U.S. Transportation Unemployment Tops U.S. Unemployment

Posted on 6 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on U.S. Transportation Unemployment Tops U.S. Unemployment

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Unemployment in the transportation sector was higher than overall unemployment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said today. BLS reports that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in October 2026 was 3.9% or 0.1 percentage points below the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in October 2026 was 4.1%. [Data does not include soon to unemployed Republicans – AutoCrat.]*

“Seasonally adjusted, employment in the transportation and warehousing sector rose to 6,636,100 in October 2026 — up 0.4% from the previous month and up 0.3% from October 2025,” BLS said. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Q2 FY 2027 Results – First Growth in Three Years!

Posted on 5 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor Q2 FY2027 Results - First Growth in Three Years!

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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203T) posted its Q2 FY 2027 financial results today with an Operating Income at ¥2.2 trillion. This is the first increase in three years. [However it builds the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and cut costs at the suppliers of the giant Japanese Automotive Company. In Toyota’s view a major threat remains China: “Chinese manufacturers are now active in Asia and Europe and Latin America,” saying this expansion is an uncontrollable competitive risk to the company’s global market share. – AutoCrat. Read AutoInformed on Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results] The presentation was led by led by top Toyota managers including Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyazaki, Chief Accounting Officer Takanori Azuma and Chief Officer of External and Public Affairs, Hiroyuki Ueda.

“Our operating income for the first half of this fiscal year was ¥2.2 trillion. Through swift responses to changes in the external environment, including the situation in the Middle East, we mitigated the impact on earnings. Vehicle sales, mainly driven by hybrids, increased steadily, supported by strong demand,” said Chief Accounting Officer Takanori Azuma. Continue reading →

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UAW Voters Persuasive in Trump Mid-Term Rout!

Posted on 4 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Voters Persuasive in Trump Mid-Term Rout!

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In a virtual press conference this afternoon, UAW President Shown Fain modestly discussed the UAW’s influence in the 2026 mid-term elections. [In effect he was building organized labor’s Triumphal Arch, while citing the legendary UAW President Walter Reuther who said that there is direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the labor movement fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls. -AutoCrat.]

“The UAW’s influence in the 2026 cycle will feed directly into legislative and political campaigns to fight for the union’s ‘four core issues’ wages, healthcare, retirement, time off – as we head into the 2028 round of bargaining at the Big Three automakers, where contracts expire on May 1, 2028. The flagship economic fight of the next Congress will be delivering on retirement security for all workers, including defending and expanding Social Security and Medicare,” the UAW said in a statement just before the election. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Dodge Returns to NASCAR

Posted on 3 November 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Dodge Returning to NASCAR

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The Dodge brand [formerly owned by FCA and now owned by Stellantis – AutoCrat], said today that it is returning to NASCAR Cup Series racing, at the 2026 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

“Everyone said it was impossible to get back in one year. We said, ‘watch this,’” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American Brands, SRT Performance and Direct Connection division. “Sure, we could spend three years planning, testing and perfecting … or we could do all three in real time, on the track. It’s going to be exponentially harder this way. But slow has never been part of Dodge DNA. LFG.” Continue reading →

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Acura Begins U.S. Sales of NSX Reproduction Parts

Posted on 2 November 2026 by Ken Zino
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Acura today announced the beginning of  the Honda Heritage Parts program in the U.S. by offering Genuine Honda Reproduction Parts for the first-generation Acura NSX. It will be exclusively available through Acura dealerships nationwide and the Honda DreamShop. [First introduced in Japan in April 2026, Honda Heritage Parts supports classic Acura and Honda performance models. – AutoCrat]* More than 3,000 reproduction parts are currently available for the 1991–2005 Acura NSX, with plans to expand the offering in the future.

“Honda Heritage Parts was created to help our customers enjoy their classic Acura and Honda performance models, and it’s appropriate that we begin with an iconic model like the first-generation Acura NSX,” said Mamadou Diallo, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “By supporting our customers in preserving the legacy of the NSX, we’re celebrating our shared passion for these iconic sports cars and keeping them on the road for today’s enthusiasts and future generations.” Continue reading →

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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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