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Tag Archives: auto industry commentary
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
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
Posted in economy, energy, news analysis, prices, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Council of Foreign Relations, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, mid-east wars, national average for a gallon of fuel, Trumpoline, X @KenAutoinformed
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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
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
Posted in engineering, marketing, new vehicle, performance
Tagged Aston Martin and Brough Superior Debut AMB 002 Motorcycle, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino writing as AutoCrat, Marek Reichman, mark, Stefano Saporetti, superbikes, Thierry Henriette, X @KenAutoinformed
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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
Posted in engineering, people, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, David Salters, Honda Racing Corporation USA, Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters, Kelvin Fu, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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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
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
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Mustang my 2024-2026 Recall 26C40s, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Mustang recall 26V547 or 26V-547, X @KenAutoinformed
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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
Posted in auto news, news analysis, opinions, people, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. David Yang, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Speeding and Counter Measures Growing, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2027 Toyota Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition
“Since its debut in Japan in 1966, the Corolla has grown from a compact car designed for a rapidly changing world into one of the most significant vehicles in Toyota history,” Toyota said in a news release.
“Along the way, Corolla helped introduce Toyota to drivers around the world, becoming a familiar presence on roads and in driveways across generations. Through six decades of change, it has continued to evolve alongside the people who drive it,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Takaoka Plant, TNGA-C, toyota mississippi, X @KenAutoinformed
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August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast – Fog of War
The fog of war is in the latest global light vehicle production forecast released today by Mobility Global.* “The global auto industry is holding up better than many expected, with small near-term upgrades in several regions, partly offset by meaningful … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, news analysis
Tagged August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, China production, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mike Wall, Mobility Global, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well a defection to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AMG Line Plus, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mathias Geisen, MBUX Virtual Assistant, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 →