EPA Certifies Higher Estimated Range for 2027 Volvo EX60

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on EPA Certifies Higher Estimated Range for 2027 Volvo EX60

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Volvo Car USA (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) said today it has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for the all-new 2027 Volvo EX60 P10 AWD with an estimated driving range of up to 330 miles on a single charge [based on the battery being preconditioned before charging – AutoCrat], exceeding earlier estimates by the company.*

“After its debut earlier this year and the opening of U.S. order books in May, the EX60 positions Volvo Cars in the mid-size electric SUV segment, the largest and fastest-growing category in the electric vehicle market. The game-changing SUV offers impressive range, fast charging, and exceptional performance – all at a competitive price,” Volvo Car claimed. Continue reading

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J.D. Power 2026 APEAL Scores Rise Again

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Automakers are delivering vehicles that are more satisfying to own and drive, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM. Overall satisfaction among new-vehicle owners reached 858 (on a 1000-point scale), rising 7 index points for a third consecutive annual increase. The increase is the largest since 2018 and the fifth largest in study history, highlighting how improvements in quality and vehicle experience are translating into stronger owner enthusiasm.*

“Automakers have made real progress in reducing problems, but JD Power data makes it clear that quality alone isn’t enough,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Owners are most enthusiastic when their vehicle not only works reliably but also feels thoughtfully designed and offers comfortable interiors, useful storage and technology that’s easy to live with. The brands that get both sides of that equation right see the strongest advocacy from their customers.”** Continue reading

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ACEA – New EU Car Registrations Up 5.7% YTD

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New EU car registrations* rose by 5.7% year-to-date, with a solid performance in June contributing to a positive first half of 2026, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].

“This came against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical headwinds weighing on the outlook. The market continued to benefit from robust consumer demand for a range of electrified technologies, driven primarily by market support measures. Hybrid-electric vehicles lead as the most popular powertrain choice…, while battery-electric cars reached 20.7%. In addition, plug-in hybrids captured 9.8% of the EU market,” ACEA said. Continue reading

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AAA – Gasoline Prices Keep Rising!

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on AAA – Gasoline Prices Keep Rising!

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The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 15 cents from last week to $4.09 according to the latest data from AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).*

“Most states are now averaging $4 per gallon or higher. Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump. Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the $90 per barrel range and could continue driving up costs during the second half of summer,” AAA said.** Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again!

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.44 per share, an increase of $0.02 per share (+1.4%), bringing the annualized dividend to $5.76 per share. This represents the Company’s 23rd consecutive quarterly dividend increase. It comes as a proposal to take PAG private for $210 per share was announced.*

“Our continued dividend growth reflects the strength of our business and disciplined capital allocation strategy,” said Robert H. Kurnick, Jr., President of Penske Automotive Group. “We remain committed to creating shareholder value through a balanced strategy that includes dividends, securities repurchases, and strategic acquisitions.” The dividend is payable September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of 14 August 2026.** Continue reading

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Take Private Offer Made to Penske Automotive Group!

Late yesterday, the Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* announced that it had received an unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal from Penske Corporation (PC) and Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own “for cash consideration of $210 per share.”**

“The Board has established a special committee comprised of disinterested and independent directors to review and consider the Proposal. The special committee is authorized to retain advisors, including independent legal and financial advisors, to assist it in its work. There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached,” PAG said. Continue reading

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July 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Slightly Higher

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on July 2026 Light Vehicle Production Forecast Slightly Higher

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Whistling past the graveyard? Well, according to Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility) the “global auto market is settling into a ‘new normal’ of uncertainty. Middle East risk is still in the mix, but oil prices and vehicle demand have held up better than the worst-case scenarios.”*

“Against that backdrop, our near-term forecast moves mostly higher, except in Greater China, where soft consumer sentiment is still dragging sales and pulling production down,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global. “The important nuance: Chinese OEMs are leaning harder on exports to keep plants running, and that is reshaping pricing and competitive intensity across multiple regions.** Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Aston Martin’s Vanquish 25

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Aston Martin* late yesterday showed a limited edition Vanquish 25, said to be an exclusive celebration of three generations of a British automotive nameplate crafted through the marque’s bespoke [customization – AutoCrat.] service, Q by Aston Martin. Vanquish 25 will make its global premier at Monterey Car Week in California (10-16 August), with first deliveries from Q4 2026.

