Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive

Posted on 2 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive

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Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence.

“Our future MPVs have once again impressively demonstrated their suitability for everyday use on the long-distance route. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome – the Mercedes-Benz VLE demonstrates impressive efficiency of the new Van Electric Architecture,” claimed Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mercedes-Benz AG. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts Q2 2025 Sales Increase of 8.4%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on American Honda Posts Q2 2025 Sales Increase of 8.4%

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American Honda said today that it posted sales increases in June, Q2 and thereby leading to relatively strong First Half Sales Increase of 8.4%.

“The Honda and Acura brands continue to buck industry trends with sales increases in June and the second quarter as our strong sales momentum continues through the first half of the year,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Driven by the success of all-new products like the Honda Passport and Acura ADX, and record sales of electrified models we continue to meet customer needs and manage changing market conditions.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America Q2 Sales up 7.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today reported June 2025 U.S. sales of 193,248 vehicles, up 0.1 % on a volume basis and up 8.4 % on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis compared to June 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the month totaled 90,426 up 6.7 % on a volume basis and up 15.5% on a DSR basis representing 46.8 % of total sales volume. For the second quarter, TMNA reported sales of 666,469 vehicles, up 7.2 % on a volume basis and up 7.2 % on a DSR basis versus the Q2 of 2024. Sales of electrified vehicles for the second quarter totaled 320,817 up 29.7 % on a volume basis and up 29.7% on a DSR basis representing 48.1% of total sales volume. June sales were clearly hurt by Trump Tariff chaos, but were at ~three times the industry average increase. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft)

“Steady demand for our Toyota and Lexus brands resulted in strong sales throughout the second quarter,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TMNA. “Our lineup of 32 electrified vehicles was a big part of that draw as they represented over 46% of our sales in June.” Continue reading →

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GM Posts Strong YTD 2025 U.S. Sales

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts Strong YTD 2025 U.S. Sales

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 7% in the second quarter and 12% in the 2025 first half. GM led the U.S. automotive industry in total and retail sales in the year’s first six months, with sales growth well ahead of the estimated 4% total auto industry growth. This is in sharp contrast to Ford Motor Company claims today and is the result of selective use of categories and time periods by both companies. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2% )

“The investments we have made in our crossovers, SUVs, and pickups – both gas and electric – along with great execution by our employees, suppliers and dealers, have made GM the engine of growth for the U.S. industry this year,” said Duncan Aldred, GM senior VP and president of North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that Q2 sales rose 14.2%, largely because of sales of trucks and SUVs. Ford claimed that it was well ahead of the U.S. industry in Q2 by increasing, sales ~10 times the estimated 1.4% industry increase. It also said it expanded market share to an estimated 14.3%, up 1.8 percentage points compared to Q1 2025. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Ford Motor Q1 U.S. Retail Sales Up 5%)

“We blew the doors off the overall industry with our second-quarter sales,” claimed Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue and Model e, and interim head of Ford Pro. “Customers continue appreciating our broad powertrain choices – gas, hybrid, electric, and diesel -digital productivity tools that save time and money.” Continue reading →

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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

Posted on 30 June 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.

“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots

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A recent study led by researchers from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center is the first to use the new method that the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)* developed for measuring a driver’s direct area of vision around a vehicle. Through multiple redesign cycles from 1997 to 2023, forward visibility within a 10-meter radius fell as much as 58% for three popular SUVs, the researchers found. For a top-selling pickup, close-proximity visibility declined by a smaller 17%, but even the earliest model had extremely large blind zones. In contrast, the early models of the two cars provided relatively good visibility that fell less than 8% in later generations.

“The across-the-board decrease in visibility for this small group of models is concerning. We need to investigate whether this is a broader trend that may have contributed to the recent spike in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “This study also illustrates that the new method developed by IIHS gives researchers a straightforward, repeatable way to assess driver visibility,” he added. Continue reading →

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1908 Echoed at Cadillac?

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on At Last? Cadillac Reveals CELESTIQ Show Car - Courtesy of and Copyright Cadillac

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Cadillac first used the advertising tagline “Standard of the World” in 1908. This week in GM’s luxury brand’s view indicated a new beginning for the Standard of the World, as Cadillac delivered the first hand-built CELESTIQ EV* ultra-luxury sedan to its owner. 

