Porsche – Happy Birthday Hans-Joachim Stuck

Posted on 30 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that on 1 January 2026, the long-time Porsche works driver Hans-Joachim Stuck will celebrate his 75th birthday. He is also known as “Strietzel,” a type of Bavarian honey cake.*

“Hans-Joachim Stuck has done a great deal for Porsche. His performances over long distances, in particular his success at the wheel of the Porsche 962, still count as some of the seminal moments in Porsche motorsport history,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best for his 75th birthday.” Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Mavericks, Escapes, Mach Es, Transits, Broncos

Posted on 29 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more then ~52,000 vehicles for a variety of quality problems according to mandatory safety defect recall filings  made public the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Ford is operating under a consent order from NHTSA because of its previous handing of recalls. However, Ford has been pursuing defective vehicles with diligence for some time now. 

The largest recall announced today involves 2025-2026 Mustang Mach E vehicles. The Chinese-made [Zhe Jiang Keboda Industry Corp – AutoCrat] Light Driver Control Module B (LDCMB) may fail, preventing the turn signals, daytime running lights, low beam, and high beam headlights from illuminating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Kia and Times Square New Year Partyers

Posted on 29 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Kia America said today that the new 2027 Telluride flagship SUV and workers from the Telluride’s assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, will join New Year’s Eve revelers in Times Square. the 2027 Telluride made its official world debut at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show and is expected to arrive in the United States in Q1 2026.*

“The Telluride signaled Kia’s arrival in the top tier of the world’s automotive manufacturers as the rarest of flagship vehicles to serve as a symbol of innovation and challenge while also being as attainable as it is attractive,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “We are pleased to celebrate our Kia Georgia Team Members at the turn of the New Year as both the Telluride and the change in calendar are transformative points in the Kia journey. The dedication of Team Members at our plant in West Point, Georgia, is what made the Telluride the success that it is today and has helped demand grow each and every year.” Continue reading →

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December U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Down. Global Sales Up

Posted on 29 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on December U.S. Vehicle Sales Forecast Down. Global Sales Up

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U.S. new-vehicle sales for December 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,454,000, a 7.5% decrease year over year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. December 2025 has 26 selling days, one more than December 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days shows a decrease of 3.8% from 2024. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total U.S. new-vehicle sales is forecast at 15.9 million units, down 1.1 million from December 2024 as the Trump slump continues.*

“December caps a year marked by volatility, as the industry continues to deal with the consequences of import tariffs and changes to electric vehicle legislation. To say it’s been a sales roller coaster of a year would be an understatement,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. “Fears of future tariff-related price hikes caused sales to jump by 173,000 vehicles between March and April, followed by a sales slowdown in subsequent months. Another sales jump occurred between August and September as 304,200 electric vehicle shoppers made purchases before the September 30 expiration of federal EV tax credits, followed by another sales slowdown whose effects are still being felt in December.” Continue reading →

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Mazda Axes Advance, Production and Design Modeling Studios

Posted on 29 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T)* announced on 26 December organizational changes that eliminates its traditional Advance, Production and Design Modeling Studios, among other moves, that are effective 1 January 2026. This is part of the so-called Mazda 2030 Vision, an ongoing business recovery strategy. Results so far are slight. Consider the disastrous financial results for the first half of the Japanese fiscal year ending 31 March 2026 1 (April 2025 through 30 September 2025). Global sales volume was 609,000 units, down 3% year-over-year. The operating loss was ¥53.9 billion. The net loss attributable to owners of the parent company was ¥45.3 billion.

“The timing of the Japan-US auto tariff reduction was later than initially expected, which had an impact of ¥10.3 billion. As a result, although we aimed for break-even in the second quarter, we posted an operating loss of ¥7.8 billion. We see the second quarter result establishing a foundation for turnaround in the second half of the year,” MMC said. Continue reading →

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Detroit Auto Show 2026 – Winners of HS Poster Contest

Posted on 26 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Detroit Auto Show 2026 - Winners of HS Poster Contest

Art Deco Pizza Box – AutoCrat? Click to enlarge.

The Detroit Auto Show (DAS) just before Christmas announced the winners of its 2026 High School Poster Contest, a statewide competition looking at the next generation of creative talent. The winners will be formally recognized during a special on-stage ceremony at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show on Sunday, January 18, at Huntington Place.*

“Open to high school students across Michigan, the contest invited young artists to submit original poster designs inspired by the Detroit Auto Show and the future of the automotive industry. The winning artwork reflects a wide range of perspectives, creativity, and technical skill, reinforcing Detroit’s role as both the automotive capital of the world and a hub for design innovation. The Detroit Auto Show received 208 entries from 47 high schools,” DAS said. Continue reading →

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Rising EV Sales Deepen Need for Charging Systems

Posted on 24 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Rising EV Sales Deepen Need for Charging Systems

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The global EV charging infrastructure market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.6% from 5.8 million units in 2025 to 11.0 million units in 2030, forecasts GlobalData, the respected consultancy. Countries such as the US and China have seen especially fast growth in EV uptake, supported by substantial public investment in charging infrastructure. [This despite the politicization of EVs by the King Trump Administration. Perchance it should be renamed the King Canute Administration. – AutoCrat]*

“Global outlook for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) remains strong, supported by increasing consumer uptake, fast-paced technology advances, and supportive government policies. BEV sales are projected to rise significantly, growing the worldwide EV fleet over the coming years in line with existing policy directions and driving higher battery demand. While China continues to lead the market, demand is spreading more broadly, with meaningful growth in both emerging economies and mature markets such as the EU and the UK,” said Rehaan Shiledar, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData.** Continue reading →

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ACEA – EU November Car Sales Flat. Tesla Wilts

Posted on 23 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on ACEA - EU November Car Sales Flat. Tesla Wilts

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During November 2025 year-to-date (YTD), new EU car registrations *increased by a mere 1.4% compared to the same period last year, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].*8 Tesla during November dropped -34.2% at 12,130 units continuing its flat spin downward. YTD at 129,024 Tesla is off -38.8%.

“Despite the recent positive momentum, overall volumes remain well below pre-pandemic levels,” ACEA** said in a release. “The battery-electric car market share reached 16.9% YTD, in line with projections for the year, yet a level that still leaves room for growth to stay on track with the transition.” Continue reading →

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Honda Aircraft Company Offers Performance Upgrade Package

Posted on 22 December 2025 by Ken Zino
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Honda Aircraft Company* has announced the HondaJet APMG S, a new performance upgrade package for owners and operators of HondaJet Classic and HondaJet APMG (Advanced Performance Modification Group) aircraft. This provides operators of  early production HondaJets, the prospect of  upgrading their aircraft with technical innovations introduced on more recent iterations of the platform, such as the HondaJet Elite S. The APMG S modifications package has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as of the time of publication for installation on aircraft registered in the United States of America, with foreign certification planned to follow. [Hardly surprising given Honda’s heritage of innovation and advancement– AutoCrat]

“Honda Aircraft Company has challenged itself to provide our customers with top-level performance from the time the very first HondaJet rolled off the production line,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and Large Project Leader for HondaJet Echelon. “As we approach the tenth anniversary of our first HondaJet delivery, we are excited to provide our customers the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations of the award-winning HondaJet. We are also pleased to offer multiple interior refurbishment options to further enhance aircraft receiving APMG S modifications at our Greensboro Service Center in order to build on aircraft asset value and ownership appeal. By combining these service items, we can economize labor and downtime for our valued customers.”** Continue reading →

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November 2025 UK Vehicle Production Plunges

Posted on 19 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on November 2025 UK Vehicle Production Plunges

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UK vehicle production* fell by -14.3% in November with 65,932 units leaving factory lines, according to data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).** The decline was the result of a slight reduction in car output, down -1.7% to 63,126 units, and a much steeper -78.0% drop in commercial vehicle (CV) output, with just 2806 units produced – 9943 fewer than in the same month last year.

“Car production is normalizing following August’s cyber incident and, with the manufacture of a new EV model starting this week in Sunderland, the sector can look forward with some optimism. [read about Britain’s largest auto employer – Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing – AutoCrat] Growth is expected next year, with the industry poised to reap the benefits of recent UK government backing – notably new funding, modernized trade deals and efforts to reduce energy costs. The growth this package seeks to create, however, would be undermined if the UK becomes the main unintended victim of new EU local content requirements. We must instead work on a pragmatic and inclusive approach, one which protects and enhances competitiveness across the European automotive ecosystem,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading →

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US New-Vehicle Sales Q4 Forecast Down in 2025. Year Up a Tad

Posted on 19 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on US New-Vehicle Sales Q4 Forecast Down in 2025. Year Up a Tad

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December new-vehicle sales are expected to finish down from last year, but the pace should pick up slightly from previous months and help push total new-vehicle sales in 2025 above year-ago levels, according to the Cox Automotive forecast.* The December seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales (SAAR) is expected to finish near 15.9 million, down from last year’s 16.8 million pace but up from November’s 15.6 million level. Sales volume in December is expected to fall 3.5% from last December. The calendar year 2025 was defined by instability as Trump administration policies fueled insecurity in the automotive market, causing sales to fluctuate sharply.**

“Despite challenges, 2025 has been a good year for new-vehicle sales,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “The fourth quarter is showing the expected slowdown, as headwinds from tariffs, inflation and reduced EV incentives weigh on the market after nine surprisingly strong months. Still, consumer demand has kept the new-vehicle market healthy throughout 2025.”** Continue reading →

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Toyota to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

Posted on 19 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

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Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* said today that it intends to begin introducing three models produced in the United States to the Japanese market starting in 2026. Targeted the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup truck.** As part of planning, Toyota will also make use of a new system being considered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism following bilateral negotiations.***

“The Camry sedan combines sophisticated design with comfort, while boasting outstanding fuel efficiency. This global Toyota model has remained a top seller in the United States for many years. The Highlander is a three-row SUV popular with families, featuring a spacious interior and excellent off-road ability that can handle anything from city driving to the great outdoors. Toyota has decided to reintroduce these two models, which were previously sold in the Japanese market until 2023 and 2007, respectively.” Toyota said. [It’s not clear if any significant volume will result. In fact, it’s unlikely for the large SUV and pickup – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs

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Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR)* said today that it is the only automaker to offer Qi2 wireless charging in the U.S. with 2026 versions of the Pathfinder and Murano. (1 Pathfinder. 2 Murano. See Inevitable footnotes below.)**

“It’s a common frustration: placing a phone in a wireless charger, only to arrive with it hardly charged, or worse – overheated or shifted out of place. The Qi2 (pronounced chee-two) wireless charger is a huge step forward. One major difference from previous-generation chargers is easy to spot: The Qi2 charger features a raised magnetic circle. This holds phones in place with the magnetized back of iPhones (12 and newer), Google Pixels (10 and newer) and Android devices with compatible accessory cases, Nissan said in a release. Continue reading →

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Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

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Electrify America* has announced plans to support WS Development with its white-label electric vehicle (EV) charging ‘solution’ in the launch of 15 Hyper-Fast electric vehicle (EV) stations across the United States. installation will begin in Massachusetts this winter followed by 15 properties across the U.S.

“Partnering with Electrify America allows us to take another meaningful step toward making sustainability part of the everyday experience at our properties,” said Jake Stahl, Chief Financial Officer of WS Development. “We’re proud to offer our visitors the convenience of fast, reliable EV charging while investing in clean energy solutions that support the future of our communities.”** Continue reading →

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Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump

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US Airlines net profit was $1.6 billion in Q3 2025, a decrease of profit compared to Q3 2024 of $2.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today.

“U.S. scheduled passenger airlines reported a third-quarter 2025 after-tax net income of $1.6 billion and a pre-tax operating profit of $2.7 billion. One year earlier, in the third quarter of 2024, the airlines reported an after-tax net income of $2.1 billion and a pre-tax operating profit of $3.1 billion,” BTS said in a release. Continue reading →

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