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.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and HEMI Favorites Among Thieves

“If you own a Hellcat, you better check your driveway,” said HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. “These numbers are unbelievable.” AutoInformed also recommends checking your rear-view mirrors when driving any performance car for flashing blue lights. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Extreme E, FIA Plan Off-Road Hydrogen Racing Championship

This means that Extreme H would join the company of just seven other official FIA World Championships, which includes ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Development of the Extreme H series is underway, with plans advanced to have a prototype launched later this year ahead of the first season in 2025. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, global warming, public health, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis and Its European Dealers Sign New Contracts

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) said today in Amsterdam that it had completed the signing of new contracts with its European Dealer Network. With these new sweeping agreements it aspires to be first in customer satisfaction in all markets, products and services. … Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EPA Offers Grants to Cut Oil and Gas Well Methane Emissions

“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we now have unprecedented funding to cut methane pollution that is fueling the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This investment will increase competition and help small and medium-sized producers compete on a more level playing field, create new good-paying jobs in energy communities, and support environmental restoration, making clear that strengthening our economy, tackling climate change, and protecting our communities go hand in hand,” Regan claimed. Continue reading

Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hurricane Idalia – EPA Issues Florida Summer Fuel Waiver

Storm preparations have resulted in the closure of multiple ports in the state that receive fuel and have restricted and interrupted fuel terminal operations, preventing an adequate supply of gasoline. In addition, evacuations – including mandatory evacuations – are straining available supplies. Waiving federal requirements to sell summer gasoline can help address these supply shortages. Continue reading

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

July 2023 EU Car Sales Up 15%

During July, the market share of battery-electric cars rose to 13.6% (up from 9.8% the same month last year). Hybrid-electric cars maintained their position as the second choice among new car buyers, with more than 25% of the market. Nonetheless, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, including gasoline and diesel models, retained a combined market share of half of new car sales. Continue reading

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

GM Expanding Google Cloud AI Initiatives

However, in AutoInformed’s view there are insufficient regulations and guidelines in the industry about who owns your personal data and how it is used or sold to other entities. Therefore this might not be good for everyone or the sun might not be so sunny in a personal vale. Continue reading

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

Unifor Picks Ford Motor Company as Detroit Three Target

Unifor National President Lana Payne said, “Ford was selected as the target because we believe that the company is in the best position to reach an agreement that delivers on the needs of our members and sets a strong pattern for Canada’s auto industry. These negotiations are about reaching an agreement that reflects the historic nature of the transition to electric vehicle manufacturing. That means setting the highest possible standards that protect the livelihoods and job security of all autoworkers now and in the future.” Continue reading

Posted in economy, electric vehicles, global warming, labor issues, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz will expand EV Charging to 10,000 Points

Mercedes-Benz said in Stuttgart today that it will open its first high-power charging stations this fall. Starting in October, the first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs will go into operation in Atlanta (USA), Chengdu (China) and Mannheim (Germany). By the end of 2024, Mercedes-Benz now says it will further expand its global charging network to more than 2000 high-power charging places. The long-term goal is to create more than 2000 Charging Hubs with more than 10,000 charging points by the end of the decade. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unintended Acceleration Recalls on Elantra Hybrids

The motor control unit (“MCU”) software may detect a transmission/drive motor synchronization fault while driving triggering a “fail-safe” condition that temporarily results in slow, unintended acceleration after release of the brake pedal. Service brake functionality is unaffected and remains fully operational. Continue reading

Posted in electronics, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Virtually All Unifor Members Authorize Big Three Strike

“Canadian autoworkers have sent a strong message to D3 automakers that they are united behind our bargaining committees in an effort to improve pensions, increase wages, and secure good, union jobs in the EV future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. Continue reading

Posted in economy, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group Expanding EV Battery Plant Leipzig

“Leipzig continues to power ahead. Making the BMW i3, we were the BMW Group’s pioneer in electromobility. Now, with the development of e-component production and the upcoming launch of the MINI Countryman, the future is already taking shape,” said Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director. Continue reading

Posted in connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, public health, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Generative Artificial Intelligence – An Automaker Challenge

Absent in the following is what needs to be an extensive discussion of the public policy, employment, human challenges, and the effect on what traditionally are high paying jobs in the global auto industry. In AutoInformed’s view GlobalData can and likely will play a role in this. Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, mobility company, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

UAW Members Vote Yes to Authorize Big Three Strike

Final votes are still being tabulated, but the current combined average across the Big Three was 97% in favor of strike authorization. The vote does not mean a strike will be called, only that the union has the right to call a strike if the Big Three refuse to reach what  the UAW and the Biden Administration call “a fair deal.”  Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, labor issues, manufacturing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – 2024 Toyota Tacoma in Blue Beetle

Toyota (NYSE:TM) is marketing the 2024 Tacoma pickup with DC’s newest Superhero in his debut movie, “Blue Beetle,” which made its world premiere in theaters last week. The action movie uses multiple generations of Tacoma as Jaime Reyes is forever changed when an ancient piece of alien technology, the Scarab (no relation to the car) transforms the college grad into the hero – The Blue Beetle. Continue reading

Posted in marketing, new vehicle, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment