Tag Archives: Ken Zino

Nissan 2025 Operating Loss at ¥533B. Drops FY 2026 Dividends

“FY2025 marked a year of steady execution under Re:Nissan, where we strengthened our foundation and began to see tangible progress in our financial performance. At the same time, we set our long‑term direction with Mobility Intelligence for everyday life. We have moved beyond recovery and are entering a phase of growth,” said Chief Executive Officer Ivan Espinosa. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trumped – Consumer Price Index Largest Increase in 3 Years!

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis in April, after rising 0.9% in March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today. During the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.8% before seasonal adjustment. The index for all items less food and energy rose 2.8% over the past 12 months. The shelter index increased 3.3% over the last year. Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include medical care (+2.5%), airline fares (+20.7%), household furnishings and operations (+3.9%), and recreation (+2.3%). [This was the largest increase in three years – AutoCrat.]

“The index for energy rose 3.8% in April, accounting for over 40% of the monthly all items increase. The shelter index also increased in April, rising 0.6%. The index for food increased 0.5% over the month as the index for food at home rose 0.7% and the index for food away from home increased 0.2 %,” BLS said. Continue reading

Posted in economy, news, news analysis, opinions, people, prices, results, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CPI for Transportation Goods and Services Up 7%. Fuel 28%

“The CPI for all transportation goods and services rose 7.1% from April 2025 to April 2026. Transportation contributed 31.1% to the 3.8% increase in the price of all goods and services per the CPI. Gasoline (all types) contributed the most to inflation, rising 28.4% year-over-year and contributing 24.2% to the annual change in the price of all goods and service,” BTS said. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW

“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

“The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) has been informed that eligible hourly employees have voted in favor of union representation through the United Auto Workers (UAW). We respect the outcome of this process and our employees’ right to make this decision. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on working together, as one team, in support of our mission to ‘put YOU at the center of science.’ We are committed to continuing to deliver immersive, engaging, and impactful STEM experiences for the communities we serve in Detroit and across Michigan,” MI-SCI told AutoInformed. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW American Axle Workers Authorize Three Rivers Strike

“The membership of UAW Local 2093 and Region 1D have sent a crystal clear message to American Axle: we need a fair contract now, or we’re ready to take the next step,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “We’ve waited long enough for this company to do the right thing, and we’re ready to do what it takes to win a fair deal at American Axle.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lexus ES to Debut AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in 2026 ES

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) said today it debuting the first integration of AT&T 5G Network Connectivity in the Lexus lineup. The enhanced version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system will make its debut in the 2026 ES before rolling out to future models in the Lexus lineup.

“We are excited for guests to experience something truly special,” said Brian Inouye, chief engineer, Connected Experiences Division. “We’ve made bold updates to Lexus Interface that deliver both function and performance, with every detail meticulously designed to delight, inform and entertain.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles, vehicle personalization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Honda Partnered Accessories Launches with Thule

American Honda Motor Company (NYSE: HMC) today announced Honda Partnered Accessories, an adjunct to Honda Genuine Accessories available at 1000 independent U.S. Honda dealerships.*

“Honda Partnered Accessories, a new accessory line designed to enhance the vehicle purchase and ownership experience through Honda dealers by integrating popular products from trusted third‑party brands directly into the vehicle purchase process. This initiative adds a scalable accessory ecosystem alongside Honda Genuine Accessories, created to grow and adapt as customer needs and vehicle trends evolve,” American Honda said in a release. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AAA – Record 45 Million Plan Memorial Day Weekend Trips

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.” Continue reading

Posted in economy, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Motor FY2026 Net Income at $24.61B Drops 19%

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today posted a FY2026 [1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026] Net Income of $24.61B or a drop of -19% compared to FY 2025. “I view our 17 years under then-President Toyoda and then-President … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis and Leapmotor to Expand Leapmotor International

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM) and Leapmotor (Zhejiang Leapmotor Technologies Ltd 9863.HK) today announced their intention to expand their strategic partnership [Leapmotor International – LMPI – is a 51% Stellantis / 49% Leapmotor joint venture with exclusive rights for the sale and manufacturing of Leapmotor products outside Greater China – AutoCrat.] with an emphasis on European products and assembly plants and engineering technologies.

“This plan to expand our successful partnership with Leapmotor – a trusted peer and one of the fastest-growing, most respected new energy vehicle producers globally – is a true win-win for both of us. It is expected to support production and advance localization in Europe of world-class manufacturing of electric vehicles at affordable prices to meet customers’ real-world needs. Today’s announcement reflects our intent to deepen our partnership and take one more step towards even greater collaborations in the future,” said Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, design and styling, economy, electric vehicles, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bosch Supplied Cloud-Based Driving Safety Alerts is Growing

A cloud-based service that uses continuously updated data from numerous sources to quickly warn drivers of potential hazards on their route, such as sudden fog or black ice is now being used in millions of different cars and commercial vehicles … Continue reading

Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis, public health, safety, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trumped Thumped – N.A. Automaker 2025 Tariff Costs $12.5B!

“$12 billion is a hefty bill, and that’s only for cars and parts from two countries,” said Anh Do, senior analyst at Anderson Economic Group. “The total tariff burden borne by the American auto industry and its customers last year is much higher when you include tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as imports from Europe and Asia.” Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lexus Shows 2027 TZ 3-Row Electric SUV

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today in Japan revealed a prototype version of the Lexus TZ 3-Row Electric SUV. The all-wheel-drive, full-size SUV is aimed directly at the popular and profitable SUVs from the brands at General Motors and Ford Motor Company. TZ is capable of driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas [or Tokyo to Kobe -AutoCrat] on one charge. Acceleration is rated by Lexus at 0-100 kms (62.1 miles) in 5.2 seconds. Grade and pricing information for the all-new Lexus TZ will be available later in 2026.* Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, opinions, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear Q1 Loss of $249 Million. Per Share Loss at $0.39

“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” said CEO Mark Stewart. “Despite a weak environment, our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and reflect our commitment to drive value for our brands in the marketplace, where we offer world-class differentiated products and services.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, results | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group Q1 2026 Sales Soft. Earnings at €2.348 Million Drop

“Once again, our earnings for the first quarter demonstrate the value of strategic consistency, operational strength and a high degree of flexibility. We are well positioned to deliver continued success, despite challenging conditions,” claimed Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

[The questions for 2026 are whether EVs are salable without money on the hood so to speak in the U.S. How increased low-cost Chinese EVs in Europe affect premium brand sales, and the whim or dementia of the moment of the Trump Administration tax and tariff policies and their negative effects on Global trade. Trump said last Friday that he would boost tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25% this week from 15% – AutoCrat?] Continue reading

Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment