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.

F-Series Fuel Tanks Falling Out – Ford Recalls 223,472 Pickups

Ford Motor is recalling model-year 2023-2027 F-Series pickups because the fuel tank may be incorrectly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving. Continue reading →

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Oil Prices Rocketing As Trump’s War Fails

“The war seems likely to continue, stockpiles are depleted, and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure are becoming “more successful.” To boot, the Houthis appear poised to control access to the Red Sea, Harrell said. Oil flows remain depressed as traffic through Hormuz is still far below pre-war levels, and the administration’s attempts to boost supplies elsewhere have failed to make up the shortfall,” said Harrell. Continue reading →

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Triumph Motorcycles Recalls TF450 Models

Triumph Motorcycles is recalling 2025 and 2026 Triumph TF450 Closed Course Competition Motorcycles because of the  risk of serious injury or death from a crash hazard. The engine rocker arm on the recalled motorcycles can seize or stick and the exhaust valves can remain open or break. Continue reading →

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BMW iX5 Hydrogen Fuel SUV Prototype Under Testing

BMW iX5 Hydrogen fueled SUV is now undergoing road testing. Continue reading →

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Porsche Sells Its Bets on Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group

Financially ailing Porsche said today that the sale of its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group have been sold. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin and Brough Superior Debut AMB 002 Motorcycle

“Having created two of the most remarkable track-only motorcycles ever built in the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, it was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road,: said Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. Continue reading →

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Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters

“When I joined HRC US, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading this extraordinary organization. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. Throughout my career at HPD and HRC US, I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of programs, from the development of the NSX GT3, Acura DPi race cars, and the LMDh engine and car to building lasting partnerships with our racing teams,” said Kelvin Fu, president HRC US.

“I want to sincerely thank David Salters for his leadership, friendship and mentorship. Dave challenged all of us to think bigger, move faster and never lose sight of the fact that we are competitors at heart. He is a true racer whose vision and commitment have helped shape HRC US into the world-class organization it is today, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.

“Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of HRC US. We recently renewed our commitment to IndyCar as the series continues to grow and strengthen its position in North American motorsports. Our new business ventures also position us to better serve Honda racing fans. We will remain committed to innovation, competition, and developing the people and technologies that define the future of motorsports. The Honda racing spirit has always been about challenging convention and pushing boundaries, and I look forward to leading HRC US as we write the next chapter of that story together,” said Fu. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Opens All-Makes Bodyshop Repair Label

“When customers need body or collision repairs, they want a solution that is reliable and fairly priced. With the Eurorepar Car Service All-makes Bodyshop label, we are bringing together trusted local service, qualified expertise and a broad choice of parts to help customers get their vehicles safely back on the road. It is a natural extension of the Eurorepar Car Service promise: professional care for every car, whatever the make or age,” said Cyril Billard, Stellantis Strategy, Independent Aftermarket and Channels Vice-President and Eurorepar Car Service President. Continue reading →

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IndyCar – McLaughlin Wins Laguna Seca. 2027 Preview?

McLaughlin in this race [an 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course- AutoCrat] only trailed during pit stops. McLaughlin led 87 of 95 laps.

This cursory view, however, slights the 2026 Honda season [It was the second time since the return of multi-manufacturer competition in 2012 that any engine manufacturer has swept all three championships and the Indianapolis 500 in the same season, the first being Honda’s sweep of all four in 2025 – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Chrysler Recalls 239,000 Ram Pickups for Camera Failures

  A radio software error may cause the rearview camera image to fail. No driver warning occurs. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 150,000 Mustangs for Sudden Drive Power Loss

“In affected vehicles, the engine compartment wiring harness ground eyelet terminals may experience fatigue fracture. Depending on which ground eyelet fractures, this condition may result in a loss of motive power, loss of right and/or left headlamps, loss of windshield washer fluid pump function, loss of air conditioning, and/or an inoperable engine cooling fan,” Ford said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this morning. Continue reading →

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AAA – Labor Day Weekend Travelers Face Record Pump Prices

“The national average is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range. After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on September 3, 2012. Even though gasoline demand decreases this time of year, typically bringing down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil.,” AAA said in a release. Continue reading →

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Stellantis SUSTAINera Expands Remanufactured Parts Line

“Within the SUSTAINera 4R strategy (Reman, Repair, Reuse, Recycle), Remanufacturing plays a central role, as it helps customers and repairers meet growing needs for affordable and sustainable aftermarket solutions with no compromise on quality. All the parts are restored to OEM specifications, with the same performance and warranty as genuine  parts – while reducing environmental impact by saving up to 80% raw materials and enabling up to 40% of non-emitted CO2 compared to new parts, supporting a more resource-efficient approach to mobility,” Stellantis said in a release. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 2 million Visitors at the Mazda Museum

Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T)* announced yesterday that the cumulative number of visitors to the Mazda Museum, the company’s corporate museum located on its headquarters grounds in Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture, has reached 2 million since its opening in May … Continue reading →

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First Look – Lexus NX Compact Crossover Hybrid SUV

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203T) offered a world debut of an updated NX on September 1. The compact crossover hybrid model is scheduled to be introduced across global markets from the end of 2026. Presumably as a 2027 model. [However as with all global automakers, Lexus is subject to the tariff whims, resentments and revenge actions of the Trump Mis-Administration. The Lexus NX is made in Cambridge Ontario in Canada – AutoCrat.]* As of the end of July 2026, cumulative sales have reached approximately 1.9 Million units across more than 90 countries and regions, establishing the NX as a core model in the global Lexus SUV lineup. Continue reading →

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