Toyota Recalls Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling more than 48,000 model year 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma pickup trucks. The recalled part was made by Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America.*

“The subject vehicles are equipped with front and rear shock absorbers that have an external oil reservoir attached to the shock absorber using a welded flange of a certain length. The untreated metal surfaces between the flange, reservoir, and the shock absorber can corrode over time due to moisture intrusion. The corrosion buildup can create an expansive force on the welds securing the reservoir to the shock absorber, which can lead to weld failure. Continue reading →

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August 2026 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on August 2026 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

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Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for August 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,347,600, a 4.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. August new-vehicle retail sales on track for 6.9% decrease year over year, however annual comparisons are skewed by the EV tax credit pull-ahead effect on sales in 2025. August global light-vehicle sales are expected to decline 5.1% from August 2025 to 6.9 million units. This is a selling rate of 91.5 million units, down by 5.3% year-over-year.

“Vehicle sales in August [U.S.] are on pace to deliver solid results, with total sales expected to reach 16.4 million units on an annualized basis. However, comparison to August of last year presents a less positive picture, with total sales down 4.8%, and retail sales down 6.9% on a selling day adjusted basis,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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John Deere UAW Members Refuse Contract Extension Offer

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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Members of the United Auto Workers at John Deere voted yesterday to decline the company’s proposal to extend the current collective bargaining agreement through 2029.

“While John Deere continues to outsource jobs, 1600 workers are still laid off. Our members rejected Deere’s offer to extend their contract because they know their worth and what they deserve,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The company failed to make an offer that addressed the issues weighing on the minds of our members, especially job security. We’ll see Deere at the table in 2027.” Continue reading →

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Kirkwood Wins DC Freedom 250 in a Sam’s Club Honda

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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Kyle Kirkwood yesterday won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC.* IndyCar driver Kirkwood was driving his No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. [We are not making this up, but we would change the name by adding Uncle in front of Sam – AutoCrat.] Kirkwood posted a 3.0906-second victory over the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Christian Lundgaard on the seven-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street circuit. Kirkwood took his second victory of the season leading 128 of 147 laps after starting second.**

“As an American, there’s no race outside of the 500 I’d rather win, especially as a one-and-done deal. My Honda engine was giving me incredible power, but also great fuel economy, which was a really big part of the strategy today. Everything went perfect from our end on the Andretti side and also from the Honda side. What a great day!,” said Kirkwood afterwards. Continue reading →

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GM Starts Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades Job Training

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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General Motors  (NYSE: GM) today announced the launch of the “Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades” initiative. GM is  requesting proposals from “mission driven non-profits “across the nation to support transitioning service members, veterans, and their families to pursue automotive careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

“At General Motors, we believe creating clear pathways to good jobs is central to strengthening our communities and the broader economy,” said General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship David Massaron. “Yet, too many transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses still face uncertain employment prospects. At the same time, our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled trades and manufacturing talent. Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades, builds on a century of GM’s support for America’s heroes. By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar to use Tweaked Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IndyCar to use Tweaked Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel

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IndyCar* and Shell announced today that an updated formulation of Shell’s 100% Renewable Race Fuel will be introduced for the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season. The Renewable Race Fuel is blended from components derived from biogenic wastes and byproducts that meet the renewable fuel definition in the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Federal Law 40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M. The renewable fuel delivers at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline.

“From the beginning, IndyCar has viewed racing as a platform for innovation. This next evolution of our renewable race fuel program demonstrates the continued progress that can be made when industry leaders work together to develop high-performance solutions that help advance sustainability goals without compromising competition,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp., which owns the IndyCar series. Continue reading →

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Audi URBANFILTER Debuts at F1 Race in Zandvoort

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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Audi said today that its URBANFILTER for microplastics will be used at this weekend’s Formula 1 race in Zandvoort.* This specially developed filter installed in street drainage channels was developed with support from GKD and rainwater specialist ARIS. URBANFILTER has been successful in laboratory and real-world tests in Berlin and Copenhagen, as well as on an ADAC wet-handling track and a winding thoroughfare. During recent testing at the Zandvoort racetrack, a retention rate of up to 99% was achieved, depending on the intensity of the rain and the characteristics of the particles.

