-
Recent Posts
- Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive
- Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs
- ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences
- Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring
- IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series
- Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026
- GM Canada Leadership Change – Jack Uppal new President
- Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground
- Happy Nightmare! Holiday Travel to Set New Record
- First Look – $34,995 Subaru Uncharted EV
- Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility
- Detroit Auto Show – Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project
- Genesis Recall for Sudden Unintended Braking
- Road Hazard – Ford Escape Liftgate Hinge Cover Recall
- Lando Norris Wins Formula One World Drivers’ Championship
Recent Comments
- Magna on its Share Repurchase Plan in reference to on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
- Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador on Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
- Gen 3 2026 Nissan Leaf Less than $30,000? | AutoInformed on Milestones – Nissan Begins Assembly of 2013 LEAF EV in Tennessee
- ACSI – Customer Satisfaction with Autos Dropping | AutoInformed on New DOGE Scorecard Announced to Track Trump
- Cadillac Off-Roader – Elevated Velocity | AutoInformed on Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV
Archives
Meta
Tag Archives: autoinformed.com
April 2025 Transportation Sector Unemployment Falls
Unemployment in the transportation sector was lower than overall unemployment. BLS reports that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in April 2025 was 3.9% or 0.3 percentage points above the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in April 2025 was 4.2%. (However, this was before the chaotic Trump tariff pandemic started by his executive order – AutoCrat.) Continue reading
GM Recalls 1.14 Million V8 Engines for Failures and Fires
General Motors is recalling more than a million V8 engines used in 2021 – 2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine (RPO L87). The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. This safety defect recall follows years of GM investigating the problem and concluding that no problem existed. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continued its investigation based on persistent complaints from users, NHTSA had an active engineering analysis open when GM made the recall decision.
In the required safety defect recall filing – only some of it was made public by NHTSA, GM said “Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.” The supplier will remain publicly unknown until all the documents are made public, which is likely next Monday in AutoInformed’s experience. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, litigation, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine failure recall, GM recall number N252494000, Ken Zino, NHTSA Campaign 25V274 or 24V-274, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs
“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW South Carolina plant Spartanburg, Dr. Robert Engelhorn, Ken Zino, Seven Million U.S. BMW ALPINA XB7, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
EU Commercial Vehicle Sales Weak in Q1
The first quarter of 2025 was feeble for EU’s commercial vehicle market looking at data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name.
“Significant declines in key markets along with sluggish economic growth, lower prior order intake, and the complex regulatory landscape contributed to the business uncertainty,” ACEA said. Continue reading
FuelCell Energy and Toyota Get DOE’s Better Project Award
FuelCell Energy and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today announced that the first-of-its-kind “Tri-gen” facility at the Port of Long Beach has received the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award.* Commissioned by Toyota and owned and operated by FuelCell Energy, Tri-gen produces three products for port vehicle processing operations at Toyota Logistics Services: renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen and usable water.
The Better Project Award is said to recognize accomplishments at individual facilities for innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing energy, water, and waste reduction efficiency measures. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, engineering, environment, global warming, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FuelCell Energy, Jason Few, Ken Zino, Tom Stricker, Toyota Motor North America, U.S. Department of Energy’s 2025 Better Project Award, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Honda 2026 CR-V Adds New TrailSport Hybrid
Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that the 2026 model year CR-V in four trim levels adds More standard equipment, and there will be a new TrailSport Hybrid. It uses fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system. The Honda CR-V lineup now includes three turbocharged trims: LX, EX and EX-L, plus four hybrid-powered trims: Sport Hybrid, the new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid. The hybrid-electric models are positioned at the top of the lineup and represent more than 50% of CR-V sales.
“Our best-selling Honda CR-V is now even more of an industry benchmark with the addition of a rugged new TrailSport model, which has proven to be incredibly popular on our light trucks,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before.”
Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, Honda 2026 CR-V, Jessika Laudermilk, Ken Zino, off-road SUVs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income
Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) today posted Q1 2025 financial results that showed record first quarter revenue with an increase of 2% to $7.6 Billion. Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 Million. Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $3.39.
“Our diversified international transportation services business generated record first quarter revenue, the seventh consecutive quarter of stable gross margin, and a 70-basis point improvement of adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit retailed remained consistent and strong with new vehicle gross declining only $87 per unit while used vehicle gross increased $352 per unit when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading
Posted in economy, financial results, mobility company, news, news analysis, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, NYSE: PAG, pag, Penske Automotive Group Q1 2025 financial results, Premier Truck Group, roger penske, Sytner Select, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Pace 109th Indianapolis 500
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will lead the field to the green flag for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday 25 May, Chevrolet announced today. Capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer is up for any challenge. Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, has been named honorary Pace Car driver and will pace the field of 33 drivers in the Corvette ZR1 to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
“Chevrolet is proud that the 2025 Corvette ZR1, our fastest Corvette ever, will be the Official Pace Car for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2025 race marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 22nd time overall, all since 1978, for what is arguably America’s sports car. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hoosier milk, INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles, Ken Zino, Michael Strahan, Scott Bell, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.
“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged at Citroën's Rennes plant, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact C-segment SUVs, Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross, Ken Zino, Stellantis STLA-medium platform, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
GM Cancels Q1 Earnings Call as Trump Chaos Prevails
General Motors (NYSE: GM) this morning cancelled its long scheduled Q1 earnings call for media, shareholders and analysts, as Trump Tariff Chaos prevailed in Michigan, a state experiencing growing inflation and unemployment from the Trump mis-administration. General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM mis-administration Trump Tariff Chaos, Ken Zino, Trump unemployment, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Toyota to Sell Fuel Cell Electric Class 8 Trucks in California
Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM) today at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo said it plans to introduce hydrogen trucks to the Southern California-based Toyota North American Parts Center fleet – NAPCC. This will be the North American debut of Toyota’s more efficient, more powerful Gen 3 FC system.
“Hydrogen as a fuel – and especially fuel cells – offer benefits that can make a positive change, and we are invested in their long-term success,” said Toyota Group Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Jordan Choby. “We are investing in resources that we believe will lead to sustainable growth, both for our operations and the entire value chain in this still-evolving transportation sector.”
Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, Air Liquide, Air Liquide’s hydrogen mobility plant in North Las Vegas, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jordan Choby, Ken Zino, Toyota Motor North America, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
McKinsey on EVs – China Most Advanced Region by Far
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing market share, cars are becoming more connected, and autonomous vehicles are gradually starting to appear on more streets worldwide. However, the transition to new technologies has not been without challenges and kinks, especially with consumer sentiment in the EV sector, according to the Annual Mobility Survey by the respected McKinsey & Company consultancy. Respondents came from China, Europe, and the United States. The 2025 survey released today is ongoing. It will eventually include respondents from nine countries [an unknown number of which Trump wants to takeover – AutoCrat].
“After rising rapidly for years, EV sales growth has slowed in many regions. Meanwhile, new competitors, especially those from China, are entering the EV market and attracting attention by offering innovative and technologically-sophisticated vehicles that are often more affordable than offerings from incumbents,” according to the detailed, multi-sourced McKinsey analysis.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, McKinsey & Company, McKinsey’s Automotive & Assembly Practice, Patrick Hertzke, Patrick Schaufuss, Philipp Kampshoff, the California Air Resource Board, the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility, Timo Möller, Trump Administration, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment
Seat Belt and Electrical Recalls from Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling a previous recall for fuse boxes, electronic stability control programming and driver’s side seat belt covers, according to documents made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. First, an incorrect fuse box that was not designed for the vehicle may have been installed. Second, the vehicle’s electronic stability program (ESP) may display an incorrect warning light during an ESP system failure. Third, the driver-side seat belt cover may not be properly installed on the seat belt tensioner, which can cause the seat belt anchor to come loose.
All told ~6700 vehicles are affected. NHTSA recall campaigns are 25V255 or 25V-255, 25V254 or 25V-254, 25V253 or 25V-253. Planned owner notification dates are not until June 2025. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged 25V253 or 25V-253, 25V254 or 25V-254, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bosch Engineering GmbH, Ken Zino, mbusa, Mercedes-Benz NHTSA recall campaigns 25V255 or 25V-255, Mercedes-Benz recalls in the United States, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Lotus Emira Clark Edition
Lotus* said today that it will honor one of its works drivers with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. This model, limited to just 60 cars for selected markets, will make its world debut leading at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK,€140,000 in Germany.
“The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 – a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina,” Lotus said. Continue reading →