Lexus Recall for Instrument Panel Display Failures

Posted on 26 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling ~68356 model year 2022-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, and NX450h+ vehicles. The instrument panel cluster combination meter may fail to display certain warnings or indicators. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, “Control and Displays.” The defective vehicles are equipped with a 7-inch display combination meter. Software running the display is defective.

“At vehicle startup, an error may occur in the initialization process for this combination meter that can cause certain areas of the display to become blank, and the required indicators for engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, and electrical charge may not be displayed when the corresponding underlying issue occurs. Continue reading →

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Audi to Build First American Plant in Georgia

Posted on 25 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Audi over the weekend said it is plans to establish its first U.S. plant site in Georgia. Construction of the plant, designed to assemble an annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles, is scheduled to begin in 2027. Production is planned to start in the early 2030s, of  Audi SUVs. [This is clearly an expensive bet – ~$4 billion – to protect Volkswagen AG (VOW.F) and its luxury brand Audi with its ~300 U.S. dealers from Trump mis-administration trade and tariff wars, which raised tariffs to 25% on fully finished German imports. – AutoCrat]*

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America. The United States is one of the world’s most important premium markets, and we have not yet realized our full potential. We are determined to change that — with premium products, a stronger brand and a competitive local production base. This is about building a stronger Audi business in America — not simply about building a factory,” said Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. Continue reading →

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GM Q3 2026 Net $3.3B. More Share Buybacks Coming

Posted on 20 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on GM Q3 2026 Net $3.3B. More Share Buybacks Coming

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) today reported Q3 2026 revenue of $50.0 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $3.3 billion, and EBIT-adjusted of $4.1 billion. The company is updating its full-year 2026 EBIT-adjusted guidance, narrowing the range. The company expects net income attributable to stockholders to be $8.9 billion to $9.5 billion; Automotive operating cash flow to be $17.3 billion to $20.3 billion; and EPS-diluted to be $9.72 to $10.72 based on its updated guidance and the impact of adjustments recorded year to date.

“GM is performing well, and we are working hard to continue our momentum despite growing inflationary pressures through strategic investments in new products and services, and through improved quality and operating efficiency. Over the next several years, our portfolio will only get stronger as we complete the launches of the all-new 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups and follow them with our next-generation heavy duty pickups, our next-generation full-size SUVs, all-new Cadillac sedans and crossovers, and more,” said Mary Barra chair and CEO of General Motors. Continue reading →

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Toyota Installs Two Hydrogen Fueling Stations in Ontario CA

Posted on 20 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Installs Two Hydrogen Fueling Stations in Ontario CA

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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) North America’s Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ) division is progress in fueling improvements for heavy-duty fuel cell trucks as it works to bring these changes to Toyota’s commercial fleets in the U.S. Production Toyota-powered trucks are expected to be on the road for commercial operations in 2027.*

“Toyota recently installed two mobile hydrogen fueling devices at North American Parts Center California (NAPCC). The Ontario CA complex is its largest parts distribution facility in the U.S. With the tanks and fuel ready, Toyota’s commercial logistics fleets plan to use the mobile fuelers to support Toyota operations by fueling heavy-duty fuel cell trucks hauling freight from the Port of Los Angeles to Ontario, and throughout the region. A permanent station is planned to be built on location.” H2HQ said in a release. Continue reading →

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WEC Barcelona – Toyota Racing Takes Manufacturers’ Title

Posted on 19 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Copyright Toyota Racing all rights reserved. Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on WEC Barcelona - Toyota Racing Takes Manufacturers’ Title

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Toyota Racing won the manufacturers’ title with its one-two victory in the 6 Hours of Barcelona, the penultimate round of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season .In slick, wet conditions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the team won for the fourth time this season to secure its eighth manufacturers’ World Championship, in its first year as the renamed Toyota Racing.

Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa were victorious in the #8 TR010 Hybrid, extending their lead in the drivers’ standings, setting up a driver’s duel in Monza. [Ironically the Barcelona Toyota Victory  came at the expense of Ferrari AF Corse (#50), which placed 3rd, only 40 seconds back after six hours. Cadillac Hertz Team Jota finished 4th – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Park Outside! Genesis Recall for Power-Seat Motor Fires

Posted on 19 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America (Genesis) is recalling ~947,000 model-year 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis, and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Korean-made front power-seat motors may overheat due to a stuck power seat control switch, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the repair has been performed. Owner notification letters are not expected to be mailed until 7 December 2026. Owners of Hyundai vehicles may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Genesis owners may contact Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Hyundai recall number for this recall is 308, and Genesis’ recall number is 035G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning 13 October 2026. Continue reading →

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New UAW International Executive Board Sworn In

Posted on 16 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on New UAW International Executive Board Sworn In. Photo Copyright UAW

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United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain and the union’s newly elected International Executive Board (IEB) were sworn into office today for a new four-year term in a ceremony that respected the will of the membership and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fighting for its members and all working-class people.

[The UAW enters its new term focused on expanding the union’s reach through a $100 million investment in new organizing, building worker power and fighting for a better future for workers and their families. This is a mere pittance compared to Republican, MAGA and some Corporate PACS spending on political candidates who range in views that are anti-worker, racist, anti-healthcare and pro the Wealthy Class domination of the U.S. and Global economies – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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First Look – Porsche Mission S Sports Car Concept Debut

Posted on 16 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Porsche Mission S with 550 Spyder - Copyright Porsche AG Oct. 2026 all rights reserved

Porsche Mission S with 550 Spyder.

