Mazda Japanese BEVs to Adopt North American Charging Standard

Posted on 9 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mazda Japanese BEVs Adopt North American Charging Standard

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Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T)* today announced that a deal was reached with embattled Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for charging ports on Mazda’s battery electric vehicles (BEV) launched in Japan from 2027 onward. The latest development comes after Mazda revealed the EZ-60 BEV at Auto Shanghai 2025 in April. It will be made in China and  goes on sale there this year in pure electric and hybrid versions. Given the Trump tariff trade wars, it is an unlikely export to the United States.

“This will provide Mazda BEV customers with access to Tesla Superchargers across Japan. Mazda BEVs will be compatible with other charging standards besides NACS with the use of adapters,” Mazda said. Continue reading →

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NASCAR, TelevisaUnivision Announce Mexican Broadcast Deal

Posted on 9 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) and TelevisaUnivision,* Mexico’s leading media company, have reached an exclusive broadcast agreement for free-to-air coverage of the sanctioning body’s Mexico City race.  Under this new agreement, TelevisaUnivision will serve as the exclusive free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster in Mexico for the highly anticipated 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, scheduled for Sunday, June 15 at 3 pm ET or 1 pm. local time. The race will be broadcast live on TelevisaUnivision’s ‘Canal 5’ with full Spanish-language commentary.

“We are thrilled to partner with TelevisaUnivision to bring the NASCAR Cup Series to passionate sports fans in Mexico,” said Nicholas Skipper, NASCAR Managing Director, Media Strategy. “The upcoming race in Mexico City is a significant milestone for our company, and this agreement reflects our commitment to providing the most comprehensive coverage of the event, as we continue to grow our sport internationally.” Continue reading →

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Toyota FY 2025 Results – Net Profit Drops 21%

Posted on 8 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota FY 2025 Results - Net Income Drops180%

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Toyota Motor Corporations (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) said today in Japan that consolidated vehicle sales for this fiscal year 2025 were 9 million 362 thousand units, which was 99.1% of consolidated vehicle sales for the previous fiscal year. Toyota and Lexus vehicle sales was 10 million 274 thousand units, which was 99.7% of such sales for the previous FY 2024 due to supply constraints caused by the certification issue and other factors. The proportion of electrified vehicles was 46.2%, a significant increase from the previous fiscal year, mainly led by HEVs, which were increased by 850,000 year-over-year.

“In facing various challenges over the past year, our entire company has reaffirmed the importance of Toyota’s starting point of carefully making and delivering quality cars. We will continue to build each car with careful attention to safety and quality to demonstrate gratitude to our customers and all other stakeholders through our actions. Currently, the environment surrounding the automobile industry, including trade relations, is in extreme flux. At a time when changes are rapid and the future is unclear, we believe that we must continue to pursue making good cars without wavering from our principles of product-centered management and striving to be the best in town,” said Koji Sato, President and CEO TMC. Toyota reported a 4.77 trillion yen (~$33 billion) profit, down from 4.94 trillion yen the previous fiscal year. ~180% drop year-over-year. Continue reading →

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A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts

Posted on 8 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts

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TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM)* said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.

“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Completes Sale of Dunlop Brand

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones 2025 - the Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires, together with certain associated intellectual property and inventory, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (TYO: 5110). Gross cash proceeds at closing totaled $735 million, comprised of $526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee and $104 million for inventory. Goodyear said it intends to use the transaction proceeds to reduce leverage in connection with the so-called Goodyear Forward transformation plan.

“The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands,” said Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. “Goodyear is making significant progress, transforming our operations and growing in our targeted segments, and I am confident in our ability to continue delivering on our objectives.” Continue reading →

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CARB – Cap and Trade Funds ~$33 Billion of Climate Fixes

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on CARB - Cap and Trade Funds ~$33 Billion of Climate Fixes

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Nearly $33 billion has been raised to fund so-called climate solutions in communities across the state with money from the state’s Cap-and-Trade Program, according to a new report published by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)* today. The annual report provides detailed information about California Climate Investments, which tracks funds generated by cap and trade auction proceeds and allocated to 117 programs by the State  Legislature.

