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- The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule Partially Announced
- Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ
- Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set
- Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title
- Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets
- Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!
- California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program
- Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration
- Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!
- Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs
- Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030
- Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million
- UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins
- SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!
- General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!
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- Nissan Motor on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year
- Jeff Badman on Ford Motor Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Sudden Stalling
- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
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Tag Archives: autoinformed.com
War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!
“Gas prices are going up again, as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 5 cents overnight to $3.84 after steadily dropping since late May. Crude oil prices are currently in the $70 per barrel range but could rise if volatility lingers along the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said in a release today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged aaa, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eia, Energy Information Administration, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Strait of Hormuz, Trump Wars, Trumpoline err Gasoline Prices, X @KenAutoinformed
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Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index – Affordability Lurks?
“Affordability is the throughline in the first half of 2026. We’ve seen stronger appreciation in older units this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers. The risk we’re watching for the second half is that steep ramp in off-lease supply, EVs especially, which could pressure specific segments even as the headline holds firm. Gas is the swing factor: If pump prices keep falling, some of that EV demand could fade as availability increases,” said Gregory.
“I’d caution against reading too much into the softer year-over-year print: the deceleration from May’s 3.6% to June’s 2.1% is mostly a base effect, as we’re now lapping last June, when values were still climbing on tariff-induced demand. Continue reading
Honda Recalls ~326,000 Odysseys for Bad Rearview Cameras
“The defect was caused by two contributing factors. First, the specification for the rearview camera housing boss hole was inadequate for the mounting screw. Second, due to variations in the positioning of the housing on the assembly jig, the mounting screw is susceptible to being misaligned during assembly. As a result, the stress generated during screw fastening exceeded the material strength of the boss, causing it to crack. Through environmental exposure (thermal expansion/freezing of trapped water), these cracks can expand, allowing water to penetrate the interior of the assembly,” Honda told NHTSA. [This causes the printed circuit board (PCB) to corrode and fail – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, public health, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged 2018 - 2020 Honda Odyssey Rearview Camera Recall, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, NHTSA Odyssey Recall 26V423 or 26V-423, Odyssey camera recall NHTSA 20V-438, X @KenAutoinformed
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Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports
“America faces an unprecedented surge in imported consumer products entering through increasingly complex global supply chains, including millions of direct-to-consumer shipments that often bypass traditional retail distribution. CPSC faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly where products originate from countries that do not comply with U.S. safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. Continue reading
Posted in manufacturing, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety, software recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compliance certificates, cpsc, CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman, foreign-made products, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota – $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant
“Toyota’s continued investment in North America is a testament to our confidence in the region’s workforce, innovation and long-term growth potential,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO TMNA. “By expanding our San Antonio plant, we are deepening our commitment to American manufacturing, creating meaningful and sustainable jobs, while advancing our mission to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet the changing needs of customers today and into the future.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, City of San Antonio, Frank Voss, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, San Antonio manufacturing site, Tacoma production, Ted Ogawa, Toyota Motor North America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford and Lincoln Recalls For Bad Pedestrian Backup Warnings
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 66,000 2024-2027 model-year Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.* The Phoenix Audio System supplied by Harmon International has a software error in the Digital Signal Processing Module This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, public health, quality, safety, software recalls
Tagged 25SA2, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Motor pedestrian warning sound recall, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHTSA Ford Motor hybrid recall 26V415 or 26V-415, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Ford Motor Company leads the safety defect recall parade. Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations. The dataset includes recall information related to specific NHTSA campaigns. General Motors, Chrysler (FCAUS) Hyundai Motor and Toyota follow. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, manufacturing, news analysis, public health, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, auto manufacturer recall number, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chrysler (FCAUS), department of transportation, Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor recalls, ford recalls, general motors, Hyundai Motor, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, toyota, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Adds $70M of Funding for Clean Off-Road Equipment
“Off-road equipment remains a major source of harmful emissions in California and demand for incentives has consistently exceeded what’s been available,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “With other funding dedicated to clean cars and trucks, we’re focusing these funds where they can make the biggest difference – helping clean the air in communities where off-road equipment is most heavily used for agricultural, constriction and freight operations.”
