Tag Archives: Ken Zino

Ford Recalls ~288,000 Explorers for Flying Roof Rail Covers

Posted on 20 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Affected vehicles are equipped with roof rail covers that may loosen over time, exhibiting a visible gap, developing a rattle, or detaching from the vehicle while in motion,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning.

“Vehicles with this condition may exhibit increased wind noise and/or squeaks and rattles as the roof rail cover begins to loosen. A visible gap or misalignment between the roof rail cover and the roofline may develop,” Ford said. Continue reading →

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First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid

Posted on 17 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The 2027 Toyota Prius (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, of $28,755 plus a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. The top of the range MSRP is … Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Posts Grim Q2 2026 Operating Results

Posted on 17 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) today released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. The news was grim as revenue, free cash flow and retail sales showed drops of -17%. -5.2% and – 6% respectively compared to Q2 2025. However, the Q2 EBIT margin was a razor thin +1.1%, which buys the Chinese-owned company more time to revitalize itself. [10.6% EBIT Q2 2025 AutoCrat.]

“In this very challenging external environment, we made progress on our strategic actions,” claimed Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO. “This gives us the momentum and confidence that the second half of the year will improve compared to the first six months.” Continue reading →

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WEC – Ford Hypercar V8 moves from Dyno to Race Car

Posted on 16 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Racing’s (NYSE: F) WEC Hypercar program moved from dynamometer cells in Dearborn to race cars in France last week. Competing in the Hypercar class, the Ford-powered, Ford-built and Ford-raced prototype will make its Le Mans debut in the event’s 95th running in June 2027.*

“The engine’s development phase is already showing great promise on the dynos in Dearborn, where we’ve been pushing the limits of its performance and durability – and learning a lot at the same time. That dyno work, combined with parallel progress on the chassis side with ORECA, has now converged into a complete package ready for its next phase,” said Dan Sayers, WEC Hypercar Program Manager at Ford Racing. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Increases EU Registrations during H1 2026

Posted on 16 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“During the first six months of 2026, we confirmed the positive momentum that Stellantis began to demonstrate toward the end of last year. In line with the objectives set out in our FaSTLAne 2030 strategic plan, we consolidated our leadership in the A and B segments across the EU30 market, where our registrations have increased by 67,000 units year-on-year, rising to 93,000 units when Leapmotor sales are included. Similarly, the Stellantis Pro One family remains firmly at the top of the podium in the highly competitive light commercial vehicle market,” claimed Emanuele Cappellano, COO of Enlarged Europe. Continue reading →

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Gasoline National Average Moves Higher Near $4 Gallon!

Posted on 16 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump and pushing crude oil prices toward $80 per barrel. Most states are still averaging less than $4 per gallon. Earlier this year, the national average remained in the $4 range all of April and May and most of June. Last time the national average was $4 or above was on June 17 when it was $4.02,” AA said. Continue reading →

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Transportation Costs Rising for Producers. You’ll Pay More Too

Posted on 15 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released the change in the costs faced by producers purchasing transportation services and industries producing them, from June 2025 to June 2026. Transportation equipment PPI indicate the changes in transportation equipment prices faced by transportation providers. Any increase raises providers costs, which ultimately are passed on to everyday Americans. The PPI shows that prices increased for freight transportation and equipment by 2.3% in June 2026 compared to June 2025. Continue reading →

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Cut Energy Waste. Save $4.8 Trillion or $31,000 a Household!

Posted on 15 July 2026 by Ken Zino

ACEEE found opportunities for progress in eight broad areas: buildings equipment efficiency, zero-emissions new buildings, existing building improvements, industrial energy efficiency and electric heat, reduced industrial materials, efficient and electric vehicles, transportation system efficiency and access, and electricity demand flexibility. Continue reading →

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Trump-conomics – Consumer Cost For Transportation up 6.5%

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released today the change in the costs faced by consumers for transportation goods and services. From June 2025 to June 2026, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). [The annual change in CPI … Continue reading →

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First look – 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Unequaled Value?

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota (NYSE: TM) revealed details of the 2027 Toyota Corolla Hatchback – a compact car with high quality, durability pert driving traits and unique value in AutoInformed’s experience, which covers decades of reviews and even ownership of one. It will be in dealerships this Summer. Both are built at the Tsutsumi Plant in Aichi, Japan. Info on the 2027 Corolla Sedan will come later.

Available in SE and XSE grades, the 2027 Corolla Hatchback starts at $24,780 (SE) and $27,875 (XSE) MSRP that excludes a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. Reinforcing the value proposition is Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory-scheduled service for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage. Continue reading →

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Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer L Brake Recalls

Posted on 14 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler* (FCA US) is recalling ~120,000 2026 model year Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer L SUVs. The brake system control module software may cause a loss of electronic stability control and a loss of electronic brake assist. These SUVs go not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems” and 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” The supplier is ZF group. Continue reading →

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Ford Mustang Recalls – Sudden Power Loss, Washer/Wipers

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)) is recalling ~43,000 2021-2023 model-year Mustang Mach E vehicles for powertrain [primary drive unit or PDU- AutoCrat] failures. It is also recalling 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD models for defective wiper and washer systems. All told ~111,000 Mustangs are affected. The most serious safety defect is a powertrain failure (NHTSA recall 26V417 or 26V-417, Ford 26S50) that results from Mexican supplied Borg Warner PDU for the 2021-2023 Mustang Mach E. The rear-wheel drive vehicles a rear differential pinion shaft may fracture without warning. Continue reading →

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Park Outside! Kia Recalls ~463,000 Telluride Models for Fires

Posted on 13 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect filing that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made public this morning. Continue reading →

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Audi of America Q2 2026 Sales Drop 17%

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Audi of America reported today a Q2 sales drop of -17% when compared year-over-year. There was no release with commentary just the sales chart shown here at AutoInformed. This came as the parent company Volkswagen Group (VOW.DE) Executive Board yesterday presented the Supervisory Board with 12 initiatives to make the financially bedridden Group. [Share price is down 66% during the last five years; -25% year-over-year at ~€76 as customers are apparently searching for more affordable wheels or are no longer happy with product Audi product offerings – AutoCrat.] No doubt Audi of America executives were in Wolfsburg fighting for the survival of the brand. Continue reading →

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Loss Making Survival Diet – VW Group Efficiency Quest

Posted on 10 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“Our goal is clear: by 2030, we will make the Volkswagen Group the most attractive automotive company in the world – with iconic brands, inspiring products, leading technologies, robust financial results, reliable capital market performance and a team spirit in action,” claimed Oliver Blume, CEO of the Group. “With our future plan, we are moving into the next phase of transformation by our own means. We are making the Volkswagen Group faster, more resilient and more competitive: through less complexity, focused technologies, an even stronger alignment of products, development and production with regional markets, the reduction of over-capacities, a streamlined equity portfolio and significantly leaner structures. In this way, we are creating the conditions for sustained success – even in an increasingly demanding environment.” Continue reading →

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