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.

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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Chinese Junk Watch – Six More Recalls from CPSC

CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. However, in AutoInformed’s view, Chinese products remain a problem both in their design and manufacturing quality control. Herewith are some of the latest in Chinese Junk. Continue reading

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Khan, Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Leaves Prompting Reorganization with Focus on Electric Only

Magnus Östberg will assume overall responsibility for the MB.OS vehicle operating system as Chief Software Officer on 1 September 2021 – a newly created position that is the result of the unexpected executive shuffle. Östberg will report both to Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Chief Operating Officer Mercedes-Benz AG, and directly to the Chairman of the Boards of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Ola Källenius. Continue reading

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Cadillac Developing All-New LMDh Endurance Racecar

Cadillac and constructor Dallara are designing the new Cadillac LMDh. The two companies’ cooperative efforts led to the design of the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R. A new GM developed engine will integrate with the LMDh common hybrid system. Continue reading

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FIH Mobile, Stellantis JV Begun on Connected Car Technology

Mobile Drive will be equally owned by Stellantis and FIH. The partnership has combined Foxconn’s capabilities in ICT industry and smart solutions, with Stellantis’ expertise in the automotive sector, ensuring the growth of Mobile Drive. Continue reading

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Chinese Covid Recovery Policies is Zero-Sum Game for Automakers Overall. Luxury, Compact Segments Benefit Most?

As with most statistics though, the devil is hiding in the details. Consultancy LMC Automotive says there is an enduring imbalance in the economy’s internal structure: the performance of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) among medium and large enterprises is significantly better than that among smaller enterprises. Continue reading

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Eruption Green, Hot Pepper Red Paints Set for 2022 Bronco

“Automotive enthusiasts, and especially Bronco fans, are passionate about colors and will be excited about Eruption Green,” said Barb Whalen, Ford color and materials manager. “Paint has a wonderful way of evolving because of technology. Eruption Green is a contemporary color, but there’s a connection with Bronco heritage. It’s evergreen-inspired, with yellow highlights that really tie it into nature.” Continue reading

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Toyota First Hypercar Winner at Le Mans in Fourth Straight Victory. Ferrari First then Corvette, Porsche in GTE Pro

The No. 7’s win is only the second time ever that an Argentine (Jose Maria Lopez) has won Le Mans and is the team’s seventh consecutive WEC race victory. The Hypercar finished two laps ahead of the sister No. 8 car with Brendon Hartley, Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi sharing the wheel. Continue reading

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Confirmed: General Motors to Recall more Bolt EVs at $1B Cost

General Motors is expanding the current Chevrolet Bolt EV recall to cover the remaining 2019 and all 2020-2022 model year vehicles, including the Bolt EUV. With this expansion, all Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are now recalled due to the risk … Continue reading

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C’est Voilà – Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel in Reality

“Renault’s ambition is to expand its nomadic range in Europe, in a market that has been exploding for the last 10 years. After a successful test in Switzerland, all-new Trafic Space Nomad extends its scope to freedom aficionados,” said Thierry Plantagenets, LCV Global Sales & Marketing Director, Renault Group. Continue reading

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Global Village – Record UK Used Car Prices. Demand High

“It not only marks 66 weeks of consecutive price growth, but a huge acceleration on what is now a comparatively conservative 5.7% increase recorded during the week of 12th April when physical forecourts (dealerships) reopened, ” Auto Trader said. Continue reading

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Special Editions Dream or Nightmare?

Today in what Ford Motor says is in celebration of the Woodward Dream Cruise kickoff, Ford is introducing the new Mustang Ice White Edition Appearance Package for both Mustang coupe and Mustang Mach-E models. This marks the first time in … Continue reading

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Ford Sending Three Broncos to 2021 Desert Navigational Rally

The  Bronco Sport and Bronco four-door are Badlands, while the Bronco two-door is a Wildtrak. All three are outfitted in race livery from the Bronco 4600 stock class race vehicle that will run in the ULTRA4 stock class off-road series this year. The Bronco two-door, equipped with the Sasquatch Package, and Bronco Sport vehicles maintain bone stock designation, with second-row seats removed. The 4Wheel Parts team will accessorize the Bronco four-door entry. Continue reading

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GM and AT&T Set Auto Connectivity Goal at 5G

This rollout is part of GM and AT&T’s strategy – or is it wishful boasting? – to launch the world’s largest fleet of 5G-enabled vehicles. This is the result of  a two-year collaboration, including test-driving connected vehicles at GM’s 5G proving grounds in Milford, Michigan. Continue reading

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First Look – 2022 Hyundai Elantra N

Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine with a 52-mm turbine wheel and a 12.5-mm turbine passage – with an area increased by 2.5 mm. These enhancements, along with the optimization of the shape and material of the cylinder block, improve both performance and durability it’s claimed. As a result, the so-called flat-power technology makes maximum output from 5,500 rpm for quick acceleration. Continue reading

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