IndyCar Stays Green – New Hybrid Engines Coming in 2028

Posted on 12 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar Stays Green – New Hybrid Engines Coming in 2028

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IndyCar today announced a multiyear commitment from Chevrolet and Honda to continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of IndyCar and the NTT IndyCar Series.* Each OEM agreement will commence in 2027 and run for multiple years. [Buried in the release was the fact that a new hybrid powertrain – presumably with more electric power – will be used with a new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine introduced in the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series – AutoCrat]

“This is a monumental day for IndyCar, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” said IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles. “Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.” Continue reading →

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J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Problems at New Highs

Posted on 12 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on J.D. Power – Vehicle Dependability Problems at New Highs

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According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today, persistent problems with infotainment systems, inadequate performance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and issues with vehicle exteriors have driven long-term dependability problems to new highs.* 

“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – NASCAR and Cuervo® Link

Posted on 11 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing – NASCAR and Cuervo® Link

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NASCAR® today announced a new, multi-year link with Cuervo®,* said to be the world’s first and number one tequila brand [***footnote 1], naming it the Official Tequila of NASCAR, the Official Margarita of NASCAR and an Official Partner of NASCAR beginning in the 2026 season.**

“Our fans come to the track to have a great time – to celebrate, connect and create memories around incredible racing – and Cuervo is a natural partner to help us elevate that experience,” said Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR. “There’s a strong commonality between NASCAR fans and Cuervo consumers, and together we’ll bring that energy to life through premium activations (sic), immersive hospitality and unforgettable moments that make race day even more special.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts $1.3 billion in 2025 Earnings

Posted on 11 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts $1.3 billion in 2025 Earnings

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Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG)* today announced 2025 Q4 and full-year 2025 results. For Q4 revenue was $7.8 billion compared to $8.1 billion for the same period in 2024. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $186.1 million compared to $249.3 million in the prior year period, and related earnings per share was $2.83 compared to $3.73 for the same period in 2024. These GAAP results include impairments and other charges, as well as the full quarterly results of Penske Motor Group in both periods.**

“In 2025, our business delivered over 504,000 retail auto and commercial truck units, generated nearly $32 billion in revenue and $1.3 billion in earnings before taxes. Our diversified model remains resilient as vehicle inventory remains in good shape, service and parts remain strong, and our costs remain well controlled,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts 2025 Loss of $8.2B on Record Revenue

Posted on 10 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor Posts 2025 Loss of $8.2B on Record Revenue

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Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) today announced its disappointing Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results. Q4 and full-year revenue reached $45.9 billion and $187.3 billion, respectively. This was the  fifth consecutive year of full-year revenue growth. However, Q4  and full-year net losses of $11.1 billion and $8.2 billion, respectively, reflected impact of special items, some of them such as Trump tariff chaos and a shortage of aluminum because of a supplier fire were largely out of Ford management’s control.*

“Ford delivered a strong 2025 in a dynamic and often volatile environment,” claimed Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We improved our core business and execution, made significant progress in the areas of the business we control – lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality – and made difficult but critical strategic decisions that set us up for a stronger future. Moving forward, we’ll continue building on our strong foundation to achieve our target of 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Posts 2025 Loss of $1.7B

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Posts 2025 Loss of $1.7B

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT)* reported fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results today. The 2025 2025 net loss came in at -$1.7 billion. The 2025 net sales were $18.3 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 158.7 million.

“We delivered another strong quarter, driven by execution of our Goodyear Forward plan,” said Mark Stewart, chief executive officer and president. “Our fourth quarter results mark the highest segment operating income and margin the company has achieved in more than seven years. While we continue to face challenging industry conditions in the first quarter, we are operating with greater focus and discipline on the elements within our control – much as we did throughout 2025 – to navigate the current environment.” Continue reading →

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Huge Recalls for Jeep and RAM Spring and Brake Failures

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling ~537,000 various Jeep and RAM vehicles for bad coil springs, bad trailer lights and trailer brakes may failures, according to mandatory safety defect recall documents made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. [NHTSA Recall ID Numbers 26V051 or 26V-051 and 26V059 or 26V-059 – Autocrat] The largest recall covers Exterior Lighting and the Electrical System on 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

“Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail,” FCA said in the required NHTSA recall filing. Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, 2025-2026 Prius Hybrids

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~ 141,300 model year 2023-2024 Prius Prime, 2023-2026 Prius, and 2025-2026 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly. This recall – NHTSA Recall ID Number 26V049 or 26V-049 – expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with electric rear door lock system which includes a door opener switch and a rear door lock release actuator to release the latch from outside the vehicle. If the seal performance for this switch is reduced as a result of thermal cycling and water is present due to large amount of water splashes on the switch (for example, at a car wash), then closing the door with a high force can temporarily allow water to enter the switch. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Sells NextStar Energy Canadian Battery Plant

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Sells NextStar Energy Canadian Battery Plant

