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Prior to its spring debut at the New York International Auto Show in April, Volkswagen showcased the capability of the all‑new, second‑generation Atlas.* Camouflaged prototypes were put through their paces on a frozen lake in Québec for what was claimed to be “a true winter test.”
Looks more like a marketing photo and video shoot opportunity to AutoInformed. It’s extremely unlikely the garish camouflage will be available for production models. – AutoCrat. Continue reading
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Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling 2278 model year 2020-2021 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles as part of a series of previous electrical system fire problems the have plagued the out of production model. The high voltage battery supplied by LG Energy Solution may overheat.
“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, charge outside, and limit their charge to a maximum of 90% until the recall repair is complete. As an interim repair, the battery software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update to limit the state of charge to 90%. The final remedy is currently under development,” Jaguar said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading
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Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, ending 31 December. Magna 2025 sales were $42,010 million down from 42,836M in 2024. Adjusted EBIT came in at 2,364 Million compared to 2024’s $2,329M. Magna earned $2.93 a diluted share (2024 $3.52).
“We closed 2025 with a strong fourth quarter, successfully navigating another dynamic year in our industry. Our disciplined execution and commitment to operational excellence enabled us to deliver financial results that were in line with, or exceeded, our February 2025 Outlook across all key metrics. We expanded full-year adjusted EBIT margin by 20 basis points and generated robust Free Cash Flow of $1.9 billion,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna CEO. Continue reading
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, aka Environmental Plundering Agency) Administrator Lee Zeldin today signed the final rule eliminating both the 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding and all subsequent federal GHG emission standards for all vehicles and engines with model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond. [If upheld by the sure to follow litigation, this is the Death Penalty for Planet Earth. However, the Supreme Court in 2007 ruled that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Since the high court’s decision, in a case known as Massachusetts v. EPA, other courts have rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding. – AutoCrat]*
“This Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to make cars more affordable again. Whether it’s resetting mileage standards or abolishing an idiotic start-stop requirement that every driver hates, President Trump’s auto dream team is working overtime to lower costs and revitalize American manufacturing. I want to commend Administrator Zeldin for his leadership and look forward to continuing deliver results for the American people,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Continue reading
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IndyCar today announced a multiyear commitment from Chevrolet and Honda to continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of IndyCar and the NTT IndyCar Series.* Each OEM agreement will commence in 2027 and run for multiple years. [Buried in the release was the fact that a new hybrid powertrain – presumably with more electric power – will be used with a new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine introduced in the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series – AutoCrat]
“This is a monumental day for IndyCar, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” said IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles. “Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.” Continue reading
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According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today, persistent problems with infotainment systems, inadequate performance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and issues with vehicle exteriors have driven long-term dependability problems to new highs.*
“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed.” Continue reading
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NASCAR® today announced a new, multi-year link with Cuervo®,* said to be the world’s first and number one tequila brand [***footnote 1], naming it the Official Tequila of NASCAR, the Official Margarita of NASCAR and an Official Partner of NASCAR beginning in the 2026 season.**
“Our fans come to the track to have a great time – to celebrate, connect and create memories around incredible racing – and Cuervo is a natural partner to help us elevate that experience,” said Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR. “There’s a strong commonality between NASCAR fans and Cuervo consumers, and together we’ll bring that energy to life through premium activations (sic), immersive hospitality and unforgettable moments that make race day even more special.” Continue reading
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Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced 2025 Q4 and full-year 2025 results. For Q4 revenue was $7.8 billion compared to $8.1 billion for the same period in 2024. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $186.1 million compared to $249.3 million in the prior year period, and related earnings per share was $2.83 compared to $3.73 for the same period in 2024. These GAAP results include impairments and other charges, as well as the full quarterly results of Penske Motor Group in both periods.**
“In 2025, our business delivered over 504,000 retail auto and commercial truck units, generated nearly $32 billion in revenue and $1.3 billion in earnings before taxes. Our diversified model remains resilient as vehicle inventory remains in good shape, service and parts remain strong, and our costs remain well controlled,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading
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Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) today announced its disappointing Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results. Q4 and full-year revenue reached $45.9 billion and $187.3 billion, respectively. This was the fifth consecutive year of full-year revenue growth. However, Q4 and full-year net losses of $11.1 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively, reflected impact of special items, some of them such as Trump tariff chaos and a shortage of aluminum because of a supplier fire were largely out of Ford management’s control.*
“Ford delivered a strong 2025 in a dynamic and often volatile environment,” claimed Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We improved our core business and execution, made significant progress in the areas of the business we control – lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality – and made difficult but critical strategic decisions that set us up for a stronger future. Moving forward, we’ll continue building on our strong foundation to achieve our target of 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.” Continue reading
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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT)* reported fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results today. The 2025 2025 net loss came in at -$1.7 billion. The 2025 net sales were $18.3 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 158.7 million.
“We delivered another strong quarter, driven by execution of our Goodyear Forward plan,” said Mark Stewart, chief executive officer and president. “Our fourth quarter results mark the highest segment operating income and margin the company has achieved in more than seven years. While we continue to face challenging industry conditions in the first quarter, we are operating with greater focus and discipline on the elements within our control – much as we did throughout 2025 – to navigate the current environment.” Continue reading
Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling ~537,000 various Jeep and RAM vehicles for bad coil springs, bad trailer lights and trailer brakes may failures, according to mandatory safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. [NHTSA Recall ID Numbers 26V051 or 26V-051 and 26V059 or 26V-059 – Autocrat] The largest recall covers Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System on 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
“Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail,” FCA said in the required NHTSA recall filing. Continue reading
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~ 141,300 model year 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly. This recall – NHTSA Recall ID Number 26V049 or 26V-049 – expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with electric rear door lock system which includes a door opener switch and a rear door lock release actuator to release the latch from outside the vehicle. If the seal performance for this switch is reduced as a result of thermal cycling and water is present due to large amount of water splashes on the switch (for example, at a car wash), then closing the door with a high force can temporarily allow water to enter the switch. Continue reading
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LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP), and NextStar Energy have announced that LG Energy Solution will acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy, with financially ailing Stellantis selling its 49 per cent equity stake to LG Energy Solution. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks) NextStar Energy was established as a joint venture by the two companies in 2022 to build Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ontario, NextStar Energy’s facility is one of Canada’s most advanced manufacturing venture in the clean-energy sector. At its inception it was said to support Canada’s long-term industrial competitiveness. More than $CAD 5 billion has been invested in the facility to date, and it employs over 1300 employees, with a long-term target of 2500 employees as it scales to full production. [ That was before the Trump Administration’ war on Global Warming disregarding its planet threatening consequences – AutoCrat. ]*
“The ownership transition is a mutually agreed, strategic decision by the joint venture’s two shareholders, LG Energy Solution and Stellantis. The decision was informed by extensive engagement with NextStar Energy’s leadership team to ensure a seamless transition and strengthen the company’s long-term growth and investment outlook,” the companies said in a release. Continue reading
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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) on Friday announced a vast overhaul of its business and as it prepares for the communication of its new strategic plan in May of this year. In a release Stellanatis claimed that “it has conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs required to align the Company with the real-world preferences of its customers.” [Translation – STLA is hemorrhaging cash and will take charges and add debt while it tries to return to profitability. The capital markets did not take a wait and see view. STLA dropped ~24% by the time the markets closed – AutoCrat]
“The reset we have announced today is part of the decisive process we started in 2025, to once again make our customers and their preferences our guiding star,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. “The charges announced today largely reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition that distanced us from many car buyers’ real-world needs, means and desires. They also reflect the impact of previous poor operational execution, the effects of which are being progressively addressed by our new team” Continue reading
CAFE Regs Intact Post Trump Endangerment Finding Repeal
On 12 February 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, aka the environmental Plundering Agency at AutoInformed) Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized a rule-making that rescinds the 2009 rule-making known as the “Endangerment Finding” for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.*
“The February 12 rule making also substantially revises the federal mobile source regulations to eliminate all federal GHG emission standards established since 2009 for motor vehicles and certain other mobile source engines. This reversal on climate policy creates uncertainty for mobile source manufacturers who made significant investments since 2009 to comply with limits on greenhouse gases, as well as other industries subject to greenhouse gas limits not explicitly rescinded by the rule,” the Foley & Lardner law firm noted today.** Continue reading →