FDIC Conditionally Approves Ford Credit Industrial Bank

Posted on 22 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on FDIC Conditionally Approves Ford Credit Industrial Bank

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said today that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions have given the go ahead for a U.S. industrial bank in Salt Lake City. [This is an ironic twist on Henry Ford’s distrust of banks and financial institution – AutoCrat.]

“I am excited to share that Ford Credit’s global banking footprint is taking a significant step forward. Following conditional approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, we are set to launch a U.S. industrial bank in Salt Lake City,” said Cathy O’Callaghan is president and CEO of Ford Credit. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 Racer

Posted on 22 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team today unveiled the first images of its 2026 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, at the carbon fiber wheel of the W17, completed 67 laps of the Silverstone 2.979 km circuit, combining for almost 200 km of total mileage. The 2026 season inarguably the biggest technical revamp in the sport’s history, with all-new chassis, Power Unit, and fuel regulations. 

“Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO. Continue reading →

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Volvo EX60 Mid-Size SUV Debuts

Posted on 21 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Volvo Cars* today revealed the all-electric Volvo EX60 mid-size SUV. This is Chinese owned Volvo Cars’ first entry in the largest electric segment globally.** In theory this allows it to substantially increase its addressable market and electric market share. [Sales numbers ultimately will test this thesis – AutoCrat] The EX60 is now available for order in European markets, with the United States to follow in late spring. Production starts this spring at Volvo Cars’ car factory in Sweden. Customer deliveries of the P6 and P10 variants will start this summer, with the P12 following soon after.***

“The new, all-electric EX60 changes the game in terms of range, charging and price and represents a new beginning for Volvo Cars and our customers,” says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “With this car, we remove all remaining obstacles for going electric. This fantastic new car is also a testament of what we are capable of at Volvo Cars, with an all-new product architecture introducing new key technologies – mega casting, cell-to-body and core computing.” Continue reading →

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First Look – the 2027 E-Z-GO Liberty

Posted on 21 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Textron E-Z-GO (NYSE: TXT) today announced the next generation of its g E-Z-GO® Liberty™ vehicle for the 2027 model year. It’s said to be redesigned from the ground up to offer an unparalleled ride in a neighborhood or on the golf course.* Liberty will be available as a street-legal “low-speed vehicle,” or LSV, meeting the federally required FMVSS 500 and voluntary SAE J2358 standards, with a maximum speed of 25 mph and the qualifications to travel on most public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. E-Z-GO Liberty will be available this summer from E-Z-GO authorized dealers.

“Automotive features abound in the 2027 E-Z-GO Liberty to provide a premium experience for driver and passengers. An available infotainment system features a 10-inch ECOXGEAR touchscreen, 28-inch ECOXGEAR soundbar with LED lighting, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. IntelliScreen™ functionality, integrated into the Liberty’s touchscreen, provides critical vehicle information at a glance, such as speed, state of charge, and onboard vehicle diagnostics. IntelliScreen also allows operators to tune vehicle performance, including governance of the vehicle’s speed and acceleration, and selectable driving modes that allow drivers to customize the vehicle’s performance to their driving style. A charging pad allows for wireless charging of compatible smartphones. Select trim levels include electronic push-to-start functionality,” Textron E-Z-GO said. Continue reading →

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S&P Global Mobility – GM Tops Maker Loyalty Ratings Again

Posted on 20 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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S&P Global Mobility* has announced the winners of its 30th annual Automotive Loyalty Awards. General Motors and Tesla again earning the two highest awards for customer retention. The winners were celebrated during a ceremony at the Detroit Auto Show. General Motors received the ‘Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer’ award for the 11th year in a row. Tesla was the recipient of the ‘Overall Loyalty to Make’ award for the fourth consecutive year. The 2025 awards are based on an analysis of 13.6 million new retail vehicle registrations in the U.S. from October 2024 through September 2025.**

“For 30 years, this analysis has provided a fact-based measure of brand health and this year’s results are particularly telling,” said Joe LaFeir, President of Mobility Business Solutions at S&P Global Mobility. “The data shows the market is not rewarding just one type of strategy. Instead, we see sustained, high-level performance from manufacturers with broad portfolios. In the current market, retaining customers remains a critical performance indicator for the industry.” Continue reading →

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Corvette ZR1X Runs 8.675-Second Quarter Mile

