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.

Biden Administration Cuts Republican Budget Deficit by 66%

Biden Administration Cuts Republican Budget Deficit by 66% Continue reading

Posted in economy, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert on Hyundai, Kia Fires

“Although the cause remains unknown, the manufacturers believe an electrical component in the anti-lock brake system may experience an internal electrical short circuit that could increase the risk of fire both while the vehicle is being driven or parked,” NHTSA said. Continue reading

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

Spirit of Ecstasy is Redesigned for Rolls-Royce Spectre EV

These changes help to shape the upcoming Spectre EV’s aerodynamic numbers. The earliest Spectre prototypes have a drag coefficient -Cd- of just 0.26, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the Spectre’s testing protocols during 2022. Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, electric vehicles | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Tesla Recalls – Self Driving Software, Seat Belt Warning

Tesla is recalling 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles because the “rolling stop” functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop. AutoInformed is unaware of any state where a rolling stop is legal? Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, recalls | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

RAM – OE Firestone Truck Tires Recalled for Belt Separation

These tires were imported by Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO). BATO supplied the tires to Stellantis as original equipment for installation on 2021-2022 RAM 2500 and RAM 3500 vehicles. BATO also supplied these tires to retailers for sale in the replacement market. Affected tires were produced at a single plant from May 2, 2021 through May 8, 202. Affected tires can be differentiated from non-affected tires by the unique combination of brand, tire line, size, and DOT code. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Posts Tepid Q4, FY 2021 Financial Results

However, vehicles sold and market share, cash flow (-$8.5B) for continuing operations declined during 2021. Ford lost money in Europe and, ahem, China, which is recovering faster than other economies from the Covid crisis. In North America, Bronco, Maverick, Mustang Mach-E contributed to a two-point U.S. share gain, to 15%. During Q4 Ford reinstated a regular dividend of 10 cents per share. Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Workers Vote For Independent Union at GM Silao in Mexico

In August of 2021, workers rejected the collective agreement signed by the old Miguel Trujillo López union, affiliated to the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), accusing that union of siding with GM and putting the company’s interests before those of its workers. The rejection of the agreement meant holding elections to choose a new union. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NADA – Light Trucks Dominating Market

According to J.D. Power, the average transaction price for a new light vehicle in January 2022 is expected to reach $44,905. High transaction prices continue to be supported by strong demand and very low OEM discounting. Average incentive spending per unit in January 2022 should total just $1,319, down by $2,163 from January 2021, J.D. Power says. Continued high demand for used vehicles has increased consumers’ equity in their trades. J.D. Power expects the average consumer trade-in equity to be up by 88% year over year for January 2022. Continue reading

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

January 2022 US Sales Off 9%. Chips, Supply Chain Issues Bite

Even with an average $45,000 transaction price squeezing people, retail demand remained the driving force of the market because the wealthy fared very well during the Covid crisis. The Biden Administration’s economic recovery, in AutoInformed’s view, also played a huge roll with its surging job creation and forward thinking Build Back Better strategy universally opposed by the Republicans who are largely responsible for the covid disaster that destroyed the US economy. Continue reading

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

GM Posts Record $10.4B Earnings in 2021

Part of the record results came from execution by an all-star management team of a timely strategy, part from strong demand for what in AutoInformed’s view are the strongest product lines in GM’s history. However, vehicles it sold globally dropped to 6.3 million, -8% from 2020 and a drop of -18% from Covid-free 2019. Continue reading

Posted in economy, financial results, news analysis | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

First Wireless EV Charging Road Slated for Michigan

“As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” said Governor Whitmer. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, milestones, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rolex 24 – Cold Beginning to Start a Sizzling Racing Season

GTD Pro – a new class this year – was the most entertaining racing in AutoInformed’s view. This was a take no prisoners bumping, sideswiping paint-swapping exhibition at high speeds. Mathieu Jaminet and the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R emerged from a door-banging match with the nearly identical No. 2 KCMG Porsche driven by Laurens Vanthoor through Daytona International Speedway’s Le Mans Chicane on the very last lap of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. It was that way for the two factory Porsche drivers during the final two hours. Continue reading

Posted in milestones, news analysis, racing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Nissan Recalling 690,000 Rogue SUVs for Fires

In affected Rogues, if water and salt collect in the driver’s side foot well, it may wick up the dash side harness tape and enter the connector. If the connector becomes corroded, electrical current may continue to flow between the connector terminals, potentially causing the driver’s power seat or power window to become inoperative, AWD warning light illumination, battery discharge, and/or thermal damage to the connector. In the worst-case condition, a fire can occur. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Bad Airbags – Kia Recalls 411,000 Model Year 2017-19 Vehicles

In the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia claimed that “variances in the manufacturing of the ACU” can cause contact between the ACU cover and the Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chip on the ACU’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and cause damage to the EEPROM’s soldering joints resulting in an open circuit. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Doubles China Sales, Bolsters and Consolidates Aftermarket as Jeep Sales Plunge

In an announcement that foreshadows details on Stellantis’ plan for the Chinese market that will be announced as part of a global strategic plan on 1 March 2022, the French conglomerate said Dongfeng Motor* sold more than100,000 vehicles in 2021. This doubled the annual sales volume of 2020. Continue reading

Posted in milestones, mobility company, sales | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment