ACEA – April EU Car Sales off 1%. Tesla -53%

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on ACEA – April EU Car Sales off 1%. Tesla -52%

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During April 2025 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations fell by 1.2% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed. The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that  “nonetheless, registrations in April rebounded with a 1.3% year-on-year (YOY) increase, showing signs of recovery despite the ongoing unpredictable global economic environment.” (Read AutoInformed on: Tesla Tanking as Musk Leaves DOGE and Q1 2025 U.S. EV Sales Up 10%. Tesla Down)

The battery-electric car market share for April 2025 YTD stood at 15.3%, far from where it was forecast to be. Hybrid-electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type amongst buyers. The big news in the registration report shows that Elon Musk of DOGE infamy continues to struggle with Tesla sales plummeting ~-53% YOY. Continue reading

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Palou Wins the Indy 500 Ways to Cheat

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Palou Wins Indy 500 Ways to Cheat

A tarnished trophy?

What’s sometimes billed as the greatest spectacle in racing has turned from the drama high-speed oval racing to farce as rampant cheating has emerged in the Indy500 and the IndyCar Series. On Sunday Three-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou earned the first oval victory of his career winning the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.*

“Best milk I’ve ever tasted,” Palou said on the Victory Podium after a gulp from the traditional winner’s bottle of milk. “It tastes so good. What an amazing feeling.” In AutoInformed’s view the milk is sour. Both the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis Motor Speed are owned by Roger Penske via Penske Entertainment. Penske cars have participated in the cheating for more than one year. Moreover, there is no independent review organization to deal with the inherent conflict of interest of Penske, or what has emerged as rampant cheating that is endemic in IndyCar. Both Chevy and Honda powered teams are involved in modifying the Dallara supplied race cars. Continue reading

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Memorial Day 2025

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Memorial Day

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Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, known as Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day. Today, Memorial Day honors the more than 1 million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War began in 1861.

Congress, by a joint resolution approved on 11 May 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people might unite in prayer.  Continue reading

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Newgarden Leads Final Indy 500 Practice

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Newgarden Tops Final Indy 500 Practice, Wins Pit Stop Challenge

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Josef Newgarden led the final practice* for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” with a top lap of 225.687 mph in the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Team Penske Chevrolet. Newgarden is trying to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indy 500s. However, due to the Team Penske Cheating Scandal, he’ll need to do it from the 33rd starting spot. Newgarden and Team Penske teammate Will Power were moved to the rear of the field Monday due to a modified attenuator on their respective cars that violated IndyCar rules Sunday during PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying. The record for the deepest starting spot of a “500” winner is 28th, by Ray Harroun in the inaugural race in 1911 and Louis Meyer in 1936. (Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar Moves Team Penske Cars to Bottom of Grid! and IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team)

“Good final run here,” Newgarden said. “Excited to check the car off again and work with the team. I’m really excited for Sunday. The main show. Everything we work for.” Continue reading

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House Republicans Flunk Math on Energy Incentives

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on House Republicans Flunk Math on Energy Incentives

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On 22 May the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation bill. The bill – among other economic disasters for U.S. inhabitants and businesses – includes proposals to alter existing federal energy tax credits, from fast elimination of several credits, to new phase-down schedules, and adding new requirements, including provisions related to foreign entities of concern. Are any of our representatives paying attention to Chinese state-owned and directed capitalism? Take a look at the Chinese lead in new energy vehicles, the adoption of solar energy, the making of 21st century industrial goods and above all the funding of University research in advanced transportation products, manufacturing technologies and medical drugs. AutoInformed notes that Trump’s falsely named big, beautiful bill, along with his obsession with job destroying and inflation creating tariffs – among other things – adds up to negative numbers for our economy. Republicans flunk math.

“Existing energy tax credits have enjoyed decades of bipartisan support and are key to driving America’s energy expansion as we face unprecedented energy demand. Our coalition is urging the Senate to protect American jobs, boost competitiveness, bolster energy security, and support domestic manufacturing and energy development,” said Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) President Lisa Jacobson. Continue reading

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BMW Teases New 2026 M2 CS

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Teases New 2026 M2 CS

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The design of the new BMW M2 CS was unveiled today as part of a the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025 23 on Lake Como.

“The official communication launch of the BMW M2 CS, including all technical data, will take place on 28 May 2025, 00:01 CEST,” BMW said. Continue reading

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Light Truck Tread Separation Recall from Michelin Tire

Michelin North America is recalling ~7000 Agilis Cross Climate C-Metric tires, size 185/60R15C. This is a an aftermarket replacement all weather tire. If placed into service, the affected tires may not provide the expected performance and could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

“Chunks of tread rubber may detach from the shoulder blocks. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles,” Michelin told the National Highway Traffic Safet Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. NHTSA made the Michelin tire recall public this morning. Continue reading

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CARB – U.S. Senate Dumping Clean Air Act Waivers Illegal

The California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph today reacted to a vote by the U.S. Senate purporting to disapprove California’s Clean Air Act waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus using the Congressional Review Act (CRA).

