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.

Global Light Vehicle Sales Fall in September

However, LMC noted that notwithstanding a reduced global selling tempo, China’s market remained “robust with year-to-date growth of 8.0%. North America and Europe, however, both experienced a sharp decline in their selling rates as supply issues continued to affect these markets.” Continue reading

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

CARB settles with FCA for $5.6M on Air Quality Violations

FCA cooperated with CARB to resolve all allegations of violating Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Devices regulations. FCA’s settlement includes a $2.8 million civil penalty that will go to CARB’s Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve California’s air quality. Continue reading

Posted in environment, fuel economy or emissions, litigation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis to Build Fiats in Algeria

This sets Stellantis on a path to manufacture Fiat vehicles in Algeria. Continue reading

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

Nissan to Exit Russian Market. Maybe

The sale is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks following approvals from the authorities, which sure looks inevitable since it’s being sold to the Russian government. The terms of the sale are hedged. It would allow Nissan the option to buy back the entity and its operations within the next six years. It’s the latest example of global automakers shutting operation in a totalitarian state. Will China be next? Continue reading

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Global Debut – All-Electric Lexus UX 300e

“As Lexus’ first BEV model and a core part of the UX family, the UX 300e embraces the continual performance development and evolution of advanced technology applied to the UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, while enhancing the attributes unique to an all-electric vehicle,” said Lexus International Chief Engineer Mitsuteru Emoto. “As a leading light for “Lexus Electrified,” the refinement of UX 300e is a key step on the path towards a carbon-neutral society.” Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Goes All in for Ohio EV Production

“We are establishing a new EV hub that will leverage the experience of our Ohio associates in areas including production, purchasing and product development. This will create the expertise for EV production that we will share with our other Honda auto plants in the region. Eventually, all our auto plants will play an important role as we pursue electrification,” said Bob Nelson, Executive Vice President, Corporate Services. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ohio JV Battery Plant  – Honda and LG Energy Solution

The two companies plan to begin construction in early 2023, in order to complete the new production facility by the end of 2024. The plant aims to have ~40GWh of annual production capacity as it starts mass production of pouch-type lithium-ion batteries by the end of 2025. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

EV Battery Goldrush – GM and Queensland Pacific Metals

This latest long-term supply commitment follows other recent agreements that likely have already secured all battery raw material to support GM’s goal of 1 million units of EV capacity in North America by the end of 2025. Helping this energy independence and job creating program is that material sourced from Queensland Pacific Metals will help support EV eligibility for consumer incentives under the new clean energy tax credits from the Biden Administration. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, environment, global warming, milestones | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Energy a New Energy Management Division  

It’s an ambitious, industry leading program that can help customers rid themselves of some of the negative aspects of relying on utility companies. GM Energy’s services will also enable the sale of energy from EV and stationary storage batteries back to utilities during peak, high energy consumption periods, unlocking even more potential value for customers and increasing resiliency for the electrical grid, GM said. Continue reading

Posted in connected vehicles, electric vehicles, global warming, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rivian Recalls 2022 Vehicles for Suspension Failures

The fastener connecting the front upper-control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened on 12,212 vehicles. An improperly torqued steering knuckle fastener could cause excessive wheel camber or a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading

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

EV Battery Gold Rush Persists with Stellantis and GME

NiWest is an advanced nickel-cobalt development project that hopes to produce ~90,000 tpa (tons per annum) of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate for the electric vehicle market. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, global warming | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan 2023 Versa Debuts at Miami Auto Show

The mildly tweaked 2023 Versa will debut at the Miami Auto Show this weekend, Nissan said today. The five-passenger compact sedan is notable for its price – starting around $17,000 this year, and an increasingly rare five-speed manual transmission. It’s … Continue reading

Posted in marketing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Western Europe Car Sales Plunge in September

Although supply constraints are still dictating the pace of vehicle sales, demand is also being eroded by low consumer confidence, high inflation, rising energy prices and contractionary monetary policy. Continue reading

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

Student Day Back at Honda Plants After Two Year Hiatus

Honda said today that for the first time in two years, it will host high school students during in-person Manufacturing Day events at its plants. Honda is returning to in-person events after two years of virtual Manufacturing Day activities. Students … Continue reading

Posted in manufacturing | Leave a comment

EPA Proposes an Endangerment Finding for Aircraft Engines Still Running on Leaded Fuel

The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead* from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare.  Under the … Continue reading

Posted in aviation, environment, motorcycles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment