Tag Archives: auto industry commentary

Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Motor City Garage to Debut

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

At the Goodyear Motor City Garage during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend, Goodyear will display the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Heritage Collection. The vehicle is equipped with Goodyear Performance Series F70/14 custom wide-tread tires with raised white letters, a factory-accurate recreation of the original equipment specification. “The tires deliver unmistakable vintage performance and period-correct muscle-car presence,” Goodyear said. Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan … Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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IIHS – Driver Death Rates and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

More than half of the model 2023 vehicles with the highest driver death rates are small cars, sports cars or muscle cars, according to a  new report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* IIHS has been calculating driver death rates about every three years since 1989. This year marks the second time IIHS also analyzed the “other-driver death rate” – the number of drivers in other vehicles killed in crashes with each model. Size and power largely describe the worst models that are deadly to other vehicle drivers and occupants. Ten of the top 20 are large or very large pickups, including several heavy-duty variants with more powerful engines.[Given the laws of physics (start with F=MA – AutoCrat) it’s not surprising that the biggest vehicles are most dangerous to others. However, the age of vehicles on the road; where and when they are driven are among the many variables in play here -AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Posted on 30 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from all other regions. We improved performance across our key financial metrics with Net revenues, AOI and Industrial free cash flows all showing significant gains. With implementation of our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy well underway and this year’s exciting new product launches on time and on track, we remain confident of delivering our 2026 financial guidance,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts Q2 2026 Earnings Decline

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“In the second quarter of 2026, our diversified business delivered over 125,000 retail automotive units and more than 5400 commercial truck units. Retail automotive same-store revenue increased 6%. Retail automotive new and used vehicle gross profit per unit remained strong and consistent when compared to the first quarter of 2026, and service and parts gross margin increased by 80 basis points. Additionally, I am encouraged with the trends we are experiencing across the commercial truck market from an improved freight environment, driving strong orders of Class 8 trucks,” Chair Roger Penske said. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $1.3B

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) posted Q1 2026 financial results.* They showed revenue of $48.3 billion, down $1.9 billion year-over-year; a net loss of $1.3 billion, down $1.3 billion year-over-year, adjusted EBIT of $2.5 billion, up $0.4 billion year-over-year. As … Continue reading →

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Magna to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading →

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Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Urban public transit with a Bosch fuel cell has started test operations in Madrid. Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.

“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations,” said Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Sells Free2move to a Private Equity Firm

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis and Mutares said today that they have an agreement for the sale of Stellantis’ entire shareholding in the Free2move car-sharing business to Mutares. The transaction is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. This strategy move of shedding companies is a core part of Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 plan. Under it, financially ailing Stellantis will focus investments and resources to the regions, brands and technologies that it thinks can generate the strongest returns. Continue reading →

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CAR on King Trump’s Tariff and Trade Policies

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

King Trump’s latest tariff tirade against Canada threatens a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. [Currently there is a 25% levy on non-US content on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles, components not covered under the existing but up for renewal  North American free trade pact (USMCA). There are also steel tariffs, which indirectly affect the industry. All of these will soar if Trump follows through with a looming 50% increase on Canadian goods, including autos in August. These issues make the CAR findings expressly relevant in AutoInformed’s view.] Continue reading →

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Non-Binding ‘cellcentric’ Fuel Cell Agreement Moves Ahead

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

So-called ‘cellcentric’ will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous company and serve a broad range of customers in heavy-duty on-road and off-road transport, as well as other heavy-duty applications such as coaches, stationary power generation, marine, rail and heavy off-highway equipment. The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG and Toyota said they will continue to compete independently in all other areas of their respective businesses. [This will be a tricky task – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls ~566,000 Broncos for Wiring Harness Fires

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The problem is caused by insufficient protection on the wiring harness which can lead to exposed wires and short circuiting. In the event of a short, drivers may notice smoke in the air vents or a warning message on their dashboard followed by flames coming from the passenger’s side of the engine compartment,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA today. Continue reading →

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