HondaJet Flies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel!

Posted on 13 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Honda Aircraft Company today announced it has become the first twin-turbine very light business jet manufacturer to fly the HondaJet on a successful test flight running a 100% blend of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). HondaJet aircraft currently in service have been operated by customers on approved SAF blends of up to 50%. GE Honda Aero successfully completed tests of the HF120 engine on the ground utilizing 100% SAF fuel blends in 2022 and 2023, providing an early demonstration of the feasibility of the HondaJet’s recent test flight.*

“We are immensely proud of our Honda Aircraft Company engineering team carrying forward our commitment to the future of aviation by demonstrating that the HondaJet is capable of operating on a 100% SAF blend,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “This achievement is a step toward aligning our business activities with the global Honda goal of decarbonizing our business activities by 2050.”** Continue reading →

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Stellantis Post Q3 2025 Shipments of 1.3M

Posted on 10 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Post Q3 2025 Shipments of 1.3M

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Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) today released its Q3 consolidated shipment estimates. “Shipments” is the volume of vehicles delivered to dealers, distributors, or directly from the Company to retail and fleet customers, which results in revenue recognition. Consolidated shipments for the three months ending September 30, 2025, were an estimated 1.3 million units, a 13% increase y-o-y. Most of the increase was driven by North America, also supported by year-over-year shipment growth in Enlarged Europe and Middle East & Africa. Business environment and competitive challenges remain in China and South America.*

“Consolidated shipment volumes for Q3 2025 here are unaudited and may be adjusted,” Stellantis said in a minimalist press release. Continue reading →

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Genesis Opens California Design Studio

Posted on 10 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Genesis today announced the opening of Genesis Design California in El Segundo. This small new design studio house 45 team members and will focus on the North American market. It’s a milestone for the growth of the brand, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, while caught in the crossfire of Trump’s trade wars.

“Genesis Design California embeds our team directly in the U.S. market, ensuring we design vehicles that truly resonate with North American customers,” said José Muñoz, president & CEO of Genesis. “The investment in this facility and the jobs it is creating are emblematic of our long-term commitment to North America. In just 10 short years, Genesis has created an innovative design identity tied directly to its Korean cultural heritage. This studio will play a central role in shaping generations of new products that deepen the emotional connection between our brand and the customers we serve.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Mercedes Joins Renewable Carbon Initiative

Posted on 10 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) is apparently the first automotive company to join the “Renewable Carbon Initiative” (RCI). Founded by the nova-Institute, the initiative brings together industry leaders from the chemical, energy and automotive sectors. Together, they share a common goal: to completely replace fossil-carbon sources with renewable alternatives derived from biomass, CO2 utilization, and recycling. Mercedes termed it a “Strategic partnership with industry leaders” including BASF, Covestro, Michelin and Continental.*

“Joining the ‘Renewable Carbon Initiative’ is an important step in driving the transition to renewable carbon sources and working with strong partners to develop innovative, fossil-free solutions,” said Dr. Ulf Zillig, Vice President Group Research, Sustainability and RD Functions, Mercedes-Benz AG. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sales Tank in China. So-So Elsewhere

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche (P911.DE) said today that a total of 212,509 cars were delivered to customers worldwide between January and September, of which 35.2% were electrified (+12.8 percentage points). Porsche (P911.DE) said today that a total of 212,509 cars were delivered to customers worldwide between January and September, of which 35.2% were electrified (+12.8 percentage points). However, in China the world’s largest market, Porsche has lost its once gleaming image and lucrative sales results. In China, 32,195 cars were delivered to customers (-26%.) The primary Porsche excuses for this decline “remain the challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, and the intense competition in the Chinese market.” The gleam is also fading elsewhere for Porsche. Will losses follow?

“Porsche continues to maintain robust delivery figures this year. The level is in line with our expectations, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical and economic conditions,“ claimed Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “In the coming months, our customers can look forward to many exceptional product offerings. We recently unveiled the new 911 Turbo S at the IAA, the range-topping version of our iconic sports car. This strengthens our brand core. Demand for the new flagship is very strong, and the car has received a lot of praise from the media and prospective customers.” Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Bolt Returns as 2027 Model at ~$30,000

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General Motors confirmed today that it is bringing back the Chevrolet Bolt.* Its predecessor one of the industry’s most popular electric vehicles. With a starting launch model MSRP [footnote 1 below] of $29,990 (including $1395 DFC) for a 2027 Bolt LT, Chevy has an affordable American EV at a time when vehicle prices are escalating and affordability is a growing auto industry problem. Later in the model year, a less expensive LT trim will be available with a starting MSRP [1] of $28,995 (including $1395 DFC).

“The Chevrolet Bolt was the industry’s first affordable mass-market, long-range EV and it commanded one of GM’s most loyal customer bases thanks to its price, versatility and practicality,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “After production ended, we heard our customer’s feedback and their love for this product. So the Bolt is coming back, by popular demand and better than ever, for a limited time. Continue reading →

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Negative Consequences – Trump Tariffs on Input Goods

Posted on 9 October 2025 by Ken Zino

This just in: Tariffs generate less revenue and more efficiency losses than income taxes.*

“While income taxes have been the cornerstone of U.S. federal tax policy since the early 20th century, the Trump administration is shifting tax burdens away from income taxes and toward import taxes. Kimberly A. Clausing of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute estimate that a U.S. effective tariff rate of 20% would generate roughly $300 billion in revenue per year, which amounts to less than one-sixth of the revenue raised annually by personal income taxes. Tariffs also generate considerable deadweight losses—expanding import-competing sectors and shrinking export and non-traded goods sectors—that will amount to approximately $113 billion per year, or more than one-third of the revenue raised by the tariffs. Continue reading →

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Bosch Puts Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Into Service

Posted on 8 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Bosch said today that it has taken another step toward climate-friendly logistics. Its Nuremberg plant recently started using a fuel-cell electric truck in plant traffic. The truck is equipped with the Bosch fuel-cell power module (FCPM). [The Germans, who once scoffed at Japanese technological prowess  appear to be trailing them in fuels cells – AutoCrat.]*

“When we decided to make our plant traffic more climate-friendly, it was clear that we wanted a truck featuring Bosch’s FCPM,” said Alexander Weichsel, the commercial plant manager in Nuremberg. “This deployment is an important building block that helps us reduce our emissions in logistics. The fact that several thousand trucks with Bosch fuel-cell systems are already on the road worldwide shows that the concept is proving its worth.” Continue reading →

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First FIA Extreme H World Cup Starts Tomorrow

Posted on 8 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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The first-ever FIA Extreme H World Cup kicks-off tomorrow, Thursday 9 October, with the Time Trial contest.* Eight teams and 16 drivers have been getting their first runs of the new Pioneer 25 hydrogen-powered race car in Qiddiya City ahead of the real racing.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been great to hear the teams are talking about how to get the best performance out of the car, rather than talking about reliability issues,” explained Mark Grain, Technical Director, FIA Extreme H World Cup. “The drivers are using all the tools that are available to them, the new tools like the Fox live valve and those damper maps are actively being used. The more toys you can give great racing drivers, the better – they love all this.”** Continue reading →

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First Look -Volvo Car USA 2026 EV Lineup

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Volvo Car USA today announced details of its 2026 fully electric lineup with upgrades to the 2026 Volvo EX90, as well as the arrival of the EX30 Cross Country and Single Motor variants for U.S. customers.*

“The 2026 EX90 has a new 800-volt electrical architecture that delivers faster, more efficient charging**- adding up to 155 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a compatible 800-volt charging station. This figure is the typical time to charge from 10 to 80 % at a 153kW DC fast charging station (CCS2). Figures are preliminary and derived from estimates and calculations performed for the Volvo EX30,” Volvo Cars said. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Group Posts So-So Q3 Sales

