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.

Toyota Expands Customer Data Use for Insurance Savings

CAS does business with insurance carriers to provide customers with the ability to use their driving data to price their insurance “more accurately.” Drivers of Toyota vehicles interested in receiving potential insurance savings can opt in to Insure Connect, Toyota’s latest connected service. The company is also focused on creating a future of safer roads and improved driving conditions. Continue reading

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

EPA, Louisiana Fine Firestone Polymers for Air Pollution

“This settlement requires Firestone to take concrete steps to reduce emissions of air pollutants from its manufacturing facility in Sulfur, Louisiana,” said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This will result in cleaner air for communities in Southwest Louisiana, particularly for communities that have suffered a historically disproportionate burden from pollution.” Continue reading

Posted in environment, litigation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Audi of America, Verizon to bring 5G to Vehicle Line

Verizon is also linking with all three major cloud providers for mobile edge compute services, which can be used to develop innovative safety and autonomous driving features. Mobile edge computing with 5G connectivity provides the low latency needed for urgent C-V2X communications, such as the ability for vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, connected infrastructure, and devices in the environment around them in near real-time. Continue reading

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

First Responder Network – Big Government at Its Best

In 2012, Congress enacted a law to create the First Responder Network Authority within the Department of Commerce to ensure the building, deployment and operation of FirstNet – America’s only nationwide public safety broadband network. Since then FirstNet Authority has developed the network in collaboration with the public safety community. Continue reading

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

Michigan Gives $7.5m to Ford for Corktown Innovation District

Anchored at the Michigan Central Train Station, which Ford originally announced support for in 2018, the district will be a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a “globally-recognized hub for talent, mobility innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, affordable housing, small business opportunities and community engagement.” Since 2018, Ford has been in the process of investing $740 million in the 1.2-million-square-foot campus, which is expected to hold 5,000 Ford and non-Ford workers. Continue reading

Posted in economy, mobility company, people | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aston Martin Adds Jobs to Build DBX707 SUVS in Wales

DBX707 is extensively revised in what has become an ultra-competitive luxury SUV segment. Starting with the powertrain, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, now has ball bearing turbochargers and a new engine calibration for more power and torque. Also new to Aston Martin’s flagship high performance SUV is a 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic transmission. Capable of managing much increased torque loadings compared with a regular torque converter automatic. The high-performance transmission allows output of the 4.0-literV8 to increase to  707PS and 900Nm, increases of 157PS and 200Nm compared to the DBX (V8). Continue reading

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BWT Alpine F1 Team Reveals Its 2022 A522 Contender

The team confirmed single race winner Esteban Ocon and two-time World Drivers’ Champion Fernando Alonso will drive for a second consecutive season. Oscar Piastri is the team’s Reserve Driver in 2022 after his Formula 2 title last year and subsequent ascension from the Alpine Academy. Continue reading

Posted in marketing, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hagerty International Links with UK’s Manor Park Classics

“Both parties have an exciting range of experiences, sales and activities planned for 2022 making this partnership both energetic and relevant, and we look forward to working together throughout the year ahead,” said Mark Roper, Managing Director for Hagerty International. Continue reading

Posted in shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

‘Press Release’ EVs – Volta Trucks Raises €230M

Volta is claiming a “Europe-first principles within its Road-to-Zero Emissions strategy, with Volta Trucks set to launch four full-electric commercial vehicles and increase its projected sales volumes to more than 27,000 by 2025.” Given the competition from existing truck makers, this is ambitious – and only a promise until production begins. Following an order of electric trucks from DB Schenker in late 2021, pre-orders for the Volta Zero now exceed 5,000 vehicles, with a value of more than €1.2 billion, Volta claims. Continue reading

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

Majorities of Americans Say Union Membership Decline is Bad

 “In the survey, 58% of U.S. adults say the large reduction over the past several decades in the percentage of workers who are represented by unions has been somewhat or very bad for the country, while 61% say this has been bad for working people,” said Ted Van Green* of Pew Research. Continue reading

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

Power Plants Continue to Befoul Our Air During 2021

Emissions in 2021 were higher than 2020, EPA said because of  a rebound in coal-fired generation as natural gas prices and energy demand increased. Worse emissions increased at rates much higher than the demand for electricity. Continue reading

Posted in energy, environment, global warming | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Global Light Vehicle Sales Improved in January 2022

Nonetheless, LMC noted that supply chain issues remain the “key headwind for demand, though last month also saw the rapid spread of Omicron deal a blow to some potential market activity. Reports of an improving supply environment in some markets, including China, means the worst of the crisis is likely over, it remains the key headwind to sales during 2022, overshadowing concerns over inflation and a more subdued economic outlook.” Continue reading

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

Honda Motor to Make Sweeping Organizational Changes in April to Survive and Sustain Itself as a Mobility Company

Translation: The changes are needed to survive the electrification business, new business, and combined solution business, which will require bolstering the development of software, as well as the strengthening the development of core electrification technologies. Continue reading

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

Redwood, Ford, Volvo Recycling EV Batteries from California

The first major surge of end-of-life electric vehicles is a few years away, but Redwood is already working the system. Annually, 6 GWh of lithium-ion batteries –  equivalent to 60,000 EVs, are handled by Redwood in Nevada. It claims that is most of the recycled lithium-ion batteries in North America today. Continue reading

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

Brabham Branding launches Formula 1 Simulators for Gamers

Base Performance was founded by veteran sportscar racer Darren Turner in 2010 and has become one of the UK’s leading driver development simulator companies. Before that, Turner shared back-to-back Le Mans 24 Hours victories with David Brabham, Jack’s youngest son, as part of Aston Martin Racing’s factory GT1 program in 2007 and 2008. Continue reading

Posted in performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment