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.

BMW Group Sales Up for First Half of 2021. EV Sales Surge

With 153,267 units sold in the first half of 2021, the BMW Group grew its sales of both fully-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 148.5% year-on-year – making electric vehicles a major growth driver for the company in absolute terms. Sales of fully electric vehicles increased by 183.9% to a total of 36,089 and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 139.4% to 117,178 units. Continue reading

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Inventory Deficit Hurts June US Vehicle Sales. Again

With too much demand chasing too little supply, it’s not surprising many vehicles sold at or above MSRP and automakers have slashed incentive spending. According to J.D. Power, in mid-June 75% of vehicles sold for MSRP or above, which is up from 67% in May 2021 and way higher from the pre-COVID average of 36%. AutoInformed thinks that an affordability crisis is starting to emerge, as the Biden Administration economic boom continues. Continue reading

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Moving the Metal Downtown – Detroit Institute of Arts New Location for 2022 Concours d’Elegance of America

We’re announcing two meaningful changes today–rescheduling from July to September and repositioning from the suburbs to downtown,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “This move honors Detroit’s heritage as a hub of commerce, industry, design and culture. We couldn’t think of a better place to recognize the automobile than the Detroit Institute of Arts. Continue reading

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Renault Group to Launch 10 Battery-Electric Vehicles by 2025

The Renault 5 electric will be made in Northern France, from battery to e-powertrain to assembly, on a new CMF-BEV platform, by Renault ElectriCity. The Group will also revive another star currently named ‘4ever’ signifying the hope to make it a timeless classic. Renault Group will also compete in the all-electric C-segment, first with the new MéganE next year. Continue reading

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Sports Car Market Magazine Hooks Hagerty as Sponsor of The SCM Modern and Classic Touring Series. AMG Invitational First

The four-day, 1000-mile tour of Oregon back roads will be for AMG cars from 1967 to the present. It’s all-inclusive, offering six nights of accommodations, meals, custom swag, nightly “Conversations with Collectors,” and talks led by AMG experts. Entries for other modern specialty Mercedes will be considered. Continue reading

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Ford Leads NA Production Cuts from Semiconductor Shortage

Six months into the semi-conductor shortage it is obvious that not all automakers are affected in the same way. The Renesas fire in Japan hit Ford Motor hard, making the problem much worse for the struggling automaker. The fact is some automakers have been hurt worse than others. Ford Motor looks to have been affected the most, as shortage-related plant shutdowns left its facilities running at just 55% of total capacity through May of 2021. Ford’s estimated volume loss in the first half of this year is more than  50% greater than that recorded by the next manufacturer in line – and the largest in North America – GM, according to consultancy LMC. Continue reading

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Toyota to Reproduce Original Supra Spare Parts

“In support of customers who wish to continue driving older vehicles that are full of memories and that they truly love, the project reproduces spare parts that have been discontinued, and sells them as genuine parts. For the A70 and A80 Supra, this will be the first addition since spare parts were announced in 2020,” Toyota said in a release. Continue reading

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General Motors Launches New Fund to Advance Climate Equity

The company also announced the creation of a new $25 million Climate Equity Fund, “dedicated to helping close equity gaps in the transition to electric vehicles and other sustainable technology.” The philanthropic fund joins the company’s $35 billion global investment in EV and AV programs, research, technology, manufacturing and charging infrastructure.   Continue reading

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GM’s CAMI Assembly Hastens BrightDrop EV600 Production

Today, General Motors announced the accelerated timeline for plant conversion and production of the BrightDrop* electric EV600 light commercial vehicle at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, ON. Working with suppliers in the United States, BrightDrop as announced will start initial production of EV600s later this year. Now, during April 2022, Chevrolet Equinox production will end at CAMI and the BrightDrop equipment will be moved to Ingersoll, reducing the time required for plant changeover. GM says it expects to handle what is currently high demand for Equinox with other plants as CAMI retools for BrightDrop production. Continue reading

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Honda Prologue EV – Vapor Ware Until 2024

An all-new SUV coming to market in early 2024, the battery-electric Honda Prologue notably lacks any specific details about the new vehicle. Presumably, they will be released as slowly as possible over the coming months to give the impression that the Japanese company once known for its innovations in powertrains is not being left behind in the CO2-free exhaust of major players such as General Motors, BMW, Ford, VW and countless others. Continue reading

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Botched Vaccinations Haunt EU Vehicle Sales During May

Volkswagen Group took its second highest monthly market share since 2001. The German manufacturer’s share totaled 28.14% during May, second only to April 2020 when had  29.23% as competitive sales were hit to a greater degree by the onset of the pandemic in Europe. The results in May were due to strong performance from brands such as Audi, Skoda, Seat, and Cupra, formerly known as SEAT Sport. Total sales were boosted by increasing consumer demand for EVs and SUVs – with Volkswagen Group now leading in Europe across both segments. Continue reading

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NHTSA Shouldn’t Cut National Autonomous Vehicle Regs!

AutoInformed thinks that more than US auto industry jobs are at stake here. AV technology can reduce congestion, improve safety for passengers and pedestrians, and spur unknown innovations to help the United States lead the global automotive industry. Continue reading

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Production Porsche 911 GT2 RS Sets Record at Nürburgring Nordschleife at 6:43.300. Equal to 6:38.835 on the Old Track

The best time of 6:43.300 minutes was achieved on 14 June, in the presence of a notary, with Porsche development driver Lars Kern at the wheel of the 515 kW (700 PS) 911 GT2 RS. The standing record in class was 6:48.047 by a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which is now 4.747 seconds off the pace. Continue reading

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Toyota Unveils the New Land Cruiser

Toyota showed its new Land Cruiser in a Middle East-centered online reveal that largely ignored the US since it is coming here only as a Lexus LX600 sometime during 2022 at a starting price North of the current $85,665.  Continue reading

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EU Parliament Confirms Deal on Climate Neutrality by 2050

This transforms the European Green Deal’s political commitment to EU climate neutrality by 2050 into a binding obligation. It gives European citizens and businesses the legal certainty and predictability they need to plan for this transition. After 2050, the EU will aim for negative emissions. Parliament has played a significant role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019. Continue reading

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