Toyota Gazoo Racing Shows Hydrogen-Fueled Racing Car

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Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept at le Mans yesterday, a liquid hydrogen-fueled test car for the potential use of advanced technology in motorsports.

“The presentation of the forward-looking GR LH2 Racing Concept completes a celebration of past, present and future which marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s first participation at Le Mans, following the introduction of a unique combination of livery designs. The #7 GR010 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries carries a red and white tribute livery inspired by the iconic TS020 which participated in 1998. The #8 GR010 Hybrid, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, represents the team’s present determination to win. Its matt black livery is built around a GR logo, capturing the team’s “Hate to lose” spirit and the “Prototype” concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and continuous evolution,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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GlobalData – Chinese BYD Hidden Debt Risk

The massive China-based electric vehicle company BYD (1211 HKG)* with more than 968,000 employees and a market capitalization of ~$155.5B is not only caught in the tariff crossfire between Donald Trump and the Chinese Government, but it has its own business structure problems as well.

“BYD posted record 2024 results with revenues of $108.1 billion (CNY777.1 billion) (+29% year-on-year (YoY)) and net profit of $5.6 billion (CNY40.2 billion) (+34% YoY). However, experts warn that the company’s growing reliance on supply chain financing could expose it to serious financial risks if market conditions deteriorate,” said Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at the respected GlobalData consultancy.** Continue reading

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Fuel Prices Dropping as Summer Travel Begins?

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With the summer driving season proceeding there are counter historical-trend results in fuel prices. Gasoline prices normally peak this time of the year, however drivers are getting a break, or is that brake? Moreover, does the ongoing global economic chaos caused by the Trump Administration tariff decrees signal something much darker – recessions and perhaps impending global depressions?*

“The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.14, down two cents from last week,” the National office of AAA  said today. “Pump prices are 36 cents cheaper than last June, thanks to this year’s consistently low crude oil prices. Currently, oil supply in the market is outweighing demand. June gas prices haven’t been this low since 2021. The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 36 cents.** Continue reading

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Ford and Lincoln Add Zoom App Meet on the Move

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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today that it is launching the Zoom app Meet on the Move. It is built and customized specifically for vehicles in the U.S. equipped with the all-new Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience.* With the new digital cabin, customers can bring along things they use in their so-called digital life, including their favorite apps to be entertained or to stay productive on the go – all without a smartphone – Ford said in a release. This is unique because it offers an immersive experience built directly into the vehicle, which is different from using smartphone projection. Whether this is a distinction without a real difference remains to be seen.

“The Zoom Meeting experience customers know and love is now optimized for equipped Ford and Lincoln vehicles through an embedded app, creating the ultimate mobile productivity space. It is ideal for catching up with friends and family, jumping into a work meeting while waiting for the kids to finish practice, or collaborating with a school group. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Hilfiger Joins Cadillac Formula 1®

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Hilfiger Joins Cadillac Formula 1®

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Tommy Hilfiger, part of PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH] and Cadillac Formula 1® Team (NYSE: GM) today announced a multi-year partnership “with Tommy Hilfiger as the team’s official apparel partner and lifestyle sponsor.” The partnership includes team kits using  the brand’s signature design and iconography, with the Tommy Hilfiger logo displayed on the car, driver suits and helmets. Fanwear collections will also launch, fusing Tommy Hilfiger’s “Prep Made Modern” aesthetic with the performance-driven codes of Cadillac Formula 1® Team. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Cadillac Formula 1 Team to Run in 2026, and General Motors via Cadillac F1 Bound in 2026)

“Two icons. One vision. A bold new era of American motorsport,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “We’re proud to continue our Formula 1® story alongside TWG Motorsports and Cadillac. We share a vision to honor the heritage of F1® while pushing it forward – celebrating where we come from, and re-imagining where we can go. As the sport’s presence around the globe continues to soar, there’s never been a better time to dream big, and show the world what an American team can bring to the grid.” Continue reading

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Detroit Joins Rising List of IndyCar Cheating Events

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IndyCar said late yesterday that a post-race technical inspection penalty occurred for entry No. 14 of A.J. Foyt Enterprises (Santino Ferrucci with an, ahem, Chevrolet engine) following Sunday’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear after it was found to be under the required driver ballast weight following the 100 lap run through a concrete barrier race downtown. Also during inspection, IndyCar found the weight of car No. 14, itself, was 10 pounds over the minimum weight for road and street circuits of 1785 pounds and competed over the minimum weight requirement on-track. These are the latest examples of an IndyCar technical inspection process that violates the rules of integrity and fairness in AutoInformed’s view. The Foyt Team acknowledged and accepted the penalty, saying they are working closely with its technical team to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

“This rule is in place to equalize the weight of varying-sized drivers so there is no advantage based on the weight of the driver. Post-race weight determination, as implemented by IndyCar, is a common practice after every event and in nearly all forms of motorsports to ensure an equal playing field,” IndyCar said.* Continue reading

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Ford Motor Recalls – Seat Belts, Instruments, Lost Steering

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles for a variety of safety defects. Included are Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, Transit and F150 Lightning models, according to filings made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Among the group of the latest Ford Motor recalls, the most potentially deadly safety defect appears to be loss of steering control caused by “Front Control Arm Separation” covering 2024-2025 model F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles.

