Chinese Junk Watch – E-Bully Youth Electric 1000W ATVs

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The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that E-Bully Youth Electric 1000W ATVs sold under various brand names including “Seangles” and “Offroad Mall” fail to comply with mandatory U.S. Federal ATV safety standards. They create a risk of serious injury or death.

“The youth ATVs fail to meet mechanical suspension requirements, and the reverse indicator light fails to illuminate, posing a crash hazard. The parking brakes fail to hold, posing a collision hazard. Additionally, the surfaces near the footwell can reach high temperatures posing a risk of severe burns,” CPSC said in a release.** Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – NISMO Coming to Australia

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Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd. (7201T and NSANY ADR) together with Nissan Oceania, say they have a multi-phase plan to expand the NISMO brand’s presence in Australia. This will improve local access to authentic NISMO parts, accessories, heritage support, technical expertise and so-called customer experiences.*

“NISMO represents one of the most authentic expressions of Nissan’s passion for performance, innovation and customer excitement,” said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Company. “As we advance our long-term vision of mobility intelligence for everyday life, we will continue to deliver new experiences to our customers. The expansion of the NISMO brand in markets such as Australia is an important step in bringing exciting experiences to customers who value performance and authenticity,” Espinosa claimed. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – BMW LEGO M3 E30

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BMW said today that it will mark the 40th anniversary of the BMW M3* with a marketing scheme with the LEGO Group. The LEGO® Speed Champions BMW M3 E30 is now available for pre-order at LEGO.com and will be released in LEGO stores and at BMW dealers on 1 August 2026. the recommended retail price is €27.99. It is available through BMW dealers in the EU/UK, as well as at lifestyle.bmw.com, LEGO shops, and LEGO.com worldwide.**

“The BMW M3 E30 is now available as a LEGO® Speed Champions set. The exclusive kit featuring a special-edition livery design is a unique heritage item for fans of all ages,” BMW said. Continue reading

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Aftermarket Auto Service – Cost and Affordability Are Key

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Cost and affordability* are an increasingly important factors in the aftermarket service experience, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) StudySM.

“Affordability is playing an increasingly important role in the aftermarket service experience, but delivering on the fundamentals remains critical,” said Lisa Nguyen, manager of OEM Solutions at JD Power. “Index data show that aftermarket providers are largely executing where it matters most, with the majority of impactful key performance indicators (KPIs) completed more than 70% of the time and the top two – the service advisor being completely focused on customer needs and providing helpful guidance – exceeding 90% completion rates across segments. Continue reading

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UAW Files Unfair Labor Practice Against American Axle

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The United Auto Workers said today that UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle (aka Dauch Corporation) filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) federal charges against the company for illegally threatening and intimidating union members organizing for a fair contract ahead of the expiration on May 31. Nearly 1000 workers voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike earlier this month.*

“Calling the police on your own dedicated workforce for holding union flyers isn’t just a violation of federal labor law – it’s a desperate attempt to bully workers into submission,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “But that’s not going to work with UAW Local 2093 members. These workers are going to stay strong for a record contract.” [See Police Body Cam footage at a link below – AutoCrat.] Continue reading

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Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030 Financial Reform Revealed

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today that there are six core pillars of its recovery strategy moving forward dubbed FaSTLAne 2030.* The financially challenged global automaker claimed that sharper management of its brand portfolio combined with investments in global platforms, powertrains and technology and partnerships complementing Stellantis’ core strengths will optimize its manufacturing. Empowerment of regions and local teams with excellence in execution of FaSTLAne 2030 are central to long term growth and probability. Much of the plan is a continuation and expansion of initiatives undertaken after Stellantis posted a 2025 full year loss of  €22.3 Billion. The company’s brand challenges are ultimately at the whims of customers. A previous similar initiative at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) provoked a backlash from existing and former customers.**

“FaSTLAne 2030 is the result of months of disciplined work across the Company and is designed to drive long-term profitable growth. With the customer at the center of everything we do, the plan will deliver our purpose – ‘to move people with brands and products they love and trust’ – powered by our unique combination of strengths,” said Stellantis CEO Anthony Filosa. *** Continue reading

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Memorial Day Weekend Gas Prices Highest in Four Years

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As holiday travelers start running the roads today in record numbers, Memorial Day weekend gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years, according to the latest data from AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular is at $4.56, up 3 cents over last week and $1.38 higher than this time last year.*

“Current prices are close to what drivers were paying 4 years ago, when the national average on Memorial Day was $4.61. With gasoline demand on the rise and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pump prices are likely to remain elevated as the summer travel season gets underway,” AA said.** Continue reading

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Chinese Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles Coming to EU Via Stellantis

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and the Dongfeng Group today announced their intention to form a European joint venture for shared sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and engineering activities. The joint venture would take responsibility for the sales and distribution of Dongfeng’s Voyah-branded vehicles in designated markets in Europe. This would circumvent EU tariff’s on Chinese-made vehicles. [Stellantis and Dongfeng Group recently announced the production of all-new Peugeot and Jeep models in China for the domestic market and export – AutoCrat]*

