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.

IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed

Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior provides – its claimed – passengers “with a spacious, comfortable place to work, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.” In a nod to individuality, passengers “interact” with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop. Continue reading

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Santiago Chamorro now President GM South America

Chamorro will relocate from Michigan, where he held his most recent position as GM vice president, Global Connected Services – to São Paulo. Jeff Massimilla, GM executive director, Connected Customer and Mobility Services, replaces Chamorro. Continue reading

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Porsche Expanding R&D in China

“Having a permanent home for this work in China will bring obvious benefits, particularly when it comes to reflecting and predicting our customer’s needs in China, a nation that has truly welcomed Porsche and has taken our cars to heart to the extent that it’s been our biggest sales market,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. Continue reading

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Toyota e-Palette Operating Again After Olympic Pedestrian Hit

The pedestrian was a visually impaired person who was walking alone. When the pedestrian tried to cross the intersection, the individual met e-Palette passing through the intersection. When the vehicle was turning right, upon entering the intersection, it detected a person in the intersection and stopped. Continue reading

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Kia Tweaks Niro Plug-in Hybrid

With an all-electric range of 26 miles because of a minuscule 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery, it’s contribution to limiting fossil fuel use that is negatively affecting the planet is laughable. This is hardly a threat to the oil industry. Continue reading

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GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept Debuts

GMC first introduced AT4 in its Sierra light-duty pickup truck in 2019. Here it’s powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front and rear electronic locking differentials. With a 27.7-degree approach angle and a ground clearance of 10.0 inches, helped by 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels this is clearly an off-road vehicle. Continue reading

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Bridgestone Recalls Alenza, Dueler, Ecopia, Turanza and Firestone Destination Tires for Leaks

A Tire Laser Marking System which uses laser light to mark certain information on tire sidewalls, malfunctioned. The malfunction caused the laser to remain stationary and burn a pinhole into the tire sidewall near the first digit of the Tire Identification Number date code – the last 4- digits of the TIN. Continue reading

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Toyota e-Palette Hits Pedestrian at Paralympic Games

On Thursday 26 August 2021, a Toyota e-Palette, an autonomous vehicle used to support mobility within the Athletes’ Village at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo, collided with a visually impaired person about to cross at a pedestrian crossing. At … Continue reading

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What Car? Britain’s Most and Least Reliable Cars

“Our latest study also shows that a high price tag isn’t always a guarantee of reliability, because some of Britain’s cheapest cars are among the most reliable,” said What Car? editor Steve Huntingford. Continue reading

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Milestones: 50 Million Toyota Corollas or 12 Generations

Tracking the seeming inevitable fate of automobiles and trucks in America, Corolla quickly evolved to offer more room, comfort and performance for close to three generations of customers. The 2022 Corolla combines advanced tech, sporty style and top-level comfort with up to 53/52/52 EPA estimated MPG in the hybrid model and the protection of standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with automatic emergency braking. And, gasp, the first-ever Corolla Cross SUV-like version. Toyota invites everyone with a Corolla story to share it using #MyCorollaStory. Continue reading

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VW Starts Car-Net Carrier of Choice with Verizon and T-Mobile

In the fast-growing world of connected cars there remain large questions about anti-trust regulations and their application – if any has been attempted – to protect consumers from cartel or monopoly pricing. Car-Net, with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan, is standard equipment on most 2020 model year and forward Volkswagen vehicles. The Carrier of Choice program will be available starting late September this year. Continue reading

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US Auto Sales Forecast Down Again in August

Overall new-vehicle sales for August 2021, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,094,500 units, a 13.7% decrease from August 2020 and a 25.3% decrease from August 2019. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 17.0% from 2020 and a decrease of 33.3% from 2019. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 13.1 million units, down 2.1 million units from 2020 and down 4.0 million units from 2019. Continue reading

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Toyota to Assemble Fuel Cell Modules at Kentucky Plant

“We’re bringing our proven electric technology to a whole new class of production vehicles,” said Tetsuo Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Heavy-duty truck manufacturers will be able to buy a fully integrated and validated fuel cell electric drive system, allowing them to offer their customers an emissions-free option in the Class 8 heavy-duty segment.” Continue reading

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BMW and Rolls Note Rolls-Royce Founder’s Birthday

As the third son of Lord and Lady Llangattock, he was born into a life of wealth and privilege, going on to be educated at Eton and Cambridge and enjoying the freedom to indulge his passions for aviation and motor racing. By contrast, his business partner, Henry Royce, came from a humble background. Continue reading

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Mazda MX-30 EV Starts at $33,470 in CA this October

The all-new 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV is a baby step toward the brand’s lagging electrification. Initially launching in California dealerships this fall, the battery-electric MX-30 has an EPA estimated range of only 100 miles on a full charge Continue reading

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