Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

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The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, A2RL,* will make its international racing debut on 5 September 2026 in Imola, Italy, bringing up to 5 fully autonomous racecars based on the Dallara Super Formula SF23 to a racing circuit inextricably linked with Ferrari. This is A2RL’s first international race, which is another lap completed on its endurance race to become the world’s first international championship for fully autonomous racecars. Imola follows two seasons at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital. The 2026 season finale is at Abu Dhabi.

“A2RL began in Abu Dhabi with a clear conviction: the future of mobility must be tested openly, rigorously and at the limits of performance. Its international debut at Imola demonstrates how the UAE is translating bold R&D ambition into globally relevant technology platforms that can accelerate progress in autonomous mobility,” said H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council.** Continue reading →

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Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Bridgewater Interiors Workers Ratify New UAW Contract

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UAW members who build seats for Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Dodge RAM Trucks have ratified a new contract by ~80%, the UAW said today.

“UAW Local 400 members at Bridgewater Interiors are another example of workers in the IPS sector [Independent Parts Suppliers – AutoCrat.]*who are ready to stand up and win their fair share,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “They don’t treat IPS CEOs like second-class citizens. So why do they treat IPS workers that way? Whether you build axles or seats, the days of allowing IPS workers to be treated like second class citizens is ending.” Continue reading →

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Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mass Production eVTOL Soon? Joby Aviation and Toyota JV

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Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today announced the initial phase of what is termed a strategic manufacturing alliance by establishing the Joint Venture to realize air mobility. This will combine Joby’s pioneering work in electric eVTOL aircraft with Toyota’s expertise in production systems and operational excellence. The Strategic Alliance will initially focus on establishing the groundwork for commercial production, and advancing manufacturing excellence, with particular emphasis on further improving productivity, quality, and cost. Going forward, it will also support the expansion of Joby’s production capacity to support aircraft certification and meet anticipated growth in demand for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft,” the companies said.*

“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for manufacturing our aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt (sic) founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead. Together, we share a vision of making aerial mobility an everyday reality, and we look forward to delivering on that promise together.” Continue reading →

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More Ford Motor Recalls for Rollaways ~740,000 Affected

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino

Vehicle rollaways continue to plague Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) vehicles according to the latest safety defect recall filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 740,00 vehicles have a software problem whereby the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, severely damaging the park system. Affected vehicles were built from 8 January 2020, to 8 October 2021. All are equipped with the so-called with park-by-wire system and 10R80 automatic transmissions.*

“In the event of transmission park system damage, the ability of the transmission park feature to hold the vehicle if the parking brake is not applied may be affected. Unintended movement in Park increases the risk of a crash or injury,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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IMSA Watkins Glen: Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche Run Solid

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IMSA Watkins Glen: Cadillac, Corvette, Porsche Run Solid

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The four IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship classes ran at Watkins Glen International for the third IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup race of the season last weekend.* The 3.4-mile, 11-turn road course was used for IMSA and the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Cadillac Racing dominated at Watkins Glen International with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti winning from the pole in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Bamber, Aitken and Vesti led 143 of 182 laps to score their second season victory and their record-extending eighth podium finish. The streak is the longest in IMSA GTP history since 2023. They also won last month in Detroit.

Nick Yelloly’s No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 finished runner-up in the GTP class with Laurin Heinrich claiming the final step on the podium for the No. 5 JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963. Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports’ No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R of Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims placed fourth in GTD PRO on Sunday at the end of a caution-ridden Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen as Chevrolet retained the Manufacturers Championship lead in the class. [~20% of the field was removed from contention because of track incidents – AutoCrat.]** Continue reading →

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Sudden EV Power Loss – Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled

Posted on 29 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Sudden EV Power Loss - Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (NYSE: TM, 7203T) is recalling ~21,000 model-year 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The Denso-supplied electronic control unit (Battery ECU) that controls the high-voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

“Toyota observed certain diagnostic data during development testing of a new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model. After investigation, Toyota found that the memory in the battery ECU can fail an operation check because a part of the memory address location utilized by the battery control IC overlaps with a part utilized by the monitoring IC. The monitoring IC could repeatedly overwrite data at the same memory address used by the battery control IC when the memory operational check cycle matches the monitoring IC’s write operation cycle,” Toyota said in the mandatory  safety defect recall filling made published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 15 Million Honda Accords Sold in U.S.

Posted on 29 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - 15 Million Honda Accords Sold in U.S.

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Honda (NYSE: HMC) today confirmed the sale of 15 million Honda Accords* in America, noting a major milestone for the country’s best-selling car during the past 50 years. (footnote1 below **) The 15 millionth Accord, a 2026 Accord Sport-L Hybrid, was purchased from Norm Reeves Honda in Cerritos, Calif. by Andrea, a 26-year-old insurance agent from Southern California. Her new Accord replaces a 2017 Accord Sport that was passed down by her father, whose first vehicle purchase in 1997 was also a Honda Accord. Andrea’s younger sister, Alondra, also purchased a new Honda Accord from the same dealership that day. The 24-year-old chose a 2026 Accord Sport-L Hybrid and is now the owner of the 15,000,001st Honda Accord sold in America.

