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Monthly Archives: April 2025
Annals of Marketing – McMurtry Upside Down Spéirling
McMurtry Automotive said today that it has driven its record-breaking Spéirling hyper track car upside down. Proprietary Downforce-on-DemandTM fan system enabled the upside-down driving stunt. Customer deliveries of all-electric hypercar are scheduled for 2026; with 100 to be made. The specific car used was the McMurtry Spéirling PURE Validation Prototype 1 (VP1).
“That was just a fantastic day in the office! Strapping in and driving inverted was a completely surreal experience. The 2000kg of downforce that the fan system can generate is truly astonishing to experience and it’s great to show the reason why our Spéirling continues to take records around the world,” Said Thomas Yates, Co-founder & Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive. Continue reading
Porsche EV Sales Up in Q1 2025
Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that it substantially increased the share of electrified vehicles it sold in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 71,470 vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide between January and March, 38.5% of which were electrified. This share is comprised of 25.9% all-electric vehicles and 12.6% plug-in hybrids.
“The Macan performed very well in the first quarter and, with the all-electric variant, is making a significant contribution to our increased electrification rate. Overall, we have a very balanced powertrain mix that reflects the different preferences of our customers, globally,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading
Concepts of What Could be a C9 Corvette Concept?
The algorithmic-driven world of electronic media is taking over traditional automotive marketing communications. In the latest example, General Motors (NYSE:GM) used the opening of a new UK advanced design studio to show a concept of what a future concept of the next generation C9 Corvette might look like. The publicity ploy involves multiple studios that will see additional Corvette concepts revealed throughout 2025. Concepts of what could ultimately be a concept of what could be a production hypercar. In short, concepts, almost ad infinitum.
“Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles,” said Michael Simcoe, senior VP of global design. “While they collaborate within our global design network on production and concept vehicle programs, these teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C9 Corvette, Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, GM global design studios, Julian Thomson, Ken Zino, Michael Simcoe, X @KenAutoinformed
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Pew Research on Trump Versus the Media
A Federal Judge has ordered the Trump Administration to reestablish access of The Associated Press to government facilities after The AP refused to use Gulf of Mexico decree from Trump. This prompted the independent Pew Research Center to release its polling data on opinions of, well, the threadbare Trump versus the media attacks.
“Americans are more likely to say the Trump administration has been too critical of the media (46%) than to say the administration has not been critical enough (22%), while 29% say the administration has been mostly fair. Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say the Trump administration has been too critical of the news media (70% vs. 23%),” Pew noted. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, pew research center, The Associated Press, Trump versus the media, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariff Chaos – Latest CAR Analysis is Grim
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) released today a new analysis of the impact of potential tariffs on imported auto parts and light vehicles. It tackles what impact will a uniform 25% tariff on all trading partners have on the automotive industry overall?
“The analysis emphasizes the complexity of the modern automotive supply chain, noting that ‘the modern automotive supply chain is both global and complex, convoluting the seemingly simple question of the cost of 25% tariffs on the industry,’ and that ‘automakers and their suppliers are often multinational companies with facilities spread out across the world,’ making it difficult to discern how much of a vehicle is domestically produced,” said Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Innovation Officer at CAR Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, news analysis, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, Dr. K. Venkatesh Prasad, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan Launches Next Gen Autonomous Drive in FY 27
Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today it will launch the next generation of autonomous driving technology in the Japanese fiscal year of 2027 (1 April 2026 and ends on 31 March 2028).*
“The system, featuring Nissan Ground Truth Perception technology with next-generation Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software, will set a new standard for autonomous driving with advanced collision avoidance capability,” Nissan claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, Nissan Ground Truth Perception technology, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Posts Slight Q1 2025 Sales Drop
BMW Group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that global automotive deliveries were basically flat at 586,149. Compared to the previous year this represented a drop of -1.4%. China. was largely the problem, as it is for all non-native automakers. During the first three months of 2025, the BMW Group saw growth in Europe ( 241,867 for +6.2%) and the US (94,591 for +4.0%). This gives U.S. bragging rights to BMW since MBUSA (Mercedes-Benz Group AG MBGAF) sold 75,100 vehicles in the quarter. Outside of China, BMW growth was +5.9%. year-over-year. Continue reading
Annals of Marketing – Mercedes and Disney+
Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) said today that Disney+, the streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, is now available to Mercedes-Benz customers in the U.S. [footnote 1]. Disney+ will also be available in the new CLA, which arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2025.