“This week Cadillac said the CELESTIQ represents a new era of ultra-luxury at Cadillac. Each CELESTIQ embodies the ultimate expression of Cadillac technology, performance, refinement and innovation. Working with a CELESTIQ concierge, and with available curation assistance from a Cadillac designer, each client has the opportunity to create an entirely unique CELESTIQ to fit their tastes and desires,” Cadillac claimed. Continue reading →

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Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV

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The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200. The first-ever QX60 SPORT grade, which elevates the model with its “most statement-making appearance yet,” is priced from $61,700. The QX60 is offered in four grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. Destination and handling charge on all grades adds $1350.

“QX60 continues to be a cornerstone of our lineup and a compelling choice for today’s premium SUV buyer,” said Brian Maragno, director, Product Marketing, Infiniti USA. “Accounting for 45% of Infiniti sales last quarter, QX60 reflects our product strategy at work – blending bold design, advanced technology and thoughtful features that resonate with our Infiniti clients.” Continue reading →

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IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS President - NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

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Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,* said at a Congressional hearing today.

“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM Released

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The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third.

“While customers do find the larger touchscreens visually appealing, their functionality within the vehicle is an increasing source of frustration,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. Customers are having to tap and swipe through multiple screens to access key vehicle functions like climate settings and built-in garage door openers. Owners find these things to be overly complicated and too distracting to use while driving. By retaining dedicated physical controls for some of these interactions, automakers can alleviate pain points and simplify the overall customer experience.” Continue reading →

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Audi Adds AirConsole Gaming for Passengers

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Audi Adds AirConsole Gaming for Passengers

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AirConsole and Audi claimed progress in the controversial area of in-car entertainment with the launch of AirConsole’s interactive gaming platform today. In Audi models equipped with a passenger display, Audi’s Active Privacy Mode, a so-called digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to perhaps prevent distraction, allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming now allows non-driving passengers to play throughout the ride. This electronic doodad now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates.

“This is a game-changer for in-car entertainment. With Audi, we’re redefining what’s possible inside a vehicle, bringing gaming into motion and making every journey more social and fun,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO at N-Dream, the makers of AirConsole. “By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritizes safety, by not distracting the driver, we’re taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences,” Cliquot claimed. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Total U.S. new-vehicle sales during June 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,247,900, a slight 2.5% increase from June 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today.* June 2025 has 24 selling days, two fewer than June 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 5.4% from 2024.The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, up 0.2 million units from June 2024.

“June sales are subdued, with the sales pace falling to its lowest level in the past 12 months.  However, care needs to be taken when interpreting June results, as they are not fully indicative of the underlying demand for new vehicles” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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ACEA – May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat. Tesla Down Again!

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on ACEA - May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat

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During the May 2025 year-to-date (YTD) period, new EU car registrations fell by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed based on its original French name.* Notably, the anti Elon Musk backlash continued as Tesla sales dropped to 13,863 from 19,227 or -27.9% YoY in May. Year-to Date sales of Musk-mobiles are off -37.1% at 75,196, down from 119,482 YoY.

The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that, “Nonetheless, year-on-year (YOY) registrations for May increased by 1.6% compared to the same month last year.” Continue reading →

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UAW Praises NYC Mayoral Runner Zohran Mamdani

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Praises NYC Mayoral Runner Zohran Mamdani

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In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran Mamdani as the Democratic primary candidate for New York City mayor. At the time, the UAW noted that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform was to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare. This confirmed the UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters. On 30 May 2025, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed its support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first. It was to AutoInformed’s knowledge, the only major union to do so.*

“The working class is done with business as usual. We were proud to be the first union to endorse Zohran because it’s time for a political movement that puts the working class first. Our members spoke out and turned out in a big way — and we’re just getting started. Congratulations to Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla on an exceptional field operation. Congratulations to Zohran for building a movement, and congratulations to the working-class New Yorkers for showing the world that when we unite and stand up nobody can stand in our way,” said UAW President Shawn Fain this morning. Continue reading →

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