California Ballot Scheme Limiting Robocar Liability Criticized

Posted on 19 March 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on California Ballot Scheme Limiting Robocar Liability Criticized

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Uber (NYSE: UBER) announced today a partnership to put 50,000 Rivian Robotaxis on the road (NASDAQ: RIVN), including in San Francisco, the site of the Cruise AV crash with a pedestrian and Fire Truck. This comes as powerful corporate and legal interests are embattled in a fight over an upcoming California ballot initiative in November limiting victims’ medical recovery in all accident cases. Opponents claim it will prevent the seriously injured from finding contingency fee attorneys, making it difficult to sue robocar operators, manufacturers, or any reckless driver or automaker.*

“This is a naked power grab by Uber to remove liability for its robotaxis and accelerate their rollout without accountability when their robotaxis harm or kill pedestrians and other drivers,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit that issued a report, “License To Kill: How Uber’s Rush To Close Courthouse Doors And Roll Out Robocars Threatens Public Safety.” Continue reading →

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U.S. Fuel Prices Climbing. Up 28 Cents in a Week!

Posted on 19 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Fuel prices at the pump continued to climb by 28 cents since last week, according to a report released by AAA today.* With the Spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand. The Trump Administration Iranian war is clearly in play.**

“Last week’s announcement by the White House to release 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserves over four months has no immediate relief on the oil market as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb,” AAA said. “According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.24 million barrels a day to 8.72 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 249.5 million barrels to 244.0 million. Gasoline production also decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.”  Continue reading →

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First Look – Genesis GV60 Magma Performance EV

Posted on 18 March 2026 by Ken Zino

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In Seoul yesterday Genesis provided the first look at what will be its quickest model of the luxury brand from Hyundai Motor Group. Acceleration times from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 kilometers per hour in 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 264 kilometers are claimed. The current top of the line GV50 SUV is priced in the low $70,000 range. No word on when the revised model appears.*

“In a very short period of time, our engineers achieved something truly remarkable,” stated Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division. “They created a car that is not only fast, but truly Genesis; a car that inspires confidence and provides a true emotional connection.” Continue reading →

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Revised Auto Forecasts Assume Slight Iranian War Effects?

Posted on 18 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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S&P Global Mobility is adjusting forecasts in response to US/Israeli military actions in the Iranian war, which is amplifying geopolitical risks and impacting vehicle demand and production, especially in affected regions in what it thinks is a short-term conflict.*

“The base scenario assumes a short-term conflict, with the most significant effects in Iran and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while other markets experience milder impacts mainly through higher oil prices,” said Mike Wall the Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility in a release yesterday. [Oddly in AutoInformed’s view, North America’s production outlook is “only marginally reduced for 2026, with a slight increase in 2027…” the respected consultancy said – Autocrat.] Continue reading →

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Sudden Power Loss – Ford Motor Recall Parade Persists

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~48,000 model year 2025 Ranger, Mustang, Maverick,  and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. Affected vehicles are equipped with suspect Korean-made EGR valves installed in the 2.0-liter Gas, and 2.0-liter Hybrid Engines.

“Customers may initially experience weak acceleration, engine vibration, a no start condition, or a check engine light,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.* Continue reading →

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GM Expands Owners’ Manual Recalls

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) has determined that 2025- 2027 model year vehicles were not equipped with electronic owner’s manuals. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner’s manual during production. Owners will also not be able to log in to their myBrand app from their vehicle. As such, these millions of these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.” Virtually all GM brands are affected by the safety hazard. [see list below.]

“Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge as required by U.S. safety regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 13 April 2026, GM said in the required safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Andretti Global Rules Inaugural Java House Grand Prix

Posted on 16 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Andretti Global put three drivers into the top four at the finish of the 70-lap street-circuit race around AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. Kyle Kirkwood took the NTT IndyCar Series championship lead and earned his first victory of the season despite a slow – verging on malpractice – final pit stop by his Andretti Global crew, driving his No. 27 JM Bullion/Gold.com Honda to victory under caution beating the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda of four-time series champion Palou.

