefine urban delivery through a customer-centric approach to more efficient and sustainable last-mile logistics,” Stellantis said in a release. “The stand offers a comprehensive and immersive journey across the full Stellantis Pro One portfolio – from micro-mobility to large vans – enhanced by CustomFit solutions and specialist conversions tailored to a wide range of professional applications,” Stellantis said.** Continue reading →

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Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

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The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, A2RL,* will make its international racing debut on 5 September 2026 in Imola, Italy, bringing up to 5 fully autonomous racecars based on the Dallara Super Formula SF23 to a racing circuit inextricably linked with Ferrari. This is A2RL’s first international race, which is another lap completed on its endurance race to become the world’s first international championship for fully autonomous racecars. Imola follows two seasons at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital. The 2026 season finale is at Abu Dhabi.

“A2RL began in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: the future of mobility must be tested openly, rigorously and at the limits of performance. Its international debut at Imola demonstrates how the UAE is translating bold R&D ambition into globally relevant technology platforms that can accelerate progress in autonomous mobility,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council.** Continue reading →

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Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract

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UAW members who build seats for Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Dodge RAM Trucks have ratified a new contract by ~80%, the UAW said today.

“UAW Local 400 members at Bridgewater Interiors are another example of workers in the IPS sector [Independent Parts Suppliers – AutoCrat.]*who are ready to stand up and win their fair share,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “They don’t treat IPS CEOs like second-class citizens. So why do they treat IPS workers that way? Whether you build axles or seats, the days of allowing IPS workers to be treated like second class citizens is ending.” Continue reading →

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Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV

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Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the initial phase of what is termed a strategic manufacturing alliance by establishing the Joint Venture to realize air mobility. This will combine Joby’s pioneering work in electric eVTOL aircraft with Toyota’s expertise in production systems and operational excellence. The Strategic Alliance will initially focus on establishing the groundwork for commercial production, and advancing manufacturing excellence, with particular emphasis on further improving productivity, quality, and cost. Going forward, it will also support the expansion of Joby’s production capacity to support aircraft certification and meet anticipated growth in demand for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft,” the companies said.*

“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt (sic) founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.” Continue reading →

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More Ford Motor Recalls for Rollaways ~740,000 Affected

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino

Vehicle rollaways continue to plague Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) vehicles according to the latest safety defect recall filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 740,00 vehicles have a software problem whereby the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, severely damaging the park system. Affected vehicles were built from 8 January 2020, to 8 October 2021. All are equipped with the so-called with park-by-wire system and 10R80 automatic transmissions. [Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations – AutoCrat.]*

“In the event of transmission park system damage, the ability of the transmission park feature to hold the vehicle if the parking brake is not applied may be affected. Unintended movement in Park increases the risk of a crash or injury,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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IMSA Watkins Glen: Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche Run Solid

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA Watkins Glen: Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche Run Solid

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The four IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship classes ran at Watkins Glen International for the third IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup race of the season last weekend.* The 3.4-mile, 11-turn road course was used for IMSA and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Cadillac Racing dominated at Watkins Glen International with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti winning from the pole in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Bamber, Aitken and Vesti led 143 of 182 laps to score their second season victory and their record-extending eighth podium finish. The streak is the longest in IMSA GTP history since 2023. They also won last month in Detroit.

Nick Yelloly’s No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 finished runner-up in the GTP class with Laurin Heinrich claiming the final step on the podium for the No. 5 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963. Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports’ No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims placed fourth in GTD PRO on Sunday at the end of a caution-ridden Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen as Chevrolet retained the Manufacturers Championship lead in the class. [~20% of the field was removed from contention because of track incidents – AutoCrat.]** Continue reading →

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Sudden EV Power Loss – Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled

Posted on 29 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Sudden EV Power Loss - Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~21,000 model-year 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The Denso-supplied electronic control unit (Battery ECU) that controls the high-voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

“Toyota observed certain diagnostic data during development testing of a new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model. After investigation, Toyota found that the memory in the battery ECU can fail an operation check because a part of the memory address location utilized by the battery control IC overlaps with a part utilized by the monitoring IC. The monitoring IC could repeatedly overwrite data at the same memory address used by the battery control IC when the memory operational check cycle matches the monitoring IC’s write operation cycle,” Toyota said in the mandatory  safety defect recall filling made published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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