BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter

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The BMW Group (BMW.DE) said today that it continued as the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States during 2025. This was according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last year, the South Carolina plant exported ~200,000 BMW X models with a total export value of nine billion US dollars. Since 2014, the BMW Group has exported nearly three million vehicles with a total export value of $113 billion.*

“Plant Spartanburg is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength,” said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. “Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Pushing for Optimal State Safety Belt Use Laws

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS Pushing for Optimal State Safety Belt Use Laws

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said today its new Seat Belt Law Calculator (SBLC) “uses statistical models that IIHS developed. The models are based on published research findings about the effects of different types of seat belt laws. In application SBLC shows how changes to seat belt laws would affect belt use and fatality rates in each state.*

“This calculator will help advocates and policymakers understand the safety benefits a state can reap with simple legislative changes,” said Chuck Farmer, IIHS vice president for research. “For the 22 jurisdictions that already have the strongest provisions in place, it shows the cost of any potential backsliding.”** Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars to Increase EX60 SUV Production to Meet Demand

Posted on 4 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars to Increase EX60 SUV Production to Meet Demand

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) said today that it is expanding production to meet demand for its fully electric EX60 SUV. This includes its home market of Sweden and other markets such as Germany. EX60 has a claimed best-in-class 810 kilometers on a single charge in an all-wheel drive configuration. The pace of the order intake is also said to be significantly higher than it was for the EX30 small SUV after its global reveal in 2023, a car in a high-volume segment with a lower price point. (read AutoInformed.com on:Volvo EX60 Mid-Size SUV Debuts)* U.S. order books for the EX60 will open later this spring.

“That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “We are very encouraged to see such strong demand for our game-changing electric SUV, and we are now reviewing our production plans for 2026, as we gear up for the start of customer car production next month.”** Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars – 2.5 Million Software Upgrades Are Now Free

Posted on 3 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars – 2.5 Million Software Upgrades Are Now Free

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.STO)* said today is launching its largest over-the-air software update ever, as it rolls out what’s claimed to be a new, more intuitive user experience to millions of customers starting this week. Approximately 2.5 million Volvo cars in 85 countries will receive the new Volvo Car UX. [see footnote 1 below.]

“This update is one of the largest over-the-air updates in automotive history, leveraging years of investment in Volvo Cars’ tech stack to improve life with their cars for millions of people,” says Anders Bell, chief engineering and technology officer at Chinese-owned Volvo Cars. “Our new user experience delivers significant updates and improvement in areas most used by drivers, and directly addresses the needs and desires of our customers.”** Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Vault Online Debuts

Posted on 3 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Vault Online Debuts

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Goodyear* (NASDAQ: GT) has introduced another way for consumers to “experience the company, its brands and its 128-year legacy.” The so-called “The Vault” is an online marketplace where consumers can explore and purchase historic artifacts, signed memorabilia, limited-edition merchandise and allegedly “once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

“There’s nowhere else on the planet that you can buy a section of a Goodyear Blimp engine or one of the first tires ever made,” said Doug Grassian, vice president, Global External Communications, Social Media and Partnerships. “By opening The Vault, Goodyear is transforming its legacy into something tangible, collectible and meaningful.”** Continue reading →

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Ganassi Racing’s Palou Rules 2026 NTT IndyCar Start

Posted on 2 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ganassi Racing’s Palou Rules 2026 NTT IndyCar Start

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Alex Palou opened the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series* season with a dominant victory in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with a 12.49 second lead over the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet of NTT P1 Award winner Scott McLaughlin. Palou, starting fourth, ultimately pulled away at a dazzling rate over the closing laps to win by the largest margin in the 23 editions of St. Petersburg. The reigning event winner Palou, from Spain, took his 20th career victory in just his 99th start. [SEE: Race Results and Qualifying Results]

“This team keeps on improving, keeps on making new changes, and they just keep on raising the bar,” Palou said. “It’s pretty impressive. It’s a long season in front of us, but what a great way to start the season.” Continue reading →

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Ford Transit Brake Failure Recall

Posted on 2 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Transit Brake Failure Recall

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~16,000 model-year 2025 Transit vehicles. The brake pedal may disconnect from the brake booster pushrod, causing a loss of brake function.

“Certain vehicles may have been built without the cotter pin that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal, which can cause the brake booster pushrod to separate from the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 105 Hydraulic and electric brake systems, section S5.6 Brake system integrity,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today. Continue reading →

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GM Canada Walks Together on Coldest Night of the Year

Posted on 27 February 2026 by Ken Zino

GM Canada employees, dealers, friends and family members are gathering this Saturday 28 February to boost the annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) campaign.* This charitable event raises funds. The GM people will be taking part in the traditional two- and five-kilometers walks in Oshawa, Ingersoll and St. Catharines to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in communities across Canada.