As part of its ‘Sportwagenschmiede ’35’ strategic realignment for financially challenged Porsche, the German car company debuted in New York City yesterday a future concept as a first glimpse of the brand’s evolving design identity.*

A Porsche must be recognizable as a Porsche at first glance,” said Dr Michael Leiters, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “The Mission S provides a glimpse of the ideas and design features that will shape Porsche in the coming years. The focus is on the authentic, consequent and timeless design of the vehicle and a particularly intense connection between driver and car.” Continue reading →

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HondaJet APMG S Upgrade Approved by EASA

Posted on 15 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on HondaJet APMG S Upgrade Approved by EASA

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HondaJet Classic and APMG owners across the European Union can now experience the latest advancements developed for the HondaJet product family, following type validation of the HondaJet APMG S upgrade package by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Honda Aircraft said today in a release.*

“At Honda Aircraft Company, we are deeply committed to continuously enhancing value by bringing meaningful innovation to customers throughout their ownership journey,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft company. “We are pleased to make these enhancements available to more customers across Europe and to continue supporting the success of the global HondaJet community.”** Continue reading →

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Acura to Debut New SUVs Targeting Detroit Models

Posted on 14 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Acura to Debut New SUVs Targeting Detroit Models

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Acura* this week debuted the performance luxury brand’s future in North America with its U.S. dealers. [Significantly, there are plans to introduce three new SUVs aimed at attracting new buyers aimed in what are lucrative markets for the Detroit Three U.S. automakers, aka Big Three once upon a time – AutoCrat.]**

“We are making a big commitment to Acura by delivering products and services that meet the needs of our customers at all life stages, which will create a sustainable long-term direction for the brand,” said Eiji Fujimura, president & CEO of American Honda. Continue reading →

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Trumpoline – EV Sales Increase in Q3 2026!

Posted on 13 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EV Sales Increase in Q3 2026!

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The U.S. electric vehicle market delivered its strongest performance in a year during Q2 of 2026. According Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book estimates, 262,649 EVs were sold in Q3, up 6.1% from the second quarter and the highest quarterly total since the record-setting third quarter of 2025.* [EV sales in Q3 were down 39.5% from a year ago, but that decline was inevitable, as Q3 2025 was the best quarter ever for EV sales in the United States as consumers scurried to take advantage of expiring federal incentives under the Trump Mis-administration. Trump’s ongoing tariff, trade and failed shooting wars with the U.S. now in retreat and bailing out Putin’s failed economy and wars, have sent the price of fuel to absurdly high levels with no end on the consumer and economy killing inflation in sight. – AutoCrat.]

“What we’re seeing now is a market finding its footing again,” said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. “The third quarter was the highest EV sales volume in a year, and improvement through 2026 suggests the reset phase is largely behind us. The next stage of growth will be driven by great products, competitive pricing, and automakers that continue to give consumers compelling reasons to make the switch. And high pump prices are likely helping as well. With gas prices well above $4 a gallon, electric vehicles look better than ever.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Subaru on Travel and Pets

Posted on 13 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing – Subaru on Travel and Pets

Note the safety belt use.

Subaru of America today announced research on how central family pets have become to Americans’ holiday travel plans. Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips.* “Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips,” Subaru said in a release.

“Holidays are meant for spending time with family, including our pets, so it’s no surprise that as people take the time to visit loved ones near and far, pets are factored into the planning. We’ve always known that animals hold a special place in the hearts and homes of the Subaru community, and this research shows that same connection is shared by pet parents across the country,” said Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment Manager at Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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MBUSA Recalls 30,000 Vehicles for Brake Hose Failures

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling~30,000 S-Class vehicles. Included are model-year 2022-2025 S 500 4MATIC, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC, 2023-2025 S 580 E 4MATIC, and 2024-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V116.* The driver will not receive a warning. When the rupture occurs, the driver might notice a red brake fluid warning message in the instrument panel.

“Affected brake hoses might not meet durability specifications as a result of accumulated material fatigue due to increased thermal and mechanical stresses sustained over the vehicle’s lifetime,” MBUSA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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Ram 1500 Recall for Bad Tire Pressure Monitoring

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ram 1500 Recall for Bad Tire Pressure Monitoring

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Chrysler (FCA US or Stellantis) is recalling ~16,000 2026 model year Ram 1500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system sensors may fail to detect low tire pressure and/or fail to illuminate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light as intended. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring System.*

“Inaccurate indication of tire pressure may result in tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash,” Chrysler said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing (49 CFR §573) made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. There is no driver warning  prior to failure. When the failure occurs, the TPMS Telltale may illuminate. Continue reading →

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Cause of Ongoing Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fires Unknown

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cause of Ongoing Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fires Unknown

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Volkswagen Group of America is recalling ~23,000 model-year 2023-2026 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail and lead to a fire. The cause is a mystery to VW. [ID.4 has had multiple recalls for its electrical system. SK Battery is the supplier – AutoCrat.]*

“The root cause is unknown, however in certain high-voltage batteries within the affected vehicle population, certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge over 80% may trigger thermal propagation within the high-voltage battery,” VW told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing document made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

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