GM Names Duncan Aldred President of North America

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today announced the advancement of Duncan Aldred to lead the company’s North America region. Aldred, who was VP, commercial growth strategies and operations, becomes GM senior VP and president of North America, effective immediately. Aldred will report to Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president, Global Markets.

“Duncan comes to the role leading our North America business having driven a decade of growth in Buick and GMC, and most recently leading and modernizing our commercial operations to better serve our customers,” said Rory Harvey. Continue reading

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Latest Ford Recalls – Bronco SUVs and F-150 Pickups

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling 2022-2023 model year Bronco SUVs, 2023 F-150 Lightning pickups and 2025 F-150 pickups for The 360-degree view camera; the high-voltage battery pack; and the air bag warning label, respectively. All told ~129,000 Ford products are affected – a relatively small number for the automaker.

“Missing or loose retention nuts on the high voltage battery junction box bus bars in the high voltage battery pack may result in electrical arcing, which can increase the risk of fire. In addition, a ‘Stop Safely Now’ message may occur in the instrument cluster followed by loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of a crash.” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing mad public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning about what appears to be the most serious recall. Continue reading

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Magna International Posts Q1 2025 Results

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Magna* International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31 2025. Sales decreased 8% to $10.1 billion, as global light vehicle production decreased 3%, which included 8% and 5% declines in Europe and North America, respectively.

“Our operating results for the first quarter of 2025 exceeded our expectations, with strong incremental margins on better than anticipated vehicle production and, for the balance of the year, we remain confident in our ability to execute on variables within our control in a complex and uncertain industry environment. We are actively advancing several initiatives including operational excellence, restructuring, commercial recoveries, and reduced capital and engineering spending to mitigate the impact of tariffs,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer. We remain focused on generating long-term free cash flow to invest for profitable growth and drive compelling capital return to shareholders.” Continue reading

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Milestones – The Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100

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Rolls-Royce* said today that it is marking Phantom’s centenary by reflecting on some of the fascinating stories where Phantom has played a role. The marque’s designers have also created a series of original artworks about Phantom’s legacy, celebrating the motor car’s cultural impact through the decades and “capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations.”

“Phantom is much more than a motor car. For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it. From its earliest days, Phantom has been one of the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Beyond status, it has always offered its owners a canvas for personal expression, transformed through Bespoke craftsmanship into a moving work of art. Across music, politics, art and beyond, Phantom has been present at many of history’s defining moments. The stories that surround it – and the images they’ve inspired our designers to create – reveal its extraordinary reach, and its enduring connection to greatness,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Lotus Emira Clark Edition

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Lotus* said today that it will honor one of its works drivers with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. This model, limited to just 60 cars for selected markets, will make its world debut leading at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK,€140,000 in Germany.

“The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 – a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina,” Lotus said. Continue reading

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April 2025 Transportation Sector Unemployment Falls

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The unemployment rate* in the U.S. transportation sector was 3.6% (not seasonally adjusted) in April 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said today.

“In April 2025, the transportation sector unemployment rate fell 1.1 percentage points from 4.7% in April 2024 and was just below the pre-pandemic April 2019 level of 3.7%. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020,” BLS said. Continue reading

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GM Recalls 1.14 Million V8 Engines for Failures and Fires

General Motors is recalling more than a million V8 engines used in 2021 – 2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87). The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This safety defect recall follows years of GM investigating the problem and concluding that no problem existed. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continued its investigation based on persistent complaints from users, NHTSA had an active engineering analysis open when GM made the recall decision.

