Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

CARB Adopts Rules Supporting Use of E15 Gasoline

California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopts amendments to gasoline regulations to support the availability and use of E15 fuel Continue reading →

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Gasoline Prices Heading for New September Record!

Gasoline is up ~5 cents from last week as the Trump mis-administration policies continue to, well, bomb – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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ACEA – Hybrids Top August EU Car Registrations

Hybrid-electric vehicles again ranked as the most popular powertrain choice amongst buyers during August 2026. Battery-electric cars accounted for 21.7% of new EU car registrations. Continue reading →

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By the Seat of Their Pants – Premium Seats Lag in Quality?

Along with findings from the JD Power 2026 U.S. APEAL Study, which show premium brands no longer hold a clear advantage across key ownership attributes, this year’s results reveal that mass market brands now outperform premiums in seat satisfaction Continue reading →

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September 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So

As the Iran war continues with limited options for the Trump mis-administration, Mobility Global [Formerly GlobalData and a frequent associate with J.D. Power – AutoCrat.] notes that global auto industry is still surviving the fallout from the ongoing and expanding Iran War, with higher oil prices adding inflation pressure, disrupting supply chains. This, of course, increases the risk of extensive negative economic consequences for many countries, and people. Continue reading →

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California Keeps Growing as It Cuts Climate Emissions Again

The science behind climate change is unassailable. California has tracked the impacts of climate change on the state for more than two decades finding rapidly accelerating effects. With the increasing severity and frequency of drought, wildfire, extreme heat, and other impacts, I personally observed during decades or working and traveling there and elsewhere nationally or internationally that  climate change is real and precipitously worsening. – AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 97,349 Jeeps for Flying Roof Racks

Chrysler is recalling more than 97,000 model year 2022-2026 Jeeps for roof racks flying off. Continue reading →

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Vehicle Affordability Still Worrying Despite Wage Increases

“While wage growth is good news for consumers impacted by inflation and high gas prices, vehicle affordability continues to be a strong concern,” said AEG senior consultant Cristina Benton, Ph.D. “Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward more affordable vehicle models, pressured by average new vehicle transaction prices holding at or near $50,000 since late 2022. This trend is exacerbated by household budgets that remain squeezed by rising costs for housing, health care, insurance, groceries, and gas.” Continue reading →

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TRUMPED! AAA – Pump Prices Continue Rising

Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas or President Trump’s losing war against Iran, as well as other  policy failures Gas prices are now they were during spring 2026. The trend is clear; the national average is about to reach this year’s record high of $4.56 set on 21 May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on 14 June 2022. Passing it appears certain. – AutoCrat Continue reading →

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Porsche Sells Its Bets on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group

Financially ailing Porsche said today that the sale of its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group have been sold. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin and Brough Superior Debut AMB 002 Motorcycle

“Having created two of the most remarkable track-only motorcycles ever built in the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, it was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road,: said Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. Continue reading →

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Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters

“When I joined HRC US, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading this extraordinary organization. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. Throughout my career at HPD and HRC US, I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of programs, from the development of the NSX GT3, Acura DPi race cars, and the LMDh engine and car to building lasting partnerships with our racing teams,” said Kelvin Fu, president HRC US.

“I want to sincerely thank David Salters for his leadership, friendship and mentorship. Dave challenged all of us to think bigger, move faster and never lose sight of the fact that we are competitors at heart. He is a true racer whose vision and commitment have helped shape HRC US into the world-class organization it is today, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.

“Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of HRC US. We recently renewed our commitment to IndyCar as the series continues to grow and strengthen its position in North American motorsports. Our new business ventures also position us to better serve Honda racing fans. We will remain committed to innovation, competition, and developing the people and technologies that define the future of motorsports. The Honda racing spirit has always been about challenging convention and pushing boundaries, and I look forward to leading HRC US as we write the next chapter of that story together,” said Fu. Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 239,000 Ram Pickups for Camera Failures

  A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image to fail. No driver warning occurs. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 150,000 Mustangs for Sudden Drive Power Loss

“In affected vehicles, the engine compartment wiring harness ground eyelet terminals may experience fatigue fracture. Depending on which ground eyelet fractures, this condition may result in a loss of motive power, loss of right and/or left headlamps, loss of windshield washer fluid pump function, loss of air conditioning, and/or an inoperable engine cooling fan,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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