Tag Archives: autoinformed.com

GM Posts Strong YTD 2025 U.S. Sales

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 7% in the second quarter and 12% in the 2025 first half. GM led the U.S. automotive industry in total and retail sales in the year’s first six months, with sales growth well ahead of the estimated 4% total auto industry growth. This is in sharp contrast to Ford Motor Company claims today and is the result of selective use of categories and time periods by both companies.

“The investments we have made in our crossovers, SUVs, and pickups – both gas and electric – along with great execution by our employees, suppliers and dealers, have made GM the engine of growth for the U.S. industry this year,” said Duncan Aldred, GM senior VP and president of North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that Q2 sales rose 14.2%, largely because of sales of trucks and SUVs. Ford claimed that it was well ahead of the U.S. industry in Q2 by increasing, sales ~10 times the estimated 1.4% industry increase. It also said it expanded market share to an estimated 14.3%, up 1.8 percentage points compared to Q1 2025. Continue reading →

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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

Posted on 30 June 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.

“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“The across-the-board decrease in visibility for this small group of models is concerning. We need to investigate whether this is a broader trend that may have contributed to the recent spike in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “This study also illustrates that the new method developed by IIHS gives researchers a straightforward, repeatable way to assess driver visibility,” he added. Continue reading →

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1908 Echoed at Cadillac?

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“This week Cadillac said the CELESTIQ represents a new era of ultra-luxury at Cadillac. Each CELESTIQ embodies the ultimate expression of Cadillac technology, performance, refinement and innovation. Working with a CELESTIQ concierge, and with available curation assistance from a Cadillac designer, each client has the opportunity to create an entirely unique CELESTIQ to fit their tastes and desires,” Cadillac claimed. Continue reading →

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Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200. The first-ever QX60 SPORT grade, which elevates the model with its “most statement-making appearance yet,” is priced from $61,700. The QX60 is offered in four grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. Destination and handling charge on all grades adds $1350.

“QX60 continues to be a cornerstone of our lineup and a compelling choice for today’s premium SUV buyer,” said Brian Maragno, director, Product Marketing, Infiniti USA. “Accounting for 45% of Infiniti sales last quarter, QX60 reflects our product strategy at work – blending bold design, advanced technology and thoughtful features that resonate with our Infiniti clients.” Continue reading →

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IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a Congressional hearing today.

“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading →

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Audi Adds AirConsole Gaming for Passengers

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

AirConsole and Audi claimed progress in the controversial area of in-car entertainment with the launch of AirConsole’s interactive gaming platform today. In Audi models equipped with a passenger display, Audi’s Active Privacy Mode, a so-called digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to perhaps prevent distraction, allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming now allows non-driving passengers to play throughout the ride. This electronic doodad now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Legacy – U.S. June Auto Sales Soft

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales during June 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,247,900, a slight 2.5% increase from June 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today.* June 2025 has 24 selling days, two fewer than June 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 5.4% from 2024.The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, up 0.2 million units from June 2024. Continue reading →

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ACEA – May 2025 EU Car Sales Flat. Tesla Down Again!

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino

During the May 2025 year-to-date (YTD) period, new EU car registrations fell by 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA at AutoInformed based on its original French name. Notably, the anti Elon Musk backlash continued as Tesla sales dropped to 13,863 from 19,227 or -27.9% YoY in May. Year-to Date sales of Musk-mobiles are off -37.1% at 75,196, down from 119,482 YoY.

The lobbying group of 15 major European automakers said that, “Nonetheless, year-on-year (YOY) registrations for May increased by 1.6% compared to the same month last year.” Continue reading →

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UAW Praises NYC Mayoral Runner Zohran Mamdani

Posted on 25 June 2025 by Ken Zino

In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran as the Democratic primary candidate for New York City mayor. At the time, the UAW noted that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform was to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare. This confirmed the UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters. On 30 May 2025, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed its support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first. It was to AutoInformed’s knowledge, the only major union to do so.* Continue reading →

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SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. {See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of  British political thinking.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading →

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First Look – 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall. Continue reading →

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First Look – Explorer Tremor Off Roader

Posted on 24 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“When we set out to develop an Explorer Tremor, we challenged ourselves to do something different. We wanted to build an off-road machine engineered to handle challenging terrain,” said Matthew Duffield, Explorer brand manager.

“Working closely with Brian Naspinsky, our Explorer Vehicle engineering manager, and his team, we set out to create an Explorer that could confidently tackle muddy trails, sandy beaches, and rocky mountain passes. We looked at every aspect of the vehicle, from its suspension and drivetrain to its underbody protection and technology, and made targeted improvements to enhance its off-road performance,” claimed Duffield. Continue reading →

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