Monthly Archives: June 2025

Volvo Car USA Recalls for Brake Loss – 11,000+

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling all 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In some driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using “B” mode or “One Pedal Drive,” the vehicle may lose brake function, according to the mandatory recall document made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 11,000 Volvo electric vehicles are affected by the potentially deadly safety defect. Continue reading →

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New Stellantis CEO Filosa Drastically Changes Staffs

Posted on 23 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Upon assuming his new Stellantis CEO job today (NYSE: STLA), Antonio Filosa drastically changed his new Stellantis Leadership Team, effective immediately. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor – New Offers for Military and Veterans

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“As we get closer to July 4, it really makes you reflect on what this holiday is all about — independence, freedom, and the sacrifices made to secure it. At Ford and Lincoln, we’ve always felt it’s important to show our gratitude and appreciation for the folks who’ve served our country. It’s a core part of who we are as a company,” said Rob Kaffl Ford director, U.S. sales and dealer relations. Continue reading →

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Polaris Fire Recalls – Ranger XP and Pro XD Kinetic ROVs

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that a recall is active for fires covering Polaris Model Year 2023-2024 Ranger XP Kinetic and Model Year 2025 Pro XD Kinetic Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs). In addition, this recall covers accessory charger service parts/kits with part numbers 2417296, 2417297, 2889704 and 2889486. Water can leak through a cracked filter into the ROV’s high-voltage charging harness components and cause a short circuit, creating a fire hazard. Continue reading →

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July 4th Week – a Record 72.2 Million to Travel Domestically!

Posted on 20 June 2025 by Ken Zino

AAA said today that it forecasts some 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 6 July 2025 . This domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to cover more of the surging flow of holiday travelers. Continue reading →

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Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.” Continue reading →

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Mazda Restructures Its Waning Japanese Business

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced its “Domestic Business Structural Reform Policy” to revive its failing operations in its home market. Domestic sales volume for the Japanese Fiscal Year ending 31 March 2025 was 152,000 units – just barely above its all-time low of 148,445 in 1974. Mazda has a ~4% market share in Japan.

“The three pillars of the business structural reform are investment for growth to nurture brand, designate priority regions and thorough front-line support to improve in-store experience,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo

Posted on 19 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.

“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading →

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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading →

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Honda Joins American Red Cross Disaster Giving List

Posted on 18 June 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are proud to build on our longstanding commitment to American Red Cross disaster recovery efforts,” said Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Through the Annual Disaster Giving Program, we will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to provide immediate support when it is needed in communities across America, where Honda associates, customers, dealers and suppliers live and work.” Continue reading →

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Nissan Shows All-New Third-Generation LEAF

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Company (7201T and NSANY ADR) today unveiled the all-new 2026 LEAF. The all-new LEAF will reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in the Fall, with other markets to follow, subject to the of the man who would be King, aka Donald Trump. The all-new Nissan LEAF will be assembled for the U.S. and Canada markets alongside the Ariya at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.

“Completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, the third-generation LEAF combines a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Inside, a refined, minimalist cabin is optimized for roominess, comfort and wellbeing to accommodate all of life’s journeys. With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Bike Lane Delivery – Honda Shows Fastport eQuad Prototype

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) today announced the establishment of Fastport, a new business dedicated to transforming the last-mile delivery industry with what it calls “innovative micromobility solutions.” Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries.

“The Fastport team has worked tirelessly to create the Fastport eQuad, a zero-emission alternative to delivery vans that solves the challenge of last mile urban logistics by meeting the needs of urban residents expecting on-demand deliveries of packages, groceries and other items,” said Jose Wyszogrod, general manager and founding member of Fastport. “Drawing from the deep knowledge of Honda design and engineering talent in the U.S., the Fastport eQuad is a testament to the commitment of Honda to advancing a more sustainable future through innovative mobility solutions.” Continue reading →

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First Look – the 2026 Corvette ZR1X Hypercar

Posted on 17 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said this morning that it is introducing an all-wheel drive Corvette with the ZR1 designation.* The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is GM rated at 1250 horsepower [footnote 1] and has electrified all-wheel drive. This makes the ZR1X the most advanced Corvette ever. With ZR1 and ZR1X, Chevrolet now has the most powerful American performance car duet of any auto manufacturer.

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars [3] and delivering world-class performance at every level.” Continue reading →

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Bring Your Own Bronco Optional at Off-Roadeo

Posted on 16 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) said today that it is now offering Bronco owners who have attended the complimentary Bronco Off-Rodeo – an immersive driving school available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners the chance to bring their own Bronco to an advanced dirt driving program so to speak.

“Ninety percent of Bronco Off-Roadeo participants say they want to return and learn even more,” said Kelsey Gerken, Bronco consumer strategy manager at Ford. “Bring Your Own Bronco gives them that chance, expanding the Off-Roadeo experience to two unique, four-hour courses that further grow a Bronco owner’s skillset.” Continue reading →

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Ford Updates Nascent WEC Hypercar Program

Posted on 13 June 2025 by Ken Zino

Today Ford Motor (NYSE: F) during opening events prior to the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans announced its chassis partner, ORECA, and its program lead, Dan Sayers. The Ford WEC Hypercar program will debut at the season-opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in less than two years.

“Bringing Ford back to the top class at Le Mans has always been a dream for many of us including our Executive Chair Bill Ford,” said Ford Motor Company President and CEO, Jim Farley. “To be able to partner with ORECA is a proud moment for Ford. We are coming back to Le Mans to win, and we aren’t making that a secret. On Sunday, it will be exactly 56 years since we last took the top step of the overall podium here. That is long enough. In 2027, we are coming with the same level of expectation, and we are entrusting ORECA to help us take on Ferrari and the other top-class teams as we did back in the 1960s.” Continue reading →

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