Autonomous Racing League Season 2 Opens at Yas Marina

Posted on 19 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Autonomous Racing League Season 2 Opens at Yas Marina

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Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) via Aspire today announced the return of its flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The 2025 edition will take place on 15 November at Yas Marina Circuit with a $2.25 million prize pool and the launch of a global virtual racing series. The announcement was made during the Make it in the Emirates Forum in Abu Dhabi. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Man vs Autonomous Machine Race Coming to Suzuka)

“The Emirates Autonomous Vehicle (EAV 24), A2RL’s upgraded autonomous racecar, represents a significant leap in performance and engineering. Assembled and autonomized in the UAE, the vehicle reflects the nation’s growing capabilities in AI, robotics, and high-performance mobility. Built on the proven Super Formula SF23 platform, the EAV-24 has been reengineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded compute systems, and refined control logic, optimized for the demanding conditions of autonomous racing,” said Aspire. Continue reading →

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Rookie Robert Shwartzman in a Chevy on Indy 500 Pole

Posted on 19 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Rookie Robert Shwartzman in a Chevy on Indy 500 Pole

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Robert Shwartzman posted  a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet during the Firestone Fast Six yesterday at the Indianapolis brickyard in Speedway Indiana. PREMA  joined the NTT IndyCar Series this season after years of success in European racing, became the first team to claim the 500 pole in its first attempt since Mayer Motor Racing with driver Tom Sneva took  the pole in 1984. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato (Honda) and Pato O’Ward (Chevrolet) will join Shwartzman on the front row for the 109th running of the race this Sunday 25 May.*

“I was like, ‘This is a dream; it can’t be true,” Robert Shwartzman said. “I don’t know what even to say. The car felt amazing. I can’t thank PREMA and Chevy. Coming here for my first oval race, I would never even expect it to be in this position. It’s unbelievable.” Continue reading →

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UAW Has Tentative Agreement with General Dynamics

Posted on 19 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The UAW said today that it has reached a tentative agreement with General Dynamics – Electric Boat ahead of the UAW Marine Drafters strike deadline of midnight Sunday 18 May. “This agreement comes after an unprecedented mobilization from the union’s membership: 2200 members, or more than 90% of the bargaining unit, signed up to report for picket duty if a strike became necessary,” the UAW said. The five-year agreement, covering more than 2400 workers in Groton who design nuclear submarines, obtains a 30% wage increase over the life of the agreement and an improved wage progression. In total, MDA-UAW members will see a cumulative $115,000 increase in total compensation during the agreement. (read AutoInformed.com on: UAW Members OK Strike at General Dynamics Electric Boat)

“This contract is going to change the lives of our members,” said Bill Louis, the President of Local 571. “After years of sky-high housing costs and record inflation, our members are finally seeing the recognition they deserve for their hard work.” Continue reading →

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Indy 500 Broadcast Local Delay Lifted for Fox

Posted on 16 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Entertainment said today that the upcoming broadcast of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will not have the usual broadcast delay for the first ever airing of the race on Fox Sports. Right now it appears that all reserved seating for Race Day will be sold out for the first time since the 100th edition of the race in 2016. Right now, a few tickets remain in the IMS grandstands, with a full reserved seating sellout likely to occur by the checkered flag for Monday’s practice and possibly before the end of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Weekend, which starts tomorrow. Expanded coverage of the inaugural  Indy 500 on FOX starts on Sunday 25 May at 10 a.m. ET across the country, with the green flag drop at ~12:45 p.m. ET.

“This year, the greatest race on Earth will host one of its biggest and most memorable crowds in many decades,” said Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles. “This is a terrific showcase for the NTT IndyCar Series and a great milestone to supercharge our relationship with FOX Sports. It is also absolutely a fitting tribute to the continued leadership and investment of Roger Penske.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Announces an All-New 2026 TRD Pro Color

Posted on 16 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Announces an All-New 2026 TRD Pro Color

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Toyota (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) said today in Texas that the so called Wave Maker color joins TRD Pro colors. Whether this is a response to latest announcement from GMC on the Hummer EV 2026 model year or a coincidence is debatable. What isn’t up for debate though is the competitiveness of the extremely profitable U.S. truck segment.*

“We had a few years of warm natural hues inspired by traditional landscapes like Terra and Mudbath as signature colors. With Wave Maker, we were inspired by unexplored areas of adventure including extreme territory and even beyond earth,” says Benjamin Jimenez, general manager at CALTY’s Ann Arbor Michigan location. “Wave Maker expresses an elemental spirit that evokes images of glacial depths and the thrill of new frontiers.” Continue reading →

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GMC Hummer EV – 2026 Model Year Adds Carbon Fiber Option

Posted on 16 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GMC Hummer EV – 2026 Model Year Adds Carbon Fiber Option

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The GMC Hummer EV (NYSE: GM)* arguably created a new segment at launch as the first EV super truck. With the new software-enabled King Crab off-road rear-steer mode, which is available over-the-air to all Hummer EV owners,  and faster acceleration – the Carbon Fiber Edition Pickup has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.8 seconds, the 2026 lineup is more capable than ever. [See footnotes 1, 2 and 3 below]** With the optional 24-module  battery pack, the Hummer EV 3X is rated at 1160 horsepower and 13,000 lb.-ft. of torque, which makes it the most powerful truck available in its class [8]. The 2026 Hummer EV Pickup and SUV will be available at GMC EV dealers later this year. Pricing and GM-estimated range will be announced closer to launch.

“The refreshed Hummer EV enhances an already amazing vehicle with new software innovations and forward-thinking design,” said Al Oppenheiser, GMC Hummer EV chief engineer. “From the start, we aimed to provide Hummer EV owners over-the-air software updates. All 2026 Hummer EV owners will have access to our latest software going forward, allowing new features to be introduced throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Shows All Electric bZ Woodland Mid-size SUV

Posted on 15 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Shows All Electric bZ Woodland Mid-size SUV

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Toyota (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) today showed a new addition to its expansive Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) lineup with the first-ever 2026 model year bZ Woodland. The mid-size SUV has standard all-wheel drive with X-MODE®. The combined system net output is a claimed 375 horsepower with a manufacturer-estimated all electric driving range rating of up-to 260 miles. (read AutoInformed.com on: Subaru Debuts New Trailseeker and Revised Solterra SUVs ) It also brings additional midsize SUV utility, with 8.3-inches of ground clearance, 3,500-pound towing capacity, and available All Terrain tires. The bZ Woodland is the third BEV recently announced by Toyota.* It joins the refreshed bZ small SUV and the all-new C-HR compact crossover, bringing the total number of electrified models in the Toyota lineup to 21 vehicles in a choice of BEV, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Fuel Cell (CA and Hawaii only) powertrains. (Ranges and charging times will vary depending on weather and other factors.)

“With zero emissions and a powerful drive, the bZ Woodland is bringing outdoor-inspired style to our BEV lineup,” said Dave Christ, president, Toyota Group. “This latest entry in our bZ line embraces the spirit of adventure with surprising capability, rugged style, and an all-electric powertrain that’s backed by Toyota,” Christ claimed. Continue reading →

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Demand for Electric Vehicles in U.S. Stable

Posted on 15 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has remained stable, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study,SM released today.* The study shows that 24% of vehicle shoppers say they are “very likely” to consider purchasing an EV and 35% say they are “somewhat likely,” both of which remain unchanged from a year ago.**

“Despite the market volatility, EVs have found a solid ground for consumer consideration,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “To further capitalize on that interest and spur adoption moving forward, the industry needs to have products that meet consumer needs and wants at prices that are affordable. Additionally, the industry should better educate consumers about EV ownership to ease concerns – many of which, such as those related to public charging, are less problematic than they might seem when it comes to actually owning an EV.” Continue reading →

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Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Supervisory Board Chair of BMW Retires

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Supervisory Board Chair of BMW Retires

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The BMW Group* (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG since 2015, and closely associated with the company for nearly four decades, is stepping down from his position, effective immediately.

“After 38 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to the BMW Group. It has been an honor to be a part of this exceptional company. I would like to thank all our associates, shareholders and stakeholders for your trust and support,” said Reithofer. “Together, we have overcome tremendous challenges and celebrated unparalleled successes. I firmly believe that the BMW Group will continue to follow its own unique BMW path.” Continue reading →

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Bad Brakes! Recalls on Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling ~274,000 2022-2024 model year Navigator and Expedition SUVs for failing brakes. (read AutoInformed.com on: Latest Ford Recalls – Bronco SUVs and F-150 Pickups and Ford Recalls Expedition and Navigator SUVs for Bad Brakes )

“The front brake line may have been bent during the engine installation process at Ford’s Kentucky Truck final assembly plant,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing Rule 1st Indy Practice

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing Rule 1st Indy Practice

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Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing dominated the opening day of practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 yesterday. Practice started two hours, 32 minutes late due to intermittent rain and damp track conditions, and the session ended 32 minutes early due to lightning strikes within the vicinity of the 2.5-mile oval. (read AutoInformed.com on:Indianapolis 500 Practice Starts Today!) 

The 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power led a Team Penske 1-2 on the speed charts in a weather-shortened session at 227.026 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. The hot lap occurred in the last 30 minutes of practice. Two-time defending “500” winner Josef Newgarden was second at 226.971 mph in the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Team Penske Chevrolet. Newgarden is trying to become the first driver to win the 500 for three consecutive years. Continue reading →

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Indianapolis 500 Practice Starts Today!

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Josef Newgarden Driving a Penske-Chevrolet Wins Accident Marred Indianapolis 500

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Practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500* presented by Gainbridge starts today May 13 with a field consisting of eight former winners of what is promoted as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and five NTT IndyCar Series champions. There are 34 entries set to contest for the 33 starting spots for this year’s 500. That will be determined at the PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying runs May 17-18.

All track activity on the 2.5-mile oval leads into Race Day, Sunday 25 May at the “Brickyard.” Live Race Day coverage begins on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app and the IndyCar Radio Network at 10 a.m. (ET). The green flag is set to drop for 12:45 p.m. That’s when the B.S. stops so to speak, barring a weather delay. Continue reading →

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GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will with LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220),* commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The announcement could be a battery technology breakthrough with significant sales and marketing advantages. This builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.

“GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, MI, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility,” GM said. Continue reading →

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Nissan Motor Posts ¥670.9 Billion Net Loss

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR)* today announced financial results for the full year and the fourth quarter of the Japanese fiscal year 2024, ending 31 March 2025. During FY2024, global sales remained at 3.346 million units impacted by “intensified sales competition.” Nissan’s consolidated net revenue was ¥12.6 trillion yen, resulting in an operating profit of ¥69.8 billion with a razor thin operating margin of 0.6%. Net loss was, gasp, ¥670.9 billion (~$4.5 billion), which is improved from its previous forecast of a net loss of ¥700 – ¥750 billion for fiscal year 2024. Free cash flow and operating profit in the automotive business were both negative, automotive net cash was ¥1.498 trillion. (Based on average exchange rates of 153 JPY /USD and 164 JPY /EUR for FY2024.)

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“In the face of challenging FY24 performance and rising variable costs, compounded by an uncertain environment, we must prioritize self-improvement with greater urgency and speed, aiming for profitability that relies less on volume. As new management, we are taking a prudent approach to reassess our targets and actively seek every possible opportunity to implement and ensure a robust recovery. Re:Nissan is an action-based recovery plan clearly outlines what we need to do now. All employees are committed to working together as a team to implement this plan, with the goal of returning to profitability by fiscal year 2026,” said Ivan Espinosa, Nissan President and CEO. Continue reading →

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WEC Spa – Ferrari One-Two. Alpine Third in Hypercar

Posted on 12 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on WEC Spa - Ferrari One-Two. Alpine Third in Hypercar

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Ferrari at Spa finished first and second as the #51 passed under the chequered flag just four seconds ahead of the sister #50 Ferrari  prototype. This was ironic or exciting as Antonio Giovinazzi crashed at the crest of Eau Rouge on his first lap out of the pits during Thursday’s FP2 session. The World Endurance Cup said a record crowd of ~ 100,000 showed up in the 14th  running of the Belgium endurance race. (read AutoInformed.com on Spa-Francorchamps – LeMans Dress Rehearsal this Weekend)* James Calado drove the opening Ferrari stint, which he dubbed as conservative in order to take care of the tires. Giovinazzi drove the second stint without inducing serious damage. Pier Guidi drove the remainder of the race.

However, BMW’s Robin Frijns and Alpine’s Mick Schumacher provided some tough bare-knuckled challenges in the penultimate hour. Three safety car deployments and numerous yellow flags put a premium on strategy if it was delivered by flawless driving and pit crew performance. It also drew some grumblings from team managers. (Full Results and Standings click here.)* Continue reading →

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