Ford Recalls 850,000 Bronco, Edge SUV Rear View Cameras

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling ~849,310 model-year 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and model year 2021-2024 Ford Edge SUVs. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rear-view camera image from displaying as intended.

“On affected vehicles, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) may experience a temporary thermal shutdown condition for up to five minutes. When the APIM shutdown occurs, customers lose the ability to display the Rear View Camera (RVC) image while in reverse gear,” Ford said in the required safety defect filing documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Escape, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Corsair SUVs

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: Ford) is recalling ~890,000 model year 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer SUVs. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rear-view image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, Rear Visibility. The vehicles are subject to a Vehicle Demonstration and Delivery Hold.

“On the affected vehicles, it may be possible to have the SYNC screen image on the center display flipped or inverted immediately after an ignition cycle. This may result in the image displayed having inverted or flipped buttons, camera guidelines, and the rear-view camera image while in reverse gear,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Silverado and GMC HD Pickups Recalled for Sudden Stalling

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors, (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~12,000 model year 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 pickups with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.

“In these vehicles, the driver may not be warned if the rear fuel pump does not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, which can cause a stall,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which publicly released the required safety defect recall documents this morning. Continue reading →

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IndyCar Phoenix – Newgarden Wins Good Ranchers 250

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Two-time IndyCar series champion Josef Newgarden earned his first victory of the season and 33rd of his career by closing down and passing race leader Kyle Kirkwood with seven laps remaining to win the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday at Phoenix Raceway. Newgarden, starting second, drove to a 1.7937-second victory in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet over the No. 27 JM Bullion/Gold.com of Andretti Global driver Kirkwood.*

“I’m very surprised,” Newgarden said. “In the middle of the race, I don’t know that I was fully believing that we had the capability to win. We just kept working through it, and I’m like, Look, if we get another opportunity, we’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to be on the offense.” Continue reading →

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Windshield Wiper Failures – Ford Motor Recalls 605,000 SUVs

Posted on 9 March 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~604,533 model-year 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair sport utility vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly. Dealers have been told not to demonstrate or deliver vehicles in stock. Ford initially dismissed the safety defect “since it did not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.” Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.

“During assembly of the front windshield wiper motor, the motor’s cover terminal may have been misaligned with the brush card terminal. This condition creates a poor connection that results in a loss of electrical continuity within the motor over time,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall document made public by NHTSA this morning. The defective wiper motor was supplied by Valeo North America and made in Mexico. Continue reading →

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Jeep Wrangler Finally Fixes Crash-Test Tipping

Posted on 6 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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The 2026 Jeep Wrangler 4-door remained upright during the driver-side small overlap crash test, resolving a longstanding issue with the popular SUV, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said today. The improved result came after changes were made to the frame rail.*

“Wranglers built after October 2025 earn an acceptable small overlap rating, which combines results from the driver-side and passenger-side tests. While the vehicle provides solid protection overall, in the passenger-side test, it showed a high risk of injury to the front passenger’s right foot and leg,” IIHS said.** Continue reading →

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Acura and Honda to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced plans to export the U.S. designed, and built Honda Passport, as well as the U.S.-built Integra Type S to Japan. While Honda is a long-standing exporter of vehicles, the performance Integra variant will become the first Acura-branded vehicle sold in Japan. [Since they are both left-hand drive, this sounds more like a hobby than a serious business venture with large sales potential – AutoCrat]*

“Since Honda began auto production in America more than four decades ago, we have been dedicated to delivering quality for the world, made in the U.S.A.,” said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “From the onset, Honda has believed in our American manufacturing talent, and we are proud to export quality vehicles built by our associates in Alabama to Honda customers in Japan.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter

Posted on 5 March 2026 by Ken Zino
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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