IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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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
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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
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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
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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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SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. [See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of  British political thinking.*

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)** speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said, “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall.

“The new Armada NISMO brings a bold, sporty edge to the lineup, joining the tough PRO-4X and the upscale Platinum Reserve. It’s all about giving drivers more of what they’re looking for,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing and Sales at Nissan. “No matter where you’re headed, on the highway, off the beaten path, or way off the grid, there’s an Armada built for the journey,” said Shahani. Continue reading →

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First Look – Explorer Tremor Off Roader

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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In the seemingly ever-expanding range of extreme off-road vehicles, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today revealed the Explorer Tremor in a rambling social media post. Just bring money, AutoInformed bets that this will be ~$55,000 – $60,000 for its mud-ready wheels, depending on the incentives that may be in play when you order one. 

“When we set out to develop an Explorer Tremor, we challenged ourselves to do something different. We wanted to build an off-road machine engineered to handle challenging terrain,” said Matthew Duffield, Explorer brand manager. Continue reading →

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June Auto Market – Consumer Sentiment is Trump Chaotic

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The latest Cox Automotive Report released today in AutoInformed’s view shows that Trump Chaos was, is and remains bad for the auto business.*

“Cox Automotive leading g indicators are mixed … in mid-June with a decreasing week-over -week trend related to service appointments, which were down 4% against 2024 in the week ending June 14 as geopolitical issues drive down consumer sentiment. We risk seeing momentum further decline in retail vehicle sales with scorching temperatures at the start of summer. Consumers may stay inside and away from dealerships with high prices and high uncertainty about what comes next in Iran and with uncertainty about when gas prices, interest rates and – of course – tariffs will come back down,” said Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist.** Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~93,000 Vehicles with Sunroofs

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling ~93,000 model year 2023-2025 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, 2024-2025 AMG GLC 43 4MATIC, 2025 GLC 350E 4MATIC, and AMG GLC 63 S E vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“In certain crash scenarios, where the rear occupant’s head contacts the C-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior,” MBUSA told NHTSA. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss – 11,000+

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling all 2023 model year Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In some driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using “B” mode or “One Pedal Drive,” the vehicle may lose brake function, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 11,000 Volvo electric vehicles are affected by the potentially deadly safety defect.

“Owners are advised not to use “B” Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or “One Pedal Drive” (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge (required by U.S. safety law). Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 6, 2025,” Volvo tolds NHTSA. Continue reading →

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New Stellantis CEO Filosa Drastically Changes Staffs

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Upon assuming his new Stellantis CEO job today (NYSE: STLA), Antonio Filosa drastically changed his new Stellantis Leadership Team, effective immediately. (Read AutoInformed.com on Antonio Filosa New Stellantis CEO)*

“It is my great privilege to take the lead of Stellantis, a global company with deep regional roots,” said CEO Antonio Filosa.** “We have unique strengths in our great people, our iconic brands and our millions of customers, whose loyalty to our Company, its fantastic products and its unique stories can only inspire us to new achievements.” Continue reading →

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Ford Motor – New Offers for Military and Veterans

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that it is enlarging its Military Exclusive Cash Reward to now include all veterans. Ford also increased the bonus covering active, retired, and all veteran military personnel who can now get a $1000 cash bonus on eligible Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

“As we get closer to July 4, it really makes you reflect on what this holiday is all about — independence, freedom, and the sacrifices made to secure it. At Ford and Lincoln, we’ve always felt it’s important to show our gratitude and appreciation for the folks who’ve served our country. It’s a core part of who we are as a company,” said Rob Kaffl Ford director, U.S. sales and dealer relations. Continue reading →

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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard.

“The recalled Ranger XP Kinetic vehicles were sold in camouflage and white colors. The recalled Pro XD vehicles have gray plastic body panels with a black frame and accents. All vehicles were sold in three-seat configurations and have “POLARIS” stamped on the front grille. The VIN is printed on a portion of the left rear frame (on the driver’s side of the vehicle) under the cargo box,” CPSC said. Continue reading →

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