“The in-house design and craftspeople at Q by Aston Martin bring unparalleled expertise to the creation of truly bespoke and special commissions, exemplified by Vanquish 25. Taking inspiration from the original Vanquish detailing and launch specification of 2001 and adding new handcrafting techniques and treatments to inject modern flare and style, Vanquish 25 represents a fresh take on the three iterations of this epically quick and engaging, range-topping creation,” Aston said in a release. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz Studio Los Angeles

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Mercedes-Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) opened a new Mercedes-Benz Studio in Beverly Hills Los Angeles today.* The latest addition in the  Mercedes-Benz Studios network now totals to 18 brand spaces in cities across four continents, “combining emotional brand storytelling with cultural relevance while creating new ways for people to engage with the brand.”**

“As one of the world’s most valuable brands, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for combining engineering excellence with emotional experiences that bring our ‘Welcome home’ promise to life. That is why we are introducing Mercedes-Benz Studios, bringing our brand into the heart of the world’s most iconic cities. Los Angeles is an important part of this global network, creating new ways for people to experience Mercedes-Benz in everyday life and making our brand feel even more accessible, personal, and welcoming,” claimed Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Sales & Customer Experience. Continue reading

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GM Posts H1 2026 Earnings of $1.3B. Raises Guidance Again

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General Motors (NYSE: GM)* today reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $48.0 billion, net income attributable to stockholders of $1.3 billion, and EBIT-adjusted of $3.9 billion. GM is raising its full-year 2026 EBIT-adjusted guidance for the second time this year. The company expects net income attributable to stockholders to be $8.4 billion to $9.8 billion.** H1 global deliveries were 2,721,000, with Q2 deliveries at 1,427,000 or a GM estimated Global share of 8.1% in GM markets. GM remains heavily dependent on Truck and SUV sales. Also worrying is deteriorating GM Financial  results as consumers are struggling under the Trump economy. ***

“The business continues to perform very well. Customer demand in North America remains strong driven by our very attractive lineup of pickups and SUVs. Pricing is consistent, and we delivered the best quarter and first half ever for new Super Cruise-equipped vehicles. Our 8.6% EBIT-adjusted margin in North America was up 2.5 points from a year ago, and we continue to lower our warranty costs, reduce EV losses, and increase operating efficiency ,” said Mary Barra GM chair and CEO. Continue reading

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IndyCar – Palou Wins at Nashville Superspeedway

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Alex Palou added another win to his NTT IndyCar Series season, taking the victory at the rain-soaked Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway. A downpour swept through Tennessee on Sunday evening, ending track drying at the Nashville Superspeedway from earlier storms. This forced an unusual postponement of the IndyCar race to 3 pm Monday, 20 July. Palou led 97 laps as he contributed to Chip Ganassi Racing’s 150th IndyCar victory.*

“I can’t believe it! I started P4, shuffled a little bit from back to front and then we were a bit lucky with a yellow and we went from P3 to P1. It was great, it was awesome. The car was awesome. I was super confident in the end, but it was a close battle with Josef [Josef Newgarden Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet- AutoCrat] there for a little bit. Thank you to all the fans for sticking with us today, on the Monday. Thank you, Honda, for the amazing power we had today on track. And on to the next one,” said Palou. Continue reading

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Ford Recalls ~288,000 Explorers for Flying Roof Rail Covers

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling more than  288,000 model year 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles built at the Chicago assembly plant. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle while it’s moving. This latest recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316 or 21V-316.* It was prompted by customer reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).*

Affected vehicles are equipped with roof rail covers that may loosen over time, exhibiting a visible gap, developing a rattle, or detaching from the vehicle while in motion,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading

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First Look – The 2027 Trendsetting Toyota Prius Hybrid

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The 2027 Toyota Prius (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* is expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this summer with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, of $28,755 plus a Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1295. The top of the range MSRP is $37,170. The 2027 Toyota Prius is built at the Tsutsumi Plant in Japan, so pricing and supply are subject to the whims, wars and trade policies of the Trump mis-administration.

“Building on more than 26 years of hybrid leadership, Prius delivers the smart features, impressive fuel economy and engaging performance that customers have come to expect. For 2027, Prius adds Dual-Zone HVAC, giving the driver and front passenger the ability to set their own preferred temperatures for a more personalized cabin experience,” Toyota said in a news release. Continue reading

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Volvo Cars Posts Grim Q2 2026 Operating Results

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) today released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026.* The news was grim as revenue, free cash flow and retail sales showed drops of -17%. -5.2% and – 6% respectively compared to Q2 2025. However, the Q2 EBIT margin was a razor thin +1.1%, which buys the Chinese-owned company more time to revitalize itself. [10.6% EBIT Q2 2025 AutoCrat.]

“In this very challenging external environment, we made progress on our strategic actions,” claimed Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO. “This gives us the momentum and confidence that the second half of the year will improve compared to the first six months.”** Continue reading

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WEC – Ford Hypercar V8 moves from Dyno to Race Car

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Ford Racing’s (NYSE: F) WEC Hypercar program moved from dynamometer cells in Dearborn to race cars in France last week. Competing in the Hypercar class, the Ford-powered, Ford-built and Ford-raced prototype will make its Le Mans debut in the event’s 95th running in June 2027.*

“The engine’s development phase is already showing great promise on the dynos in Dearborn, where we’ve been pushing the limits of its performance and durability – and learning a lot at the same time. That dyno work, combined with parallel progress on the chassis side with ORECA, has now converged into a complete package ready for its next phase,” said Dan Sayers, WEC Hypercar Program Manager at Ford Racing.** Continue reading

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