Porsche Sales Drop 10% in 2025

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Sales Drop 10% in 2025

Sunset for German performance brands? Click for more.

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that it delivered a total of 279,449 cars to customers globally during 2025, a decline of -10% from 310,718 in 2024. The Macan remains the strongest model line with 84,328 cars delivered.*

“After several record years, our deliveries in 2025 were below the previous year’s level. This development is in line with our expectations and is due to supply gaps for the 718 and Macan combustion-engined models, the continuing weaker demand for exclusive products in China, and our value-oriented supply management,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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Global Warming – Michigan Studying Geologic Hydrogen

Posted on 16 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Global Warming – Michigan Studying Geologic Hydrogen

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer yesterday signed an executive directive creating an initiative to explore geologic hydrogen as a usable, clean fuel alternative. The signing occurred backstage at the Detroit Auto Show just before Whitmer delivered a keynote speech (Read AutoInformed.com on: Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show)* Michigan’s unique geology is thought to be one of the most promising regions in the world for geologic hydrogen, a naturally occurring clean energy resource. This new initiative will determine the possibility of tapping into Michigan’s geologic hydrogen and using this natural fuel to build the future of clean energy.

“Michigan is a leader in clean-energy solutions,” said Governor Whitmer. “This initiative will uncover more about Michigan’s geologic hydrogen stores, which have the potential to attract long-term investments in our state and create thousands of good paying jobs for Michiganders. Together, we’re building the future of clean energy in Michigan.” [Whether this prompts an Invasion by the Trump Administration remains to be seen – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show

Posted on 15 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Detroit Auto Show today, discussing the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting business and creating good-paying local jobs amidst what was respectfully termed “national uncertainty.”

Unlike President Trump’s treatment of an autoworker during his Ford Motor River Rouge Plant visit in Dearborn, Michigan this week, where The Man Who Would Be King was caught on video flipping off a Ford worker [with the map of Manhattan – AutoCrat] while using gutter profanity, Whitmer was poised, pleasant, well-informed and inarguably committed to helping workers with a track record that proves it. Whitmer even had an announcement that will be good for all Michiganders, notwithstanding social status, wealth or power. Following are her remarks lightly edited for space and clarity.

“Hello, Detroit! I’m excited to be back at the best auto show in the world in the beating heart of the American auto industry. I’ve been here many, many times and this is my last show as governor. I’ll return as a visitor, but you won’t have me to kick around next year! So, while I have the mic, I got some things to say,” said Whitmer. Continue reading →

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IMSA 2026 – Cadillac Racing Entering Fourth Year in GTP

Posted on 15 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA 2026 - Cadillac Racing Entering Fourth Year in GTP

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The so-called Roar Before the 24 this week leads into the IMSA* season-opening 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 24-25. Cadillac Racing with Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing and Cadillac Whelen has revealed the liveries of its three Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racecars that will contest the nine-race 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Cadillac Racing, with four overall victories among 12 podiums in what is arguably North America’s premier endurance race, sees the return of Wayne Taylor Racing for its second season as a Cadillac factory team and Action Express Racing for its 15th consecutive year campaigning a GM prototype in IMSA. Cadillac is entering its fourth year of running in the GTP class.**

“As excited as I was at the beginning of last season, I am more excited for this year. Both cars will be presented in a fresh livery with our traditional colors of blue and black. They look spectacular. The all-new bodywork and redesign by GM and Dallara is fantastic. It is also great news to have our long-time partner DEX back with us again on our two Cadillac GTPs. We are coming back stronger with our full-season drivers Ricky, Filipe, Jordan and Louis in place. This Rolex, we have elected to keep each of our cockpits to three drivers and are looking forward to having Colton Herta and Will Sevens join our efforts in the endurance races. Winning is part of Wayne Taylor Racing’s DNA and is our only focus in 2026.,” said Wayne Taylor, co-owner of Wayne Taylor Racing.** Continue reading →

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American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat

Posted on 14 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on American Honda Forecasts 2026 Sales as Flat

A solution for the housing crisis?

American Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today outlined its 2026 U.S. automobile business outlook during its annual media briefing. It also showed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a towable travel trailer developed by engineers and designers at its U.S. R&D centers. Basically, the Japanese company is going to focus on lower cost models with package and trim changes because of the affordability crisis that is an industry-wide problem.* [The briefing also underscored another industry trend, the decline of traditional auto shows since it occurred during a media preview day of the Detroit Auto Show. -AutoCrat]

“Nearly all of our Honda and Acura models have been redesigned or upgraded in the last 18 months, giving us one of the freshest lineups in the industry heading into 2026,” said Lance Woelfer, Vice President of Sales. “For American Honda, we are focused on delivering the right mix of gas-powered and hybrid vehicles to meet customer demand for affordable, high-value products. With average new car prices hitting record highs across the industry, cost is a growing concern, and we want the Honda and Acura brands to continue to be recognized for delivering incredible value to our customers,” said Woelfer. Continue reading →

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Ford Carhartt Partnership on Products, Workforce Expansion

Posted on 13 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Carhartt Partnership on Products, Workforce Expansion

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Ford and Carhartt during a press conference on Tuesday night at the Detroit Auto Show announced a reunion. For more than 100 years, Carhartt has produced apparel for Ford factory workers, dating back to the 1920s with work-wear programs through the 1970s. Products include new co-branded merchandise and a Super Duty Carhartt edition truck that will be available later this year.

“The multi-year strategic partnership is designed to create long-term impact in three critical areas for the Essential Economy: workforce development, community building and durable products that help strengthen and support the skilled trades,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO, and Linda Hubbard, Carhartt CEO. [This is a summary edited for space- AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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First Look – Cadillac Formula 1 Camouflaged Livery!

Posted on 13 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on First Look - Cadillac Formula 1 Camouflaged Livery!

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General Motors President Mark Reuss today revealed the Cadillac Formula 1® Team’s Special Edition testing livery at GM’s new global headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building. The livery will be used at the all-team Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, 26 – 30 January, ahead of unveiling the final livery on February 8 at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. [Practice starts in Melbourne, Australia on March 6. So it’s unlikely the practice cars will be camouflaged enough to hide the racing configuration. Sponsorship logos may be lacking. – AutoCrat?] The racing car will also be on display at the Detroit Auto Show until 25 January.

“Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1® team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” Reuss said. “The Barcelona test is just the beginning – we can’t wait to share our official race livery with fans around the world next month.” [Part of the marketing challenge Cadillac has is that it will use Ferrari F1 engines, yes Ferrari, until GM Performance Power Units – founded by TWG Motorsports and General Motors builds powertrains for Cadillac Formula. This is likely to happen starting in 2029 if the engine is homologated by the FIA. Continue reading →

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Park Outside – 2025 Volvo EX30 Battery Fires

Posted on 12 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Park Outside - 2025 Volvo EX30 Battery Fires

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Volvo Car USA is recalling a small number of 2025 EX30 SUVs because the Chinese-made high-voltage battery may experience a short circuit, overheat and cause a fire. Battery overheating message will display in Driver Information Module (DIM).*

“The recall population is determined by the first and last vehicles that were produced with a high voltage battery from the Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Company in China. The start of production with these cell variants began on 6 September 2024, and ended on 25 October 2025. Vehicles produced after 25 October 2025, do not have the high voltage battery cell deviation. This recall affects certain model year 2025 EX30 vehicles,” Volvo said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Rolls-Royce – 2025 Trends, Innovations, and Achievements

Posted on 12 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Rolls-Royce – 2025 Trends, Innovations, and Achievements

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Bespoke [aka customization – AutoCrat] at Rolls-Royce in 2025 marked a defining year not only in terms of artistic output but in the evolution of craft, material expression, and the commissioning experience itself, the BMW subsidiary established in 1998 claims.*

“In 2025, Rolls-Royce Bespoke reached new creative and technical heights, extending far beyond traditional boundaries. This was a year defined by thematic richness, global collaboration and artistic evolution. The astonishing creative execution of these themes is enabled through the extraordinary talents found at the Home of Rolls-Royce, our Bespoke Collective and the expanding reach of our Private Office spaces around the world Continue reading →

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Porsche Laments the Death of Hans Herrmann

Posted on 12 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Laments the Death of Hans Herrmann

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Porsche AG is mourning the loss of Hans Herrmann. The former racing driver passed away on 9 January 2026, at the age of 97. During his motorsport career, he achieved more than 80 overall and class victories, the vast majority of them for Porsche. Herrmann not only competed in all major endurance races and European hill climb championship events, but also conducted countless test drives at the Weissach Development Center. Above all, Hermann was instrumental in making Porsche a serious competitor in endurance racing.