“We are excited to collaborate with Disney+ to bring a new level of entertainment to our customers. This integration reflects our commitment to enhancing the in-car experience and providing innovative solutions that align with our customers’ lifestyles. With Disney+ on board, every journey becomes an adventure,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Burmester® 3D and 4D Surround Sound Systems, Ken Zino, Markus Schäfer, MBGn.DE, MBUX infotainment system, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, The Walt Disney Company, X @KenAutoinformed
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Kill The Cuts National Day of Action Against Trump Administration
Researchers and educators who have had their funding cut spoke today at 37 separate demonstrations about the effects this Trump Administration assault on publicly-funded research is having at their institutions and across the country. Senator Ed Markey and Representatives Jayapal and Simon were at the DC rally. President Trump has issued Executive Orders attacking the NIH, NSF, while dismantling the Department of Education.
“Thousands of people across the country came together today for Kill the Cuts, a national Day of Action to raise awareness and fight back against the Trump administration’s devastating attacks on research, health, and higher education. The events (see the full list here) were sponsored by a coalition of education, labor and health advocates, including UAW, SEIU, AFSCME, UE, NEA, AFT, CWA, AAUP, HELU, Labor for Higher Education, the Debt Collective,” the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW),” said. Continue reading
Posted in economy, environment, news, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Washington, UAW 2750, UAW 4121, UAW 4811, Weill Cornell Medicine, X @KenAutoinformed
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Michigan Governor Whitmer Offers Sensible Tariff Fixes
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer today delivered her “Build, America, Build” speech in Washington D.C. Simply put, it was a plan to show both parties and federal officials how to build America’s manufacturing might, increase jobs, invest in people and protect our national defense. It was based on Whitmer’s proven approach – work with friends and compete against adversaries.
“Before we dig in to my proposals today, I need to acknowledge what’s going on with tariffs. I’m not going to sugarcoat it… these last few days have been tough for Michigan. 20% of our economy is tied to the auto industry, which depends on a steady flow of goods from our largest and closest trading partners. We’re home to THE busiest international border crossing in North America. More than 10,000 vehicles carrying parts and materials cross the bridge between Detroit and Windsor every weekday. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, engineering, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, people, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, aviation techs, Chinese government, Commercial Aircraft Corporation, D-RAM chips, detroit grand prix, Ken Zino, Operation Warp Speed, President Trump, Republicans and Democrats in Congress, Rosie the Riveters, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, SHIPS for America Act, Vice President Vance, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Coming to the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said today that its first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG will be offered in U.S. later in the 2025 calendar year. There will be 12 exterior paint colors, including four MANUFAKTUR hues, along with the optional AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus and AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Standard are 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels with 20-inch AMG 10-Twin Spoke and 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in several finishes are optionally available. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged AMG E 53 HYBRID wagon, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MANUFAKTUR customization, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Dining Experience
Cadillac said today that its limited-time dining experience “Cadillac of Reservations” is expanding to three more U.S. cities this spring and summer. More consumers will have the chance to enjoy a dining experience in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ* at some of the buzziest restaurants including La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills (April), COTE Korean Steakhouse in Miami (early summer) and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco (late summer). Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Dining Experience, Call Mom, COTE in Miami and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, Ken Zino, La Dolce Vita, Marc Rose and Med Abrous, Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Stellantis, Formitalia, Warner Bros.
Stellantis Design Studio in collaboration with Formitalia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP0 today introduced The Joker Collection. * This is an all-new furniture line said to be inspired by the eponymous DC Super-Villain. Ihe furniture debuts at Salone del Mobile 2025, Fiera Milano Rho, 8-13 April in Hall 13 – Stand D26/D28.
“We loved the idea of creating this villain’s lair, a welcoming space that fosters a false sense of security in its guests,” said Hugo Nightingale – Global Creative Director at Stellantis Design Studio. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Discovery Global Consumer Products, Formitalia, Hugo Nightingale, Ken Zino, Klaus Busse, Stellantis, Warner Bros, X @KenAutoinformed
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Dark Roadways Deadly for Cyclists, Pedestrians
The twice-yearly time change is not a major factor in America’s ongoing road safety problem that some call an emergency. However, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation yesterday held a hearing on whether to continue switching back and forth between daylight saving time and standard time every year.
“Whatever you decide to do about the clock, I hope you will also consider actions to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe, especially after sundown,” said David Harkey president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in written testimony submitted to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Continue reading →