Racing Return! McLaren MCL-HY 2027 WEC Hypercar Shown

Posted on 4 May 2026 by Ken Zino
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McLaren today showed the MCL-HY FIA Hypercar; the sports car that will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027. MCL-HY is also the underpinning for an exclusive track car derivative, dubbed the MCL-HY GTR, currently being offered to VIP McLaren clients through the Project: Endurance program.

“Years and months in the making and here we are, revealing the MCL-HY to the world. McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC. This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, INDY500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart,” said Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing. Continue reading →

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Death Risk – Honda Motor Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles

Posted on 4 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Death Risk – Honda Motor Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles

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American Honda is recalling model-year 2025-2026 Honda off-road motorcycles, according to the U.S.* Consumer Product Safety Commission. Motorcycle model numbers CRF250R/RX/RWE or CRF450R/RX/RWE have a risk of serious injury or death due to a crash hazard. The motorcycles were sold at Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from June 2024 through March 2026 for $8900 – $13,200.

The handlebar’s clamp can unexpectedly cause the handlebar to rotate. Consumers should stop using the recalled off-road motorcycles immediately and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and if necessary, a replacement of the handlebar’s clamp at the dealer’s location. Continue reading →

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May Day – UAW Strike Votes at American Axle, Woodward MPC

Posted on 1 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on May Day - UAW Strike Votes at American Axle, Woodward MPC

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UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, aka Dauch Corporation, today announced plans to hold a strike authorization vote starting 11 May. Results will be counted on 12 May, with the chance for workers to walk out of the Three Rivers plant starting May 31 when the current contract expires. Local 2093 members laid out their demands in a video released earlier in March, which include: no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better health care, stronger retirement, and job security. *

“UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle have been loyal to their company for decades and during these negotiations we are here for our fair share.” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “This company is making billions every year – these workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a record contract that’s long past due.” Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04

Posted on 1 May 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04

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Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today posted financial results Q1 2026. Sales increased 3% to U.S.$10.4 billion, while the global parts supplier dealt with a 7% decline in global light vehicle production. Diluted loss per share was $0.04 as Adjusted EPS increased 77% to $1.38. The Magna Board of Directors declared a first quarter dividend of $0.495 per Common Share. The dividend is payable on 29 May 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on 15 May 2026. In early trading on both exchanges Magna stock declined ~6%.*

“We delivered a strong start to 2026, driven by disciplined execution, margin expansion and robust free cash flow generation. Our actions to further refine our portfolio, including the announced dispositions within Power & Vision, reinforce our focus on long-term value creation,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna CEO. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X To Pace 110th Indianapolis 500

Posted on 30 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X To Pace 110th Indianapolis 500

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A 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X will lead the field to the green flag for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday 24 May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.*

“Having America’s sports car, the Corvette, pacing the field feels especially fitting this year as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said IndyCar and IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “With race car-like performance, the Corvette ZR1X is the perfect choice to pace the field of 33 in the Indianapolis 500.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts Q1 2026 Net Profit of €0.4 Billion

Posted on 30 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts Q1 2026 Net Profit of €0.4 billion

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) today reported Q1 2026 financial results that show a slight year-over-year improvement.* Net revenues increased 6% year-over-year to €38.1 billion, with improved performance in North America, as well as gains in Enlarged Europe and Middle East & Africa. Net profit increased to €0.4 billion from volume growth and stronger operating performance. As with all global automakers, Stellantis is struggling with trade and tariff wars, as well as the consequences of mid-eastern region military actions. (see footnotes 1 – 10 below)

“As we initiate quarterly reporting, the first three months of 2026 reflect the early results of our actions to return Stellantis to sustainable, profitable growth. The products we launched in 2025 have been well received and we’re confident that the 10 new vehicles planned for 2026 will build on this momentum,” said CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading →

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AAA – Weekly Average Pump Gas Prices Up 27 Cents!

Posted on 30 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AAA – Weekly Average Pump Gas Prices Up 27 Cents!

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Gas prices are going back up again, according to the latest data from AAA. The national average is $1.12 higher than it was at this time last year. Oil prices are above $100/barrel.*

“After ticking down for nearly two weeks, gas prices are going back up again with the national average seeing a 27-cent hike in one week. The national average is $1.12 higher than it was this time last year, as oil prices surge above $100/barrel with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Gas prices are the highest they’ve been in four years since late July 2022,” AAA said in a release.** Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q1 2026 Operating Net of $2.5B

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford Motor Posts Q1 2026 Operating Net of $2.5B

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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today reported Q1 revenue of $43.3 billion with a net income of $2.5 billion. The Net income of $2.5 billion and adjusted EBIT of $3.5 billion reflect a $1.3 billion one-time IEEPA tariff benefit,  and what was claimed as a strong product mix and net pricing, with growth in software and physical services. [Much of the improvement can be attributed to Ford’s robust truck businesses – AutoCrat]*

“Our strong first-quarter results and raised full-year guidance reflect the momentum of the Ford+ plan,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “We built the foundation for a more modern, resilient Ford, improving cost and quality and building our world-class team. We are well- prepared to deliver for our customers and shareholders as we enter one of the most intensive product, software and physical services rollouts in our history.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts Q1 2026 Net of $234.5M

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Penske Automotive Group Posts Q1 2026 Net of $234.5M

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Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), a diversified international transportation services company and one of the world’s premier automotive and commercial truck retailers, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2026. For the quarter, revenue was $7.9 billion compared to $8.0 billion for the same period in 2025. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $234.5 million compared to $257.7 million for the same period in 2025, and related earnings per share was $3.56 compared to $3.86 for the same period in 2025.*

“In the first quarter of 2026, our business delivered over 126,000 retail automotive and commercial truck units, generated $7.9 billion in revenue and $323.7 million in earnings before taxes. During the quarter, we continued to demonstrate a flexible approach to capital allocation by completing the acquisition of two Lexus dealerships in the Orlando metropolitan area of Central Florida, increasing the dividend paid to stockholders by 1.4% and repurchasing 170,393 shares of common stock,” said Chair Roger Penske.** Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Q1 2026 Earnings per Share Rise

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Q1 2026 Earnings per Share Rise

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today posted group operating income (EBIT) of SEK 1.6 billion and EBIT margin of 2.2% for the first quarter of 2026.* Volvo Cars strength in electric cars and cost and cash actions helped the improvement at the struggling Chines-owned automaker.** As with all global automakers, Volvo is  operating under a challenging external political environment, such as the President Trump’s Iranian war, tariffs, heavy competition, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

“The first quarter of 2026 shows a divide between what we can control and a very challenging external environment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “The areas we can control continued to improve in Q1. Our BEV share increased to a class-leading level and we delivered a strong momentum in our cost and cash actions.” Continue reading →

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GM Canada to Build Next-Generation Truck V8 Engines

Posted on 29 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Canada to Build Next-Generation Truck V8 Engines

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General Motors Canada (NYSE: GM) said today that it is investing C$691 million in its St. Catharines Propulsion Plant to support production of the sixth generation of General Motors’ V8 engine, which will power GM full-size trucks and SUVs. Yesterday, GM reported strong sales and earnings for Q1 2026 bolstered in part by sales of such vehicles. Complicating GM’s global strategy is the Trump mis-administration’s repudiation of the successful North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its subsequent revision proposed, promoted and signed by President Trump known in the U.S. as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)*

“Today’s announcement confirms St. Catharines will play a key role in one of our core vehicle programs for years to come, and it reflects General Motors’ confidence in the St. Catharines team and their proud 74-year legacy of powering our most popular vehicles,” said Jack Uppal, president and managing director, GM Canada.** Continue reading →

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IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

Posted on 28 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS – Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Speeding

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Drivers are more likely to use their phones while speeding, a tendency that increases crash risk by combining two dangerous behaviors, according to a new study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.*

“Until now, safety experts believed drivers used their cellphones most at slower speeds,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “But data from insurance companies’ safe-driving apps show that, in free-flowing traffic, the opposite is true.”** Continue reading →

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GM Posts $2.6B Q1Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

Posted on 28 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Posts $2.6B Q1 Net on $46.3B Revenue. Ups Guidance

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General Motors (NYSE: GM)* today reported Q1 2026 revenue of $43.6 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $2.6 billion, and EBIT-adjusted number of $4.3 billion. This was an EPS of $3.70 compared analyst’s predictions $2.61. The company is raising its full-year 2026 EBIT adjusted guidance due to a favorable adjustment of a~$0.5 billion resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding certain U.S. tariffs that were paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.**

“We have solid momentum in our core operations. We maintained overall sales leadership in the U.S. and Canada. We led the U.S. industry in full-size pickup sales and share, with 42% of the market, and we were #1 in Fleet, including Commercial deliveries. In addition, we were Number Two in EVs with growing market share, and Number One in Canada,” said CEO and Chair Mary Barra. Continue reading →

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NHRA Charlotte – Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

Posted on 27 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHRA Charlotte - Cobra Jet 2200 fastest EV in 1320 Feet

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At the NHRA Charlotte competition this weekend, a Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 ran an ET of 6.76s with a top speed of 222 mph in the quarter mile, the fastest EV time. [Slower than Pro Stock – AutoCrat]. Reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta shattered the track speed record in the final round en route to the win on Sunday at zMAX Dragway, beating a talent laden final quad of Shawn Langdon, Tony Stewart, and Leah Pruett at the 16th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the fourth of 20 races during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.*

“This was our opportunity to put Cobra Jet 2200 in front of fans, racers, media, and the broader performance community to show what this program is capable of in the environment where it matters most.” said Nick Kuhajda, Ford Racing Engineering Manager, Electric VehicleDemonstrators. (sic)” Continue reading →

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Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

Posted on 27 April 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Revises Full Fiscal-Year Profit Up to Loss of ¥550B

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Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today updated to its full‑year financial outlook for the Japanese fiscal 2025, ending 31 March 2026. The revised outlook reflects an upward adjustment to the forecast announced on 12 February 2026. It still is projecting a sizeable operating loss.*

“The revision uplifts operating profit for fiscal year 2025 from the previously forecasted negative 60 billion yen to positive 50 billion yen. The improvement mainly reflects a one-time positive impact from changes to U.S. emissions regulations, along with ongoing cost reductions and favorable foreign exchange effects,” Nissan said.** Continue reading →

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