“What an absolutely phenomenal day for our #27 JM Bullion Andretti Global Honda. And hats off to Honda really for a 1-2-3-4 today,” Kirkwood said. “Man, did we have some pace. This JM Bullion Honda, Andretti, all these guys right here, they gave me the tools today. It’s because of this race car we won today, because of teamwork….“One-three-four (finish) for Andretti; we’re just so stacked here. I’m so stoked.” Continue reading →

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American Axle – UAW Demands Released Before Contract End

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Today, with negotiations starting later this month, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle & Manufacturing released a video laying out demands ahead of their contract expiration on 31 May 2026. (On 23 January 2026 the Company changed its name to Dauch Corporation NYSE: DCH – AutoCrat)

“In 2008, workers at American Axle took major concessions to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession. Workers are still making up lost ground from the past 18 years. ‘I took a $14 an hour pay cut,’ said American Axle worker Jason Buchanan in a UAW video. “Many long-time workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages cut to $14.50. Today, wages at American Axle currently top out at $22 an hour, after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages cut in half from their pre-2008 levels. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power – Dealer Service Satisfaction High, But…

Posted on 13 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Customer satisfaction with the dealer service experience is strong for a second consecutive year. However, long wait times for appointments, communication shortfalls and gaps in fixing vehicles correctly limit the industry’s progress. These are the findings of the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) StudySM released today. 

“While it’s no surprise that customers gravitate to operations that serve them well, the study clearly shows that good service leads to loyal customers,” said John Tenerovich, director of automotive retail at J.D. Power. “This phenomenon proves true across all service types – oil changes, repair, tires and brakes. While complimentary maintenance programs drive strong retention, the level of intent to return for actual customer-paid service depends on the service experience delivered by the dealer.” Continue reading →

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Legal Tariffs – Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Recall Laid Off Workers

Posted on 12 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Detroit Diesel, a manufacturer of diesel engines and axles, has announced the addition of a third shift, the recall of laid-off workers, and the hiring of dozens more, the UAW said today. The win for union workers came about because the Trump Mis-Administration actually legally imposed a 25% tariff on heavy truck imports to prevent further offshoring and encourage investment in the U.S. heavy truck industry. [More on tariff law, the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court below- AutoCrat]*

“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.” Continue reading →

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Porsche AG Reorganization 2.0 or The New Strategy 2035

Posted on 11 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today at the company’s annual press conference in Stuttgart that it is shifting into the next gear in the realignment of the company and its product portfolio, which began in 2025 after disastrous financial results.*

“Since I took office, our management team has systematically analyzed the situation and begun a series of initial targeted measures. These include the consistent application of our Value over Volume principle, especially in the difficult market environment of China; and the quality-oriented ramp-up of production of the all-electric Cayenne,” said the new CEO, Dr Michael Leiters. Continue reading →

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Hit-And-Run Crashes at Record High

Posted on 11 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) published today finds that 15% of all police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, the highest percentage recorded in any recent year. The new research reveals an emergent crisis on Americans roads. One that can leave injured people without help.^

“While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.”** Continue reading →

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Honda Heritage Parts Program Debuts

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Acura (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced the launch of a new Honda Heritage Parts program in the U.S., by offering reproduction parts for the first-generation Acura NSX exclusively through Acura dealerships nationwide beginning this summer.*

“In this 40th anniversary year of the Acura brand, the launch of Honda Heritage Parts is especially meaningful, giving Acura enthusiasts the support they need to continue enjoying their first-generation Acura NSX,” said Steven Bailey, vice president of Honda and Acura Parts, Service and Technical Division. “At its core, the new Honda Heritage Parts program honors our shared passion for these iconic vehicles and helps ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Freedom 250 to Run Past U.S. Capital

Posted on 10 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first‑ever auto race held on the National Mall and the historic city streets of Washington D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The newly revealed road course map  is a 1.7‑mile, seven‑turn layout The racing circuit will wind around the National Mall, including some of America’s most historic landmarks.*

“This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said two‑time NTT IndyCar Series champion and back‑to‑back Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who toured the circuit on Monday morning. “You’ve got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect. Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can’t wait to be back here to race and celebrate America’s birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” Continue reading →

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Instrument Panel Display Failures – Honda, Acura Recalls

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Co. is recalling ~65,135 model-year 2024 Acura ZDX and Prologue vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.*

“Due to software defects, the instrument cluster and center infotainment display can go blank while the vehicle is in operation. When the condition occurs, the instrument cluster will not display vehicle information, including but not limited to the speedometer, tachometer, warning telltales, and indicator lamps,” Honda said in the required safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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