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.

GM Posts Formidable First-Quarter 2021 Results

During a call to media and investors GM said it confident in its full-year 2021 guidance outlined earlier this year as it works to manage through the semiconductor shortage, which is impacting all automakers globally. Based on information available today, the company expects to be at the higher-end of the EBIT-adjusted range of the forecast. Continue reading

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April Sales Shower US Market More than 18 Million Times

This refreshing rejuvenation is partly the results of improved social, health and economic conditions under the successful Biden Administration that acted urgently to quell the largest public health crisis in US history that the previous Administration either ignored or promoted. Enjoy the flowers that are coming your way. Continue reading

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Ford Rides Biden Administration’s Economic Recovery Surge and a Record April SAAR to a Good Sales Result

Ford’s gross inventory at the end of April remains favorable relative to competitors, according to Ford – a debatable assertion since it also signals a lack of flexibility and response in trimming what are non-performing assets. Continue reading

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Record year for California Climate Investments

Despite Republican opposition, Californians have gained from these CARB investments through improved public health, fire prevention, affordable housing and energy efficiency, as well as significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. To date, California Climate Investments projects have helped plant more than 133,000 urban trees, reduced smog-forming and other air pollutants by more than 60,000 tons, added more than 7,200 new affordable housing units, and saved Californians almost $93 million through water energy‑efficiency projects. Continue reading

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2021 Chicago Auto Show Set for July 15-19

The move comes as a growing body of evidence shows that because of vaccine-resistance the US will never have enough people with vaccinations to reach so-called herd immunity whereby the virus has no easy means to spread. Continue reading

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Kia April Global Sales Recovery from Covid Contraction

Sales recovered in the U.S. led  by Telluride and Seltos SUV models, which also helped this year’s strong global results. Kia recorded its second best-ever monthly sales in the U.S., with five Kia models setting sales records this April helped by a competent Federal Government taking demonstrably successful steps to address the Covid pandemic. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor America Posts Record April 2021 Sales

Hyundai Motor America reported total April sales of 77,523 units, a 128% increase compared with April 2020. This is consistent with other makers’ results since last April a Fool was in the White House promoting bleach as a Covid cure as the pandemic increased in severity with disastrous social, employment and economic consequences.  Continue reading

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Mazda Reports North American April Sales Results of 31,000

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April sales of 31,117 vehicles, an increase of 184.4%  compared to the Covid disaster month of April 2020 – one of many under the previous “drink bleach” federal administration. Continue reading

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Audi Recalls 36 Models for Rear Axle Corrosion, Failure

In the required NHTSA filing Audi said: “ It cannot be ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning… Due to stress corrosion on the lock nuts of these particular production batches, the nut of the excentric (sic) bolt on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle. The driver may notice a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating.” Continue reading

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Solid Power – More Money from BMW, Ford, Volta Energy Technologies for Solid-State EV Batteries

Of the three companies in the new agreement, BMW Group is the clear leader in electrification. Its Neue Klasse presented at its annual conference in March said this new generation of vehicles, which will be launched by the middle of this decade, will be uncompromisingly electric, digital, circular – and clearly focused on all-electric drivetrains. (All-Electric BMW i4 Shown, Q1 Financial Results of BMW Exceed Market Expectations) Continue reading

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Q1 US Real Gross Domestic Product at 6.4% Annual Rate

Commerce says that real gross domestic product increased at a 6.4% annual rate. Personal consumption expenditures increased by a vigorous 10.7% annual rate, while business investment in equipment and intellectual property products continued to grow steadily. Continue reading

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CARB Fines Plasti Dip International for Air Quality Violations

Plasti Dip International has been developing and manufacturing specialty coatings and adhesives since 1972. It started with its most popular product, Plasti Dip. The air-dry rubber coating began as a “grip solution” for tool handles and has become a DIY commodity for crafters, handymen and automotive enthusiasts. Continue reading

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Toyota Developing Hydrogen Engine with Motorsports

Plans are for the hydrogen-engine-powered race vehicle  – 1.6-liter turbocharged and intercooled – to be fueled during races using hydrogen produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture.  Continue reading

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FY2021 Toyota Sales, Production Drop Less than 10%

Toyota’s global sales and production have both been up year-on-year since September 2020, enabling Toyota to limit the year-on-year decline in sales and production to less than -10% in FY2021 ending 31 March 2021. Additionally, Toyota has maintained domestic production at the 3-million-unit level. Continue reading

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Ford Posts Q1 Income of $3.3B. Semiconductors Still Difficult

The company anticipates full-year 2021 adjusted EBIT to be between $5.5 billion and $6.5 billion, including an adverse effect of about $2.5 billion from the semiconductor supply issue. Adjusted free cash flow for the full year is projected to be $500 million to $1.5 billion, a large range reflecting the uncertainty in a global economy still reeling from the Covid pandemic. Continue reading

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