Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Posted on 7 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

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Mainstream brand vehicles clearly now deliver many of the technologies, amenities and sensory details that once separated premium offerings from the rest of the market. It also allowed for premium pricing, which in some cases was often stratospheric. However, vehicle buyers are increasingly coming down to earth.*

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report.** Continue reading →

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Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

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Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer  of Michigan shared the latest reports from Michigan state departments finding that surging federal tariffs have driven up costs for working Michigan families. The reports found higher consumer prices, construction and transportation costs, among other economic disasters.*

“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading →

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Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

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Subaru Corp (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) and Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) this week announced that Subaru will enter the captive finance business to provide financing directly to Subaru of America customers and retailers.*

“Entering the captive finance business will help us support our sales division and our retailers, and strengthen our relationship directly with our customers, which will provide long-term value for our shareholders and partners. This is a strategic opportunity to create future growth and continue our focus on customer loyalty,” said Yoichi Hori, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SOA. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Goodyear Posts Q2 2026 Net Loss of $204 Million

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) late yesterday posted a net loss of $204 million, or $0.71 per share, compared to Goodyear net income one year ago of $254 million, or $0.87 per share. Second quarter 2026 included several significant items, including, on a pre-tax basis, rationalization charges of $29 million. This significant item, and others, are excluded from adjusted earnings.

“We delivered second quarter results in line with our expectations, reflecting continued improvement in Asia Pacific and EMEA,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s chief executive officer and president. “We’re taking actions to improve performance in a competitive environment by strengthening our product lineup, building on original equipment growth across regions, and optimizing our manufacturing footprint. These actions are designed to strengthen our competitive position and deliver stronger profitability over time.” Continue reading →

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UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on UAW Clout in Michigan Apparent in Primary Wins

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The UAW said today that after months of organizing on shop floors and in communities across Michigan, UAW members helped deliver “a rebuke to billionaire-funded politics on Tuesday, powering victories for working-class champions across the state.” UAW-endorsed Abdul El-Sayed defeated what it “termed an obscene flood of outside spending” to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His grassroots campaign was promoted by UAW members. UAW-endorsed Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while Donovan McKinney won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after earning the union’s support.

“UAW members are done with business as usual in Michigan. The billionaire class thought they could buy another election. They underestimated the power of workers talking to workers. Shop floor conversations beat Wall Street’s checkbook. We backed Abdul because he answers to workers – not billionaires or corporate PACs. Tonight showed what happens when working people get organized and fight together. We are ready for two working-class champions at the top of the ticket in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate and Jocelyn Benson for Governor. Michigan voters chose candidates who know the economy should work for working people – not just the wealthy and well-connected,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. Continue reading →

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SMMT – Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on SMMT - Battery Electric Cars Sales Set Record in England!

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The new car market in Britain grew 11.7% in July with 156,571 units registered, according to the latest data published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Although compared with a relatively weak July last year [140,154 – AutoCrat], this marks an eighth consecutive month of growth. Therefore the market continues its longer-term recovery towards pre-Covid levels. [July 2019 – 157,198 – AutoCrat] Moreover, BEV registrations skyrocketed 44.5% [43,106 BEV, 23,359 PHEV] after quiet July 2025. [ 29,825 BEV, 17,489 PHEV – AutoCrat]*

“July’s record EV performance is a great achievement, reflecting industry’s huge investment in zero emission mobility. But that progress cannot be sustained if manufacturers continue hemorrhaging billions in EV discounts, distorting demand to avoid even steeper penalties. The sector’s commitment to decarbonisation is not in doubt but its ability to remain viable – and attract investment for an EV future – is under intense pressure. A sustainable transition will not happen merely by compelling supply when underlying demand is not keeping pace despite year-on-year growth. We need urgent reform of the regulation, else Britain risks undermining its competitiveness and the jobs and livelihoods that depend on this industry,” claimed. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. Continue reading →

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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

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General Motors and SAIC Motor today announced a 20-year extension of their joint venture partnership to 2047. This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China.*

“Today’s agreement reflects our shared confidence in SAIC-GM and its long-term growth potential,” said John Roth, GM Senior Vice President and President of GM China. “We are committed to strong performance in the China market, and we see meaningful opportunities to compete in select international markets: the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico and Asia-Pacific.” Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today released an executive summary highlighting key insights from its China Speed: Mapping the Product Development Race and North America’s Response roundtable, held June 17 in conjunction with CAR MBS 2026.* The roundtable brought together automotive leaders from the United States and Canada to examine how China’s automotive industry has accelerated vehicle development, manufacturing scale and technology deployment and what North American companies and policymakers can do to respond. [Highly unlikely under the Trump mis-adminstation – AutoCrat.]

“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

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Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today posted relatively strong Q1 FY 2027 financial results of a net income of  ¥1.1 trillion, an increase of ~76%. It also revised its forecast and said it would repurchase $6 billion worth of stock.*

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Motor City Garage to Debut

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Goodyear Motor City Garage

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it is opening the Goodyear Motor City Garage, its first retail store in Detroit on Saturday 15 August 2026, which is the date of the Woodward Dream Cruise. A considerable automotive event, the Dream Cruise claims more than 40,000 classic and custom cars and ~1.5 million enthusiasts.

“Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for ultra-high performance or just need help picking the best tires to get your SUV through the school pick-up line, we’re looking to show you how easy Goodyear can make vehicle care. Detroit’s car culture makes it the perfect place to showcase our new retail concept alongside our Mobile Garage service that can install tires and service your vehicle right in your driveway,” said Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart.

At the Goodyear Motor City Garage during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend, Goodyear will display the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Heritage Collection. The vehicle is equipped with Goodyear Performance Series F70/14 custom wide-tread tires with raised white letters, a factory-accurate recreation of the original equipment specification. “The tires deliver unmistakable vintage performance and period-correct muscle-car presence,” Goodyear said.*

Also on display from the General Motors Heritage Center and Archive is the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am W72 “Bandit.” This black-and-gold special edition was inspired by the movie, “Smokey and the Bandit,” starring Sally Field and Burt Reynolds. This Trans Am originally was outfitted with Goodyear GR70/15 GM Custom Tread tires. Additional vehicle displays and featured automotive attractions will be announced closer to the event.

The Goodyear Motor City Garage will be open to the public on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 8 a.m. Located at 3075 East Grand Blvd, Detroit.

Guests can visit the Goodyear Motor City Garage for the same service available at other Goodyear Auto Service locations, including:

  • Tire sales and installation
  • Oil changes
  • Alignments
  • Brake service
  • Battery replacement
  • Free vehicle inspections
  • Preventive maintenance

*AutoInformed on

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Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

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Nissan Motor Co. (7201T and NSANY ADR) today posted financial results for the three months ending 30 June 2026 or Q1 of the Japanese fiscal year. Nissan recorded global sales of 701,000 units and consolidated net revenue of ¥2.964 trillion, up ¥257 billion over the prior year. Consolidated operating profit after two years of losses finally returned at ¥77.9 billion, an improvement of ¥157 billion for the struggling Japanese company.*

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza.** Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing - Lexus Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

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Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Lexus unveiled its latest brand message, “DISCOVER―Imitate No One.” This is an effort of transforming the brand into one that “delivers truly one-of-a-kind experiences for each individual customer.” We will see if it flies…

“Lexus has continuously challenged itself to create new luxury experiences that reflect the increasingly diverse values and lifestyles of its customers. Through a diverse lineup of offerings, including the LS Concept, which redefined the flagship with its innovative six-wheel package, and the LY680 flagship yacht, Lexus has expanded the luxury experience across both land and sea, helping customers discover their own unique luxury lifestyle. With the addition of the LEXUS Helicopter as its air mobility offering, LEXUS further expands its value proposition into a seamless 360-degree mobility experience spanning land, sea, and air,” the luxury brand of Toyota said in a release. [Read AutoInformed on: Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business! –AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

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Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.*

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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IIHS – Driver Death Rates and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS - Driver Death Rate Data and Vehicles That Kill other Drivers. [Deaths per million registered vehicle years, 2023 and equivalent earlier models, 2021-24]

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More than half of the model 2023 vehicles with the highest driver death rates are small cars, sports cars or muscle cars, according to a  new report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* IIHS has been calculating driver death rates about every three years since 1989. This year marks the second time IIHS also analyzed the “other-driver death rate” – the number of drivers in other vehicles killed in crashes with each model. Size and power largely describe the worst models that are deadly to other vehicle drivers and occupants. Ten of the top 20 are large or very large pickups, including several heavy-duty variants with more powerful engines. [Given the laws of physics (start with F=MA), it’s not surprising that the biggest vehicles are most dangerous to others. However, the age of vehicles on the road; where and when they are driven are among the many variables in play here -AutoCrat.]

“Even the safest small cars don’t fare well in crashes with large pickups and heavy SUVs,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “Powerful engines and marketing that attracts aggressive drivers is the issue for sports cars and muscle cars. They’re dangerous mainly because of how they’re driven.” Continue reading →

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Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

Posted on 30 July 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis Posts a Modest Q2 2026 Net Profit of €0.3 Billion

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) today posted Q2 2026 financial results showing modest improvements in operating results that are still negatively affected by previous capital investments and management’s neglect of key brands, compounded by the ongoing negative effects of the foreign policy wars and tariff impositions of the Trump mis-administration that all global automakers are dealing with.* The 2026 net tariff gale Stellantis is sailing into is now estimated to be at €1.0 billion to €1.2 billion of costs. During H1 2026 net tariff costs were €0.3 billion, including an International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff refund of €0.4 billion.

“The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from all other regions. We improved performance across our key financial metrics with Net revenues, AOI and Industrial free cash flows all showing significant gains. With implementation of our FaSTLAne 2030 strategy well underway and this year’s exciting new product launches on time and on track, we remain confident of delivering our 2026 financial guidance,” said Antonio Filosa, CEO. Continue reading →

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