In the required safety defect recall filing – only some of it was made public by NHTSA, GM said “Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.” The supplier will remain publicly unknown until all the documents are made public, which is likely next Monday in AutoInformed’s experience. Continue reading

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Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs

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BMW Manufacturing celebrated a historic milestone this past April as the seven millionth BMW rolled off the assembly line in Spartanburg, SC. To commemorate this event, associates assembled a BMW ALPINA XB7 painted ALPINA Green Metallic and powered by a 4.4-liter BMW ALPINA Bi-Turbo V8, 32-valve engine, rated at 631 horsepower. This ALPINA XB7 will remain at the factory and become part of the BMW historic collection.*

“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading

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EU Commercial Vehicle Sales Weak in Q1

The first quarter of 2025 was feeble for EU’s commercial vehicle market looking at data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name. (read AutoInformed.com on: Hybrid-Electric Cars Dominate EU Car Sales)*

“Significant declines in key markets along with sluggish economic growth, lower prior order intake, and the complex regulatory landscape contributed to the business uncertainty,” ACEA said. Continue reading

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FuelCell Energy and Toyota Get DOE’s Better Project Award

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FuelCell Energy and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today announced that the first-of-its-kind “Tri-gen” facility at the Port of Long Beach has received the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award.* Commissioned by Toyota and owned and operated by FuelCell Energy, Tri-gen produces three products for port vehicle processing operations at Toyota Logistics Services: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and usable water.

“Tri-gen is an excellent example of FuelCell Energy’s game-changing innovation, delivering solutions that empower our customers’ businesses with clean energy without requiring them to sacrifice their established business models or operations,” FuelCell Energy CEO and President Jason Few said. “We were proud of our collaboration with Toyota to create solutions that are as practical as they are transformative and to be part of the Port of Long Beach’s efforts to improve the air quality in its community for its residents.” Continue reading

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GM 2025 Guidance – Trump Tariff Exposure $4-5 Billion!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM 2025 Guidance - Trump Tariff Exposure $4 - 5 Billion!

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) this morning issued its 2025 full year earnings guidance after a delay earlier this week caused by the ongoing chaos of the Trump tariff pandemic. While the goals and rhetoric  of the current mis-administration continue to fluctuate wildly behind a non-transparent word barrage of lies, false facts, and ignorant assertions, General Motors remains focused and amazingly consistent in stating its goals and steps taken to achieve them given the growing Trump disease infested swamp in Washington. (read AutoInformed.com on: GM Cancels Q1 Earnings Call as Trump Chaos Prevails)

“We are updating our full-year EBIT-adjusted guidance to a range of $10 billion – $12.5 billion, including a current tariff exposure of $4 billion – $5 billion,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “We look forward to maintaining our strong dialogue with the Administration on trade and other policies as they continue to evolve. As you know, there are ongoing discussions with key trade partners that may also have an impact. We will continue to be nimble and disciplined and update you as we know more.” Continue reading

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Honda 2026 CR-V Adds New TrailSport Hybrid

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Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that the 2026 model year CR-V in four trim levels adds More standard equipment, and there will be a new TrailSport Hybrid. It uses fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system. The Honda CR-V lineup now includes three turbocharged trims: LX, EX and EX-L, plus four hybrid-powered trims: Sport Hybrid, the new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid. The hybrid-electric models are positioned at the top of the lineup and represent more than 50% of CR-V sales.*

“Our best-selling Honda CR-V is now even more of an industry benchmark with the addition of a rugged new TrailSport model, which has proven to be incredibly popular on our light trucks,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before.” Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income

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Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* today posted Q1 2025 financial results that showed record first quarter revenue with an increase of 2% to $7.6 Billion. Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 Million. Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $3.39.

“Our diversified international transportation services business generated record first quarter revenue, the seventh consecutive quarter of stable gross margin, and a 70-basis point improvement of adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit retailed remained consistent and strong with new vehicle gross declining only $87 per unit while used vehicle gross increased $352 per unit when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Pace 109th Indianapolis 500

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Pace 109th Indianapolis 500.

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The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will lead the field to the green flag for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday 25 May, Chevrolet announced today. Capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer is up for any challenge. Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, has been named honorary Pace Car driver and will pace the field of 33 drivers in the Corvette ZR1 to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” (Read AutoInformed.com on Old Fashion Racing as Newgarden’s Daring Pass Wins Indy 500)*

“Chevrolet is proud that the 2025 Corvette ZR1, our fastest Corvette ever, will be the Official Pace Car for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2025 race marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 22nd time overall, all since 1978, for what is arguably America’s sports car. Continue reading

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First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First look - Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross

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Citroën (NYSE: STLA) unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric. (read AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Bets the Company on STLA Frame, or Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive)

“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said.* Continue reading

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