Episode · Monday, September 28, 2026 · 4:18
German Plants, A Recall Wave, One CEO's Ranger
Three German manufacturers now point to the same number: Volkswagen's profit margin is heading toward one percent. MotorBiscuit and CarBuzz report plant closures under discussion at two of them, driven by pressure from Chinese exporters. Elsewhere on the wire, a steering recall spans two continents, Ford halts its best-selling truck over a parts problem, and Crowe puts a price on Toyota's automation bet. Ford signs a comedian for its service ads, Stellantis's Brampton standoff runs on, and California moves on how insurers price unmarried drivers. None of it resolves by air time, and the figures involved, from four million recalled vehicles to a six billion dollar automation estimate, are the kind that move a Monday morning meeting.
In this episode
- Mercedes Warns Two Plants Could Close as Volkswagen’s Profit Margin Heads Toward 1% - MotorBiscuitAuto production (GN)
- Another German Automaker Might Close Plants As Pressure From China Keeps On Coming - CarBuzzAutomotive News (GN)
- Volkswagen, Audi recall more than 200,000 SUVs for possible steering failure - local3news.comOEM output + recalls (GN)
- Volkswagen recalls 4 million vehicles due to steering defect - AutoIndustriyaOEM output + recalls (GN)
- Ford’s Best-Selling Truck Hit By Production Halt - CarscoopsAuto production (GN)
- Potentially Counterfeit Capacitors Prompt 2026 Ford Ranger Safety Recall Over Black Screens - autoevolutionAuto production (GN)
- Rivian Recalls 100,000 SUVs For Strange Backup Camera Display Fault - Motor1.comOEM output + recalls (GN)
- Honda's Failing Rear-View Cameras Investigation Is Over, And Here's What They Found - SlashGearOEM output + recalls (GN)
- Toyota - Factory Automation Could Cost $6.4 Billion Per Year From 2028 - CroweAutomotive News (GN)
- MP Materials Ships Its First Magnets to GM in Q4. This is What The Milestone Is Worth. - The Motley FoolPlant + supply chain (GN)
