Stellantis Factory Booster Day Held in Detroit

Posted on 4 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* held today the 10th annual edition of its Factory Booster Day at the Conner Center – aka Conner Avenue Assembly – in Detroit. This year’s event saw 80 invited participants showing more than 100 “solutions” aimed at transforming the future of industrial operations.

“Factory Booster Day is not just an event, it’s a reflection of our manufacturing culture and global collaboration,” said Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Stellantis Production Way. “By empowering our teams and partnering with startups and suppliers, we co-create smart solutions that drive quality, agility and sustainability across Stellantis. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, awards, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Tire Posts Q3 2025 Loss of $2.2 Billion

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Tire Posts Q3 2025 Loss of $2.2 Billion

Click for more.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT)* posted Q3 2025 results today that showed a net loss of $2.2 billion ($7.62 per share) compared to a Goodyear net loss of $37 million (13 cents per share) a year ago. Third quarter 2025 adjusted net income was $82 million compared to adjusted net income of $102 million in Q3 of last year. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.28, compared to $0.36 (diluted) in Q3 2024.

“We delivered a meaningful increase in segment operating income relative to the second quarter in an industry environment that continued to be marked by global trade disruption,” said Mark Stewart, chief executive officer and president. “This growth underscores our strong product portfolio and the consistency of our execution under the Goodyear Forward plan, both of which we expect to support further acceleration in our earnings during the fourth quarter.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, financial results, news analysis, results, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Air Bag Deployments – NHTSA Investigating Honda Odysseys

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Late last week in spite of the Republican led government shutdown, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at DOT opened an engineering analysis into inadvertent air bag deployments on 2018-2022 model year Honda Odyssey minivans manufactured by American Honda Motor Company. More than 440,000 vehicles are involved. Most government workers are doing their jobs without pay. House Republicans aren’t working of course, but receiving full pay and benefits.*

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 18 complaints, and some Early Warning Reporting (EWR) and death & injury reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment. These inadvertent deployments relate to the side curtain and/or side thorax air bags used in model year 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news, news analysis, people, public health, recalls, safety, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Endorses Sherrod Brown for US Senate

Click for more.

The UAW today officially endorsed Sherrod Brown for US Senate. Approximately 100,000 active and retired UAW members live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio CAP (Community Action Program) Council formally voted to endorse Brown and said it will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the US Senate.

“Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Ohioans don’t need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they’ll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen ID – Money Back in 100 Days

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volkswagen ID – Money Back in 100 Days

Click for more.

In a marketing move that likely will have international implications, Volkswagen* in the U.K. today announced the so-called ID. Promise. This allows its retail electric car customers between 80 and 100 days after collection to ‘drive and decide.’ The time frame in which people can return vehicles is from the point that they take delivery of their new cars. They just need to inform their retailer, who will then arrange a refund minus a 3% fixed usage charge, as well as the cost to repair any damage or modifications to the cars since they were handed over.**

“Official figures show more than 1.3 million UK motorists have already converted to electric, and time and time again our customers tell us they would never go back to petrol or diesel having made the move,” said Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK. “But there are many more people who want to go electric but feel unsure. This straightforward initiative gives them the perfect opportunity to ‘drive and decide’ with no strings attached.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain

Posted on 31 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain

Click to enlarge the results.

Magna (TSX: MG. NYSE: MGA) today posted Q3 2025 earnings of U.S. $613 million (EBIT) compared to $594 million in the third quarter of 2024. Subject to the approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Magna Board of Directors approved a new Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) to purchase up to ~25.3 million of Magna Common Shares, representing 10% of the public float. This NCIB is expected to be effective on 7 November 2025 and will terminate no later than 6 November 2026.

“Our strong third quarter performance exceeded our expectations and underscores the resilience of our business amid dynamic operating conditions and evolving macroeconomic trends. These results reflect the strength of our global team and the effectiveness of our strategic execution,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire Debuts

Posted on 31 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire Debuts

Ironic photo as German brands are notorious for recommending snow tires when the seasons change.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT)* has started sales of the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season. The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season is now available through Goodyear’s retail network and authorized dealers in the United States and Canada.

“Eagle F1 All Season is a premium ultra-high-performance tire engineered to deliver exceptional handling, grip and comfort in dry, wet and light snow conditions,” Goodyear said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Penske Automotive Group Posts Q3 Net Income Increase

Posted on 31 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts Q3 2025 Net Income Increase

Click to enlarge.

Penske Automotive Group* (NYSE: PAG) has posted Q3 2025 operating results. During Q3 revenue increased 1.4% to $7.7 billion compared to $7.6 billion in Q3 2024. Net income attributable to common stockholders decreased 6% to $213.0 million compared to $226.1 million Year-over-Year. Related earnings-per-share decreased 5% to $3.23 compared to $3.39 YoY 2024.

“Overall, I am pleased with our performance during the third quarter. We grew same-store retail automotive new units delivered by 4%, reduced new vehicle inventory days supply by 6 days from the end of June and increased retail automotive service and parts revenue to a quarterly record of $818.3 million, including same-store service and parts revenue growth of 5%,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, marketing, news analysis, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hyundai Motor Company Q3 2025 Net Profit Dives

Posted on 30 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Hyundai Motor Company Q3 2025 Net Profit Dives

Click for more.

Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) today posted its business results for the Q3 of 2025. The company’s revenue during the July-September period rose 8.8% year on year to KRW 46.72 trillion, marking its highest-ever third-quarter revenue. Strong sales in the U.S. and Europe, as well as favorable foreign exchange rates contributed to the company’s revenue growth. However, Q3 operating profit stood at KRW 2.54 trillion, down 29.2% YoY, with an operating profit margin of 5.4%. Higher incentives as well as the impact of tariffs beginning to take full effect, hurt the operating profit. Net profit, including non-controlling interests, decreased 20.5% to KRW 2.55 trillion. Nonetheless Hyundai announced a Q3 quarterly dividend of KRW 2500 per – a 25%increase YoY.*

“Our Q3 results reflect both strong business fundamentals and strategic navigation of a complex global environment,” claimed José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “We achieved record third-quarter revenue while growing global sales and expanding electrified vehicle sales. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Distracted Driving – Cell Phone Manipulation Persists

Posted on 30 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Distracted Driving - Cell Phone Manipulation Persists

Click for more.

An Arizona law making it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving cut handheld conversations, but other problems remain, according to a study published today by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In Arizona, the number of warnings issued by state police fell by about a quarter and the number of citations fell by a third between 2021 and 2024.*

“These results are a bit of a reality check. ‘No holding’ laws are a positive step, but it will take more than better-worded legislation alone to combat cellphone distraction,” said IIHS President David Harkey. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, insurance, news analysis, public health, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mexican Grand Prix Demo Drive – Tsunoda in Honda RA272

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mexican Grand Prix Demo Drive - Tsunoda in Honda RA272

Click for more.

Honda said today that as part of its commemorative activities during the F1® Mexican Grand Prix [footnotes 1, 2] on 25 October, Honda will participate in a demonstration run with the Honda RA272. This is the car that delivered Honda’s first F1® victory. It will be driven by Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda. On 24 October 1965, at the F1® Mexican Grand Prix, Honda won for the first time as a Japanese automaker with driver Richie Ginther at the wheel of the RA272.*

“It is an honor to drive the RA272 at the special place where Honda achieved its first F1® victory. Driving on the track where the RA272 pioneered Japanese motorsports history 60 years ago is a particularly special and deeply moving experience. With Honda’s history of challenges in my heart, I want to give fans a drive that conveys dreams and passion,” said Yuki Tsunoda.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All BMW Group Parsdorf Operations Now in EMAS

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on All BMW Group Parsdorf Operations Now in EMAS

Click for more.

The BMW Group (BMW.DE) said today that operations in Parsdorf (slightly northeast of Munich) are now part of the European environmental register, EMAS. In addition to the BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Center, (CMCC) and test-parts logistics, the pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf has been included in the environmental impact statement and EMAS registration for the first time. EMAS stands for the “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme,” which claims to be the most stringent environmental management system in the world.**

“We are very pleased with the EMAS registration of all our operations in Parsdorf, which underlines that our processes operate at a very high level – both economically and environmentally,” says Hansjörg Schilp, director of the CMCC and pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf. “The entire team has done an outstanding job.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance

Click for more.

The 2026 model Porsche Cayenne Electric (P911.DE)* debuts in a few weeks with innovative high-voltage technology. It is based on an advancement of the so-called Premium Platform Electric (PPE) developed in-house. Its 800-volt architecture creates the basis for impressive charging power, intelligent energy distribution and high efficiency. With a function-integrated battery, powerful dual cooling, intelligent thermal management and robust charging performance, Porsche claims that it is laying the foundation for a new level of E-Performance. 

“With the Cayenne Electric, we are taking e-performance to a new level,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development. “Our innovative high-voltage system combines maximum efficiency with the driving dynamics typical of Porsche.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

October U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Up

Posted on 23 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on October U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Flat. Global Sales Up

Click for more.

Total new-vehicle sales for October 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,249,800, a 6.9% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power* and GlobalData.** October 2025 has 27 selling days, the same as October 2024. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is forecast to be 15.1 million units, down 1.1 million units from October 2024.

“October’s results reflect a notable, but expected decline in the new-vehicle sales pace, due almost entirely to sales of electric vehicles. “The expiration of federal EV credits on Sept. 30 caused EV shoppers to pull ahead their purchases, driving a significant increase in EV sales and inflating the overall industry sales pace,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, prices, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cadillac 2028 Escalade IQ Debuts High-Speed Computing Core

Posted on 22 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cadillac 2028 Escalade IQ Debuts High-Speed Computing Core

Click for more.

At its so-called GM Forward media event in New York today, General Motors (NYSE: GM) talked about how manufacturing scale, software expertise, and AI are “converging to transform the car from a mode of transportation into an intelligent assistant.” GM is hardly alone in this quest to use advanced computing power to increase the technical ability and expand the market for branded vehicles.

“One of the most significant steps toward that future is autonomy. GM announced plans to bring eyes-off driving to market in 2028, debuting on the Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV. GM has already mapped 600,000 miles of hands-free roads in North America, and customers have driven 700 million miles with Super Cruise without a single reported crash attributed to the system. [footnote 1] Additionally, the technology and validation frameworks from Cruise add more than five million fully driver-less miles of experience,” GM said. (Worrying here is GM expensive warranty cost problems discussed during its latest earnings call yesterday – AutoCrat)* Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment