Ford Charge Launches at 320 Dealerships

Posted on 28 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Charge Launches at 320 Dealerships

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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today in a confusingly muddled concoction of press release and social media post that “Ford Charge Launches at 320 Ford Dealerships Nationwide.”

“When my great-grandparents Rocco and Emanuela Grappone opened their Gulf gas station in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1924 with just one gas pump, they saw an opportunity to support their family by becoming part of the leap forward sweeping the country and experiencing the freedom that comes with owning a car,” said Amanda Grappone Osmer the Dealer Principal of John Grappone Ford in Bow, New Hampshire.* Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China

Posted on 27 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China

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The new Volvo (VOLCAR-B.STO)* XC70 SUV is Volvo Cars’ first long-range plug-in hybrid with an all-electric driving range of more than 200km (~124 miles) based on the CLTC testing cycle . This is the longest of any Volvo plug-in hybrid to date. No surprise that given its Chinese ownership customers can now pre-order the SUV in China. Yes, China – Europe, North America, and Scandinavia can wait. Volvo Cars said today it plans to bring the car to Europe at some later unspecified time.

“The new XC70 is a very attractive choice for customers who want the benefits of electric driving but are not yet ready to go fully electric,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “It is a cornerstone of our electrified product portfolio, a bridge to fully electric cars for our customers, and it will strengthen our presence in the world’s largest car market.”** Continue reading →

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Dedicated IndyCar Game Coming from iRacing Studios

Posted on 26 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Dedicated IndyCar Game Coming from iRacing Studios

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IndyCar and iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations today announced a long-term licensing agreement for iRacing Studios to produce standalone IndyCar titles for consoles and PCs. As part of the agreement, iRacing Studios will release an IndyCar title for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam in the second half of 2026. The new product will mark the first dedicated IndyCar game in more than two decades.

“IndyCar fans have long been clamoring for a standalone title for consoles, and we’re excited to give them what they’re looking for in 2026,” said Tony Gardner, president, iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations. “iRacing Studios’ standalone IndyCar title will offer all the excitement of the NTT IndyCar series and an immersive experience that fans of all ages can enjoy. We are already very excited about how the game is coming together.” Continue reading →

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Formula One – Bottas and Perez to Drive for Cadillac

Posted on 26 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Formula One – Bottas and Perez to Drive for Cadillac

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The Cadillac Formula 1® Team today announced the signing of two experienced  drivers – 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas* and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio “Checo” Perez** – to lead the team during its debut season in Formula 1® in 2026. Thus, a Finn and a Mexican will race for the American brand Cadillac next year. The nascent team will operate out of three places: Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK. Clearly experience is key here: Bottas with his Mercedes background as a driver during the Lewis Hamilton glory years; Perez was a driver at Red Bull team when Verstappen ruled. ***

“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” claimed Team Principal Graeme Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1®. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.” Continue reading →

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Jeep Wrangler Recall for Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Jeep Wrangler Recall for Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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Chrysler (FCA US, now Stellantis) is recalling ~78,989 2024-2025 model-year Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138 “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems,” according to documents released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the remote start antenna cable can become pinched under the seat belt bracket. The remedy is to inspect if the remote start antenna cable is pinched by the seat belt bracket and replace if so,” Chrysler told NHTSA in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading →

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Tailgate Gas Spring Failures – Mitsubishi Salt Belt Recall

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling ~91697 model-year 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander SUVs is some so-called U.S. Salt Belt areas,* according to documents releases today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Critics of such limited recalls maintain that it leaves potentially defective pasts in use. 

“Salt water could penetrate and accumulate within the dust cap of the tailgate gas spring, which contains high pressure gas, leading to corrosion of the cylinder, which could become significant over time, causing the gas spring to rapidly lose pressure. potentially causing the lift gate to fall unexpectedly or causing the tailgate gas spring cylinder to rupture.” MMNA told NHTSA in the required safety defect recall document (49 CFR § 573). Continue reading →

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No Steering – Mercedes-Benz Recalls EQE and GLC Models

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling ~3749 model year 2023-2026 vehicles, according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall involves a flat head screw and a hexagon nut.