“The generosity of our people and showing up for our communities are core to our culture at GM Canada,” said Jack Uppal, president and managing director of GM Canada. “Our plant teams are often at the heart of these efforts, with employees working alongside dealers and local partners to support the places they call home.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Debuts Home EV Charging With Treehouse

Posted on 27 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Debuts Home EV Charging With Treehouse

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Toyota Motor North America (TMNA – NYSE:TM) this week announced the use of Treehouse, a software operating system with the stated goal to make home EV charger purchase and installation easy. All 2026 and newer Toyota and Lexus BEVs and PHEVs come standard with a dual-voltage 120V/240V AC home charger to allow for both Level 1 and faster Level 2 charging. With a maximum output of 7.7 kW, under ideal conditions, the dual voltage charging cable can charge a vehicle from ~10% state of charge to full capacity overnight. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Toyota bZ Woodland Mid-Size SUV EV Priced at $45,300)

“Toyota and Lexus vehicles have a reputation for being easy to own and enjoyable to drive, so the home-charging experience should be as well,” said Thibaut de Barros Conti, vice president, Business Incubation & Development, TMNA. “Treehouse complements our brands and empowers our customers with a one-stop shop to install their home-charging solutions.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B

Posted on 26 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) today reported full-year 2025 results with net revenues of €153.5 billion, down 2% from 2024 due to strong FX (foreign exchange or forex) headwinds and H1 2025 net pricing declines. These were partially offset by higher volume and mix. Stellantis posted a Net loss of €22.3 billion, largely caused by €25.4 billion in charges primarily related to a strategic shift to meet customer preferences, and reflect shifts in regulatory frameworks, notably EVs and tariffs. [Not highlighted were its quality problems as Stellantis has struggled with its manufacturing capability; a strange lapse at a storied global automaker. It has now hired 2000 engineers mainly dedicated to quality improvements – Autocrat]*

“Our 2025 full year results reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition and of the need to reset our business around our customers’ freedom to choose from the full range of electric, hybrid and internal combustion technologies,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

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Trump Slump Forecast – February 26 New Vehicle Sales Drop

Posted on 25 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Slump Forecast – February 26 New Vehicle Sales Drop

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February 2026 U.S. new-vehicle sales are forecast to reflect ongoing challenges due to winter weather and economic uncertainty and trade and tariff dictates.* The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales (SAAR) in February is forecast  to be ~15.6 million. This figure represents a decline from last year’s 16.0 million  According to the soothsayers at Cox Automotive, new-vehicle sales volume is anticipated to finish at 1.19 million, down 3.4% from last February, which had the same number of selling days.

“The new-vehicle sales pace shifted to a lower gear in Q4 of last year, and that weakness is expected to continue through this month as well,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. Continue reading →

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National Safety Council – 12% Drop in 2025 Traffic Fatalities

Posted on 24 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on National Safety Council - 12% Drop in 2025 Traffic Fatalities

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The National Safety Council (NSC) said today that it estimates 37,810 motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States in 2025 – a 12% decrease from 2024, even as overall miles driven increased by 0.9%. NSC has calculated traffic fatality estimates since 1913.

“The decrease in roadway fatalities is more than a number. It represents lives saved and families kept whole,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “It is also proof that our sustained efforts to make our roads safer are working. We must continue to work together as advocates, policymakers and communities to build on this progress, until no one ever loses their life on our roads again.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys Lexus Dealerships in Florida

Posted on 24 February 2026 by Ken Zino
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Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Lexus of Orlando and Lexus of Winter Park, two dealerships serving the “fast-growing Central Florida market.” The diversified international company funded the purchase price for the dealerships and associated real estate using cash flow from operations and availability under its U.S. credit agreement.*

“We are excited to welcome the teams at Lexus of Orlando and Lexus of Winter Park to the Penske Automotive Group family and are proud to expand our partnership with Lexus in a market with a long-term growth potential. These premier dealerships have built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and operational excellence. We look forward to continuing that legacy while leveraging the Company’s existing infrastructure in Central Florida,” said Rich Shearing, North American Operations Officer.** Continue reading →

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Rear-Wheel Lockup Recall on 2020-22 GM Diesel Pickups

Posted on 23 February 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~1100 model-year 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups with diesel engines that may have been repaired incorrectly with the wrong software under NHTSA recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up. (Read AutoInformed.com on GM Recall for Wheel Lockup on Diesel Pickups and SUVs)

“Dealers were presented with an option in GM’s Global Warranty Management (GWM) system to mark a vehicle as having been remedied without first verifying the most recent software version was available. That option has been removed,” GM said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Transmission Failures – Toyota Recalls 2025-26 Lexus LX600s

Posted on 23 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~4400 model year 2025-2026 Lexus LX600 vehicles for software problems that can cause transmission damage, sudden loss of power and fires.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that contains linear solenoids to control the shifting of gears. If a solenoid failure occurs under certain driving conditions, communication may not occur between the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the Engine ECU about the failure, resulting in the transmission over-revving in certain gears. This could result in damage to the transmission and a loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash,” Toyota said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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