Auto Reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950 —President, North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year
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Articles by Jeff Gilbert
Which new cars and trucks are the best? 2027 list revealed
DETROIT (WWJ) -- -Which vehicles are the best products to come out in 2027? Which of those will win the top awards? Family haulers, big pickups and small cars populate the list of “Best of 2027. The vehicles that will compete for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY).” The final list includes 25 vehicles, five cars, four trucks and 16 utilities. Once again EV’s are well represented on the list, and startups are mixed in with established carmakers.
Twenty five years later, what it was like to see the September 11th attacks first-hand
It’s been a quarter of a century. But, I’ve yet to find anybody else who visited all three sites in the first forty eight hours after the September 11th attacks. These are my personal memories. I was morning drive reporter for WWJ. In at 4:30 AM. Usually out of the station by 5. I was covering a primary election and a Macomb water main break. I didn’t even connect the planes scrambling from Selfridge Air National Guard base, as I heard on WWJ that a plane had struck the World Trade Center.
Stellantis joins Detroit crime-fighting initiative
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Stellantis has decided to join in a ten year old Detroit anti-crime initiative. They will become the largest participant in “Project Green Light.” “When I inquired about what it was, early this year, I was, like, this is something we needed to be a part of,” said Tony Cenci, head of U.S. assembly plant security at Stellantis.
It's not just about selling cars. Ford opens its first gift shop
DEARBORN (WWJ)--Some special touches on Ford’s new World Headquarters building in Dearborn will help better connect the company with the community, its customers and Ford employees. “We’re opening up really our first public facing retail store for Ford, where we can offer branded merchandise from Bronco to Mustang, Ford Racing and a number of other vehicle brands that we have,” says Ford Land President and Chairman Jim Dobleske.
Dayton Dragons struggle to generate offense in loss to Quad Cities
The Dayton Dragons play 17 more games before they enter the Midwest League playoffs. That's 17 games to tune their bats to more than strikeouts and home runs. When the Dragons won the first-half title, they hit lots of homers. But they also put lots of runners on base, hit lots of doubles, and produced rallies. But the hitters most responsible for that output and carrying the Dragons to a first-half division title were promoted to AA.
A mighty Mustang convertible makes a Dream Cruise debut
(WWJ) Just in time for the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford taking the wraps off of the ultimate Mustang convertible. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible, developed by Ford Racing Engineering, has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 795 horsepower. “We’ve taken the SC and leveraged it to elevate the mustang brand into the premium sports car space to go head to head with the world’s elite sports car competition,” said Ryan Shaughnessy, Ford Mustang marketing manager.
Forget that fancy technology, drivers safety and comfort, like heated seats
(WWJ) It’s been said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Apparently, the way to a car buyers heart is through another part of the anatomy. “Our top 15 is headed off by heated seats this year,” says AutoPacific President and Chief Analyst Ed Kim, as he revealed the company’s annual list of features that buyers want in their new vehicles.. “Heated seats are something that have become very common in new cars,” says Kim.
Stellantis calls second quarter profit "continued progress"
(WWJ) After posting huge losses in 2025, Stellantis has now posted a second consecutive quarterly profit. The international carmaker making $335 million dollars in the second quarter of 2026. That compares to a more than two billion dollar loss during the same period last year. “The second quarter was marked by continued progress, led by North America and supported by important contributions from other regions.” says Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa.
A loss on the books, but an encouraging quarter for Ford
DEARBORN, MI (WWJ0 The high cost of scrapping electric vehicle programs led to a $1.3 billion dollar second quarter loss at Ford, but the company says their overall performance was good enough to raise their guidance for full year earnings. “We delivered another strong quarter and raised our full-year guidance, but the more important story is the growing evidence that Ford is becoming a more profitable, more disciplined and genuinely different company,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley.
GM posts strong second quarter earnings, increases its guidance
DETROIT (WWJ) GM says it’s putting the costs of EV changes in the rear view mirror, as the company posts strong second quarter earnings. GM posted what it says is a final one time charge of $2.3 billion, lowering its net income by 31 percent, to $1.3 billion. Take out those one time charges and they posted a pre-tax profit of $3.9 billion, up 29 percent from the same time in 2025. “The business continues to perform very well.
