Tag Archives: Automotive news and analysis

Nürburgring – BMW M2 CS Beats Audi RS-3 Record

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW said today that the new BMW M2 CS setsa new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. In March Audi set a new record lap in the compact vehicle class on the Nordschleife at 7:33.123 minutes. Depending on the ongoing Trump tariff wars, Audi might still retain the lower price entry point for a top Nordschleife runner., depending on who you value – in currency units – the ~8 seconds in elapsed times. Continue reading →

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Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The Trump administration is amid a political purge of CPSC Board members. It requested earlier this week that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss three Democratic members appointed by President Biden to seven-year terms on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were fired in May by President Trump. However, they were then reinstated by a federal judge.

The Trump mis-administration asked the court for an immediate order to allow the firings to go forward. Lawyers for the commissioners objected of course. More fireworks will be coming here – safe or unsafe for Democracy. Bungling presidencies can cause tragedies too. Continue reading →

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U.S. May Trade Deficit increases $11.3 Billion

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $71.5 billion in May, up $11.3 billion from $60.3 billion in April, revised. May exports were $279.0 billion, $11.6 billion less than April exports. May imports were $350.5 billion, $0.3 billion less than April imports.

Noteworthy was that the May deficit with China ($13.9 billion) was the lowest since March 2020 ($11.7 billion). However, May exports to China ($6.6 billion) were the lowest since September 2009 ($5.8 billion). This in the middle of the ongoing Trump Tariff chaos. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Adds Ferrari Dealership in Modena!

Posted on 3 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has completed the acquisition of the Ferrari dealership in Modena, Italy. Located in Emilia Romagna, the heart of the so-called Italian Motor Valley that is home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati and Dallara, this Ferrari dealership expands the PAG’s existing luxury presence in Italy to 29 automotive retail locations. PAG now represents nine Ferrari locations worldwide, including Maranello Classic Parts, the only official Ferrari classic parts distributor in the world. The forecast estimated annualized revenue of the Modena location is $40 million. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive

Posted on 2 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts Q2 2025 Sales Increase of 8.4%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda said today that it posted sales increases in June, Q2 and thereby leading to relatively strong First Half Sales Increase of 8.4%.

“The Honda and Acura brands continue to buck industry trends with sales increases in June and the second quarter as our strong sales momentum continues through the first half of the year,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Driven by the success of all-new products like the Honda Passport and Acura ADX, and record sales of electrified models we continue to meet customer needs and manage changing market conditions.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor North America Q2 Sales up 7.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Steady demand for our Toyota and Lexus brands resulted in strong sales throughout the second quarter,” said Mark Templin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, TMNA. “Our lineup of 32 electrified vehicles was a big part of that draw as they represented over 46% of our sales in June.” Continue reading →

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GM Posts Strong YTD 2025 U.S. Sales

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 7% in the second quarter and 12% in the 2025 first half. GM led the U.S. automotive industry in total and retail sales in the year’s first six months, with sales growth well ahead of the estimated 4% total auto industry growth. This is in sharp contrast to Ford Motor Company claims today and is the result of selective use of categories and time periods by both companies.

“The investments we have made in our crossovers, SUVs, and pickups – both gas and electric – along with great execution by our employees, suppliers and dealers, have made GM the engine of growth for the U.S. industry this year,” said Duncan Aldred, GM senior VP and president of North America. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Q2 2025 Sales up 14.2%

Posted on 1 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said today that Q2 sales rose 14.2%, largely because of sales of trucks and SUVs. Ford claimed that it was well ahead of the U.S. industry in Q2 by increasing, sales ~10 times the estimated 1.4% industry increase. It also said it expanded market share to an estimated 14.3%, up 1.8 percentage points compared to Q1 2025. Continue reading →

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GM Fire Recall – Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

Posted on 30 June 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling ~62,468 model year 2019-2024Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit, which can cause a fire. Until the recall fix is performed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. This safety defect may show with a “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp.

“If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse, the circuit can generate excessive heat that could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury. An underhood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended,” GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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As Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths Grow so do Vehicle Blind Spots

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“The across-the-board decrease in visibility for this small group of models is concerning. We need to investigate whether this is a broader trend that may have contributed to the recent spike in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “This study also illustrates that the new method developed by IIHS gives researchers a straightforward, repeatable way to assess driver visibility,” he added. Continue reading →

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1908 Echoed at Cadillac?

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“This week Cadillac said the CELESTIQ represents a new era of ultra-luxury at Cadillac. Each CELESTIQ embodies the ultimate expression of Cadillac technology, performance, refinement and innovation. Working with a CELESTIQ concierge, and with available curation assistance from a Cadillac designer, each client has the opportunity to create an entirely unique CELESTIQ to fit their tastes and desires,” Cadillac claimed. Continue reading →

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Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV

Posted on 27 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200. The first-ever QX60 SPORT grade, which elevates the model with its “most statement-making appearance yet,” is priced from $61,700. The QX60 is offered in four grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. Destination and handling charge on all grades adds $1350.

“QX60 continues to be a cornerstone of our lineup and a compelling choice for today’s premium SUV buyer,” said Brian Maragno, director, Product Marketing, Infiniti USA. “Accounting for 45% of Infiniti sales last quarter, QX60 reflects our product strategy at work – blending bold design, advanced technology and thoughtful features that resonate with our Infiniti clients.” Continue reading →

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IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a Congressional hearing today.

“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading →

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J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study Released

Posted on 26 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The number of problems cited by owners in the first 90 days of ownership has improved slightly, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. Overall, problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) have improved to 192 PP100 from 194 PP100 a year ago. Premium brands have improved to 27 PP100 to 203 PP100 from 230 PP100 in 2024, while problems among mass market brands have increased to 187 PP100 from 181 PP100 in 2024. A lower score reflects higher vehicle quality.* Lexus is the highest-ranking brand overall in initial quality with a score of 166 PP100. Among premium brands, Jaguar (175 PP100) ranks second and Genesis (183 PP100) ranks third. Among mass market brands, Nissan ranks highest with a score of 169 PP100. Hyundai (173 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. Continue reading →

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