Milestones – 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino
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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
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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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GM Names Duncan Aldred President of North America

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 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

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 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

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones Sculptor Charles Sykes - Spirit of Ecstasy Creator

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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

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino
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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

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on 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

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 1 May 2025 by Ken Zino
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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

Posted on 1 May 2025 by Ken Zino

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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