Milestones – Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that its associates today celebrated their 30th anniversary as Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio (TMP-O) in Russells Point, Ohio. Transmission production began in 1996 and associates have assembled  more than 26 million transmissions.

“As we celebrate 30 years of Honda manufacturing excellence in Ohio, we’re not just reflecting on our history; we’re accelerating toward the future,” said Jason Foster, Power Unit Manufacturing Plant lead. “The unyielding continued commitment of TMP-O associates to producing top-quality drivetrains will allow us to continue building on the legacy we celebrate today,” Continue reading →

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Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and Walter Venture Group, alongside existing investors Okapi Ventures, StartFast Ventures, SaaS Ventures, and Stout Street Ventures, was oversubscribed with solid demand from both new and existing backers as the Artificial Intelligence boom continues to this point.

“We were drawn to KredosAi because of the strength of the team, the company’s differentiated approach to combining behavioral economics with AI, and the clear data network effects behind the product,” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “In an environment where enterprises are under more pressure to improve retention, we saw a compelling opportunity for a solution that can create meaningful value at scale.” Continue reading →

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War Crimes – Trumpoline Prices Rising!

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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Gasoline and EV Charging prices are on the rise once again,* according to the latest data from AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

 “Gas prices are going up again, as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 5 cents overnight to $3.84 after steadily dropping since late May. Crude oil prices are currently in the $70 per barrel range but could rise if volatility lingers along the Strait of Hormuz,” AAA said in a release today.** Continue reading →

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Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index – Affordability Lurks?

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Affordability is the theme in the first half of 2026, according to the latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index published today.*

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index - Affordability Lurks

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“The first half of the year is officially in the books, and wholesale values finished on solid footing. The Manheim Index closed June up 2.1% against last year and essentially flat on the month, slightly below the typical gain for June. The story of the first half is a strong tax-refund season that pushed values to levels we haven’t seen in a few years, peaking in March before normalizing, leaving the index about 1% off that March high,” said Jonathan Gregory, Senior Director, Cox Automotive.** Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls ~326,000 Odysseys for Bad Rearview Cameras

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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Honda Motor (NYSE: HMC)* said today that it is recalling ~326,000 Odyssey vans because the Magna-supplied rearview cameras can fail to display when the vehicle is in the reverse gear. [Magna Electronics Holly MI – AutoCrat.] If the rearview camera image fails to display when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, rearward visibility is reduced, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. In a proactive move Honda released the mandatory safety defect filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ahead of its public released by NHTSA. The history of the defect goes back four years.**

“The defect was caused by two contributing factors. First, the specification for the rearview camera housing boss hole was inadequate for the mounting screw. Second, due to variations in the positioning of the housing on the assembly jig, the mounting screw is susceptible to being misaligned during assembly. As a result, the stress generated during screw fastening exceeded the material strength of the boss, causing it to crack. Through environmental exposure (thermal expansion/freezing of trapped water), these cracks can expand, allowing water to penetrate the interior of the assembly,” Honda told NHTSA. [This causes the printed circuit board (PCB) to corrode and fail – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Regulatory Reform! CPSC Starts Mandatory eFiling for Imports

Posted on 8 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)* said today that the Commission’s eFiling program is now in effect, requiring importers of regulated consumer products to submit compliance certificates electronically before products enter U.S. commerce. eFiling does not apply to domestic manufacturers, including small businesses manufacturing in the United States.

“America faces an unprecedented surge in imported consumer products entering through increasingly complex global supply chains, including millions of direct-to-consumer shipments that often bypass traditional retail distribution. CPSC faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly where products originate from countries that do not comply with U.S. safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman, a Trump appointee.** Continue reading →

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Toyota – $3.6B Expansion at San Antonio Plant

Posted on 7 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said this week that it will invest $3.6 billion to expand its San Antonio manufacturing site with a second vehicle assembly line for the Tacoma pickup truck. The expansion it’s claimed will create 2000 new jobs and add 2.5 million square feet to Toyota Texas, doubling its size by 2030. [In the latest trade and tariff battle under the Trump mis-administration, TMNA will move Tacoma production from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California (TMMBC) to the expanded Toyota Texas plant over ~four-years. Toyota said it encourages a quick resolution to USMCA to make the North American region globally competitive. Toyota has operations is all three countries – AutoCrat.]*

“Toyota’s continued investment in North America is a testament to our confidence in the region’s workforce, innovation and long-term growth potential,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO TMNA. “By expanding our San Antonio plant, we are deepening our commitment to American manufacturing, creating meaningful and sustainable jobs, while advancing our mission to deliver high-quality vehicles that meet the changing needs of customers today and into the future.” Continue reading →

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Ford and Lincoln Recalls For Bad Pedestrian Backup Warnings

Posted on 6 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than 66,000 2024-2027 model-year Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and 2025-2027 Explorer Hybrid vehicles. A software error may prevent the vehicle from making the pedestrian warning sound at certain speeds.* The Phoenix Audio System supplied by Harmon International has a software error in the Digital Signal Processing Module This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 25V691. Any vehicles previously repaired under 25V691 must have the new remedy completed.

