TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising

Posted on 17 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 16 cents from last week at $4.43 and more than one dollar higher than it was a year ago, AAA said today.

[Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas or President Trump’s losing war against Iran, as well as other  policy failures Gas prices are now they were during spring 2026. The trend is clear; the national average is about to reach this year’s record high of $4.56 set on 21 May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on 14 June 2022. Passing it appears certain. – AutoCrat.]* Continue reading →

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Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer today penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, advocating for Michigan families and businesses in light of costly tariff policies imposed by Republicans in Washington.

“A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I recently called the president to relay how the ever-changing tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families. We need to be smart and strategic about trade policy, and lower costs so we can bring back American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – New User Interface on GM Pickups

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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General Motors is introducing a new user interface “to bring state-of-the-art graphics, intuitive layouts, and integrated intelligence directly to the cabin.” It debuts first on GM’s light-duty pickup trucks – the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and 2027 GMC Sierra – bringing high-tech digital sophistication to GM’s highest-volume vehicles before expanding across the broader portfolio. [This is not without risk as connectivity apps cause widespread customer dissatisfaction issues. See AutoInformed on: ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences, which is just one of many surveys on this industry problem. Marketing babble alert for what follows  – AutoCrat>

“Built as a single scalable foundation that can extend across electric, gas and diesel-powered vehicles, it transforms time spent behind the wheel into an effortless, personalized journey,” GM claimed. “Infotainment is a top priority for drivers,* but complex menus shouldn’t get in the way. Built directly around real customer feedback, GM’s new interface unifies software, hardware, and design to deliver fast access, clear information, and effortless control on every drive,” GM said. Continue reading →

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AAA – Annual New Vehicle Ownership Cost at $12,863 Up ~11%

Posted on 15 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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AAA said today that the average annual full cost of vehicle ownership in 2026 is $12,863, up ~11% compared to 2025. It’s at $1071.92 per month compared to $964.78 per month in 2025.* This reflects continued increases from fuel prices, depreciation, and finance charges However, methodology updates make this year’s results not directly comparable with last year’s estimate. This year’s Your Driving Costs (YDC) analysis integrates select electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids into standard vehicle categories that used to be exclusively traditional gas-powered models, reflecting their growing share in the new-car market.

“By looking at EVs, hybrids and traditional gas-powered vehicles within the same categories, consumers can better understand how total ownership costs vary by powertrain,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering. “Looking at the full ownership picture, including depreciation and other expense, can help consumers better understand the total cost of each option.”** Continue reading →

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Indy 500 Winner Rosenqvist to Be Honored in Värnamo

Posted on 15 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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The 2026 Indianapolis 500* presented by Gainbridge winner Felix Rosenqvist will be honored Saturday 5 Dec. 2026 by his hometown, Värnamo, during a public celebration in the Swedish city. The free  event will likely be without Hoosier milk. 

“Celebrating an Indy 500 victory in my hometown will be an unforgettable way to conclude the best year of my life,” Rosenqvist said. “Sharing an occasion like this with everyone in Värnamo, where the dream began, will feel completely surreal. It will truly be one of those pinch-me moments. It is truly amazing to think that we will all be able to experience and share this together. I am really looking forward to seeing friends, family, and everyone else in Värnamo in December,” said Rosenqvist. Continue reading →

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F-Series Fuel Tanks Falling Out – Ford Recalls 223,472 Pickups

Posted on 14 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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Ford Motor (NYSE: F) is recalling  2023-2027 model-year F-Series pickups because the fuel tank may be incorrectly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving. About 223,472 F-Series pickups are affected by Ford’s latest quality control failure. A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of a fire. No driver warning occurs.

“In some instances, front fuel tank strap T-slots were not properly inserted into the vehicle’s frame rail at the time of vehicle assembly,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails

Posted on 14 September 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails

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Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz along with President Trump’s failed policies are causing spiraling oil prices with no end in sight for the chaos that is hurting U.S. consumers. The rate of U.S. inflation – aka TrumpFlation – quickened last month as gas prices spiked in the wake of renewed fighting in the Middle East. Diesel prices in the U.S. posted  another record on Friday, soaring to an average of  ~ $6.23 a gallon. Trump at the Republican midterm convention semi-acknowledged the problem.

“President Donald Trump kept oil prices relatively in check during the war’s first months through multi-pronged measures. Those included reserve drawdowns, calming the market with claims the war would be short-lived, and providing U.S. Navy escorts to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz while some oil reached market via pipeline to the Red Sea,” said Peter Harrell a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in a Daily Brief on the matter. Continue reading →

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Triumph Motorcycles Recalls TF450 Models

Posted on 12 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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Triumph Motorcycles is recalling 2025 and 2026 Triumph TF450 Closed Course Competition Motorcycles because of the  risk of serious injury or death from a crash hazard. The engine rocker arm on the recalled motorcycles can seize or stick and the exhaust valves can remain open or break.