Posted on 19 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X,* the most advanced and expensive Corvette ever, is the quickest American production car available – and the fastest way to get down a quarter-mile drag strip for under a million dollars. (Starting MSRP $209,700. See footnote 3)

“Testing on the ZR1X culminated in October 2025 with validation at US 131 Motorsports Park – reflective of the real-world environments where Corvette customers exercise their vehicles. On a prepped surface, the ZR1X completed the quarter mile in 8.675 seconds at 159 mph (see footnote 1), on pump gas, using standard-equipment tires and production 50-state street-legal engine calibration, and achieving a 0-60 mph time of 1.68 seconds (1) on the same run. The ZR1X blasted to 60 mph in less than 100 feet, generating a peak of 1.75G of acceleration force,” Chevrolet said. Continue reading →

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Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run

Posted on 19 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Cadillac Racing completed a three-day test at the “Roar Before the 24” at last weekend’s sessions  prior to the running of the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona this weekend in a twice-around-the-clock race on the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course. Cadillac’s cars were first and third fastest in an early session, with a Porsche in between.*

No big deal, though. First, with 20 overall victories by Porsche race cars, four additional wins as an engine manufacturer and one noteworthy  triumph in 1959, Porsche is inarguably the most successful manufacturer running sports car endurance races where the drivers have to know how to turn right as well as left. Added to this are more than 40 class victories at the famous 24-hour classic in Florida.** The Porsche Penske Motorsport factory team aims to continue this success. The Top Ten GTP cars were only separated by ~1 second when practice ended. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Formula 1® – Checo Perez Completes First Track Laps

Posted on 19 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cadillac Formula 1® - Checo Perez Completes First Track Laps

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A Cadillac Formula 1 Team Filming Day happened this past Friday at the Silverstone track in England. The team was at the  track during a pre-season promotional day as it continues preparations for its debut Formula 1® campaign during 2026. The car ran entirely in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1® Team livery set to be revealed on Sunday 8 February 2026 , via a globally televised championship broadcast during the Australian Grand Prix. [Let’s hope black isn’t symbolic of the first season of real racing – AutoCrat.]*

“Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start,” said Checo Perez, the driver. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sales Drop 10% in 2025

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Sales Drop 10% in 2025

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Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that it delivered a total of 279,449 cars to customers globally during 2025, a decline of -10% from 310,718 in 2024. The Macan remains the strongest model line with 84,328 cars delivered.*

“After several record years, our deliveries in 2025 were below the previous year’s level. This development is in line with our expectations and is due to supply gaps for the 718 and Macan combustion-engined models, the continuing weaker demand for exclusive products in China, and our value-oriented supply management,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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Global Warming – Michigan Studying Geologic Hydrogen

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer yesterday signed an executive directive creating an initiative to explore geologic hydrogen as a usable, clean fuel alternative. The signing occurred backstage at the Detroit Auto Show just before Whitmer delivered a keynote speech (Read AutoInformed.com on: Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show)* Michigan’s unique geology is thought to be one of the most promising regions in the world for geologic hydrogen, a naturally occurring clean energy resource. This new initiative will determine the possibility of tapping into Michigan’s geologic hydrogen and using this natural fuel to build the future of clean energy.

“Michigan is a leader in clean-energy solutions,” said Governor Whitmer. “This initiative will uncover more about Michigan’s geologic hydrogen stores, which have the potential to attract long-term investments in our state and create thousands of good paying jobs for Michiganders. Together, we’re building the future of clean energy in Michigan.” [Whether this prompts an Invasion by the Trump Administration remains to be seen – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show

Posted on 15 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Detroit Auto Show today, discussing the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting business and creating good-paying local jobs amidst what was respectfully termed “national uncertainty.”

Unlike President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker during his Ford Motor River Rouge Plant visit in Dearborn, Michigan this week, where The Man Who Would Be King was caught on video flipping off a Ford worker [with the map of Manhattan – AutoCrat] while using gutter profanity, Whitmer was poised, pleasant, well-informed and inarguably committed to helping workers with a track record that proves it. Whitmer even had an announcement that will be good for all Michiganders, notwithstanding social status, wealth or power. Following are her remarks lightly edited for space and clarity.