“California is proving that cutting pollution creates jobs and boosts communities. By holding polluters accountable, we’re sending billions of dollars back to communities and back to people’s wallets through credits on utility bills,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “And we’ve got the receipts: healthier and cleaner communities and thousands of good paying jobs.” Continue reading →

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WillScot Holdings to Provide Hospitality Spaces for IndyCar

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on WillScot Holdings to Provide Hospitality Spaces for IndyCar

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Penske Entertainment* today announced a partnership with WillScot Holdings Corp., a provider of temporary spaces, that will see the company become an Official Partner of IndyCar** and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through the multiyear partnership, WillScot will provide turnkey space solutions, including mobile offices, storage containers, climate-controlled storage, clear-span structures, restrooms, fencing and other hospitality spaces for use at race events throughout NTT IndyCar Series and IMS seasons. (read AutoInformed on: Holy St Pete! Vivid IndyCar 2025 Season Opener)

We are uniquely positioned to provide all the turnkey space solutions needed at large-scale events like these and are thrilled to partner with Penske Entertainment as the preferred supplier during NTT IndyCar Series and IMS events,” said Tim Boswell, WillScot president and chief operating officer. “This partnership emphasizes WillScot’s ongoing commitment to delivering turnkey space solutions across many industries, including the professional events sector, that help customers operate more efficiently, safely and profitably while delivering an excellent fan experience,” Boswell claimed. Continue reading →

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Cabin Fever at Corvette?

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cabin Fever at Corvette?

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Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said today that for the 2026 model year, the entire Corvette* lineup of  Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1will have an interior  cabin with larger and more advanced driver-centric displays and fresh interior colorways, finishes and materials.

“Corvette is the ultimate American sports car, which is why it has remained the luxury sport segment leader for more than 20 years – with the next competitor a distant second in terms of market share,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “With these updates, the mid-engine Corvette will continue to cement its leadership for years to come.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Q1 2025 Earnings Drop 25%

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Q1 2025 Earnings Drop 25%

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The BMW Group* (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that Earnings (EBIT) for Q1 2025 totaled €2,024 million, down from 2024 at  € 2,710 million for a -25.3% decline). The EBIT margin came in at 6.9% (2024: 8.8%) and was at the high end of the revised BMW target range of 5-7% for the year. Excluding depreciation and amortization from the BBA purchase price allocation, the EBIT margin for the first quarter was 8.1%.** First-quarter Group revenues totaled €33,758 million (2024: € 36,614 million -7.8%; currency-adjusted: -8,7%) Based on the strength of its current operating performance, the BMW Group allocated €1,984  million (2024: €1,974 million/+0.5%) to research and development in the first quarter which was concentrated on electrification and digitalization of the vehicle fleet across all model series. The company also incurred R&D expenditure primarily for the future models of the NEUE KLASSE, such as the BMW iX3, and the successor models to the BMW X5 and BMW X7.

“The more challenging the environment, the more crucial it is to have compelling products, a consistent strategy and a high degree of flexibility. Our technology-open approach remains a key success factor: with our young, highly attractive models and our broad range of drives, we are able to meet the various needs of customers worldwide. This enables us to achieve robust results and stay on course to meet our ambitious full-year targets,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

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Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA)** said today that it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Team Member Appreciation Day on 3 May 3 2025, on the HMMA campus. The event brought together HMMA team members, their families, and special community guests for a day filled with family activities, plant tours, prize raffles, musical entertainment, and a closing fireworks display. The plant’s 20th year of production will officially be marked on 20 May 2025.*