“Certain vehicles may have an improperly torqued nut on the ball joint which secures the front upper control arm to the knuckle assembly. An improperly torqued nut on the ball joint can result in separation of the front upper control arm from the knuckle assembly,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading

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Michigan Central to Get Hotel on Top Floors

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Michigan Central said today that it is partnering with the Sydell Group, a joint venture with Hilton, to bring the NoMad hotel brand to Detroit. Construction of NoMad Detroit is expected to start at the end of this year, and plans are to open the hotel in the first half of 2027.

“This new renovation of The Station brings together iconic American companies like Ford and Hilton at a location that’s truly a historic hub for U.S. travel,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “We love the notion of two 100-plus-year-old companies collaborating to create a venue that promises to be a major boost not only for Michigan Central but for the city of Detroit as well.” Continue reading

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Autonomous Vehicles – Skepticism Rules Consumers

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Autonomous Vehicles – Skepticism Rules Consumers

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Virtually all automakers now have some type automated driving system categorized as Level 2 or Level 2+ on the SAE Autonomous Driving Levels standard.* These include General Motors’ Super Cruise; Tesla Autopilot; and numerous Mercedes, BMW and Stellantis systems in Europe and Nio in mainland China. More options are becoming obtainable each year.

“The choice between Level 3 automation [conditional] and Level 2/Level 2+ systems [partial automation] often divides the industry, resulting in notable differences in strategies among autonomous vehicle companies,” said Vivek Beriwal of S&P Global Mobility, a distinct part of S&P Global. “A key assumption of Level 3 systems is that the automaker assumes liability for its safe operation in “autonomous mode.” This has caused some automakers to focus on expanding functionality within Level 2+ while delaying any potential Level 3 upgrades,” Beriwal observes. Continue reading

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More IndyCar Cheating Penalties Coming to Detroit

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on More IndyCar Cheating Penalties Coming to Detroit

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IndyCar this morning announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the entries of No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing and No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing according to Rule 16.1.6.1.2., the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear Sunday, 1 June on the Streets of Detroit.

Ironically the violations are both on Honda powered cars. Continue reading

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Trump Tariff Chaos Continues Despite Court Ruling

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Tariff Chaos Continues Despite Court Ruling

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The U.S. Court of International Trade ruling Wednesday against Trump Administration tariffs is just a bump in the road. Although it was widely and loudly hailed as a defeat for President Trump and his whimsical, constantly changing tariff executive orders it is actually just a continuation of the economically damaging Administration policies, irrelevant to the misleading Wall Street TACO moniker – Trump Always Chickens Outs. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Trump Tariff Chaos – May Auto Sales Crash)

By late Thursday, the Administration had swiftly obtained an emergency stay. Tariffs on steel aluminum, automobiles and  auto parts and remain in place.

“The CIT’s ruling affects the tariffs that Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the president some power to regulate commerce after declaring a national emergency. It does not affect other, more specific tariffs he has imposed on commodities such as steel,” said Inu Manak, a fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.* Continue reading

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EV App Gap Frustrates Growing Number of Users

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The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. OEM EV App Report,SM released today, observes that EV app usage continues to climb, though satisfaction is still held back by connectivity issues, remote command speed and what Power terms as inconsistent feature performance. These App Gaps contrast sharply with a claimed rising in expectations, as more EV owners are expecting quick and integrated app functionality each time they drive.

“EV owners are telling J.D. Power exactly what they need: reliable performance and connectivity to interact with their vehicles,” said Violet Allmandinger, mobile apps lead at J.D. Power. “Top-performing apps deliver fast, consistent remote controls and have desired features. However, most other apps are still closing that gap.” Continue reading

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Belle Macchine – Italian Automotive Design at BMW

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Today BMW said that on 7 June, the “Belle Macchine. Italian Automotive Design at BMW” exhibition will open its doors at the BMW Museum. The exhibition extends over five platforms and ramps within the BMW Museum’s “Bowl.” It starts with a general introduction into the world of Italian design, citing examples of the country’s endeavors in the fields of fashion and product design. The impact of noted Italian studios on the design of bodies for BMW vehicles occupies much of the exhibition space.

“The combination of Italian design and German engineering excellence was a key driver of BMW’s growth into a premium manufacturer,” said curators Anna Schleypen and Klaus-Anton Altenbuchner. “The exhibition illustrates this development with a variety of design sketches from the BMW Design Archive, a selection of exhibits and 23 historic vehicles, and provides insight into the design history of BMW.” Continue reading

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Antonio Filosa New Stellantis CEO

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Antonio Filosa New Stellantis CEO

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The Board of Directors at Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) has unanimously chosen Antonio Filosa, a 25-Year Veteran of the Company, to be its new Chief Executive Officer Stellantis  said this morning.*

“The Board selected Antonio Filosa** to be CEO based on his proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry, the depth and span of his experience around the world, his unrivalled knowledge of the company and his recognized leadership qualities,” Stellantis said in a release. Continue reading

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UAW Members Ratify Contract at Electric Boat

The UAW said this morning that UAW Local 571 members have ratified a new contract with General Dynamics – Electric Boat. Members voted by 85% to ratify the new agreement.*

“During the campaign, the local leadership rejected closed-door bargaining, and instead regularly updated their membership on negotiations. Union members built a new network of over 100 strike captains, and signed up 2,200 members, or more than 90% of the bargaining unit, for picket duty – mounting a serious threat of a strike,” the UAW said. Continue reading

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