Honda Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Set U.S. May Sales Record

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Honda Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Set May Sales Record

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American Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) said today that it posted a May 2026 sales increase of 9.9% at 148,903 units, with year-to-date sales reaching 623,139. Honda hybrid-electric vehicles set a new monthly sales record of 42,583 units, led by the CR-V hybrid setting a new May sales record, accounting for 54% of model sales in May, with Accord at 50% hybrid mix and Civic sales at 31% hybrid.*

“A strong lineup of affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles powered American Honda to strong May sales results,” AHM said. Continue reading →

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BTS – May 2026 Fuel Prices Are Sky-High Up 32-50%

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BTS - May 2026 Fuel Prices Are Sky-High Up 32-50%

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The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released monthly motor fuels prices for May 2026. The news shows the dire straits motorists are in with the prices at the pump confirming the ongoing trend under the Trump mis-administration. This comes as Iran on Monday has charged the Trump administration with ceasefire violations in Lebanon, saying it will close the Strait of Hormuz and stop swapping messages with the U.S. through intermediaries.

“In May 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.48 per gallon; up 9.2% from April 2026 and up 42.2% from May 2025. The average price for diesel no. 2 was $5.60 in May 2026, up 1.8% from April 2026, and up 60.0% from May 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading →

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FuelFest – 2027 Toyota GR86 Sports Car Debuts

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Ken Zino
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The 2027 Toyota GR86 (NYSE: Toyota Motor) sports car debuts on June 13th in the San Francisco Bay area at FuelFest where the performance enthusiast community gathers at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA. The 2027 Toyota GR86 is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in summer 2026. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing and specs will come later this year.*

“Toyota GR86 returns with a series of focused enhancements designed to deepen the connection between driver, car and road. Built for enthusiasts and engineered with input shaped by motorsports, the GR86 continues to deliver the kind of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive fun that has made it a favorite among sports car purists around the world,” Toyota claimed in a release. Continue reading →

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Wheels Off? GM Front Wheel Bolt Recall on 24-in Wheels

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors, (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~2457 model year 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.

“If a bolt breaks or completely loosens during vehicle operation, additional load could be placed on the three remaining bolts and lead to partial loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall only affects vehicles with 24-inch wheels that (a) received the dealer-installed accessory brake package (RPO 5JL) or (b) received a front hub replacement in service. Vehicles with other size wheels are not included,” GM 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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Airbag Failures – American Honda Recalls ~99,000 Vehicles

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling ~99,000 Acura and Honda models because the front passenger seat weight-sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally during a crash. This is an expansion of a previous recall for the same safety defect.*

“In the event of a crash, the front passenger frontal and knee airbags may deploy despite the presence of an occupant (infant in child seat, child, or person smaller than AF5) for whom deployment should be suppressed, increasing the risk of injury.” Honda said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning.** Continue reading →

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UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Members at American Axle’s Three Rivers Plant on Strike

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In 2008, workers at American Axle [aka Dauch Corporation – AutoCrat] took major sacrifices to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession. Many long-time workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages slashed to $14.50. Today, eighteen years later, workers are still yet to make up all that lost ground, with wages at American Axle currently topping out at $22 an hour after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages cut in half from their pre-2008 levels.*

“After the company now known as Dauch Corporation failed to offer a fair deal after weeks of negotiations, nearly 1000 UAW Local 2093 members walked out on strike in Three Rivers, MI starting Monday 1 June at 12:01 am. Mass picket lines started at 6:00 am,” the UAW said.** Continue reading →

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California Air Resources Board Tweaks Cap-and-Invest

Posted on 1 June 2026 by Ken Zino

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted late last week updates to the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, which were proposed earlier this year. Following the Legislature’s enactment last year of laws extending California’s Cap-and-Invest Program through 2045, CARB proposed the updates adopted today to balance legislative direction, affordability, jobs and near-term economic concerns while also ensuring emissions reductions and providing a long-term signal for the market. The adopted changes maintain California’s path toward meeting its 2030 and 2045 climate targets “while supporting affordability for Californians by managing costs and maintaining a clear long-term signal for clean energy investment in the state.”*

“At a moment when climate policy is under attack and global economic upheaval is creating real uncertainty, this rule-making is critically important for California,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with consistency. By moving forward today, we are responding to real affordability concerns while sending a clear and unwavering signal to the world that we remain committed to long-term investment in clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities.” Continue reading →

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Trump-conomics – May 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Flat

Posted on 29 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump-conomics May 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Flat

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U.S. new-vehicle sales volume in May is expected to be mostly flat from year-ago levels, increasing a barely measurable 0.1%, according to the latest forecast from Cox Automotive. There are 26 selling days this May, which is the same as last month, but one less than May last year.*

“May sales appear to be holding up despite significant economic uncertainty,” Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough said. “New-vehicle buyers today are more affluent than ever, so they may not be as impacted by inflationary pressures as much as other consumers who are more acutely feeling the sharply higher fuel costs. If the economy and stock market can remain on this growing but volatile path, new-vehicle sales will likely follow. However, those are two large necessities during extremely volatile times.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Volkswagen Chattanooga at 15 Years

Posted on 28 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga Plant is celebrating 15 years since its grand opening in May 2011 (VOW3.DE or OTC VOW3.DE). Volkswagen Chattanooga has assembled more than 1.85 million vehicles, invested $4.3 billion in its operations, and now employs more than 4,000 team members. Today, the plant is home to the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The models together composed about 30% of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales in 2025. The plant is also noteworthy as becoming UAW organized despite VW’s long opposition to a union in North America. Tennessee is a Right to Work state [right to work for less? – AutoCrat] since 1947.*

“Fifteen years ago, we invested in Chattanooga, in this community and workforce, and in the future of American assembly,” said Henning Habicht, Head of Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations. “We are proud to have called this community home ever since. Today, as we mark this milestone, we celebrate every Atlas that rolls off our line, every student we’ve trained, and every family whose livelihood is connected to this plant.” Continue reading →

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GM’s Ten Grooviest EV Charging Destinations?

Posted on 28 May 2026 by Ken Zino

The folks at General Motors (NYSE: GM) are celebrating President Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway System and the road trips that resulted as a central U.S. pastime. This, it’s thought, continues with the rise of electric vehicles.* [However since we are celebrating the 1950s, it’s curious that Hillside Memorial Park and Forest Lawn Memorial Park, which have Dinah Shore memorials, are not on the list. Nor is the highway between Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City – Dinah Shore Drive – recommended. You can see the USA in the 2027 Chevy Bolt when it returns.  – AutoCrat.]

“The country’s expanding public DC fast charging infrastructure has opened new possibilities for the EV road trip. GM EV drivers have access to more than 250,000 public chargers across North America. GM’s investments in Pilot Flying J, EVgo, ChargePoint and IONNA have increased public charging to more than 4533 stalls at 844 sites in key metropolitan areas and along major highway travel corridors across the U.S.,” GM said today in a release. Continue reading →

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Teen Drivers – Good Vehicle Buys With Solid Safety Credentials

Posted on 27 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Teen Drivers - Good Vehicle Buys With Solid Safety Credentials!

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) said today they have identified 45 used vehicles starting under $10,000 that offer good crash protection and are suitable for teen drivers. Another 29 vehicles that also have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can be found for under $20,000.*

“We curate this annual list specifically for teens because driving holds extra risk for them,” said IIHS Senior Research Scientist Rebecca Weast. “That said, the suggestions are suitable for drivers of any age looking to balance affordability with crash protection and crash avoidance.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Eliminates Production Engineering Development Center

Posted on 27 May 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said today that it is eliminating its Production Engineering Development Center. It’s part of the organizational changes TMC is taking to recover from its weak 2026 Japanese fiscal-year results as well as changes announced at the 122nd Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in April 2026.*

“Manufacturing engineering functions across the Production Group, Production Engineering Development Center, Powertrain Company, and other relevant organizations will be consolidated under the newly established Production Engineering Group,” TMC said in a release. Continue reading →

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EU April 2026 Sales Dominated by Electrified Vehicles

Posted on 27 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EU April 2026 Sales Dominated by Electrified Vehicles

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In April 2026 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations increased by 4.2%, despite ongoing geopolitical factors that are heightening uncertainty and downside risks, according to the latest published data from The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].*

“The market continued to benefit from strong consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, supported by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes across major European countries. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular power type choice among buyers, while the battery-electric car market share reached 19.7%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids captured 9.6% of the market,” ACEA said. Continue reading →

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Indianapolis 500 Purse at Record $30,906,400

Posted on 26 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Indianapolis 500 Purse at Record $30,906,400

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The purse for the 110th Indianapolis 500 totaled a record $30,906,400. First-time winner Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian earned a record-high $4.34 million. That translates to $21,700 per lap for the 200 lap race presented by Gainbridge. The announcement came at the Victory Celebration, held this year at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis on Monday night. [The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT IndyCar Series awards, plus other designated and special awards. – AutoCrat]*

“The Indianapolis 500 continues to make history, in more ways than one,”  said IndyCar and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “The Month of May featured a back-to-back grandstand sellout crowd, our largest crowd since the 100th Running in 2016, and intense on track action with the most lead changes ever in the Indy 500. Felix Rosenqvist added his name to the history books in stellar fashion, with the closest finish in Indy 500 history and now the largest purse. There’s no better end to a memorable month.” Continue reading →

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Indianapolis 500 in 2026 – Closet Finish in 110 Years!

Posted on 25 May 2026 by Ken Zino

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The final lap of wheel-to-wheel racing to take the checkered flag at the Indianapolis 500 culminated in the closest finish in the 110-year history at the Brickyard. However, it was only one of the “500” or more heart-throbbing moments that inarguably supports the claim that the 500 is the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Felix Rosenqvist drove the high line against the concrete wall exiting Turn 4 on Lap 200 in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian and powered past the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet of David Malukas to triumph by .0233 of a second. The previous closest finish in “500” history came in 1992, when Al Unser Jr. held off a charging Scott Goodyear by .043 of a second.

“We just won the Indy 500! What an incredible month. I just want to say thank you to my team Meyer Shank Racing, and to Honda for giving me an incredible car. What a last lap, I can’t wait to re-watch it. It was the craziest racing ever, but it was fair—I think that’s what the fans wanted to see. And it was also the closest finish ever! It’s been an unbelievable month for me. I became a dad just 16 days ago, and now I’m an Indianapolis 500 winner. I feel like I’m still in a dream, so I’m still taking it all in. Thank you, everyone,” said Rosenqvist. Continue reading →

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