Tag Archives: Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat

August 2026 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for August 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,347,600, a 4.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. August new-vehicle retail sales on track for 6.9% decrease year over year, however annual comparisons are skewed by the EV tax credit pull-ahead effect on sales in 2025. August global light-vehicle sales are expected to decline 5.1% from August 2025 to 6.9 million units. This is a selling rate of 91.5 million units, down by 5.3% year-over-year. Continue reading →

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John Deere UAW Members Refuse Contract Extension Offer

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“While John Deere continues to outsource jobs, 1600 workers are still laid off. Our members rejected Deere’s offer to extend their contract because they know their worth and what they deserve,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The company failed to make an offer that addressed the issues weighing on the minds of our members, especially job security. We’ll see Deere at the table in 2027.” Continue reading →

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Kirkwood Wins DC Freedom 250 in a Sam’s Club Honda

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Kyle Kirkwood yesterday won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC.* IndyCar driver Kirkwood was driving his No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. [We are not making this up , But would change the name by adding Uncle in front of Sam – AutoCrat] Kirkwood posted a 3.0906-second victory over the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Christian Lundgaard on the seven-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street circuit. Kirkwood took his second victory of the season leading 128 of 147 laps after starting second. Continue reading →

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GM Starts Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades Job Training

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“At General Motors, we believe creating clear pathways to good jobs is central to strengthening our communities and the broader economy,” said General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship David Massaron. “Yet, too many transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses still face uncertain employment prospects. At the same time, our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled trades and manufacturing talent. Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades, builds on a century of GM’s support for America’s heroes. By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar to use Tweaked Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The updated formulation reflects the ongoing evolution of the program and the shared vision of IndyCar and Shell to advance fuel technology through competition,” IndyCar said in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. ahead of this weekend’s Freedom 250, which will run past the U.S. Capital building.  Continue reading →

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AAA – August 20 Gasoline Prices Highest Ever!

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, according to the latest data compiled by AAA.* This the highest ever been for August 20.

“This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97. Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average. Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said. Continue reading →

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Max Verstappen to Stay With Oracle Red Bull Racing

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Oracle Red Bull Racing has verified today at the Dutch Grand Prix 2026 that Max Verstappen will continue with the Team until the end of the 2030 Formula One season. Verstappen and the Team have won four Drivers’ World Championships, two Constructors’ World Championships and 71 Grand Prix victories. This season the relationship has been tumultuous since car design changed with the FIA’s 2026 regulations which modified “every aspect of F1 car design in order to create a new era of more competitive, safer and more sustainable racing.” The resulting race car wasn’t competitive and/or suited to Verstappen’s driving style. Continue reading →

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Ferrari Enzo Sets Record at The Quail Auction

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Broad Arrow’s two-day auction by Principal Auctioneer Lydia Fenet and Auctioneer Eli Rodriguez, was led by its stand out lot, a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, one of only three finished in Nero D.S. over Rosso leather, a specification that inverts the familiar red-over-black scheme.

“Offered without reserve, the Enzo drew significant pre-sale interest which resulted in competitive back-and-forth bidding between multiple bidders in the auction room. With palpable energy and all eyes on the winning bidder, the Enzo eventually sold for a final $10,675,000 to an enthusiastic Jesús Ortíz Paz, the frontman of the sensational American Mexican music group Fuerza Régida, igniting cheering and applause throughout the crowd,” said Broad Arrow Auctions in a release. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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First Look – 2027 Toyota Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“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 →

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August 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast – Fog of War

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Software Recall – 500,000 Toyota Camry Hybrids

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling more than 500,000 model year 2025-2026 Camry Hybrid vehicles. The Visteon Corporation Mexican-built instrument cluster display may fail during vehicle startup.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch display combination meter, which controls certain vehicle functions and displays various information in the instrument panel. At vehicle startup, an error may occur in the startup sequence for this combination meter that can cause the combination meter to become blank,” Toyota said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Continue reading →

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IndyCar 2026 – Markum Street Race Ups and Downs

Posted on 16 August 2026 by Ken Zino

IndyCar racing* moved from its traditional street course around Exposition Center in Center in Toronto that saw 40 races a bit Northwest, ~19 miles to Markum streets for the Inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The 12-turn, 2.19-mile (3.52 km)  90 lap-race was the second new venue in 2026 following Phoenix and wedged between the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC next weekend. As with all new venues, driver and team prospects were unknown, made complicated here because the promoter was not able to complete the track build on time.

This changed the pulse and pace of what are incredible fast IndyCar race weekends. What didn’t change was the ensuing fast, tough and aggressive driving along with severe crashes. The ensuing chaos ultimately put a premium on a driver’s ability to run cleanly while meticulously adhering to changing team strategies. There were 258 on-track passes, 242 of those for position – many of them high-risk overtakes. Continue reading →

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California Car Week – Acura NEXERA Vision Concept Debuts

Posted on 15 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our goal with this new design direction is to define Acura performance through disciplined proportions, sculpted form and the seamless integration of advanced technology, creating an expression that is both progressive and authentic to the brand,” said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design.

The NEXERA Vision has dual-hinge butterfly doors, active aerodynamics and a new lighting signature. Finished in Matte Titanium, an exterior color with noticeable metallic depth, the NEXERA Vision has a profile defined by its wide stance, long dash-to-axle ratio and one-motion cabin. Continue reading →

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