Happy Nightmare! Holiday Travel to Set New Record

Posted on 10 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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AAA* said today that it estimates that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning 20 December  and ending 1 January 2926. This year’s forecast if accurate is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.

“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.” Continue reading →

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First Look – $34,995 Subaru Uncharted EV

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced pricing of the new 2026 Uncharted EV due to arrive at dealers early next year. The all-new, all-electric compact crossover has standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most models, and an available manufacturer-estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge. The 2026 Subaru Uncharted starts at $34,995 MSRP, the lowest entry price across Subaru’s EV lineup. It is made in Japan and therefore subject to the chaos and whims of Trump’s trade wars.*

“The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is available in three trim levels: Premium FWD, Sport, and GT. The entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD model will be offered in limited numbers. It is front-wheel-drive only with an estimated range of more than 300 miles and 221 horsepower. Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE®, an estimated range of more than 285 miles and 338 horsepower, which is more than the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV,” Subaru claimed. Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Bolt, a European mobility platform, today announced they have entered a partnership to jointly explore the development and use of Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe. [The move is a defensive one as the Chinese undoubtedly are preparing to attack this lucrative segment – AutoCrat]*

“Our AV-Ready Platforms™ are designed for maximum flexibility, so we can deliver the best possible experience for European customers. Autonomous fleets can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint by enabling a shared and optimized mobility, reducing congestion and emissions. Partnering with Bolt is intended to bring this vision closer to reality, combining our engineering expertise with their operational reach in the hopes of making driverless mobility a trusted part of everyday life in Europe,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading →

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Detroit Auto Show – Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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The Detroit Auto Show today announced it has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The exhibition is part of “The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure,” a nine-day cross-country vehicle convoy from Jan. 3 in Santa Monica, Calif., to Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 12, ending at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 14. The vehicles then will be on exhibition for the duration of the 2026 Auto Show. [Read AutoInformed.com on: Route 66 on Regent Street? – AutoCrat]

“It’s an honor to have our ‘Detroit Auto Show: Route 66 Centennial Exhibition’ selected as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project, and we’re excited for show attendees to have a chance to experience a treasured part of Americana right on the show floor,” said Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Sam Klemet. Continue reading →

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Genesis Recall for Sudden Unintended Braking

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) is recalling ~ 500 model year 2023-2026 G90 vehicles in Silver paint for a defect in the semi-autonomous driving system that causes sudden braking. (Read AutoInformed.com on: IP Software Failure – Hyundai Recalls Genesis Models)

“The subject vehicles are equipped with Highway Drive Assist (“HDA”), an advanced driving assistance system that allows semi-autonomous driving on limited-access highways with continuous, direct supervision by the driver. The vehicles may falsely detect another vehicle entering its lane of travel and apply the brakes without warning when HDA is enabled at speeds below approximately 12 mph or when HDA is enabled along with the Lane Change Assist (“LCA”) feature, activated by the driver moving the turn signal lever to the desired direction to change lanes,” HMA said  in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today. Continue reading →

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Road Hazard – Ford Escape Liftgate Hinge Cover Recall

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling ~108,762 model year 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape* compact SUVs with a Panoramic sunroof because the rear liftgate hinge covers can fall off. Ford back in the summer of 2012 had dismissed the problem as minor involving few vehicles. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls.

“A hinge cover that detaches while driving can create a distraction and/or road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash,” 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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Lando Norris Wins Formula One World Drivers’ Championship

Posted on 8 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Lando Norris took the 2025 FIA Formula One World Drivers’ Championship title with a third place finish in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He beat race winner Max Verstappen to the title by two points, ending Verstappen’s dominance of the F1 championship for four straight seasons. Oscar Piastri finished the race in second place to end the season in P3 overall.

“It feels amazing,” said Norris post-race. “I want to congratulate Max and Oscar, my two biggest competitors the whole season. It’s been a pleasure to race against both of them. It’s been an honor. I’ve learned a lot from both of them as well, so I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been a long year. But we did it. And I’m so proud of everyone.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Shows Two Autonomous Driving Vehicles

Posted on 5 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) today showed its latest automated driving technologies. This occurred at the so-called Hi-Drive Final Event in Brussels. [Hi-Drive is a European technology demonstration project dedicated to advancing vehicle automation. “The program focuses on expanding automated vehicles’ capabilities while ensuring they operate safely, reliably, and efficiently in everyday conditions.” Both cars are inarguably serious products of advanced engineering. However aesthetic appeal is lacking. – AutoCrat]*

“Hi-Drive is a great example of open innovation, giving us the opportunity to develop and test automated driving technologies with leading European partners. By working together, we can deliver practical and reliable solutions that make everyday mobility safer and easier for everyone,” said Anne Laliron, SVP of Technology Research at Stellantis. Continue reading →

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Lotus Esprit Refresh offered by Encor

Posted on 5 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Encor (sic)* today for the second time unveiled the Encor Series 1, a latter day customization of the longest selling model in the Lotus lineup – the Esprit, which was in production at the Hethel, England factory from 1976 to 2004. Now, if a customer supplies their Esprit – a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive car – Encor will refresh it. Just bring money, lots of it along with the Esprit.