“On behalf of Honda associates here in America and worldwide, I want to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the 15 million customers who purchased an Accord, including Andrea and Alondra,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Accord, together with Honda dealers nationwide, we are committed to building on the quality, reliability and enduring fun-to-drive spirit of Accord for the next 50 years.” Continue reading →

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UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC

Posted on 29 June 2026 by Ken Zino

More than 800 members of UAW Local 5101, representing workers at Woodward MPC, have voted by 71% to authorize a strike after months of company stall tactics and unfair labor practices during contract negotiations the UAW claims. Woodward workers voted to affiliate with the UAW last fall.* “Since then, the company has committed over three dozen unfair labor practices, including total refusal to negotiate with the union. Workers are fighting for industry-leading wages, fair progression, time off, and job security.,” according to the UAW. [The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America – AutoCrat] The workers at Woodward build commercial and military aviation equipment for Woodward’s customers, including the U.S. Government and Boeing among other companies.

“UAW members at Woodward have sent a clear message to the company,” said UAW President Shawn Fain.** “Stop with the illegal delay tactics, bargain a fair agreement, or we’re ready to strike. Management has a choice to make: negotiate a contract, or face a strike.” Continue reading →

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June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%

Posted on 26 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%

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Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for June 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are expected to reach 1,363,800, a 3.6% increase year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData released today. Without adjusting for the number of selling days this means an increase of 8.0% from 2025. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 16.5 million units, up 0.8 million units from June 2025.*

“Stepping back to the broader picture, total new-vehicle sales for the first half of 2026 are projected to increase 1.2% over the first half of 2025,” said Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at J.D. Power. “Retail tells a softer story for the first half of 2026, with an expected decrease of 4.1% from the first half of 2025.” Continue reading →

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BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots

Posted on 26 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots

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BMW Group (XETRA: BMWG.DE)* said today that is increasing the use of digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. With so-called Physical AI [Connecting digital AI with real machines and robots – Autocrat.] intelligent systems such as humanoid robots can be integrated into real production processes. Following a successful deployment with a humanoid robot dubbed Figure 02 [R2-D2 was smarter and more lovable – AutoCrat.] at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the U.S., a more developed successor, Figure 03, will now start working on sequencing applications in logistics.

“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities,” said Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing. “Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics.” Continue reading →

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“Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements

Posted on 25 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on “Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements

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In a new white paper published today, “Trade and the American Dream: NAFTA, the USMCA, and the Future of the Working Class,” the UAW outlines its new vision for pro-worker trade policy amid the framework of United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) renegotiations. Parties to the USMCA are gathering on July 1, a key deadline in the renegotiation process.

“There is no way back to the American Dream without undoing the damage of NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “There is no future for the U.S. working class that doesn’t address the free trade disaster. Progressives and working-class allies need to understand that trade is at the heart of the rise of global authoritarianism, wealth inequality, and the political weakness of the working class.” Continue reading →

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Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality

Posted on 25 June 2026 by Ken Zino

The quality of new vehicles has improved industry-wide year-over-year according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM released today. However, infotainment is the exception. Connectivity issues continue to hurt customer experience with new-vehicle quality.*

“As more technology is introduced into vehicles, keeping the experience simple matters more than ever,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power.** “The biggest gains in quality come from features that are easy to use—simple controls, less-intrusive driver assistance and software that works the way customers expect. When technology becomes too complicated, the likelihood of customers experiencing a problem rises considerably.” Continue reading →

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Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down

Posted on 24 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trumped – Cox Automotive 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down

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Cox Automotive today released its mid-year 2026 review of the U.S. auto industry.* It’s forecasts for all types of vehicle sales are all down year-over-year. The average American clearly is being hurt by the Trump mis-Administration economic policies and its alliance and foreign affairs actions backed by the State Department.

“The top theme over the last year or so has really been affordability, and this isn’t only related to the auto industry but really about everything facing consumers. And the issue is ALL about purchasing power or more clearly – the erosion of purchasing power for many Americans over the last several years. We’ve all seen new highs in the stock market that have happened many times this year, and those equity gains and asset appreciation really help high income households. Those consumers are driving a lot of consumption across the economy, but the wealth effect gains are concentrated at the very top of the pyramid. The vast majority of the US population sees little gain from the wealth effect and their number one source of income are the paychecks they take home every week. That’s why inflation matters,” said Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist Cox Automotive.** Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived

Posted on 24 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived

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Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) revived “Heartbeat of America,” an advertising campaign from the 1980s and 1990s. The time around the turntable the sounds of The Red Clay Strays, a rock band from Mobile, Alabama, intermingle with images. More than 90 years ago, Chevrolet offered its first factory-installed radio to customers.* [To listen to the song click HERE – AutoCrat.]

“Heartbeat of America has always celebrated Chevrolet’s connection to the people and communities that shape this country,” said Steve Majoros, chief marketing officer of Global Chevrolet. “Chevrolet owners have always been the people that show up, the DIYers, the helpful neighbors – the true heartbeat in their communities. This campaign honors our customers.” Continue reading →

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Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck

Posted on 23 June 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones - Nissan Canton Builds 1 Million Frontier Trucks

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Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today that it has marked a major milestone at its Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant, celebrating the one‑millionth Frontier truck assembled in Mississippi, part of more than two million Frontiers assembled in the U.S. to date. In May, Frontier retail sales were up 24% year‑over‑year, with 6773 units sold, the pickup’s best May since 2010. Canton plays a fundamental role in Nissan’s strategy to increase U.S. production, helping expand localization from 44% in the last loss-making Japanese fiscal year to 65%.*

“This milestone reflects the skill of our Canton team and the strength of the community behind them,” said Victor Taylor, division vice president, U.S. Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Production Engineering. “Canton’s precision, pride and consistency are in every truck that rolls off the line.” Continue reading →

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