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Tag Archives: autoinformed.com
First Look – 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL EV
Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. Continue reading
January U.S. International Trade Deficit Sets Record
This was the highest on record, and is the beginning of a rerun of the previous Trump Administration’s economic mishaps. January exports were $269.8 billion, $3.3 billion more than December exports. January imports were $401.2 billion, $36.6 billion more than December imports.
The January increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $33.5 billion to $156.8 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.2 billion to $25.4 billion. Continue reading
Posted in economy, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, January 2025 U.S. International Trade Deficit, Ken Zino, Trump Administration, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Off-Road Marketing – Silverado EV ZR2
Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today unveiled the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck “concept” at the Mint 400 off-road race, where the truck will also compete as part of the Hall Racing team’s lineup. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept joins the team’s Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks. Chad Hall will drive the all-electric off-road race truck in the Open Production EV class.
“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chad Hall, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Hall Racing, Ken Zino, Mint 400, off road EV trucks, Scott Bell, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – All-Electric Volvo ES90 Hatchback
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO) today debuted an all-new, fully electric ES90. With order-books open now in some markets, the ES90 is the latest addition to Volvo cars. It is the sixth fully electric model in the line, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30 as Volvo continues to covert to full electrification.
“The ES90 combines the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs. It’s a versatile car that does not compromise on comfort or space. A car that allows for bigger adventures and families, striking the perfect balance between your professional and private life, and allowing you to embrace the special moments in life,” Chinese-owned Volvo Cars said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, EC40, EM90, EX30, EX40, EX90, Geely Holding, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Volvo ES90, X @KenAutoinformed
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Qualified Vehicle Modifier Tweaked at Ford Pro
“LocateFordWorkTrucks.com helps reduce the wait times associated with traditional upfitting, helping ensure our customers can get the vehicles they need to drive their businesses forward,” said Esteban Plaza-Jennings, upfit strategy manager, Ford Pro. “This is just another example of how we’re committed to simplifying operations and helping customers be more efficient.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, manufacturing, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Esteban Plaza-Jennings, Ford Pro Upfitter, Kathryn Schifferle, Ken Zino, Qualified Vehicle Modifier, Work Truck Solutions, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariffs – His Next Economic Catastrophe
Shoot from the lip President Trump, aka Calamity Donald, today imposed tariffs of 25% across North America disrupting the North American auto market that has thrived on 30 years of free trade. Any new tariffs in place for any significant length of time will be disruptive. The tariffs at 25% are significantly higher than the profits made by the automakers and their suppliers. It is widely – if not universally – held by economists that this is an economic disaster. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, economy, fools 'n frauds, manufacturing, news analysis, prices, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Calamity Donald, Jim Farley, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, Stephanie Brinley, X @KenAutoinformed
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Counterfeit Airbag Threat Still Growing
“While this issue is in the news once again, sadly it is not new. For nearly a decade, Honda has been involved in efforts to stop the sale and trafficking of counterfeit airbags, including helping establish an industry-wide coalition of automakers known as the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council or “A2C2.” In the effort to keep these life-threatening parts from entering the supply chain, our coalition has provided expert testimony in court, accompanied Department of Homeland Security officers on counterfeit raids, and trained law enforcement officers who play a critical role in identifying and taking down illicit counterfeit operations.
“Undoubtedly, these actions save lives, but the best solution is to stop these fake airbags from reaching the market in the first place. To do that, we need to give law enforcement the tools and authority they need to act. That’s why Honda has been at the forefront of a national effort to expand the narrow authority law enforcement currently has, primarily under federal trademark law. I’m proud to say we’ve made significant progress: 38 states have adopted our model legislation prohibiting the trafficking of fake airbags. However, with consumers in 12 more states still unprotected, and the fact that vehicles frequently cross state lines, we still have work to do. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, public health
Tagged American Honda Motor Company, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council or A2C2, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Counterfeit Airbags, Craig Orlan, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Holy St Pete! Vivid IndyCar 2025 Season Opener
“What an amazing job by everybody,” Palou said. Palou is known for his racing smarts and the ability to adjust to conditions to earn points. “They gave me everything we needed this weekend to win. I told you yesterday we had a really, really fast car. Our strategy changed a lot during that first yellow, but I’m so glad we got that No. 10 in Victory Lane. It’s been 138 days since Nashville (2024 season finale), and I’ve been dreaming about this every single night,” said Palou, a charming and thoughtful Spaniard. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, people, performance, racing, results
Tagged Alex Palou, Andretti Global, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Firestone Firehawk tires, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino, Kyle Kirkwood, NTT IndyCar Series, Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet, X @KenAutoinformed
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Who’s Driving? Ford Recalls Mustang Recall
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a previous recall covering 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver’s intentions. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor recalls, Ford Mustang recalls, Ford Mustnag recall 24S44, Ford Recall 25S11, Ken Zino, NHTSA 24V-493 or 24V49, NHTSA recall 25V096 or 25V-096, X @KenAutoinformed
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Kia Recalls Seltos and Soul Models for Fires
“Due to a quality deviation by the piston oil ring supplier, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul, the piston ring may, over time, damage the surface of the cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. If the vehicle is continually operated in this condition, engine damage and/or seizure can occur, resulting in loss of motive power. In limited cases, a fire may occur from engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component due to a hole in the engine block,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Kia fire recalls, Kia recall SC336, Kia stalling recalls, NHTSA recall 25V099 or 25V-099, X @KenAutoinformed
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IP Software Failure – Hyundai Recalls Genesis Models
“An inoperative or degraded IP cluster image could mask essential gauges, such as the speedometer, fuel gauge, and certain on-screen notifications associated with motive powertrain, increasing the risk of a crash,” Hyundai told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, quality, recalls, safety, software defined vehicles, software recalls, software recalls, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged 25V105 or 25V-105, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Continental Automotive Electronics recalls, FMVSS 101, Hyundai Genesis recall 026G, Ken Zino, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls ~20,000 Cars for Bad Brakes
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling more than 20,000 model year 2021-2022 S 500, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, 2021-2023 S 580 4MATIC, 2022 S 680 4MATIC, and 2023 S 580e 4MATIC vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
“Due to climatic factors and the resulting material behavior, affected brake hoses might not meet durability specifications. Before the issue occurs, the driver will not receive a warning due to the nature of the failure mechanism. When the issue occurs, the driver might notice a red brake fluid warning message in the instrument cluster,” Mercedes-Benz said in the required safety defect recall document to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, manufacturing, news analysis, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Maybach recalls, MBUSA recalls, Mercedes-Benz USA safety defect recalls, NHTSA 25V116 or 25V-116, S 580e recalls, S 680 recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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Software Bugs – VW Recalling Golf GTI Models
Volkswagen Group of America is recalling more than 8000 model year 2022-2024 Golf GTI vehicles. A software error may delay or deactivate the rearview camera image, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as designed.
The recall population was determined by reviewing factory vehicle build and vehicle maintenance records to identify vehicles that are equipped with the entry infotainment system software versions 1766 or 1767. Vehicles not included in this recall were built with, or updated to, entry infotainment system software version 1805,” VW told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing, which is apparently still operating with hard-working government employees in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, quality, recalls, software recalls, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FMVSS 1111, Golf GTI recalls, Ken Zino, NHTSA Recall 25V103 or 25V-103, VW Golf GTI recall 91SB, vw recalls, X @KenAutoinformed
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McLaren Automotive Using Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber
McLaren Automotive said today it has developed a world-first application of an aerospace industry composites manufacturing method scaled appropriately for volume supercar manufacturing. Deployed at the McLaren Composites Technology Center (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, the new Automated Rapid Tape (ART) production method produces McLaren ART carbon fiber structures that can be optimized to be lighter, stiffer and stronger via advanced structural optimization. They are also produced with less waste material generation. Continue reading →