“We are proud that the FIA is providing this important issue with a global stage and a testing ground under extreme conditions through its involvement in Formula 1,” said Sven Veit, Managing Director of the Audi Environmental Foundation.** “Motorsport is once again proving that it can serve as a technological role model.” Implementing the URBANFILTER concept on a Formula 1 racetrack shows how an innovation developed for urban environments can be scaled up and applied elsewhere.” Continue reading →

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Acura Branded Honda to Race IndyCar Freedom 250 in DC

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura Branded Honda to Race IndyCar Freedom 250 in DC

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The Acura brand is returning to the NTT IndyCar Series for the fourth time this season with 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson driving the #28 Andretti Global Acura-branded Honda at the Freedom 250 race next weekend in Washington DC.* Ericsson will make a special appearance at Chevy Chase Acura in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday 20 August from 3-5 PM.

“The partnership with Ericsson and Andretti Global comes as Acura seeks to engage a growing audience of passionate motorsports fans US through the NTT IndyCar Series. Through the month of July, IndyCar viewership is up 17% compared to 2025 and 49% on 2024. Road America’s race was the most-watched non-Indy 500 race since 2011 with an average of 1.8 million viewers, and despite the weather delay in Nashville, 2.9 million viewers stayed on Fox following the world cup and watched interviews with IndyCar’s stars,” Honda Racing said. Continue reading →

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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

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The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.

“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said.** Continue reading →

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Max Verstappen to Stay With Oracle Red Bull Racing

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Oracle Red Bull Racing has verified today at the Dutch Grand Prix 2026 that Max Verstappen will continue with the Team until the end of the 2030 Formula One season. Verstappen and the Team have won four Drivers’ World Championships, two Constructors’ World Championships and 71 Grand Prix victories. This season the relationship has been tumultuous since car design changed with the FIA’s 2026 regulations which modified “every aspect of F1 car design in order to create a new era of more competitive, safer and more sustainable racing.” The resulting race car wasn’t competitive and/or suited to Verstappen’s driving style.

“Having Max continue with us and retaining the best driver on the grid is fantastic news for everyone at Red Bull, Oracle Red Bull Racing, as well as F1 and motorsport as a whole,” said Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing. Continue reading →

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Ferrari Enzo Sets Record at The Quail Auction

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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Broad Arrow Auctions of Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) has released the results for its 2026 Quail Auction. It was Broad Arrow Auctions’ first event as the official auction partner of The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering. The two-day auction recorded $97.4 million in total sales with 85% of all lots sold (159 of 186 lots).*

“We could not be prouder of our first Monterey Car Week auction,” said Kenneth Ahn, President of Broad Arrow and Hagerty Marketplace. “Our innovative new presentation and a catalog featuring some of the market’s most in-demand collector cars translated to over 1400 registered bidders and Broad Arrow’s highest grossing Monterey Car Week sale to date.” Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) explores how speeding has become normalized on today’s roads. The findings imply that many drivers aren’t speeding simply to save time, they’re often convincing themselves that speeding is the right choice for the situation.*

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Toyota Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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Toyota (NYSE: TM) said today that the ubiquitous Corolla is celebrating six decades of reliability, and efficiency, a legacy that spans the globe with the new 2027 Corolla 60th Anniversary Special Edition.*

“Since its debut in Japan in 1966, the Corolla has grown from a compact car designed for a rapidly changing world into one of the most significant vehicles in Toyota history,” Toyota said in a news release. “Along the way, Corolla helped introduce Toyota to drivers around the world, becoming a familiar presence on roads and in driveways across generations. Through six decades of change, it has continued to evolve alongside the people who drive it,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast – Fog of War

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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The fog of war is in the latest global light vehicle production forecast released today by Mobility Global.*

“The global auto industry is holding up better than many expected, with small near-term upgrades in several regions, partly offset by meaningful downgrades in Greater China,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global.**

“China is the clearest two-speed story: weak domestic demand is dragging the baseline, while exports are doing a lot of the heavy lifting to keep factories running. Europe is improving on the back of stronger first-half production and backfill orders, while North America remains resilient thanks to higher-income demand even as inventory remains uneven. Japan and South Korea continue to benefit from solid export pull, despite disruption and geopolitical noise,” said Wall. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino
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The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines. Luxury-Brand Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well defections to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.]*

“The new C‑Class proves that continuity and innovation are not mutually exclusive. With its sporty elegance, electrified high-tech powertrain and intelligent support powered by MB.OS, it delivers what drivers truly need: proven reliability and innovative technology that creates real added value in everyday life. In this way, a familiar classic becomes a modern companion, ” claimed Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Sales & Customer Experience. Continue reading →

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