Which cars and trucks are the "Most American"
(WWJ) -- When those of us here in the Detroit area think about American vehicles, we think Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, etc. But for the sixth year in a row Tesla tops cars.com’s annual “American Made Index,” the publications listing of the most “American” vehicles. Tesla’s Model 3 sedan is in first place, closely followed by the Model Y SUV. “All of their qualifying vehicles are made solely in the U.S., in Texas and California specifically,” says the studies author Patrick Masterson.
U.S. Open qualifying: Greaser another close miss; 5 make it in without a playoff at Springfield Country Club
SPRINGFIELD - One day, the longest day in golf will be Austin Greaser's day. He believes it. And he will keep coming home to the Miami Valley to play at Springfield Country Club until he earns a place in the U.S. Open. On Monday, June 8, for the second straight year, Greaser finished his 36-hole day one stroke from going to a playoff to earn one of the five coveted spots in two weekends at famed Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.
Golf: Samborsky hungry to qualify again for U.S. Senior Open
Jun. 1—Pete Samborsky wants to relive his U.S. Senior Open experience last summer in Colorado Springs. But this time he wants good playing memories to accompany the good ones of the people he met. "Play better and make the cut and try to be low am," he said. "But I have to play better.
What are the best cars for teen drivers
(WWJ) Safety and budget can go hand in hand, if you’re looking to buy a vehicle for their teen driver. “When you’re looking for a car for your teen, you want to make sure it provides them with as much safety as you can afford,” says Emily Thomas, associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety releasing their annual list of best vehicles for teens. The list tries to target vehicles for different families with different needs.
Covington Holds Off Russia For District Softball Medals … And They Want More
Emalyn Johnson put Covington on the board in the first inning with the first of her two solo home runs. (Press Pros Feature Photos by Julie Wright-Daniel) The Buccaneers carry a simple goal with them: make it back to state and do more in Akron than they did last year. Thursday they took the first big step. Anna, OH – The Covington softball team is medal hungry.
Why it's good to have workers back in their offices
DETROIT (WWJ) -- It’s an unexpected benefit of carmakers' new policies requiring workers to return to their offices. It’s helping their relationships with their suppliers. “Every year since Covid, I’ve seen in the supplier comments, ‘You need to get your buyers back to the office. My buyer is not accessible. They won’t return my email. They’re not coming to visit me,” said Angela Johnson, principal in Plant Moran’s automotive and mobility consulting practice.
Chinese vehicles: A bargain or a threat? A warning before President Trump heads to Beijing
(WWJ) -- As President Trump prepares to head to Beijing later this week, his words to the Detroit Economic Club January 13th keep ringing in the ears of those connected to the U.S. auto industry. “If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that’s great, I love that.” While the President is unlikely to lower large tariffs on vehicles that are made in China.
Ford salutes "America 250" with employee pricing for all
Dearborn, MI (WWJ) -- Employee pricing for all is back, with a new campaign from Ford. “For the second year in a row we’re going to be launching what I think is one of the most exciting automotive campaigns around,” says Robert Kaffl, Ford’s executive director for US sales.
What can we expect as Detroit Three release first quarter earnings?
(WWJ) The three Detroit carmakers are in slightly different positions as they prepare to announce their first quarter earnings this week. Often sales numbers can be a guide to a carmaker's profitability potentials, but the first quarter was somewhat of an outlier when it comes to vehicle sales. “Y’know, I think coming off of, arguably, a stronger than expected 2025, the first quarter started off a little soft,” said Jeff Schuster, director of auto insights with S and P Global Mobility.
Cincinnati Reds: Krall's pipeline to Reds pumping through Dayton
Dayton Dragons fans look at the Cincinnati lineup every day and see Nick Krall’s vision: lots of former Dragons who were developed in the Reds’ minor-league system. Krall began talking about the importance of developing and priming a pipeline to the majors from the day the Reds put him in charge of baseball operations following the 2020 season. He wants to keep the pipeline full, if not gushing. The evidence is compelling just from the Dayton point of view.
Ford CEO on Chinese competition: "There's no way this is a fair fight!"
(WWJ) Ford CEO Jim Farley is raising some serious concerns about Chinese brand vehicles. “We should not let them into our country,” said Farley. “Manufacturing is the heart and soul of our country. For us to lose that to those exports would be devastating for our country.” Farley made those comments during a Fox News appearance, where he talked about a wide range of subjects, ranging from the popularity of pickup trucks to his roots with Ford to North American Manufacturing.
It's a big expansion for Ford's brand new World Headquarters
DEARBORN (WWJ) Ford is expanding its new World Headquarters. The part of the former Product Development Center that’s still standing will be renovated and connected to the rest of the headquarters by skywalk. It will become World Headquarters South.
This is why US carmakers are concerned about Chinese competitors
It’s yet another warning about the competition from Chinese brand vehicles. Edmunds.com was able to acquire a three row plug in hybrid SUV from Chinese carmaker Geeley, and came away impressed. “I just hope this pushes some of the US automakers to maybe reevaluate current strategies,” says Edmunds senior vehicle test editor Reese Counts. Edmunds took a Geely Galaxy M9 and tested it on the road and the track, looking at everything from zero-60 time, to braking, to overall quality–a 229 point test.
Windshield wiper problems lead to a big recall of big trucks at Ford
Dearborn, MI (WWJ) Ford is recalling 422,613 pickups and SUVs because of windshield wiper arms that can break, impacting visibility. The recall includes certain 2021 through 2023 Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expeditions and some Super Duty pickups from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Ford saw a rising number of customer complaints of the windshield washer arms breaking and in some cases falling off of vehicles. The company says it’s had more than 1500 warranty claims.
Carmakers face "churn" from tariffs, high prices and war
(WWJ) Tariffs have now been a fact of life for carmakers for more than a year. But there has been no letup in the ongoing impact those carmakers feel. In addition to tariffs, carmakers are dealing with a myriad of issues one quarter into 2026. “We continue to see churn,” says Steve Britt, who directs costumes and international trade at PWC Consulting. “We continue to see change. We don’t expect that to let up.” And that churn is not going to let up on the consumer, either.
It was a first quarter most carmakers would prefer to forget
It wasn’t a bad first quarter for carmakers, considering they were dealing with a war, rising gas prices and a comparison with a very strong first quarter of 2025. Overall industry sales fell eight percent. At Ford, sales fell nine percent, GM had a ten percent sales decline, and Stellantis was the outlier, with its sales up four percent.
More cars earn top safety honors despite tougher tests
We are seeing more vehicles honored for their safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says it’s giving 63 vehicles its top honors this year, compared to 48 at the same time last year. This comes as the Institute has made the standards even tougher. “It’s a really good news story for us, that the automakers are paying attention to what we’re trying to achieve,” says IIHS President David Harkey.
St. Henry Completes Emotional Run For Girls State Basketball Title
Your championship MVP…Addy Homan scored 20 points to lead the Redskins to their first OHSAA state title in women’s basketball. (Press Pros Feature Photos by Sonny Fulks) The Redskins had a lot on their minds when they came to UD Arena on Friday night. And they used it all as motivation to win in dominating fashion. Dayton, OH – The St. Henry girls basketball team doesn’t lack for hope and belief in good outcomes. But they needed a booster shot of both Thursday night.
Ford posts a big 2025 loss. Profit sharing reduced
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Ford workers will get reduced profit sharing checks for 2025, even as the company posted an #8.2 billion loss for the year. The checks will average $6,780, substantial, but much less than the last two years when they topped $10,000. Ford’s losses, based on special one time charges related to changes in EV production, did not count in the profit sharing formula.
EV costs impact GM earnings, but workers will get big profit sharing checks
(WWJ) -- GM workers will get profit sharing checks of up to $10,500, even as the company’s 2025 bottom line was impacted by high tariffs, and big costs related to changes in EV programs. Those checks are related to GM’s performance in the North American market, where the company grew market share, and sold a lot of very profitable pickup trucks.
What are the best cars for the money?
(WWJ) -- There are a lot of good cars on the market, but which ones give you the most for your money. US News and World Report highlighting twenty vehicles in their 2026 “Best Cars for the Money” awards. “I know that consumers are feeling stretched, says Alex Kwanten, US News Autos’ managing editor.
