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Tag Archives: S&P Global Mobility
May 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast is Down Again
“North America’s vehicle production outlook was reduced by 13,000 units for 2026 and 339,000 units for 2027. Near-term production remains relatively steady as automakers continue building key high-volume vehicles to meet demand and support lean inventory levels, especially in pickups and core utility segments. However, the forecast assumes manufacturers will not cut output preemptively unless demand weakness or supply disruptions become more visible. As a result, the brunt of the downside risk shifts into 2027, especially for vehicles and segments more exposed to high fuel costs and softer consumer spending. [Such as the gas guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs that are (were?) extremely profitable offerings from what used to called the Detroit Three. Now GM, Ford and Stellantis – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, news, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mike Wall, S&P Global Mobility, the Iranian war and the Strait of Hormuz shut down effect on auto manufacturing, X @KenAutoinformed
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April 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Drops Globally!
“The global auto industry’s near-term outlook is heavily influenced by the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz now expected to remain closed through April, leading to higher oil prices and increased volatility. These conditions are raising manufacturing and logistics costs, putting pressure on vehicle demand and production,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility yesterday.
“April’s forecast update includes downward revisions across most regions, especially Middle East/Iran and China, as the industry adjusts to persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. Elevated energy costs, inflation, and supply chain instability are the main factors affecting the industry,” said Wall. “Alternative scenarios, including a severe oil shock, are still being considered due to the risk of extended disruption.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, sales, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged April 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, S&P Global Mobility, X @KenAutoinformed
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Revised Auto Forecasts Assume Slight Iranian War Effects?
“The base scenario assumes a short-term conflict, with the most significant effects in Iran and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while other markets experience milder impacts mainly through higher oil prices,” said Mike Wall the Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility in a release yesterday. [Oddly in AutoInformed’s view, North America’s production outlook is “only marginally reduced for 2026, with a slight increase in 2027…” the respected consultancy said – Autocrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, automotive production forecasts, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Light Vehicle Production Forecasts, Mike Wall, S&P Global Mobility, Trump’s Iranian war, X @KenAutoinformed
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Brr Frozen January U.S. Auto Sales
“Weather-related impacts from cold weather and late-month winter storm activity will likely contribute to some of the mild January result,” said Chris Hopson, manager of North American light vehicle sales forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. “Setting up what could be some volatility for the monthly SAAR metric in the first half of 2026.”
Continued development of battery-electric vehicle sales remains increasingly uncertain. The auto policy implications of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or One Big BAD Bill at AutoInformed.com – AutoCrat) and developing new regulatory standards could further temper long-term BEV demand growth. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Hopson, January 2026 US auto sales forecast, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, S&P Global Mobility, X @KenAutoinformed
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Autonomous Vehicles – Skepticism Rules Consumers
Virtually all automakers now have some type automated driving system categorized as Level 2 or Level 2+ on the SAE Autonomous Driving Levels standard. These include General Motors’ Super Cruise; Tesla Autopilot; and numerous Mercedes, BMW and Stellantis systems in Europe and Nio in mainland China. More options are becoming obtainable each year.
“The choice between Level 3 automation [conditional] and Level 2/Level 2+ systems [partial automation] often divides the industry, resulting in notable differences in strategies among autonomous vehicle companies,” said Vivek Beriwal of S&P Global Mobility, a distinct part of S&P Global. “A key assumption of Level 3 systems is that the automaker assumes liability for its safe operation in “autonomous mode.” This has caused some automakers to focus on expanding functionality within Level 2+ while delaying any potential Level 3 upgrades,” Beriwal observes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electronics, engineering, news analysis, safety, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, S&P Global Mobility, SAE Autonomous Driving Level 2, SAE Autonomous Driving Level 3, SAE Autonomous Driving Levels, Vivek Beriwal, X @KenAutoinformed
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Automakers Rapidly Increasing EV Prices
AutoInformed thinks two factors are in play here: First demand for EVs is strong, particularly among affluent buyers. Second, EVs are more costly to develop and batteries are still expensive and the covid pandemic supply chain interruptions are making them scarce. One click bait headline had it that “EVs are Bringing Out the Worst in Us” because, among other things, a Hummer EV battery pack weighs as much as a Honda Civic. It consumes minerals that could otherwise be used to build several electric-sedan batteries or hundreds upon hundreds of e-bike batteries. Perhaps such thinkers are unaware of the ongoing mood amongst that tawdry cast of Capital characters along the banks of the Potomac who will not legislate SUVs and Pickup trucks out of existence. Yes, there is a Santos clause and his party wants to legislate the government out of business. Continue reading
June 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast So-So
S&P Global Mobility’s May forecast released today noted that Geopolitical risk around the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz keeps oil risks elevated, with “higher for longer” pricing still a base case and possible shipping/logistics hiccups. The biggest shift is a more constrained outlook for China light-vehicle demand, translating into lower sales and production. Continue reading →