“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership to the benefit of customers around the world,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing, leveraging the best of Stellantis’ global footprint alongside Dongfeng’s access to China’s advanced new energy vehicles ecosystem.” Continue reading

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Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover Sign MOU on Tech Development

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States. Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, Stellantis and JLR said they will explore collaboration opportunities to create synergies across product and technology development, leveraging the companies’ complementary strengths to create value for both organizations. JLR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited, part of Tata Sons. * [Ironically, some call this the Revenge of the RAJ. That’s when the British Crown ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947 – AutoCrat. ]

“By working with partners to explore synergies in areas such as product and technology development, we can create meaningful benefits for both sides while remaining focused on delivering the products and experiences our customers love,” said Antonio Filosa, Chief Executive Officer of Stellantis. Continue reading

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Volvo Cars and Google Gemini Add AI Tech

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Volvo Cars said today that it and Google aim to create a new generation of contextually aware driving experiences by bringing together the best of their respective technologies, leveraging the latest advancements in AI and Google Gemini. Immersive Navigation from Google Maps also will first be available in the Volvo EX60, EX90 and ES90.*

“The EX60 provides an ideal platform to explore the future of contextually aware driving experiences,” said Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars. “Working closely with Google as a lead device partner allows us to help bring the latest advances in AI into the automotive environment faster and more collaboratively than ever before.”** Continue reading

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HondaJet APMG S Upgrade Expands to Mexico

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Honda Aircraft Company said today that the so-called APMG S program (footnote 1) is now available to owners in both the U.S. and Mexico of HondaJet Classic and APMG aircraft. This improves performance and adds the capabilities of recent technical innovations.*

“We are excited to provide our customers in Mexico the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations of the award-winning HondaJet,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “We are pursuing additional international certifications and hope to expand availability of the APMG S upgrade package to more HondaJet customers around the world soon.” Continue reading

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May 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast is Down Again

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S&P Global Mobility’s May forecast has altered to an oil price scenario that assumes a more sustained impact through 2027, increasing pressure on vehicle demand, production costs, and supply chains. This is a modification from an earlier forecast from the respected consultancy that assumed the Iranian war and the Strait of Hormuz shut down would have only temporary negative effects on the global auto industry. [S&P Global Mobility is different from S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global- AutoCrat.]*

“For May, S&P Global Mobility has shifted to an oil price scenario that assumes a more sustained impact through 2027, increasing pressure on vehicle demand, production costs, and supply chains. There is some early evidence that automakers are pulling forward select production as a hedge against potential feedstock and parts shortages, though existing inventories and limited alternative supply sources are helping cushion the immediate effect,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility. “At the same time, region-specific challenges, especially weaker near-term demand in mainland China, are contributing to broader downward revisions across the short-term forecast horizon. The most meaningful cuts this month are concentrated in Greater China, Japan/Korea, and South Asia,” said Wall. Continue reading

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Chrysler Recalls Jeep Cherokee Models for PTU Failures

Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling ~62,000 2019-2023 model year Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The Dauch Corporation supplied power transfer unit (PTU) may fail resulting in the sudden loss of power or parked vehicle rollaways. The driver may notice a Service 4WD message, noise, vibration or change in drive quality.*

“Some 2019-2023 MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles may have been built with two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) which may fail internally,” FCA said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. “A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A vehicle that rolls in PARK can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning or injury to others outside the vehicle.”** Continue reading

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Coming Soon Chinese-Built Jeeps?

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Dongfeng Group today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement to expand their 34-year partnership through shared production of Peugeot and Jeep® vehicles in China for the Chinese market and for sales worldwide. The plan also includes the production at DPCA’s Wuhan plant of initially two Jeep®-branded off-road new energy vehicles for global markets, starting in 2027. [DPCA – Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile is a joint venture with Stellantis. Chinese automakers are now setting global trends. – AutoCrat] 

“With a track record of more than 30 years of collaboration and shared automotive expertise, Stellantis and Dongfeng are ready to further leverage their strengths and introduce all-new vehicles with cutting-edge EV technologies from brands that customers worldwide trust and love,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “We look forward to this project and to collaborate even more in the future.” Continue reading

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BMW N.A. Starts Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Sites

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BMW of North America (XETRA: BMWG.DE) today announced the launch of a preferred pricing program  for BMW and MINI EVs at IONNA charging locations across the U.S.*

“BMW firmly believes in an electric future, and it’s no secret that reliable high-speed charging infrastructure remains essential to the continued growth of the electric vehicle market,” said Shaun Bugbee, Executive Vice President, BMW of North America. “We currently offer one of the broadest portfolios of premium electric vehicles in the U.S., with the next-generation BMW iX3 arriving in the U.S. later this year. As our electric vehicle offerings continue to expand, initiatives like this help ensure our customers enjoy a seamless ownership experience wherever they travel.”** Continue reading

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