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
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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
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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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Hyundai Santa Fe Recall for Bad Rear-View Cameras

Posted on 1 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling more than 143,000 model-year 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rear-view camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rear-view camera image not to display.

“The camera’s main wire harness was improperly assembled by the supplier, causing increased tension and wear in the cable’s shield line, and resulting in poor terminal contact when connected to the camera,” HMA said in the mandatory recall notification made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. [Seoyon E-Hwa Alabama is the supplier – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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F1 Driver’s Championship Goes Down to Last Race

Posted on 1 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix, yesterday beating Oscar Piastri to take second place in the Drivers’ standings. Verstappen is now 12 points behind championship leader Lando Norris. A bad pit stop call – staying on track during a safety car deployment – likely hurt both McLaren drivers, with Piastri finishing second. Verstappen’s driving prowess inarguable was one again in play. Also AutoInformed opines was a heartwarming side of Max that rarely comes into view. The disqualification of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7 – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Visit Qatar to Be Principal Partner of Audi F1 Team )

“This year, we just had a really tough first half of the season, as everyone knows. But to still be in this fight—at the same time, I think we can be really proud of it because in the middle of the season, at some point, it was almost – not like you lose motivation – but you don’t really see a way forward of actually winning again in this season. It’s almost like you have to hope that 2026 would be better,” said Verstappen the reigning world champion since Abu Dhabi 2021 in the post-race press conference. Continue reading →

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