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LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP), and NextStar Energy have announced that LG Energy Solution will acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy, with financially ailing Stellantis selling its 49 per cent equity stake to LG Energy Solution. (Read AutoInformed.com on: Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks) NextStar Energy was established as a joint venture by the two companies in 2022 to build Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ontario, NextStar Energy’s facility is one of Canada’s  most advanced manufacturing venture in the clean-energy sector. At its inception it was said to support Canada’s long-term industrial competitiveness. More than $CAD 5 billion has been invested in the facility to date, and it employs over 1300 employees, with a long-term target of 2500 employees as it scales to full production. [ That was before the Trump Administration’ war on Global Warming disregarding its planet threatening consequences – AutoCrat. ]*

“The ownership transition is a mutually agreed, strategic decision by the joint venture’s two shareholders, LG Energy Solution and Stellantis. The decision was informed by extensive engagement with NextStar Energy’s leadership team to ensure a seamless transition and strengthen the company’s long-term growth and investment outlook,” the companies said in a release. Continue reading →

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Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks

Posted on 9 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis €22.2B Charges. Dividend Cancelled. Stock Tanks

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) on Friday announced a vast overhaul of  its business and as it prepares for the communication of its new strategic plan in May of this year. In a release Stellanatis claimed that “it has conducted a thorough assessment of its strategy and related costs required to align the Company with the real-world preferences of its customers.” [Translation – STLA is hemorrhaging cash and will take charges and add debt while it tries to return to profitability. The capital markets did not take a wait and see view. STLA dropped ~24% by the time the markets closed – AutoCrat]

“The reset we have announced today is part of the decisive process we started in 2025, to once again make our customers and their preferences our guiding star,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. “The charges announced today largely reflect the cost of over-estimating the pace of the energy transition that distanced us from many car buyers’ real-world needs, means and desires. They also reflect the impact of previous poor operational execution, the effects of which are being progressively addressed by our new team” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Posts Q3 FY 2026 Net Income of $7.6 billion

Posted on 6 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor Q3 FY 2026 Net Income $7.6 billion

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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced Q3 FY 2026 results. Sales revenues were ¥38 trillion, 87.6 billion yen; Operating income was ¥ 3 trillion, 196.7 billion. Income before income taxes was ¥4 trillion, 188.4 billion. Bottom line – a net income of ¥3 trillion, 30.8 billion ~$7.6 billion for the undisputed largest global automaker.* During 2025 TMC set records for global and group sale. I has now raised it yearly forecast. **

“In Japan, operating income decreased due to factors such as the effects of foreign exchange rates and increased expenses. In North America, operating income decreased due to U.S. tariffs. Other regions saw an increase in operating income thanks to increased sales volume, model mix and other factors,” said Kenta Kon, Chief Financial Officer, TMC. [Kon will take over from chief executive Koji Sato on 1April. “This change in roles is intended to accelerate management decision-making in response to changes in the internal and external environment,” Toyota said in a release. Sato  becomes vice chairman with a newly created position of chief industry officer. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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UAW Southern Advance – Tentative VW Chattanooga Contract

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Autoworkers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant* have won a historic tentative agreement with the company. After making history as the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW, the 3200 workers at Volkswagen Chattanooga have won a tentative contract deal late last night that provides 20 % across-the-board wage increases, as well as “affordable health care, real job security, and more.”

“For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts a -44% Group Earnings Drop in 2025

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Posts a -44% Group Earnings Drop in 2025

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Volvo Cars* (VOLCAR-B.STO) today posted a group operating income (EBIT) of SEK 1.9 billion and an EBIT margin of 2% for Q4 of 2025. It attained a positive free cash flow of SEK 8.8 billion for the quarter, attributed to the effective execution of its SEK 18 billion cost and cash action plan. For the full year 2025, Volvo Cars recorded an adjusted operating income of SEK 12.5 billion, which converts into an adjusted EBIT margin of 3.5%. Full-year free cash flow was SEK 2.4 billion.

“Our actions in 2025 have set us on a path to return to growth. We are confident of our long-term strategy and clear direction of travel,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive.** During 2025, Chinese-owned Volvo Cars sold more than 710,000 cars, 46% of them electrified. Continue reading →

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U.S. Jobs – Trump Slump Continues

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

During the week ending 31 January 2026, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 6000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 206,250, according to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today. Total insured unemployment at 2,153,637 increased from 2,136,751 one year ago. Moreover, a key measure – vacancies, aka open or available jobs – dropped to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020.

“The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2% for the week ending January 24, unchanged from the previous week’s unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending January 24 was 1,844,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week’s revised level. Continue reading →

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Electrify America Now Has 5600 Chargers

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino
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Electrify America,* the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., said today that during 2025, drivers completed over 20 million charging sessions on the network. This is a 21% increase compared to 2024. This increase in charging activity contributed to a 26% increase in total energy delivered, surpassing 750 Gigawatt-Hours (GWh), as of 31 December 2025.

“As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I think about the millions of drivers who have shaped Electrify America into what it stands for today. Our year-over-year growth isn’t just a sign of a strong company; it reflects a growing community of EV drivers who believe in an electric future — and we’re honored to be their charging provider along the way,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America.** Continue reading →

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