“California profoundly disagrees with today’s unconstitutional, illegal and foolish vote attempting to undermine critical clean air protections. It’s an assault on states’ rights the federal administration claims to support that puts national air quality standards out of reach and will have devastating effects for the 150 million Americans who breathe unhealthy air every day,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. Continue reading

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AAA – Record 45.1 Million to Travel for Memorial Day

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AAA - 45.1 Million to Travel Domestically for Memorial Day

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AAA forecasts that in the U.S. 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period* from Thursday 22 May to Monday 26 May. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record. The previous record was set back in 2005 with 44 million people. Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home, according to AAA.

“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school.” Continue reading

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First Look – 2026 Honda HR-V Sub-Compact SUV

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - 2026 Honda HR-V Sub-Compact SUV

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The Honda HR-V,* America’s most popular SUV with first-time and Gen-Z buyers, is now arriving at Honda dealerships with a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $26,2002 for the HR-V LX (excluding $1395 destination charge). HR-V is also the best-selling sub-compact SUV with Hispanic buyers. Every HR-V is offered with Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control™ starting at $27,700 [Footnote 2].** The 2026 HR-V is available in three trim levels: LX, Sport and EX-L. As with the latest Toyota RAV4, the complexity of the trim levels with various packages and options present a daunting task to prospective buyers. This from Honda once famously known for a radio and television ad campaign, circa 1979-1984 with “The we make it simple,” tagline? (Read AutoInformed.com on: Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV)

“As our gateway SUV, the Honda HR-V continues to bring in a new generation of customers to our brand,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “Now with even sportier styling and more standard tech, the award-winning second-generation HR-V will further expand its incredible success with young and multicultural customers.” Continue reading

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IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team

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Team Penske announced today the departures of IndyCar Team President, Tim Cindric, IndyCar Managing Director, Ron Ruzewski and IndyCar General Manager Kyle Moyer from the organization. The move comes from the turbulence created by an aerodynamic cheating scandal during qualifying for the 119th Indianapolis 500. (Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar Moves Team Penske Cars to Bottom of Grid!)

“Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams. We have had organizational failures during the last two years, and we had to make necessary changes. I apologize to our fans, our partners and our organization for letting them down,” said Roger Penske, who owns the IndyCar Series and the Speedway. Continue reading

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Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Debuts 2026 RAV4 Compact SUV

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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) today joined Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and debuted the 2026 RAV4. For its sixth generation, America’s best-selling compact SUV* will be available in three new designs that include Core, Rugged, and Sport styles. This includes a new-look Woodland grade and the U.S. market’s first-ever RAV4 GR SPORT model.

“At Toyota, customer choice is paramount,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “With three distinct styles, two highly efficient electrified powertrains, and available Front- or All-Wheel Drive, the all-new RAV4 offers something for everyone and is ready to take on all of life’s adventures.” New 2026 RAV4 models are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships across the U.S. later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date. Continue reading

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Mobil 1 is Le Mans Sponsor of Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mobil 1 is Le Mans Sponsor of Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing

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Cadillac Racing* said today that the Mobil 1™ brand is its primary sponsor of the No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R** for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Cadillac will contest the 93rd edition of the twice-around-the-clock race on the 8.467-mile course with a four-car factory lineup with drivers who have accumulated 21 Le Mans podiums. The livery has the Mobil 1 logo across the sides and front of the blue and white Hypercar in the top class in endurance racing. Earlier this year, the Mobil 1 team announced an extension of its technical alliance with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), now making it the Official Motor Oil of Cadillac Racing.

“Le Mans is the ultimate proving ground in motorsport, and we’re proud to support Cadillac’s ambitions through our continued technical partnership,” said Tony Esposito, Strategic Global Alliance Manager, on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “This new livery reflects what our work with Cadillac is all about – performance, passion and pushing boundaries. We’re thrilled to see it come to life on track at Le Mans, where our legacy in motorsport continues.” Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – GM Loyalty Mastercard

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - GM Loyalty MasterCard

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it is redesigning its GM Rewards™ loyalty program and announcing the launch of the GM Rewards™ Mastercard® from Barclays US Consumer Bank.* The revamped loyalty program is said to be simpler. Moreover, the new card provides customers more ways to earn and redeem GM Rewards points across GM brands for new vehicles, services, parts and accessories. GM Rewards members can also earn and redeem GM Rewards points towards digital services like most OnStar plans and Super Cruise [see footnote 1], the hands-free driver assistance technology which can be used on about 750,000 miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada.

“GM has led the U.S. automotive industry in loyalty for a decade [2], and now we’re rewarding both our new and existing members with easier access to savings opportunities and new ways to engage with us,” said Ralph Darmo, VP of loyalty programs at GM. “Additionally, we’re creating exciting member-exclusive experiences that only GM can provide – such as trackside access at racing events and off-the-grid EV excursions. Continue reading

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BMW Testing an i7 with Solid State Batteries

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Testing an i7 with Solid State Batteries

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The BMW Group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) *said today that it is testing large-format, pure Advanced Solid State Battery Cells (ASSB) from Solid Power (Nasdaq: SLDP) in a BMW i7, which is being operated in the Munich area. The potential benefits of solid state battery technology is higher energy density in a compact storage system compared to current technologies. The concept battery integrated in the BMW i7 test vehicle combines proven Gen5 construction principles (prismatic cells in modules) with new, innovative module concepts for integrating ASSB cells from Solid Power.**

“Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group’s technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power,” claimed Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group. Continue reading

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