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.

Porsche Posts €1.8B Operating Profit in Q1 2023

Porsche reaffirmed its targets for the full year 2023. The assumption for Group sales revenue ranges from  €40 to €42 billion euros. “In the event that global challenges do not significantly worsen, we expect a Group operating return on sales for fiscal year 2023 in the range of 17% -19%,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Board Member for Finance and IT at Porsche AG. “In the long run, we are aiming for a Group operating return on sales of more than 20%.” Continue reading

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NADA – 2023 US Sales Forecast at 14.6 Million

Forecasting is a risky business in these times. Multiple factors are in play. The increasing number of new-vehicle incentives also contributed to the April sales gains. According to J.D. Power, average incentive spending per unit in April is expected to total $1599, an increase of, gulp,  58.9% compared with April 2022. While average incentive spending has risen from extreme lows, it has not increased at the same rate at all automakers. Some brands have been able to finally increase new-vehicle supply, but others are still struggling. To state the obvious, brands with more to sell are positioned to offer  incentives. Key here might be the return of Memorial Day sales later at the end of May. Continue reading

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Pre-Order 2024 Acura Integra Type S on 11 May

Standard high-performance hardware includes a 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential and an innovative dual-axis front suspension design that Acura claims improves road holding and reduces torque steer. Given the impressive torque rating, AutoInformed wonders how much of it will go up in tire smoke instead of acceleration? Continue reading

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Ford Motor Q1 Sales, Profits, Cash Flow Up. But…

Late yesterday Ford Motor posted Q1 2023 revenue of $41.5 billion, up 20% from the same period a year ago on shipments ~1.1 million vehicles, a 9% increase with $1.5B in net income. A year ago Ford posted a net … Continue reading

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Nel Announces Automated Hydrogen Fuel Factory in Michigan

“The short distance to General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, has played a decisive role in the choice of state. The two companies collaborate to develop further and improve Nel’s PEM electrolyzer technology,” said Nel’s CEO, Håkon Volldal. “The choice of Michigan is based on an overall assessment of what the state can offer in terms of financial incentives, access to a highly skilled workforce, and cooperation with universities, research institutions, and strategic partners. I will also highlight the personal engagement from Governor Whitmer and her competent and service-minded team,” Volldal said. Continue reading

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April US Light Vehicle Sales up 10%

Average transaction prices are high by historical standards and continued to be up (by 3.6%) YoY in March. However, prices have declined month-on-month (MoM) in each month of 2023, and this trend is expected to have continued in April, with incentives also beginning to creep up. In March, incentives were up by 56.2% YoY, from an extremely low base. Continue reading

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Subaru of America April Sales Up 11.5 %

Subaru also announced that it has won five categories in Kelley Blue Book’s 2023 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The 2023 Subaru Ascent, BRZ, Forester, Impreza and Outback earned top spots in their respective segments. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor America April Sales up 15%

Hyundai sold 64,895 retail units in April, a 5% year-over-year increase from April 2022. Hyundai set best-ever retail sales in April for Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson PHEV, Tucson HEV and Santa Cruz. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle sales of 11,571 represented 18% of retail and a 56% year-over-year increase. Continue reading

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PACCAR, Toyota to Sell Fuel Cell Trucks in 2024

The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and sale of zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models with  Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit. Initial North American customer deliveries are planned for 2024. Continue reading

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Volta Trucks Pilot EVs – US Debut in Late 2023

The so-called “Driving Experience Program” in the US will be launched late in 2023 for fleet operators to assess a Pilot Fleet of Volta Zeros in real distribution environments to understand how the electric delivery trucks will integrate into their operations. A similar program is currently launching across six European countries. The program in the US will start on the west coast, ahead of a roll out of production vehicles expected in 2024. Continue reading

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General Motors Announces Senior Executive Changes

Over the course of his career with GM, Carlisle has held several senior leadership positions, including vice president, Global Product Planning and Program Management, 2010-2014; vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, 2010; and president and managing director, Southeast Asia Operations, 2007-2010. The retirement resulted in a series of executive changes at the top of GM – all of them filled by men. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Fully Electric Toyota bZ4X Ads Debut

What’s called a fully integrated bZ4X campaign was developed by Saatchi & Saatchi and Intertrend, with consideration of the transcultural mainstream audiences across America – a refreshingly awakened approach, despised by real or legislative fascists and neo-Nazis. Toyota said its campaigns “are integrated through one strategic brief, creative idea, and media plan – and create a cohesive marketing approach.” Continue reading

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First Look – 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X, and AEV

GMC  today announced 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X , emphasizing the premium Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition*. AT4X includes a new Off-Road Mode. When engaged, the Off-Road Mode adjusts vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to provide what’s claimed to be optimized performance off-road. Continue reading

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NHTSA – Wheels Falling Off 2023 Ford Bronco, Ranger Trucks

In the required federal filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford said the lug nut tightening machine was out of service and that a manual – translation human – backup was in place. Continue reading

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CARB Mandates Zero-Emission Medium, Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Trucks represent only 6% of the vehicles on California’s roads. However, CARB noted that they account for more than 35% of the state’s transportation generated nitrogen oxide emissions, and 25% of the state’s on-road greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading

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