Author Archives: Ken Zino

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.

Audi E-Tron and Porsche Taycan EVs Recalled for Battery Fires

Battery fires pose a public health threat since they cannot be extinguished with conventional first-responder tools. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, public health, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Says First Stellantis Contract Offer is Deeply Unfair

“This is a responsible and strong offer that positions us to continue providing good jobs for our employees today and in the next generation here in the U.S. It also protects the company’s future ability to continue to compete globally in an industry that is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles. Because we know this is important to you and your families, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith and reaching a fair agreement,” Stewart said. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Stellantis Opens Its First Battery Technology Center in Italy

“We are in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine mobility, providing smart and sustainable solutions for our customers,” claimed Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “Our new Battery Technology Center at Mirafiori brings together the tools and talented people we need to design, test, verify and produce class-leading products that will meet our customers’ needs and accelerate bringing class-leading electric vehicles to customers around the world.” Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, manufacturing, mobility company, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Joins North American Charging Standard Parade

NACS, aka the Tesla connector, was introduced more than a decade ago by Tesla with its unique pin or plug design that can use both a/c and d/c charging. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Pans GM’s First Contract Offer

The GM, and Ford and Stellantis contracts expire on 11:59 pm 14. September. GM did not post or acknowledge the offer letter on its Investor Relations website.

“After refusing to bargain in good faith for the past six weeks, only after having federal labor board charges filed against them, GM has come to the table with an insulting proposal that doesn’t come close to an equitable agreement for America’s autoworkers,” said Shawn Fain UAW President this morning. “GM either doesn’t care or isn’t listening when we say we need economic justice at GM by 11:59pm on September 14th. The clock is ticking. Stop wasting our members’ time. Tick tock.” Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota, FuelCell Energy Make Renewable Hydrogen, Electricity

“FuelCell Energy is committed to helping our customers surpass their clean energy objectives. By working with FuelCell Energy, Toyota is making a powerful statement that hydrogen-based energy is good for business, local communities, and the environment. We are extremely pleased to showcase the versatility and sophistication of our fuel cell technology and to play a role in supporting Toyota’s environmental commitments,” said FuelCell Energy CEO Jason Few. Continue reading

Posted in environment, global warming, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

August 2023 Western European Car Sales Best of the Year

The Western Europe passenger vehicle selling rate rose to 14.6 million units per year in August, according to an analysis just released by the GlobalData* consultancy. This is up from a 11.5 million units rate in July, making it the … Continue reading

Posted in economy, sales | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Century – Toyota is Stalking the Global Limousine Market

Given its history and now its formidable global sales potential as a chauffeur-driven or personally driven luxury vehicle for politicians, rock stars, athletes and even royalty, Century is potentially a breakthrough product. These are people who need to work, and need to rest. Their entrance and exit from an event is often under intense public scrutiny and debate. This will give global automakers – notably the Germans and US based ones – a serious challenge to their hegemony in this exclusive domain. Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Recalls 2023 Super Duty Pickups for Failing Axles

Personnel at the axle shaft supplier Mid-West Forge Corp. in Ohio entered an incorrect process parameter into one of the two machines that perform electromagnetic induction heat treatment of the recalled left rear axle shafts. The axle shafts did not meet Ford’s torsional yield and case depth design specifications in the fractured area. Returned parts had fractured at ~44 mm from the flange, indicating an area of incomplete induction heat treatment. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Automated Driving – BMW to use Amazon and Qualcomm

“In the next decade, consumer habits and expectations will drive more changes in the automotive industry than we’ve seen over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Nicolai Martin, senior vice president of Driving Experience at BMW Group. “This is just the beginning of a new era of highly automated driving, fueled by innovations in technology and engineering. By collaborating with AWS, the BMW Group, along with our partner, Qualcomm Technologies, is building our new automated driving platform.” automated driving and parking functions.” Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, electronics, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Strange Green Bedfellows – Stellantis and Aramco

Low carbon eFuel is a drop-in synthetic fuel made by reacting CO2, captured either directly from the atmosphere or from an industrial facility, with renewable hydrogen. The use of low carbon eFuel has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing internal combustion vehicles by at least 70% on a lifecycle basis, compared to conventional fuels its advocates claim. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, public health, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Labor Day – UAW Struggles Are Key to The American Dream

Let us pause here to remember and reflect on Walter P. Reuther (1907 – 1970). “There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well,” he famously said. Reuther built the United Automobile Workers into one of the most awakened and progressive forces in American history. A fierce champion of collective bargaining, Reuther also had a much larger vision of the American society then many of our mere politicians. He viewed the labor movement in the context of community – the whole community. Led by him the UAW fought for civil rights, health care, affordable housing, environmental protections among other things. Continue reading

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, economy, labor issues, manufacturing, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gen 5 Three-Door MINI Cooper is Electric

Entering its fifth generation with a first, the purely electric 3-door MINI Cooper now has digital experiences, modern assistance systems and a pure electric powertrain. BMW is hoping it remains a MINI in buyer’s minds, while at the same time marking the brand’s all-electric future. This transformation starting now will make MINI an all-electric brand by 2030. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, milestones, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford UAW Offer – Pay Increases, Tiers Gone. UAW says No

Not a propitious way to start the Labor Day weekend… Continue reading

Posted in news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

DOE Loan to Eos Energy for Zinc Bromine Battery Storage

This is part of the Biden Administration’s awakened and, well, enlightened agenda to onshore and re-shore domestic manufacturing of critical technologies such as battery electric energy storage systems that are essential to building a clean energy future and strengthening America’s energy security. “Using the loan authority from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, the LPO is impelling billions in public-private investments to boost the nation’s competitiveness, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs to power the clean energy economy,” DOE said. Continue reading

Posted in environment, global warming, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment