Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

UAW Southern Advance – Tentative VW Chattanooga Contract

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts a -44% Group Earnings Drop in 2025

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our actions in 2025 have set us on a path to return to growth. We are confident of our long-term strategy and clear direction of travel,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive. During 2025, Chinese-owned Volvo Cars sold more than 710,000 cars, 46% of them electrified. Continue reading →

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U.S. Jobs – Trump Slump Continues

Posted on 5 February 2026 by Ken Zino

During the week ending 31 January 2026, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 231,000, an increase of 22,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 209,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 6000 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 206,250, according to the latest statistics published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today. Total insured unemployment at 2,153,637 increased from 2,136,751 one year ago. Moreover, a key measure – vacancies, aka open or available jobs – dropped to 6.5 million in December, down from 6.9 million in November and the lowest since September 2020. Continue reading →

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Electrify America Now Has 5600 Chargers

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I think about the millions of drivers who have shaped Electrify America into what it stands for today. Our year-over-year growth isn’t just a sign of a strong company; it reflects a growing community of EV drivers who believe in an electric future — and we’re honored to be their charging provider along the way,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. Continue reading →

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FAA Certifies HondaJet Elite II Emergency Autoland

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Honda Aircraft Company today announced that the HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified with Emergency Autoland (EAL), following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Adding Emergency Autoland (EAL) to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers,” said Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “I’m proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.” Continue reading →

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Indiana – Subaru Forester Hybrid Now in Production

Posted on 4 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Subaru Of Indiana Automotive (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) began hybrid production this week when a 2026 Forester Hybrid Premium in Autumn Green Metallic drove off one of its assembly lines. Forester is first hybrid vehicle to be produced by the automaker in the U.S. All Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. are now assembled at the automaker’s facility in Lafayette, IN. SIA began production of the 2026 Forester gas model on 7 October 2025. Continue reading →

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Monumental Sports to Sell IndyCar Freedom 250 Sponsorships

Posted on 3 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“This marquee event is more than a race – it is a celebration of our nation’s history that puts fans at the center and showcases the nation’s capital as a world-class host of unforgettable sporting experiences,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to partner with IndyCar  to bring one of the most iconic motorsports experiences to the heart of Washington, D.C., and to power the sales and marketing efforts that will connect fans to this landmark event.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – 40 Years for BMW Group Plant Regensburg

Posted on 3 February 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW Group Plant Regensburg* posted a a new production record of 356,901 vehicles during 2025, making it the BMW Group’s highest-volume car plant in Europe. Since the plant opened in 1986, 8.7 million vehicles have rolled off its production line.

“With this record production, we not only reached a new all-time high in the plant’s 40-year history but also – as in the previous year – helped the BMW Group’s German plants build more than one million vehicles again in 2025,” said Plant Director Armin Ebner. “For 40 years, the plant has been a central development powerhouse for the eastern Bavarian region. “Continuous and consistent efforts to increase our competitiveness remain the key to our success. Every single day in Regensburg, we demonstrate that competitive production is possible in Germany,” said Ebner. By implementing efficiency measures within its production system, BMW Group Plant Regensburg has lowered costs by more than a quarter since 2019. Continue reading →

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Fires – Volkswagen Group of America Recalls 2023-2025 ID.4s

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 2023-2025 model year ID.4 vehicles because the high-voltage battery may overheat and cause a fire. Two companies are involved in the safety defect recall of ~44,000 vehicles. Volkswagen supplied the software (BMCe Software); SK Battery America supplied the battery cell modules. [Owners should park outside. – AutoCrat]

“Defective high-voltage battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. A joint analysis with the supplier has not led to a clear root cause determination despite extensive cell module and vehicle data analysis. Nevertheless, current analysis results show that certain deviations at the supplier of the battery modules may result in self-discharge,” Volkswagen said in the required safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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More Ford Recalls – 2026 Explorer, 2025 F-59 and F-53 Vehicles

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released this morning (2 February 2026) two more Ford Motor {NYSE: F) safety defect recalls with descriptions from Ford required under as required by 49 CFR § 573. Ford is operating under a … Continue reading →

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Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class Robotaxi Advances

Posted on 2 February 2026 by Ken Zino

“Mercedes‑Benz is the pioneer in safe autonomous driving. The next step on our roadmap is to enable a robotaxi experience based on the new S‑Class. To accomplish our goal, we have strong industry-leading partners at our side. For us, these partnerships mark the beginning of our entry into the robotaxi market with the S-Class and MB.OS as the ultimate platform,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies

Posted on 31 January 2026 by Ken Zino

Americans’ views of President Donald Trump, already more negative than positive, have continued to slip one year into his second term, according to the latest poling data from the estimable Pew Research Center.

A new Pew survey of 8512 U.S. adults, conducted Jan. 20-26, also finds that – across six key qualities and abilities needed to serve as president – more Americans express little or no confidence in Trump than say they are extremely or very confident in him. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – Freedom 250 Grand Prix at Washington National Mall

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” said Roger Penske, owner of the IndyCar series. “This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”

The move while deeply surprising to AutoInformed is – on reflection given Fox Sports broadcasting control of the series and its parent company’s uncritical support of the Trump Administration – business as usual. Trump is turning to sports to help. To borrow a thought from a dictionary writer, it is not surprising that so many in all ages and countries made Patriotism a cloak for self-interest. We await to hear what Corporation or entity will be the title sponsor of the race. Oh, the Department of Transportation [your tax dollars] is funding this? Penske’s self-interest is obvious as well. This is a one-time event only? Then there’s the security costs… Continue reading →

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Brr Frozen January U.S. Auto Sales

Posted on 30 January 2026 by Ken Zino

“Weather-related impacts from cold weather and late-month winter storm activity will likely contribute to some of the mild January result,” said Chris Hopson, manager of North American light vehicle sales forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. “Setting up what could be some volatility for the monthly SAAR metric in the first half of 2026.”

Continued development of battery-electric vehicle sales remains increasingly uncertain. The auto policy implications of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or One Big BAD Bill at AutoInformed.com – AutoCrat) and developing new regulatory standards could further temper long-term BEV demand growth. Continue reading →

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GM to Layoff 500 Employees at Oshawa Assembly

Posted on 29 January 2026 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE:GM) conformed today that Oshawa Assembly will return to two shifts of production beginning 2 February. However approximately 500 employees will be placed on layoff.

“Preparations continue at Oshawa Assembly to build the next generation of gas-powered full-size pickups, supported by a $280 million investment that reinforces Oshawa’s future in GM’s key full-size truck program,” GM said in a release. Continue reading →

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