“The plan was designed to ensure that funding delivers the greatest benefit, especially in areas most impacted by poor air quality. CARB allocated funding to CORE because it is one of the most cost-effective zero-emission programs and has strong stakeholder support. Demand in the program also continues to exceed available funding with the amount requested in the last funding cycle being nearly three times the amount available. In public workshops, stakeholders have expressed how important continued incentives are in the zero-emission off-road sector,” CARB said. Continue reading
Posted in environment, global warming, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, CORE, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Lauren Sanchez, X @KenAutoinformed, zero-emission off-road equipment
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Goodyear Blimp Returns to NYC for the Fourth of July
“The blimp’s historic appearance at Sail 4th 250 is the fourth time it’s flown over an Operation Sail event. It was a fixture at the first celebration in 1964, America’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Now, it returns to provide aerial coverage in celebration of America’s 250th,” Goodyear said today. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, news, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Goodyear Blimp, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Julianne Roberts, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Operation Sail, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC
“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG.
“Our strategic course remains unchanged. We will continue to pursue the same technology-open strategy that has made BMW successful and will continue to make us successful in the future,” said Nedeljković. [Flexibility to build different powertrains in one plant decreases the possibility of spending million of Dollars or Deutschmarks shareholder capital betting on one model or powertrain. It hedges expensive automotive bets. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric, BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle, diesel, fuel cell EV, internal combustion, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Milan Nedeljković, Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, plug-in hybrid electric, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today reported global sales of 171,501 cars in the second quarter of 2026, down 5.6% from Q2 last year. This is partially due to the difficult operating environment across regions, especially in China, that global automakers are enduring along with the Trump mis-administration tax, trade and foreign policy strategies. [Part of the solution to the Chinese problem is that Chinese owned Volvo cars can export Chinese EVs to global markets, which it is increasingly doing – AutoCrat.]
“Overall market conditions remain challenging, specifically in China, but we are encouraged by the momentum for the fully electric cars in our largest market Europe,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars. “We see increased deliveries and order intake for our EX30, even in less electrified South European markets. This is reflected in our higher market share in the growing electric car segments compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, opinions, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, EX30, EX60, Geely Holding, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, concept, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, vehicle personalization
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Eric Laforge, IAA Hannover, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Smart Compact Van, Stellantis Pro One, X @KenAutoinformed
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Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!
“A2RL began in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: the future of mobility must be tested openly, rigorously and at the limits of performance. Its international debut at Imola demonstrates how the UAE is translating bold R&D ambition into globally relevant technology platforms that can accelerate progress in autonomous mobility,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, racing
Tagged A2RL, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Advanced Technology and Research Council, Alessandro Tucci, Aspire, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Constructor Racing, Dallara Super Formula SF23, European Le Mans Series, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Imola circuit, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Kinetiz, PoliMOVE, Unimore Racing, X @KenAutoinformed, Yas Marina Circuit
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Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract
UAW members who build seats for Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Dodge RAM Trucks have ratified a new contract by ~80%, the UAW said today.
“UAW Local 400 members at Bridgewater Interiors are another example of workers in the IPS sector [Independent Parts Suppliers – AutoCrat.]*who are ready to stand up and win their fair share,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “They don’t treat IPS CEOs like second-class citizens. So why do they treat IPS workers that way? Whether you build axles or seats, the days of allowing IPS workers to be treated like second class citizens is ending.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events
Tagged Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dodge RAM Trucks, Ford F-150 pickup trucks, Ken Zino, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, LaShawn English, Mark Hemphill, uaw, UAW Local 400, UAW President Shawn Fain, United Automobile, X @KenAutoinformed
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Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi
BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and … Continue reading →