SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy

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

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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

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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

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

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+

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

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

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

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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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July 4th Week – a Record 72.2 Million to Travel Domestically!

AAA* said today that it forecasts some 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 6 July 2025 . This domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to cover more of the surging flow of holiday travelers.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”** Continue reading

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Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

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BEDEO, a UK based electric vehicle technology and retrofit company, today announced a partnership with Monarch Defender – known for customizing the Land Rover Defender – to sell the so-called Icons Defender to US-based clients later in 2025.*

“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.” Continue reading

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Mazda Restructures Its Waning Japanese Business

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Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced its “Domestic Business Structural Reform Policy” to revive its failing operations in its home market. Domestic sales volume for the Japanese Fiscal Year ending 31 March 2025 was 152,000 units – just barely above its all-time low of 148,445 in 1974. Mazda has a ~4% market share in Japan.*

“The three pillars of the business structural reform are investment for growth to nurture brand, designate priority regions and thorough front-line support to improve in-store experience,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo

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Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.

“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading

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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross

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Volkswagen of America* today announced a change to its Driver Access program with the addition of ambassador, a quadriplegic race-car driver. Volkswagen and Gross are working to make mobility more inclusive and empowering for drivers with physical disabilities. Through the Driver Access program, eligible customers can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for the purchase and installation of eligible adaptive equipment on new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Volkswagen vehicles. The current program is open to eligible Volkswagen customers with a documented physical disability who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.

“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading

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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

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Honda U.S. (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced that it is increasing its support for American Red Cross disaster relief efforts across the nation by joining the nonprofit’s Annual Disaster Giving Program. The Red Cross program helps ensure it can respond to the more than 65,000 disasters that take place each year. The annual Honda contribution of $1 million went into effect 1 April 2025.*

“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading

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