“The steering coupling bolt may have been improperly tightened, allowing the steering coupling to loosen from the steering rack,” MBUSA told NHTSA in the required safety defect recall filing. “In this case, the connection between the steering coupling and steering rack might loosen over time. Such an occurrence could result in a loss of steering control and may increase the risk of crash,” Mercedes said. Continue reading →

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Ram Recall for Wrong Instrument Panel

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US or Stellantis) is recalling ~2885 model-year 2026 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2500, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The instrument panel may display an incorrect brake system warning light. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, Control and Displays. Vehicles built with instrument panels that display the incorrect brake system warning light may cause the driver to not understand that a brake system problem potentially exists, which may cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

“Some 2026 vehicles may have been built with the incorrect 3.5-inch Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) which displays the ISO symbol brake system warning light instead of “BRAKE” light,” Chrysler said in the mandatory filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. The panels were built by Marelli North America. Continue reading →

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Environmental Pillage Agency attacks California

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said today that it is trying to disapprove of California’s Heavy-Duty (HD) Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Requirements as it applies to out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles (Read AutoInformed.com on: CARB Blasts Trump’s Attack on California Clean Air Act and CARB Amends Clean Truck Regs With Trucking Industry!)*

“California was not, and has never been, duly elected by the American people to run our great country,” claimed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “The state’s power grab knows no bounds. EPA will not allow California to violate federal law, and we will not sit idly by while, in the name of climate change, they raise the cost of living on all Americans who rely on truck drivers and the products they deliver across the country.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Rasmussen with Chevy Power Wins Milwaukee

Posted on 25 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar - Rasmussen with Chevy Power Wins Milwaukee

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Christian Rasmussen driving the No. 21 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing during a late caution period drove past series champion Alex Palou with 16 laps to go to win the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 on yesterday, his first career NTT IndyCar Series victory.

“Today was amazing,” Rasmussen said. “We were so good on new tires, even compared to other cars on new tires. Wow – that’s a good day, a good Sunday.” Continue reading →

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Mixed Results – Automaker Use of AI-Technology

Posted on 22 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mixed Results - Automaker Use of AI-Technology

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The J.D. Power* 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) StudySM just released says that Artificial Intelligence can improve the customer’s experience. However, Artificial Intelligence use presents its own difficulties.

“Smart technologies appear to not only anticipate the driver’s needs but also reduce the cognitive workload and some of the difficulties that drivers face with digital systems,” said Kathleen Rizk, senior director of user experience benchmarking and technology at J.D. Power. “Ultimately, what matters most to vehicle owners – and therefore to automakers and suppliers – is how useful the technology is and whether it enhances their driving experience. While smart technologies are not without issues, they represent a meaningful step forward. Continued development will be essential to address current challenges and maximize their effectiveness.” Continue reading →

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Penske Drives His Porsche 963 RSP

Posted on 22 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Drives His Porsche 963 RSP

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Porsche AG said today that Roger Penske took the wheel of the Porsche 963 RSP,* a one-off creation bearing his initials, for the first time. The car was later showcased during Monterey Car Week in California before joining his private collection. Penske completed the first shakedown and familiarization laps in the car that bears his initials on the South Track of the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. This let the team inspect the race car after its runs on both the road and track in Europe.

“That was a fantastic experience – an unforgettable moment to finally get behind the wheel,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Corporation. “Our partnership with Porsche has led to an incredible history together built over six decades. This is a special moment among many in that partnership. It’s been a privilege to be a part of the team and program that led to its creation.”** Continue reading →

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August New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Up. EVs at Record

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on August New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Up. EVs at Record

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Total new-vehicle sales for August 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,483,000, an 8.2% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast issued today by J.D. Power* and GlobalData.** August 2025 has 27 selling days, one fewer than August 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days is an increase of 4.4% from 2024.

“August new-vehicle sales are expected to climb 8.2% from a year ago, including a 7.8% increase in retail volume. A strong result, although the results should be viewed in the context of several unusual factors that are distorting typical monthly sales trends” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Toyota, Mazda Testing EV Battery Energy-Storage System

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota, Mazda Testing EV Battery Energy-Storage System

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Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) said today that they have started field tests of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The system rapidly switches each battery’s power flow on and off, even when new batteries are connected to degraded or different capacity batteries.

“For the tests, the power system at Mazda’s headquarters campus, the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan, and Toyota’s system that uses batteries from electrified vehicles will be connected through their respective energy management systems. This will enable the verification of stable, high-quality, and efficient charging and discharging. In the future, the storage system will be used to regulate power supply and demand from renewable energy, which fluctuates depending on weather and time of day, contributing to carbon neutrality,” the companies said. Continue reading →

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Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000?

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000?

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The 2026 model year Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) Leaf* at dealerships this fall has a projected Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the S+ grade starting at $29,9902. This is the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the U.S. [see footnote 3]. This of course depends on the whims and chaos of the Trump Administration’s ongoing trade policies. That is why the pricing and details on the entry-grade LEAF S will be announced at a later date. [It might not appear in the 2026 lineup – AutoCrat]

“The Leaf really kicked off the mainstream EV market when it launched 15 years ago, and Nissan’s still committed to making electric driving accessible to all,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing and Sales at Nissan. “We’ve stuck to our mission of engineering EVs that are affordable but packed with value. That’s how we’ve kept the Leaf’s price steady over three generations, all while giving owners more style, more technology, more features and a vastly improved driving range over the original 2011 model.” Continue reading →

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