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported Q3 2025 retail sales of 73,500 passenger cars. Year-to- date, U.S. retail sales to customers rose 6% to 223,800 units, helped by strong demand for Mercedes-Benz SUVs and expensive models. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported third quarter 2025 sales of 9500 units. The MBUSA overall total is 83,000 units retailed in the third quarter. Mercedes-Benz Group globally sold 441,500 cars in Q3 2025. [This gives the bragging rights to BMW Group at 588,300 – AutoCrat. Read AutoInformed.com on: BMW Group – Small Sales Increase YTD. Board Slashes Outlook] 

“With sustained strong demand across our entire product lineup, our third-quarter sales results demonstrate the strength of the Mercedes-Benz brand and reflect the hard work and determination of our employees and outstanding dealer partners. We remain focused on consistently delivering our customers class-leading products and benchmark experiences with our 2026 models now arriving, including the stunning Mercedes- Maybach SL 680 at the very top end of the portfolio through to a highly compelling new all-electric entry point to the brand with the CLA that will reach U.S. dealerships before the end of the year,” said Adam Chamberlain, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Continue reading →

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BMW Group Sales – Small Increase YTD. Board Cuts Outlook

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group - Small Sales Increase YTD. Board Slashes Outlook

Maybe the framing should be a roller coaster – AutoCrat?

The BMW Group today posted Q3 Sales that increase of +8.8%. From January to September 2025, the BMW Group delivered a total of ~1.8 million BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers, This is a sales growth of only +2.4%. During the same period, the company increased sales of fully-electric vehicles by +10.0% to 323,447 units. Between January and September, the BMW Group delivered a total of 470,313 electrified vehicles (BEV and PHEV) to customers (+15.0%). However, the Board of Management of BMW AG today changed the outlook downward for the 2025 financial year. (Read AutoInformed.com on: BMW Group Q1 2025 Earnings Drop 25%) 

“The BMW Group reported a slight sales increase for the year to the end of September. The strong sales performance in Europe and the Americas, as well as for the MINI brand, is particularly encouraging. Demand for our wide range of electrified vehicles also remains strong,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. Continue reading →

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Porsche Dumps World Endurance Cup!

Posted on 7 October 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche AG (P911.DE)* said this morning will in future focus on two factory projects in motorsport. Porsche Motorsport will run the Porsche 99X Electric in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Porsche will also run 963 in the North American IMSA WeatherTech series SportsCar Championship. The surprise move abandons some racing that Porsche was long involved with. Porsche Penske Motorsport will end its involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the current season. (However, the cost of new model introductions as well as Trump’s tariff wars and formidable Chinese competition on EVs, dividends for shareholders no doubt weighed heavily on the retreat – AutoCrat.)**

“We very much regret that, due to the current circumstances, we will not be continuing our involvement in the WEC after this season,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman and Member of the Executive Board Research and Development, Porsche AG. Steiner has been at Porsche since 2002 after leaving Daimler AG. Continue reading →

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Toyota Tacoma Recall for Bad Driveshafts

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling 5960 model-year 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles. The front driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joint may deform and break.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with front driveshaft assemblies that include a constant-velocity joint (CV joint), which uses a ball cage in a bearing sub-assembly. A specific supplier [GKN Driveline Mexico – AutoCrat] used incorrect material during a specific production period that did not meet the specification for the ball cage. Under normal driving conditions, the ball cage could deform or break,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Fires – BMW Recall for Starter Motor Overheating

Posted on 6 October 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling 145,102 model-year 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the DENSO Europe supplied starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload. (This is a recall of a previous recall – AutoCrat. Read BMW Recalls More than 100,000 SUVs, Cars for Software Glitch)

“This safety recall involves the engine starter. In certain cases, the engine starter may not start the vehicle properly. These improper starting attempts could result in local overheating of the engine starter,” BMW said in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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