Toyota Motor FY2026 Net Income at $24.61B Drops 19%

Posted on 8 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor FY2026 Net Income at $24.61B Drops 19%

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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today posted a FY2026 [1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026] Net Income of $24.61B or a drop of -19% compared to FY 2025.

“I view our 17 years under then-President Toyoda and then-President Sato as a period during which we, guided by the motto “Let’s make ever-better cars”, adopted product-and region-centered management and established our foundation as a global, full-lineup automobile manufacturer,” said Kenta Kon TMC president. “As a result, we can now aim for both carbon neutrality and freedom of movement for all. I will increase the number of people who can build ever-better cars. I believe that doing so is the engine for Toyota’s sustainable growth and my mission,” Kon said. Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Leapmotor to Expand Leapmotor International

Posted on 8 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd 9863.HK)* today announced their intention to expand their strategic partnership [Leapmotor International – LMPI- is a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China – AutoCrat.]** with an emphasis on European products and assembly plants and engineering technologies.

“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor – a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally – is a true win-win for both of us. It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading →

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Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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A cloud-based service that uses continuously updated data from numerous sources to quickly warn drivers of potential hazards on their route, such as sudden fog or black ice is now being used in millions of different cars and commercial vehicles around the world the Bosch Group said today. New vehicles from the BMW Group are it. Bosch plans to roll out the service gradually in additional BMW vehicles over the next few years.*

“The road hazard service from Bosch increases road safety while also increasing the ease of driving. Our cloud-based service is a tangible win for our customers because it predicts and informs drivers, whether they are in a car or a truck, of hazards on the route and helps them avoid critical situations,” said Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management at Bosch and chairman of the Mobility business sector.** Continue reading →

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Trumped Thumped – N.A. Automaker 2025 Tariff Costs $12.5B!

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino

North American automakers experienced huge tariff costs on imported vehicles and vehicle parts in 2025. The latest Anderson Economic Group (AEG) analysis shows that more than $9 billion in tariffs were imposed on assembled vehicles from Canada and Mexico, and another $3.5 billion was levied on auto parts, from January to December 2025. In total, these tariffs cost North American automakers and suppliers $12.5 billion in the past year.*

“$12 billion is a hefty bill, and that’s only for cars and parts from two countries,” said Anh Do, senior analyst at Anderson Economic Group. “The total tariff burden borne by the American auto industry and its customers last year is much higher when you include tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as imports from Europe and Asia.”** Continue reading →

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Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV

Posted on 7 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV

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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today in Japan revealed a prototype version of the Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV. The all-wheel-drive, full-size SUV is aimed directly at the popular and profitable SUVs from the brands at General Motors and Ford Motor Company. TZ is capable of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas [or Tokyo to Kobe -AutoCrat] on one charge. Acceleration is rated by Lexus at 0-100 kms (62.1 miles) in 5.2 seconds. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026.*

“TZ’s design pursues the dual goals of sculptural beauty and aerodynamic excellence. While maintaining the powerful presence of an SUV, the TZ achieves top‑class aerodynamic performance among Lexus SUVs, which contributes to its impressive driving range,” said the successful luxury brand of automotive super power Toyota Motor Corporation. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Q1 Loss of $249 Million. Per Share Loss at $0.39

Posted on 6 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Q1 Loss of $249 Million. Per Share Loss at $0.39

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) reported first quarter 2026 results today showing a Q1 2026 adjusted net loss of $112 million compared to and adjusted net loss of $11 million in the prior year’s quarter. Adjusted loss per share was $0.39 compared to $0.04 in the prior year’s quarter. (Per share amounts are diluted.)*

“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” said CEO Mark Stewart. “Despite a weak environment, our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and reflect our commitment to drive value for our brands in the marketplace, where we offer world-class differentiated products and services.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Q1 2026 Sales Soft. Earnings at €2.348 Million Drop

Posted on 6 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Q1 2026 Sales Soft. Earnings at €2.348 Million Drop 24%

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BMW (XETRA: BMWG.DE) said today that Group revenues totaled €31,007 million (2025: € 33,758 million; -8.1%; adjusted for currency translation effects: -4.3%).* It noted the persistently intense competition in the automotive sector – particularly in China – as well as the slight decline in sales. Furthermore, adverse currency effects had a negative impact, primarily the Chinese Renminbi (Yuan) and the US dollar.

“Once again, our earnings for the first quarter demonstrate the value of strategic consistency, operational strength and a high degree of flexibility. We are well positioned to deliver continued success, despite challenging conditions,” claimed Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.**

[The questions for 2026 are whether EVs are salable without money on the hood so to speak in the U.S. How increased low-cost Chinese EVs in Europe affect premium brand sales, and the whim or dementia of the moment of the Trump Administration tax and tariff policies and their negative effects on global trade. Trump said last Friday that he would boost tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% this week from 15%. BMW does have significant production capacity in the U.S., but its output is largely for export so far– AutoCrat?]* Continue reading →

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Push to Pass Rules Changed For IndyCar Racing

Posted on 5 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Push to Pass Rules Changed For IndyCar Racing

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IndyCar announced today an update for “Push to Pass” use for the NTT IndyCar Series and Indy NXT by Firestone. Beginning with this week’s events on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and for all subsequent road and street circuit races, Push to Pass – a driver-controlled system that provides roughly 60 extra horsepower via increased turbocharger boost – will be available and allowed for use at all times once the car passes the alternate start-finish line following the start and once the green flag has been displayed. Push to Pass timing parameters, including time and maximum time per push, remain unchanged.