“Dealers will replace the digital signal processing module in Nautilus Hybrid vehicles equipped with 28 speakers, free of charge. The remedy is currently under development for all other Nautilus and Explorer Hybrid vehicles affected by this recall,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the morning. Continue reading →

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Ford Leads All Manufacturers in NHTSA Recalls

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Ford Motor Company leads the safety defect recall parade. Ford Motor remains subject to a 2024 consent order from NHTSA. NHTSA retained an independent third party to oversee Ford Motor recall issues, required safety expenditures, and the cited Safety Act violations. The dataset includes recall information related to specific NHTSA campaigns. General Motors, Chrysler (FCAUS) Hyundai Motor and Toyota follow Ford in frequency.

Manufacturers who determine that a product or piece of original equipment either contains a safety defect or is not in compliance with Federal safety standards are required to notify NHTSA within 5 business days.  Continue reading →

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CARB Adds $70M of Funding for Clean Off-Road Equipment

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB)* has approved the next round of funding – $70 million -for the Air Quality Improvement Program and allocated it to the state’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). CORE encourages California off-road equipment owners to purchase or lease commercial zero-emission off-road equipment.

“Off-road equipment remains a major source of harmful emissions in California and demand for incentives has consistently exceeded what’s been available,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “With other funding dedicated to clean cars and trucks, we’re focusing these funds where they can make the biggest difference – helping clean the air in communities where off-road equipment is most heavily used for agricultural, constriction and freight operations.” Continue reading →

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Goodyear Blimp Returns to NYC for the Fourth of July

Posted on 3 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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The Goodyear Blimp will offer millions of Americans with an aerial view during Sail 4th 250, a nautical event in New York City during what’s said to be the world’s largest gathering of tall ships. Aerial coverage will begin at 7 a.m. EST on the TODAY Show on NBC. No drones need apply.*

“The blimp’s historic appearance at Sail 4th 250 is the fourth time it’s flown over an Operation Sail event. It was a fixture at the first celebration in 1964, America’s Bicentennial in 1976 and the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Now, it returns to provide aerial coverage in celebration of America’s 250th,” the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW iX5 Electric Vehicle Debuts in Spartanburg SC

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The BMW Group (XETRA: BMWG.DE)* celebrated a milestone this week at the “Home of X” event at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. With this milestone, BMW Group has completed the expansion of Plant Spartanburg and the construction of Plant Woodruff, establishing the basis for the assembly of fully electric BMW vehicles in South Carolina. The United States remains one of BMW Group’s most important markets worldwide.

“When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG. “Today, we are delivering on that commitment. The completion of our investments in Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff demonstrates our confidence in the United States and reinforces South Carolina’s role at the center of BMW Group’s global operations.” Continue reading →

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Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Q2 2026 Sales Drop ~6%

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today reported global sales of 171,501 cars in the second quarter of 2026, down 5.6% from Q2 last year. This is partially due to the difficult operating environment across regions, especially in China, that global automakers are enduring along with the Trump mis-administration tax, trade and foreign policy strategies. [Part of the solution to the Chinese problem is that Chinese-owned Volvo cars can export Chinese EVs to global markets, which it is increasingly doing – AutoCrat.]

“Overall market conditions remain challenging, specifically in China, but we are encouraged by the momentum for the fully electric cars in our largest market Europe,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars.** “We see increased deliveries and order intake for our EX30, even in less electrified South European markets. This is reflected in our higher market share in the growing electric car segments compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van

Posted on 2 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Pro One to Unveil an Autonomous Commercial Van.

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* said today it will unveil a so-called “Box-on-Wheels,” a new autonomous concept that is part of its recovery plan* to becoming a provider of integrated logistics solutions. Stellantis Pro One debuts at IAA Hannover in September to “address the evolving needs of industry professionals through one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle line-ups on the market. At the trade show 13 vehicles on display and four professional brands represented,” Stellantis said. It will be revealed during a Press Conference in Hall 13 on September 14.

“Stellantis Pro One is setting the stage for a world premiere poised to redefine urban delivery through a customer-centric approach to more efficient and sustainable last-mile logistics,” Stellantis said in a release. “The stand offers a comprehensive and immersive journey across the full Stellantis Pro One portfolio – from micro-mobility to large vans – enhanced by CustomFit solutions and specialist conversions tailored to a wide range of professional applications,” Stellantis said.** Continue reading →

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Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League to Run at Imola!

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Ken Zino
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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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