“Production of the Encor Series 1 is limited to 50 individually commissioned cars worldwide. Prices begin at £430,000, excluding taxes, options and the required donor Esprit V8. Commissioning takes place either at Encor’s Chelmsford, UK HQ or via private consultation for international clients. Deliveries will begin in Q2 2026 and continue through 2027,” Encor claimed. Continue reading →

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Japanese Top Consumer Reports 2026 Automotive Report

Posted on 4 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Japanese Top Consumer Reports 2026 Automotive Report

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Each year, CR independently tests about 50 new cars at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. Additionally, CR surveys its millions of members to gather data on reliability and owner satisfaction for hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually, spanning a two-decade range of model years. This extensive data enables the organization to create a comprehensive analysis of automotive quality, including brand-level rankings. Speaking to the Automotive Press Association today, CR analyzed the just published 2026 Automotive Report Card.

“We’re releasing new overall score rankings,” said Jake Fisher, CR’s Senior Director of Automotive Testing. “That’s really who makes the best cars along with new car reliability, used car reliability, which is really looking 5 to 10 year old models that are on out in the road, owner satisfaction, our road test scores, repair costs. … We have all the information for each one of the models on our website. That’s all live right now…. We are very excited that this year. We actually have the most amount of vehicles that we’ve had for a very long time. We’ve made some changes to make the survey easier to complete. … We’ve actually gone from 300,000 vehicles in the survey to 380,000 vehicles in the survey. That’s total.” Continue reading →

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Trump Mis-Administration Proposes a Weaker CAFE

Posted on 3 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The Trump Mis-Administration today proposed [proposal < click here, thereby Making America Poor Again – AutoCrat] to reduce fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks. Obviously, this would significantly raise the cost of driving a car for years to come.* It also could also damage the competitiveness of U.S. automakers in a global industry. The preliminary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – not yet officially published in the Federal Registers as required –  would gut standards set by the Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2024. Those standards would save owners of personal vehicles an average of more than $600 in fuel costs over the life of a new vehicle.**

“Efficient vehicles save money for Americans. This proposal would raise fuel costs for millions of drivers, adding to the financial strain on families and businesses,” said Rachel Aland, transportation director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). “If this rule is finalized, U.S. automakers will be less competitive as other countries race ahead in manufacturing cleaner vehicles that cost less to drive.”*** Continue reading →

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Toyota 2026 Mirai – Cordless EV with 402 Mile Range

Posted on 3 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Toyota (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said today that the 2026 model year Mirai fuel cell EV is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this winter with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,795. [MSRP Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1195. All prices are subject to change given the whims of the Trump administration – AutoCrat].*

“The 2026 Mirai continues to pave the road ahead, combining advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology, elegant design, and exceptional performance. It sets a high standard for eco-conscious vehicles that deliver both style and driving excitement. As a pioneer in hydrogen mobility, the Mirai brings electric energy to the forefront, offering drivers a compelling and responsible choice for the road ahead,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Subaru of America November Sales Drop 10%

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru of America November Sales Drop 10%

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Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today reported 52,081 vehicle sales for November 2025 – a ~10% drop, and year-to-date sales of 586,154, a 3.3% decrease.* In November, Crosstrek remained the top seller for the seventh consecutive month with 16,142 vehicles sold (-4.8%). Forester sales were 13,871 vehicles sold (-6.6%), and Outback sold 13,089 vehicles (-6.5%).

“Subaru retailers keep driving exceptional experiences with programs like Subaru Love-Encore™, earning top marks for sales satisfaction. Paired with a standout vehicle lineup and the Share the Love® Event supporting charitable impact nationwide, Subaru is set to finish the year strong,” claimed Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts November Sales of 102,824

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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American Honda (NYSE: HMC) said today that sales totaled 102,824 units in November. Year-to-date sales were up a meager 1.8%. An industry-wide semiconductor supply shortage was a factor. (Read AutoInformed.com on: American Honda Posts 358,848 Q3 U.S. Sales and Honda Alabama Starts Production of the 2026 Passport)

“Both the Honda and Acura brands continue to benefit from strong sales of all-new vehicles with balanced sales across light trucks and passenger cars along with a new annual sales record from electrified models,” American Honda claimed. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Increases Its CO2 Reduction Goals

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group said today that it has defined a new 2035 milestone for cutting CO2e emissions on the road to net zero. The company aims to reduce its CO2e emissions by at least 60 million metric tons compared to 2019 levels, an additional reduction of approximately 20 million tons of CO2e beyond the existing 2030 target.*

“The BMW Group has intentionally set itself the additional 2035 milestone to consistently advance its de-carbonization strategy. Global customer demand for electric vehicles alone will not be sufficient to achieve the CO2e targets set for 2030 and 2035. The comprehensive approach to reducing CO2e emissions therefore spans the entire vehicle life cycle, irrespective of the drive variant,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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