“The Push to Pass software failure at the Streets of Long Beach allowed IndyCar an opportunity to fully review the rules of the system and consider any improvements, including leaving Push to Pass available on restarts,” IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles said. “Push to Pass is a driver and team enhancement, which has evolved since its introduction in 2009, and – working with stakeholders – we believe it’s time for this additional update. Continue reading →

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BTS – April 2026 Fuel Prices Soaring for U.S. End Users!

Posted on 5 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BTS - April 2026 Fuel Prices Soaring for U.S. End Users!

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Today, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released monthly motor fuels prices for April 2026. The news was grim for U.S motorists, confirming the trend under the Trump mis-administration.

“In April 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.10 per gallon; up 12.8% from March 2026 and up 29.4% from April 2025, BTS said. “The average price for diesel no. 2 was $5.50 in April 2026, up 11.8% from March 2026, and up 54.2% from April 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading →

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Racing Return! McLaren MCL-HY 2027 WEC Hypercar Shown

Posted on 4 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Racing Return! McLaren MCL-HY 2027 WEC Hypercar Shown

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McLaren today showed the MCL-HY FIA Hypercar; the sports car that will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027. MCL-HY is also the underpinning for an exclusive track car derivative, dubbed the MCL-HY GTR, currently being offered to VIP McLaren clients through the Project: Endurance program.

“Years and months in the making and here we are, revealing the MCL-HY to the world. McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC. This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, INDY500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart,” said Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing. Continue reading →

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Death Risk – Honda Motor Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles

Posted on 4 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Death Risk – Honda Motor Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles

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American Honda is recalling model-year 2025-2026 Honda off-road motorcycles, according to the U.S.* Consumer Product Safety Commission. Motorcycle model numbers CRF250R/RX/RWE or CRF450R/RX/RWE have a risk of serious injury or death due to a crash hazard. The motorcycles were sold at Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from June 2024 through March 2026 for $8900 – $13,200.

The handlebar’s clamp can unexpectedly cause the handlebar to rotate. Consumers should stop using the recalled off-road motorcycles immediately and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and if necessary, a replacement of the handlebar’s clamp at the dealer’s location. Continue reading →

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May Day – UAW Strike Votes at American Axle, Woodward MPC

Posted on 1 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on May Day - UAW Strike Votes at American Axle, Woodward MPC

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UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, aka Dauch Corporation, today announced plans to hold a strike authorization vote starting 11 May. Results will be counted on 12 May, with the chance for workers to walk out of the Three Rivers plant starting May 31 when the current contract expires. Local 2093 members laid out their demands in a video released earlier in March, which include: no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better health care, stronger retirement, and job security. *

“UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle have been loyal to their company for decades and during these negotiations we are here for our fair share.” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “This company is making billions every year – these workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a record contract that’s long past due.” Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04

Posted on 1 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04

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Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today posted financial results Q1 2026. Sales increased 3% to U.S.$10.4 billion, while the global parts supplier dealt with a 7% decline in global light vehicle production. Diluted loss per share was $0.04 as Adjusted EPS increased 77% to $1.38. The Magna Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of $0.495 per Common Share. The dividend is payable on 29 May 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 15 May 2026. In early trading on both exchanges Magna stock declined ~6%.*

“We delivered a strong start to 2026, driven by disciplined execution, margin expansion and robust free cash flow generation. Our actions to further refine our portfolio, including the announced dispositions within Power & Vision, reinforce our focus on long-term value creation,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna CEO. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X To Pace 110th Indianapolis 500

Posted on 30 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X To Pace 110th Indianapolis 500

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A 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X will lead the field to the green flag for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday 24 May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.*

“Having America’s sports car, the Corvette, pacing the field feels especially fitting this year as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said IndyCar and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “With race car-like performance, the Corvette ZR1X is the perfect choice to pace the field of 33 in the Indianapolis 500.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts Q1 2026 Net Profit of €0.4 Billion

Posted on 30 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts Q1 2026 Net Profit of €0.4 billion

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) today reported Q1 2026 financial results that show a slight year-over-year improvement.* Net revenues increased 6% year-over-year to €38.1 billion, with improved performance in North America, as well as gains in Enlarged Europe and Middle East & Africa. Net profit increased to €0.4 billion from volume growth and stronger operating performance. As with all global automakers, Stellantis is struggling with trade and tariff wars, as well as the consequences of mid-eastern region military actions. (see footnotes 1 – 10 below)

“As we initiate quarterly reporting, the first three months of 2026 reflect the early results of our actions to return Stellantis to sustainable, profitable growth. The products we launched in 2025 have been well received and we’re confident that the 10 new vehicles planned for 2026 will build on this momentum,” said CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading →

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