Starting the New Year with pickup power from Ram
(WWJ)--Ram is bringing back the powerful TRX trim of its pickup truck. Five years ago, the first TRX pickup turned heads with a 702 horsepower engine. When it was discontinued, parent firm Stellantis hinted that it could make a comeback. Now it has, with even more power. “Seven hundred seventy seven horsepower,” says Stellantis director of brands Tim Kuniskis. “Three point five second zero to sixty.
Lets go inside Ford's brand new World Headquarters
DEARBORN (WWJ) -- Blue Oval draped collaboration spaces, tech enabled courtyards and a 160 thousand square foot food hall are just a few highlights of Ford’s new 2.1 million square foot headquarters building. There are also state of the art workshops, design centers with natural light and some strategically placed coffee shops.
Gilbert: Untimely Transfer Portal Changes Won’t Stop Day From Getting Players He Wants
Ryan Day isn’t happy that the transfer portal is confined to early January when the Buckeyes expect to always be competing in the playoffs. But, as he has done with other changes, expect him and his staff to find a way to minimize, if not eliminate, the damage. Columbus, OH – Adapt to excel. While most college football coaches fail to manage change well, Ryan Day studies and adjusts. And then he wins – a lot.
Changes in federal EV policy will mean big costs for General Motors
(WWJ) General Motors says it will take a $1.6 billion charge in its fourth quarter earnings due to changes in federal regulations involving electric vehicles. GM once "aspired" to be all electric by 2035. However, government policies that once supported that goal have changed greatly. Federal incentives for consumers to purchase EVs ended at the end of September. Government emission rules are also changing.
Honey, I wrecked a million dollar supercar
(WWJ) When I heard that Ford was auctioning off a unique 2006 Ford GT supercar, it made me wonder if that was the one they let me drive. A test drive that ended a lot faster than I expected. “Jeff, you were rear-ended in what I hope to be a million dollar car,” said Ford archivist Ted Ryan. Specifically, Ford is hoping to get between 800 thousand and a million dollars, when the special heritage edition GT is offered at the Barret Jackson Auction on October 18th.
New research proves the lifesaving potential of backup cameras on cars.
(WWJ) A new study indicates that backup cameras on cars are saving lives. The cameras have been required equipment since 2018. They help drivers who are backing up see areas here they couldn’t see before, and these are also areas where a small child could be. A study done by UTHealth Houston showed that the number of child “backover traumas” reduced from an average of 7.2 a year before the requirement was put in place to roughly 2.7 a year today.
Ohio State Stops No. 1 Texas Cold, Puts Nation on Notice
Matt Patricia’s debut as defensive coordinator couldn’t have gone better…new quarterback Julian Sayin kept his cool…and the fans enthusiastically embraced another noon game. Columbus, OH – Let the repeat chatter begin. No more worrying about the new quarterback, all the new starters, the new coordinators or a natty hangover. THE Ohio State Buckeyes are back for more noon games, more big games, more pressure, more of everything their fans crave.
GM Makes 4 Billion In Investments, Moves Products Back from Mexico
General Motors says it's investing four billion dollars in its U.S. operations over the next two years, and shifting the production of several products from Mexico to the U.S. "This seems to be a direct reaction to the tariffs and the Trump administration's push for more investment in the U.S.," says analyst Sam Fiorani of Auto Forecast Solutions.
Reds: Miley feeling strong after first rehab start in Dayton Original
“I’m trying to check the boxes of feeling good and be able to bounce back,” he said after pitching 2⅓ innings in the Dayton Dragons’ 10-0 loss to West Michigan. “It’s so early in the process of competing again. I can’t get too caught up in the results. I just got to go out and feel good, make pitches and just keep moving forward.” Miley, 38, wants to make it back to the majors and pitch again for the Cincinnati Reds.
Holding Liat (2025)
Liat wird am 7. Oktober 2023 von Mitgliedern der Hamas gewaltsam aus dem Kibbuz Nir Oz entführt. Kurz danach beginnt Brandon Kramer mit ihrer Familie die Ereignisse zu dokumentieren — mit offenem Ausgang. Er ist sehr nah dabei, wenn die Eltern Yehuda und Chaya versuchen, mit ihrer Angst umzugehen — oder im Austausch mit Behörden Einfluss auf das Schicksal ihrer erwachsenen Tochter und ihres Ehemanns zu nehmen.
