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.

Team Rubicon Disaster Relief Program Announced

It’s a timely announcement as there are clearly a growing number of communities across the United States that are impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires – clear evidence of the pernicious effects of Global Warming from the use of fossil fuels, which Ford Motor and the rest of the entire industry are now addressing with awakened products. Continue reading

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Cleared for Takeoff – Archer Aviation and Stellantis

Stellantis previously said it will provide up to $150 million in equity capital for potential draw by Archer at its discretion in 2023 and 2024, subject to achievement of certain business milestones which Archer predicted will occur during 2023. If AutoInformed’s math is right, manufacturing aircraft at the forecast volumes would make Covington the world’s leading aircraft manufacturing facility. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Recalls – Restraints, Lightning on I Million Vehicles

Ford Motor Company is Recalling ~1 million vehicles for safety defects according to documents made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the largest recall, dealers have been told by Ford “DO NOT DEMONSTRATE OR DELIVER any new in-stock vehicles involved in this safety recall. A complete Dealer Bulletin will be provided to dealers 4th quarter, 2023 when it is anticipated that parts ordering information and repair instructions will be available to support this safety recall.” Continue reading

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Road America Kill – Palou and Honda Dominating IndyCar

“We were able to be consistent, be fast, and we’re going to keep this rolling into Mid-Ohio,” said Alex Palou post-race. “It’s still early, but obviously you want those [championship] points into your account rather than another one. We’re not going to lose the focus, we know we have a great team, we just need to continue being consistent and winning races.” Continue reading

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Longtime Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta Leaving

The timing is less than ideal for the Alliance, which arguably has not recovered from the Carlos Ghosn matter. Now, more internal strife and likely damaging infighting have appeared at Nissan. Only four months ago Renault, Nissan and the Alliance said that they are taking new steps to increase value for stakeholders. These include operational projects in Latin America, India and Europe; enhanced strategic agility with new initiatives that partners can join; and a re-balanced Renault Group-Nissan cross-shareholding and reinforced Alliance governance. The Boards of Directors of Renault Group and Nissan Motor have approved these changes.  Continue reading

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Diesels Still Selling in the EU New Car Market

Preliminary May diesel market share figures for the European Union show that ~16.8% of new car sales were with a diesel engine, including diesel hybrids, according to data just publicly released by the respected LMC Automotive consultancy, part of the GlobalData. *

LMC also confirmed that the April diesel share was 17.1%. The latest share figure is a 2.7 percentage-point drop from the year-ago sales, while volume, conversely, rose by ~5000 units to just under 170000 sales,” LMC said. Continue reading

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Acura 2024 Integra Type S – $12,999 per Cylinder

This is the fourth Acura Type S performance variant to launch in the last two years, which begs the question of what is “ultimate street performance,” since Acura keeps marketing, new variants as it spreads across the lineup? Continue reading

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Dream Cruise – Roadkill Nights Moves to Woodward Ave

“We can’t wait to bring Roadkill Nights and street-legal drag racing to the heart of downtown Pontiac,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO at Stellantis. “Roadkill Nights continues to evolve each year, with the Pontiac stop serving as the second of two Roadkill Nights events in 2023. Our little horsepower circus has grown from a grassroots event to a can’t-miss event for any true muscle car enthusiast.” Continue reading

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Subaru 2024 Ascent – $37,000 to $51,235

Subaru of America today announced pricing on the 2024 Ascent,* its 3-row, 7- or 8-passenger SUV. The Ascent has decent amount of standard safety, driver assist, and in-vehicle technologies. Available in six trim levels – Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Onyx … Continue reading

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Automakers Remain Challenged in Search for EV Buyers

Affecting the slight year-over-year increases are a combination of positive and negative market elements such as lower gas prices, inflation, rising interest rates, greater model availability and charging availability. Charging availability is growing more slowly year over year (13% vs 33% in 2022), while model availability has increased, with 42% of buyers now having a viable EV model that meets their needs in Power’s view. Continue reading

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FedEx Canada Receives first BrightDrop Zevo’s

FedEx Express Canada in Toronto today received  its first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery The introduction of BrightDrop’s electric vans into the FedEx fleet in Canada is part of the company’s goal to transform its entire parcel pickup and delivery (aka PUD – we didn’t make this acronym up they did – AutoCrat) fleet to all-electric, zero-tailpipe emission vehicles by 2040. Continue reading

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Global Light Vehicle Sales at ~89 Million Rose Again in May

“US LV sales grew 23.5% YoY to 1.4 million units as OEMs raised vehicle production on the back of fewer supply issues. China performed stronger than the first four months of the year with a selling rate of 29.6 million units/year. All major West European countries reported positive YoY growth as their markets continue to recover with the easing of supply issues,” LMC said in copyrighted report for clients. Continue reading

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Nancy Edelbrock of California Hot Rodding Royalty Passes

“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Edelbrock, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished friend of many in the Edelbrock family. Nancy left this world on 10 June 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength,” the Edelbrock Group has posted on its website. Continue reading

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Mustang Dark Horse in Rolling Road Wind Tunnel

Overall, Mustang Dark Horse includes multiple changes and additional features, including a redesigned front bumper, a lower valence, a spoiler, and unique wheels. The front design is optimized to potentially increase air flow for engine cooling, brakes and air intake, while also reducing front lift. On the Mustang Dark Horse, the lower air spoiler and splitter are unique allowing the car to be tuned for greater downforce. The upgraded handling package on the Dark Horse provides a unique splitter, spoiler, and wheels – changes that may seem small but that make all the difference when hitting the road or track with performance in mind. Continue reading

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Buick Teases the 2024 Envision SUV

The Envision is the third of five new vehicles Buick is debuting through 2024. Buick claims it has  become the fastest-growing mainstream brand in the US with sales up ~76% through May 2023. In Canada, Envision sales are up ~78.5% through May 2023. The current Envision has achieved its highest ever retail sales over the first half of 2023 and is on track to have its best sales year ever in the US and Canada as North American demand for luxury SUVs continues unabated. Continue reading

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