Tag Archives: Automotive news and analysis

US New-Vehicle Sales Q4 Forecast Down in 2025. Year Up a Tad

Posted on 19 December 2025 by Ken Zino

“Despite challenges, 2025 has been a good year for new-vehicle sales,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive. “The fourth quarter is showing the expected slowdown, as headwinds from tariffs, inflation and reduced EV incentives weigh on the market after nine surprisingly strong months. Still, consumer demand has kept the new-vehicle market healthy throughout 2025.” Continue reading →

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Toyota to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan

Posted on 19 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* said today that it intends to begin introducing three models produced in the United States to the Japanese market starting in 2026. Targeted the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup truck. ** As part of planning, Toyota will also make use of a new system being considered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism following bilateral negotiations.

“The Camry sedan combines sophisticated design with comfort, while boasting outstanding fuel efficiency. This global Toyota model has remained a top seller in the United States for many years. The Highlander is a three-row SUV popular with families, featuring a spacious interior and excellent off-road ability that can handle anything from city driving to the great outdoors. Toyota has decided to reintroduce these two models, which were previously sold in the Japanese market until 2023 and 2007, respectively.” Toyota said. [It’s not clear if any significant volume will result. In fact, it’s unlikely for the large SUV and pickup – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Nissan Claims to Kill Wireless Phone Charging Bugs

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR)* said today that it is the only automaker to offer Qi2 wireless charging in the U.S. with 2026 versions of the Pathfinder and Murano. (1 Pathfinder. 2 Murano. See Inevitable footnotes below.)**

“It’s a common frustration: placing a phone in a wireless charger, only to arrive with it hardly charged, or worse – overheated or shifted out of place. The Qi2 (pronounced chee-two) wireless charger is a huge step forward. One major difference from previous-generation chargers is easy to spot: The Qi2 charger features a raised magnetic circle. This holds phones in place with the magnetized back of iPhones (12 and newer), Google Pixels (10 and newer) and Android devices with compatible accessory cases, Nissan said in a release. Continue reading →

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Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Electrify America* has announced plans to support WS Development with its white-label electric vehicle (EV) charging ‘solution’ in the launch of 15 Hyper-Fast electric vehicle (EV) stations across the United States. installation will begin in Massachusetts this winter followed by 15 properties across the U.S.

[In alignment with the demographics of EV owners, the properties are for the affluent. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Q3 2025 Airline Profits in Trump Slump

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino

US Airlines net profit was $1.6 billion in Q3 2025, a decrease of profit compared to Q3 2024 of $2.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today. “U.S. scheduled passenger airlines reported a third-quarter 2025 after-tax net … Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EVs

Posted on 17 December 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) is recalling 388 Honda 2025 model-year CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles.* Coolant inside the fuel cell stack may leak into the fuel cell stack case, causing an internal short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 305, “Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection.” [Unlike most automakers, Honda made the filing public via press release before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made it public, usually on Monday mornings. – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face

Posted on 16 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* effectively abandoned its Electric Vehicle strategy this week in an attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of billions of dollars in shareholder money. Ford announced a series of actions to improve its so-called Ford+ plan, reassigning capital to meet what it described as customer demand and drive profitable growth. Ford will write off $19.5 Billion as it attempts to do this.

“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” said (claimed?) Ford president and CEO Jim Farley. “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business.” Continue reading →

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Wadda You Say? Personalized Sound at Nissan, Infiniti

Posted on 15 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan and Infiniti said today that the Personalized Sound app that debuted – also today – on the Google Play store is available now for download on every Nissan and Infiniti equipped with Google built-in (footnote 1) including those on the road, at no additional cost. After downloading the Personalized Sound app from the Google Play store, the program directs drivers through a hearing test by playing tones of varying loudness and pitch. The driver responds with how well they can hear each sound by tapping on the infotainment screen, and the program creates a personalized listening profile based on that individual’s hearing.

“We want to elevate every driver’s experience, whether they have a hearing impairment, are audiophiles, or simply want to get the most out of their sound system,” said Mitchell Pope, a senior product planner at Nissan who helped lead the development of Personalized Sound. Offering an individually tailored audio experience like this is a big first in the U.S. auto industry.” Continue reading →

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Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team

Posted on 15 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The Audi Revolut F1 Team today unveiled its official name, logo, and announced that its global launch will take place in Berlin on 20 January 2026. This is the latest phase for the Audi Revolut F1 Team toward joining the Formula One World Championship in 2026. The team name and logo combine Audi F1 and global fintech Revolut, following the confirmation of the title partnership in July 2025.*

“Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit. We now look ahead to Berlin in January, where we will officially present this exciting new chapter for the Audi brand to the world,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading →

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Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the … Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch Death Risk – Luyuan Youth ATVs

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Luyuan is recalling Youth ATVs due to risk of serious injury or death from crash hazard. The X-Pro Eagle 40cc Youth ATVs and FRP Sahara 40cc Youth ATVs violate … Continue reading →

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ICE Vehicle Mobile Apps – Wide Satisfaction Differences

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. OEM ICE App ReportSM released this week shows that owner satisfaction with mobile apps for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is more and more shaped by reliable connectivity, intuitive design, and the availability of essential features. Nearly 80% of ICE vehicle owners indicate using the OEM-provided app, “yet engagement and satisfaction remain inconsistent year-over-year. High-performing brands are pulling ahead, widening the gap with competitors,” J.D. Power said.

“Connectivity and speed continue to be the most significant challenges for ICE vehicle apps,” said Violet Allmandinger, mobile apps lead at J.D. Power. “Owners want apps that work seamlessly every time, with core features that are easy to access and perform reliably. The top performers notably stand out, and this year’s scores reflect that.” Continue reading →

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Sports Betting Tax Revenues Soaring

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau said today that its Quarterly Summary of State and Local Tax Revenue confirms a nationwide surge in sports betting revenue. The national total of state sales tax revenue from sports betting increased 382%, from $190 million … Continue reading →

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IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team. It was at least two instances of Penske team cheating that forced the issue. Still the IOB will be funded by Penske. Letting team owners including Penske run the rule enforcement so to speak is a dubious proposition. Key here is the next step. Who is the Managing Director? – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the … Continue reading →

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