“Our 20th anniversary marks a notable milestone worthy of celebration by all of our team members and their families,” said Chris Susock, President and CEO of HMMA. “A lot has changed since the first Sonata rolled off the line in 2005. Our technology has advanced, and our processes and models have evolved. But what hasn’t changed – and what has made the biggest difference – is the strength of this team. Together we have built more than vehicles and engines; we’ve built a family with a history to be proud of, on a firm foundation that many future generations of our HMMA family can learn from and build upon.” Continue reading →

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Nostalgia Marketing – 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nostalgia Marketing - 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition

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Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today in Texas that for the 2026 model year, the Corolla Hatchback will have an FX edition, which has been dormant in the model since the 1987 FX16.* Based on the SE grade Corolla, it should appear in Toyota Dealerships during fall of 2025. The new Hatchback FX Edition will be available in three color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. There will be 1600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. Additional details and pricing for the full Corolla lineup will be shared later this year.

“The Corolla Hatchback FX adds a black vented sport wing for aggressive flair and improved aerodynamics. The 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts give an unexpected wow factor,” Toyota said. Power of the Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is a 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine with claimed ratings of 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4800 rpm. It has a Toyota-estimated 33 combined MPG rating. Continue reading →

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Audi Group Q1 2025 Revenue +12.4% Profit down 12.5%

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Audi Group Q1 2025 Revenue up 12.4% to €15.4B

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Audi AG’s overall financial performance in the first quarter of 2025 was the result of relatively weak sales, a common problem facing global automakers given the ongoing political and tariff trade wars that are negatively affecting the business environment. Audi Group is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. Profit after tax at €630 million declined 12.5% year-over-year. *

“The first few months of 2025 saw us take decisive steps towards repositioning our company,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “This includes the agreement for the future concluded between company management and the works council in March, which aims to increase productivity, speed and flexibility at our German sites. The year will continue to be very challenging due to the global economic conditions. But Audi has started to execute its strategy and is delivering on it. Our model initiative is now, step by step, coming onto the global markets. We are particularly encouraged by sales and order intake for our new electric models.”** Continue reading →

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Ford Motor 2025 Q1 Net Income $47M Down from $1.3B!

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor 2025 Q1 Net Income $47M Down from $1.3B!

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* late yesterday announced weak first- quarter 2025 financial results and “suspended” financial guidance, including full year adjusted EBIT and adjusted free cash flow because of Trump tariff-related” uncertainties.” Ford first-quarter revenue of was $40.7 billion; net income $471 million with an adjusted EBIT of $1 billion. Operating cash flow was $3.7 billion. Improvements in cost and quality favorably contributed to performance in the quarter, Ford claimed. When excluding the nearly 200 million impact of tariffs, this was Ford’s third consecutive quarter of year-over -year cost improvement. Ford estimates a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for full year 2025, subject to ongoing tariff-related policy developments. For comparison, General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share.

“We are strengthening our underlying business with significantly better quality and our third straight quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “Ford Pro, our largest competitive advantage, is off to a strong start to the year, gaining market share in the most profitable U.S. and European customer segments.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

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Mercedes-Benz said today that M-B Vans is celebrating a global milestone with the production of five million Sprinter vans. The five-millionth vehicle, an all-electric eSprinter, was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz Vans customer.

“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Recalls ID.BUZZ Third Row Seats

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on VW Microbus Will Come to the US in Three Trims

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Volkswagen Group of America is recalling ~6000 model year 2025 ID. BUZZ vehicles. The third-row rear bench is wide enough for three passengers, but is designed for two passengers and equipped with two seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, Occupant Crash Protection. (read AutoInformed.com on: Three-Row ID.Buzz Debuts on International VW Bus Day)

“Based on the third-row rear bench seating surface width, the vehicle is required to have three DSPs. The third-row rear bench in the ID.Buzz has only two DSPs and with this only two seat belts available. If three passengers were to be seated the third-row rear bench, there would be insufficient seat belts for all three passengers. This could increase the risk of an injury for passengers in the event of a crash,” Volkswagen said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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