“The passing of Hans Herrmann has deeply affected us all,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “He was one of Porsche AG’s most successful factory racing drivers. With the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, Richard Attwood and he made history.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group Sales Barely Increase in 2025

Posted on 9 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Sales Barely Increase in 2025

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The BMW Group said today that vehicle sales grew in 2025 to 2,463,715 (+0.5%) with resilient performance particularly in Europe and the US, and with electrified models. Electrified vehicles accounted for 26% of total BMW Group sales worldwide in 2025, with fully-electric vehicles representing ~18%. [The questions for 2026 are whether taxpayer subsidized EVs are salable without money on the hood so to speak in the U.S. How increased low-cost Chinese EVs in Europe affect premium brand sales, and the whim or dementia of the moment of the Trump Administration tax and tariff policies affect Global trade – AutoCrat?]

“In 2025, in a challenging environment, the BMW Group sold more vehicles than in the previous year. Our electrified vehicles were in particularly high demand. Europe reported especially strong growth, with battery-electric vehicles accounting for about a quarter of total sales, and BEVs and PHEVs combined reaching a share of over 40% across the region. We remain fully on track to meet our EU CO₂ fleet target for 2025,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. Continue reading →

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Mercedes AMG 2026 Experience Goes Off-Road

Posted on 8 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mercedes AMG 2026 Experience Goes Off-Road

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Mercedes‑AMG today announced the continuation and expansion of its 2026 AMG Experience season with the inclusion for the first time of off-road driving.

“Back by popular demand, AMG Experience’s ‘On Road’ program returns in 2026. This exclusive six-day excursion features a premier lineup of AMG vehicles and unforgettable driving experiences through some of the West’s most breathtaking landscapes. This AMG Experience journey begins and ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with scenic routes winding through Grand Teton National Park and onward toward the geothermal wonders, towering peaks and sweeping valleys that define the Yellowstone region. Along the way, participants will take in pristine lakes, vast grasslands and the raw beauty of the American West – all while enjoying the unparalleled comfort and performance of Mercedes-AMG,” Mercedes said. Continue reading →

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Manufacturer Websites Lack Product Details?

Posted on 8 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Manufacturer Websites Lack Product Details?

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Auto manufacturer websites are important for shoppers at all stages of the decision-making process during new-vehicle shopping, according to the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study℠ – Winter, released today.* Among those who already know which vehicle they want, 83% still visit the manufacturer’s website to conform their research. Of shoppers who are undecided on a vehicle, 94% visit a manufacturer’s website and Power says have higher engagement as they spend more time browsing and viewing detailed content.

“One in three new-vehicle shoppers begin their journey without a specific brand in mind, yet nearly all of them still visit an OEM website,” said Cory Maxwell, digital experience consultant at J.D. Power. “While those shoppers are highly engaged, we continue to see that about 20% of OEM sites prioritize branding over the detailed vehicle information shoppers are actively seeking. At that stage, the brand has already done its job by getting shoppers to the site, so what matters most is helping them evaluate the vehicle.” Continue reading →

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Chinese RoboVan Maker Neolix Debuts Next Gen Products

Posted on 7 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chinese RoboVan Maker Neolix Debuts Next Gen Products

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Neolix, a maker of autonomous logistics products (RoboVan), today announced the debut of its next-generation AI-powered autonomous logistics products at CES 2026. Its full  RoboVan lineup is said to enable large-scale, end-to-end urban logistics. Neolix thinks that autonomous is the cornerstone of the future urban infrastructure.

“Autonomous logistics has reached a critical tipping point, transitioning from experimental pilots to true commercial scale,” said YU Enyuan, Founder and CEO of Neolix. “2025 was a milestone year where we achieved mass deployment, refined our mapless technology, and expanded our global footprint. At CES 2026, we are presenting the global market with our fully integrated autonomous solution in action, showcasing a new generation of urban infrastructure that is always-on, highly efficient, and ready for global growth.” Continue reading →

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Cox Fleet Commences for Trucking and other Industries

Posted on 7 January 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cox Fleet Commences for Trucking and other Industries

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Cox Automotive* today announced the launch of Cox Fleet, its new fleet brand, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the trucking and fleet industry. Cox Fleet supports fleets of all sizes across the country with what is said to be a comprehensive service model intended to minimize downtime and maximize reliability. The organization said it offers national scale with local accountability. Cox Fleet delivers support through scheduled maintenance, emergency roadside assistance, managed care, parts, trailer and truck body sales. This is the continuation of Cox Automotive’s 2025 announcement to unite Fleet Services and FleetNet America into one unified organization.**

“Cox Fleet is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the fleets that keep our economy moving,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP of Cox Fleet. “By bringing our people, technology, and service capabilities together under one brand, Cox Fleet is designed to help clients improve uptime and better manage total cost of ownership.” Continue reading →

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