Dragons rally to top Whitecaps
Then the Dragons proved that notion wrong. They brushed off an 11-2 loss Tuesday and a 3-0 deficit after three innings Wednesday with the kind of response that has put them in first place in the Midwest League East Division. The Dragons scored two runs in the fourth, three in the eighth and held West Michigan to two hits over the final five innings for a 5-3 victory at Day Air Ballpark and increased their division lead to five games with 10 games left.
Dragons blanked by TinCaps
And Harrison Jr.’s questioning of home plate umpire Tyler Hovick’s interpretation of the strike zone sent him down the tunnel to his office in the twilight of the evening. At question was an 0-2 pitch from Bryce Hubbart to Fort Wayne’s Nick Vogt in the seventh inning that Hovick called a ball instead of strike three. Two pitches later Vogt hit an RBI single for an important third run in a tight game.
Who needs a steering wheel when you have a mouse? Mobility company testing new concept
A half century of driving with a steering wheel creates habits that are hard to break. So, the thought of guiding a vehicle using a mouse requires a different way of thinking “It’s finger driving,” said Adam Holthaus, principal engineer for testing at Hitachi Astemo Americas. Now it’s previously heard of “finger driving” in relation to road rage incidents. But this is essentially guiding a mouse on the center console with your finger to easily guide the car.
Detroit Three automakers rank high, with RAM finishing first overall in J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study
(WWJ) -- It's not always about price, if you want quality in a new vehicle. Ram finished first in JD Power's annual Initial Quality Study, followed by Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Buick and Nissan. You had to go down to 8th place before you found a premium brand, Porsche. "The mass market brands are definitely outpacing premiums right now," says Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. Technology is the main issue. Premium brands have more of it, and debut technology early.
Once again, car named 'Most American' for this year is not made by the Big 3
(WWJ) Tesla's Model Y has taken home the title of "Most American" vehicle for a third year in a row. "Every Tesla you buy is still American made," said Patrick Masterson, who compiles the annual "American Made Index" for Cars.com. Masterson says the U.S. has not yet received any imports from new Tesla plants in China and Europe, even though some have been sold in Canada.
After 6 long years of restoration, Michigan Central Station is ready to shine again in Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) -- The marble floors shine to the point where you can see your face in the reflection. The columns are exceptionally clean. The 29,000 Guastavino ceiling tiles are bright. After six years of restoration, involving 3100 workers putting in 1.7 million hours, the old Michigan Central Station is ready to shine again. “It’s probably in its most pristine state, perhaps, ever,” says Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman, who took us on a tour of the redone facility.
After 6 long years of restoration, Michigan Central Station is ready to shine again in Detroit
DETROIT (WWJ) -- The marble floors shine to the point where you can see your face in the reflection. The columns are exceptionally clean. The 29,000 Guastavino ceiling tiles are bright. After six years of restoration, involving 3100 workers putting in 1.7 million hours, the old Michigan Central Station is ready to shine again. "It's probably in its most pristine state, perhaps, ever," says Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman, who took us on a tour of the redone facility.
A Raptor Rhapsody - including rattlers
I've always been intrigued by with the concept of driving off-road in the desert. I just didn't imagine my first experience would be with a 720 horsepower beast of a pickup truck. Ford took us to Palm Springs to learn about and drive three trims of the new F-150, the hybrid, the of- road oriented Tremor and the fast off-roader, the Raptor-R. "You should have felt real comfortable doing things you've never been done before," said Chief Engineer Carl Widmann.
Dragons rally for improbable win over Lugnuts
Carlos Jorge’s first night in Dayton didn’t set off fireworks. Those came after the game. But he did set off a walk-off victory celebration that cost him his jersey. The bases were loaded with two outs. The Dragons trailed by a run. Jorge drove a fly ball into the left-center field alley. Lansing center fielder Junior Perez ran it down, but as he reached for the ball, left fielder Danny Bautista slid at his feet.
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