“Hello, Detroit! I’m excited to be back at the best auto show in the world in the beating heart of the American auto industry. I’ve been here many, many times and this is my last show as governor. I’ll return as a visitor, but you won’t have me to kick around next year! So, while I have the mic, I got some things to say,” said Whitmer. Continue reading →

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IMSA 2026 – Cadillac Racing Entering Fourth Year in GTP

Posted on 15 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA 2026 - Cadillac Racing Entering Fourth Year in GTP

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The so-called Roar Before the 24 this week leads into the IMSA* season-opening 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 24-25. Cadillac Racing with Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing and Cadillac Whelen has revealed the liveries of its three Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racecars that will contest the nine-race 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Cadillac Racing, with four overall victories among 12 podiums in what is arguably North America’s premier endurance race, sees the return of Wayne Taylor Racing for its second season as a Cadillac factory team and Action Express Racing for its 15th consecutive year campaigning a GM prototype in IMSA. Cadillac is entering its fourth year of running in the GTP class.**

“As excited as I was at the beginning of last season, I am more excited for this year. Both cars will be presented in a fresh livery with our traditional colors of blue and black. They look spectacular. The all-new bodywork and redesign by GM and Dallara is fantastic. It is also great news to have our long-time partner DEX back with us again on our two Cadillac GTPs. We are coming back stronger with our full-season drivers Ricky, Filipe, Jordan and Louis in place. This Rolex, we have elected to keep each of our cockpits to three drivers and are looking forward to having Colton Herta and Will Sevens join our efforts in the endurance races. Winning is part of Wayne Taylor Racing’s DNA and is our only focus in 2026.,” said Wayne Taylor, co-owner of Wayne Taylor Racing.** Continue reading →

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American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat

Posted on 14 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat

A solution for the housing crisis?

American Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today outlined its 2026 U.S. automobile business outlook during its annual media briefing. It also showed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a towable travel trailer developed by engineers and designers at its U.S. R&D centers. Basically, the Japanese company is going to focus on lower cost models with package and trim changes because of the affordability crisis that is an industry-wide problem.* [The briefing also underscored another industry trend, the decline of traditional auto shows since it occurred during a media preview day of the Detroit Auto Show. -AutoCrat]

“Nearly all of our Honda and Acura models have been redesigned or upgraded in the last 18 months, giving us one of the freshest lineups in the industry heading into 2026,” said Lance Woelfer, Vice President of Sales. “For American Honda, we are focused on delivering the right mix of gas-powered and hybrid vehicles to meet customer demand for affordable, high-value products. With average new car prices hitting record highs across the industry, cost is a growing concern, and we want the Honda and Acura brands to continue to be recognized for delivering incredible value to our customers,” said Woelfer. Continue reading →

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Ford Carhartt Partnership on Products, Workforce Expansion

Posted on 13 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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Ford and Carhartt during a press conference on Tuesday night at the Detroit Auto Show announced a reunion. For more than 100 years, Carhartt has produced apparel for Ford factory workers, dating back to the 1920s with work-wear programs through the 1970s. Products include new co-branded merchandise and a Super Duty Carhartt edition truck that will be available later this year.

“The multi-year strategic partnership is designed to create long-term impact in three critical areas for the Essential Economy: workforce development, community building and durable products that help strengthen and support the skilled trades,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO, and Linda Hubbard, Carhartt CEO. [This is a summary edited for space- AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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First Look – Cadillac Formula 1 Camouflaged Livery!

Posted on 13 January 2026 by Ken Zino
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General Motors President Mark Reuss today revealed the Cadillac Formula 1® Team’s Special Edition testing livery at GM’s new global headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building. The livery will be used at the all-team Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, 26 – 30 January, ahead of unveiling the final livery on February 8 at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. [Practice starts in Melbourne, Australia on March 6. So it’s unlikely the practice cars will be camouflaged enough to hide the racing configuration. Sponsorship logos may be lacking. – AutoCrat?] The racing car will also be on display at the Detroit Auto Show until 25 January.

“Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1® team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” Reuss said. “The Barcelona test is just the beginning – we can’t wait to share our official race livery with fans around the world next month.” [Part of the marketing challenge Cadillac has is that it will use Ferrari F1 engines, yes Ferrari, until GM Performance Power Units – founded by TWG Motorsports and General Motors builds powertrains for Cadillac Formula. This is likely to happen starting in 2029 if the engine is homologated by the FIA. Continue reading →

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