Approximately ~1560 in the U.S. and ~171 sold in Canada are covered by the recall, according to United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Transport Canada. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Hydrogen Fuel SUV Prototype Under Testing

Posted on 10 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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The upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen fueled SUV is now undergoing road testing, BMW said today in Munich.* The German government subsidized program** sees BMW Group testing the third-generation fuel cell system and developing a new assembly phase at the Hydrogen Competence Center in Munich. Simultaneously  preparations for mass production of the hydrogen fuel cell system are underway at the engine facility in Steyr, Austria.

“Prototype assembly is about much more than manufacturing individual components. Each phase helps us optimize processes, gain experience, and systematically share this knowledge with the teams in Steyr. In this way, we are laying the foundation for the next steps on the road to industrialization,” said Claudia Stephan, head of Technology Development and Fuel Cell Prototype Assembly at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sells Its Bets on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Sells Its Bets on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group

Well, the WayRay virtual reality was better than the actual results.

Porsche said today that the sale of its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group have been sold. Porsche* and the buyer consortium had signed the relevant agreements in April 2026. [Read AutoInformed.com on: Porsche Increases Investment in Start-Ups by €150 Million] The sale will generate proceeds of ~€1 billion. The Porsche AG Group will use €250 million of the proceeds to further fund its pension obligations.

“The Automotive Net Cash Flow Margin forecast published in the Half-Year Financial Report did not include any effects from divestments. Taking into account the aforementioned cash inflow and the further funding of pension obligations, the Automotive Net Cash Flow Margin for full year 2026 is expected to increase to 5.5% to 7.5% (previous forecast: 3% to 5%),” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin and Brough Superior Debut AMB 002 Motorcycle

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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Aston Martin and Brough Superior announced today the AMB 002 Roadster motorcycle. This is the first road bike produced in the ongoing collaboration between the longstanding British performance brands. A manufacturing run limited to 300 motorcycles is scheduled with the first deliveries beginning during Q3 2027. [The AMB 001 (100 units) and AMB 001 Pro (88 units) superbikes were introduced in 2019 and 2022. They were built at the Brough Superior factory in Toulouse, France. Launch prices started at ~€108,000. They were insignificant rivals of BMW Motorrad – AutoCrat. Marketing babble alert on ensuing text.]*

“Having created two of the most remarkable track-only motorcycles ever built in the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, it was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road. Combining the bold design aesthetic and pioneering engineering innovation which define Aston Martin and Brough Superior’s work to-date, the AMB 002 is the vivid expression of our shared passion for sculptural, visceral, covetable machines. It promises an ownership and riding experience unique in the world of motorcycling; an irresistible road bike for keen motorcyclists and discerning collectors alike,” said Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. Continue reading →

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Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters

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Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) said today it has named Kelvin Fu as its next president, succeeding David Salters. Salters became president of then-Honda Performance Development (HPD) in 2020 and will leave HRC US to join a technology startup outside the motorsports industry.*

“When I joined HRC US, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading this extraordinary organization. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. Throughout my career at HPD and HRC US, I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of programs, from the development of the NSX GT3, Acura DPi race cars, and the LMDh engine and car to building lasting partnerships with our racing teams,” said Kelvin Fu, president HRC US. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Opens All-Makes Bodyshop Repair Label

Posted on 8 September 2026 by Ken Zino
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Stellantis said today that it is expanding the Eurorepar Car Service* offering with the launch of the new All-makes Bodyshop label, providing customers with professional bodywork and collision repair services for vehicles of all makes, models and ages.

“When customers need body or collision repairs, they want a solution that is reliable and fairly priced. With the Eurorepar Car Service All-makes Bodyshop label, we are bringing together trusted local service, qualified expertise and a broad choice of parts to help customers get their vehicles safely back on the road. It is a natural extension of the Eurorepar Car Service promise: professional care for every car, whatever the make or age,” said Cyril Billard, Stellantis Strategy, Independent Aftermarket and Channels Vice-President and Eurorepar Car Service President. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – McLaughlin Wins Laguna Seca. 2027 Preview?

Posted on 7 September 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar - McLaughlin Wins Laguna Seca. 2027 Preview?

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Scott McLaughlin drove his No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet from the pole position to victory by 1.3739 seconds over the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda of Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood. The win was the eighth of McLaughlin’s IndyCar Series career and his first since 1 September 2024, in the second race of a doubleheader weekend at the Milwaukee Mile, ending a 36-race slump.*

“My little girl [Lucy, born October 2024] hasn’t seen me win yet, and now she has,” McLaughlin said afterwards. “So, Dad’s coming home with a trophy, baby. Let’s go! These guys and girls at Team Penske have stood behind me the whole time. Congrats to Alex (Palou) on his fifth (championship), but we’re working hard to beat them, and today was a big step in the right direction,” McLaughlin said. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 239,000 Ram Pickups for Camera Failures

Posted on 7 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling 239,131 model-year 2025-2026 Ram 1500s.  A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image to fail. No driver warning occurs. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, which covers Rear Visibility. Failure to display a rearview image can increase the risk of a crash.

The radio software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge [as required by Federal safety regulations – AutoCrat]. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 24 September 2026. The recall is estimated to launch during Q3 of 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 about recall is 83D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov. Continue reading →

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