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Category Archives: people
IMSA and IndyCar – Acura Wins 2026 Long Beach Grand Prix!
On the 1.968-mile, 11 turn Long Beach street circuit, it was a great double-header weekend for Honda Racing. Alex Palou completed a sweep of the weekend for Honda in the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, as Honda and Acura powered vehicles scored pole position and the victory Sunday in both the NTT IndyCar Series (Palou) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The first game went to Renger van der Zande on Saturday who drove the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 to the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) first-place trophy in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. They controlled the 100-minute sprint race from green to checkered flags. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chuck Schifsky, Honda Racing Corporation, HRC US, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Nick Yelloly, NTT IndyCar Series, Renger van der Zande, Sonsio Grand Prix, X @KenAutoinformed
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EcoCAR Innovation Challenge Pits General Motors v Stellantis
General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) have joined the Challenge as sponsors, along with technology partner MathWorks. This combination of government and industry partners focuses on cultivating the next generation of auto-industry innovators. This is the first collaboration between two major automakers in the same series in more than 25 years. Additional EcoCAR Innovation Challenge sponsors announced today include Caterpillar, Siemens Digital Industries Software, dSPACE, Bosch, Altec, Hesse, and Volta Foundation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, economy, electronics, engineering, environment, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events
Tagged Audrey Robertson, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DOE's Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Micky Bly, U.S. Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory, X @KenAutoinformed
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AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline went up 8 cents since last week to $4.16, according to the latest data published by AAA. The last time the national average reached that price was in early August of 2022.*
“Crude oil prices remain high, even as they’ve fluctuated in recent days following the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The price for a barrel of crude dropped below $100 but then rose again, highlighting the volatility of oil markets and fluidity of geopolitical events,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, energy, news, news analysis, opinions, people, prices, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eia, Energy Information Administration, gasoline and all prices, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Straights of Hormuz, Trump’s Iranian War Costs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Truck Rental – New Indy 500 VIP Contest
“Penske Truck Rental has always been about moving lives and businesses forward—and for true racing fans, the Indianapolis 500 is the ultimate fan destination,” said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of rental at Penske. “This new contest celebrates the stories that move us all, and we’re honored to help two passionate fan’s dreams come true of attending this legendary race and enjoying a VIP experience.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, people, performance, racing, shows and events, transportation
Tagged 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kevin Malloy, Penske Truck Rental Indy 500 VIP Contest, X @KenAutoinformed
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
“No one should ever get hurt or lose their life because of a text or a phone call,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “By keeping our eyes on the road and our hands on the wheel, we all have the power and responsibility to make our roads safe for everyone. The National Safety Council calls on every driver to travel distraction free – doing so will save lives.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, distracted driving deaths, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lorraine Martin, national safety council, nhtsa, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford GT Mk IV Runs Nordschleife at 6m15.977s
The Ford GT Mk IV (NYSE: F) has set the record as the fastest American OEM around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Ford Racing said today. It is at the moment the third fastest overall car to ever lap the Nordschleife. The 6:15.977 ET also means that the GT Mk IV, as a track-only vehicle classified in the prototype category, is the fastest car currently available for purchase to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Just bring money – stacks of it – starting price of ~$1.7 million. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford GT Mk IV, Ford Racing, Frédéric Vervisch, Green Hell, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nürburgring nordschleife, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ground Effects Workers – Yet Another UAW Supply Chain Win
Auto supply chain workers have voted to unionize at Ground Effects, the UAW said late yesterday in a second UAW union organizing victory in two days. Workers at Ground Effects have been organizing since last year. “They began their campaign to form a union due to low pay, overwork, forced overtime, management abuse, and favoritism.,” the UAW said in a release. Workers at Ground Effects won a majority in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with the UAW. Ground Effects produces spray-on truck bedliners, in addition to other aftermarket parts. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Flint Michigan union history, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Labor Relations Board election Ground Effects LLC, Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D, X @KenAutoinformed
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Webasto Detroit – Another UAW Supply Chain Win
The unionization at Webasto Detroit is “part of a growing movement of auto supply workers who want the benefits and protections of forming a union at their plants. Workers in the supply chain are a vital part of the auto industry but are paid well below their counterparts at assembly plants. They often face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper precautions,” the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automaker suppliers, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Bronco hard top roofs, Jörg Buchheim, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Labor Relations Board, nlrb, uaw, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Webasto Detroit, Webasto Pilot Road, Wilhelm Baier, X @KenAutoinformed
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Predictions Markets – Wagering on Government Actions?
New Data for Progress polling finds that a majority of voters (59%) agree that wagers on potential government actions, ranging from what politicians will say in speeches to whether the U.S. will carry out a military strike, should not be permitted. Continue reading
Posted in news, news analysis, opinions, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Data for Progress, DfP, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, predictions market conflicts of interest, X @KenAutoinformed
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Andretti Global Rules Inaugural Java House Grand Prix
“What an absolutely phenomenal day for our #27 JM Bullion Andretti Global Honda. And hats off to Honda really for a 1-2-3-4 today,” Kirkwood said. “Man, did we have some pace. This JM Bullion Honda, Andretti, all these guys right here, they gave me the tools today. It’s because of this race car we won today, because of teamwork….“One-three-four (finish) for Andretti; we’re just so stacked here. I’m so stoked.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, people, performance, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged Alex Palou, Andretti Global, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Java House Grand Prix Arlington Texas, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kyle Kirkwood, NTT IndyCar Series, Will Power, X @KenAutoinformed
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American Axle – UAW Demands Released Before Contract End
“As a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $2.9 billion in profits since 2022. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $47.9 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $100 million in compensation. Meanwhile, UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars, the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged American Axle & Manufacturing, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dauch Corporation, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NYSE: DCH, Three Rivers plant General Motors, UAW’s 2023 Stand Up Strike at Ford and GM and Stellantis, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hit-And-Run Crashes at Record High
“While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, public health, safety
Tagged AAAFTS, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Automotive Services at AAA, Cliff Ruud, Dr. David Yang, hit-and-run drivers, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, X @KenAutoinformed
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Acura to Enter IndyCar. “Pause” IMSA GTP
Well, the paddock rumors were accurate – or should AutoInformed say Acura-it? Marcus Armstrong’s Honda-powered IndyCar will carry Acura branding in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, the Acura’s first appearance on the Indy 500 grid. Moreover, Acura will “pause” the IMSA GTP program following 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This move to the NTT IndyCar Series keeps the Acura name in motorsports of course. It also, perhaps, adds a complication to the viability of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, if other brands do likewise. Continue reading →