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.

First Look – Jeep Wrangler Rubicon V8 Concept

Yes, there’s a truck performance war under way. The Ford Bronco is due to be unveiled tonight. Consider: Jeep has just electronically introduced its new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, powered by a 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) V8 engine that delivers  a claimed 450 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. This means a 0-60 mph elapsed time in less than 5 seconds.  Continue reading

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Volvo Recalls 308,000 Cars for Defective Seat belts

Volvo has known about the problem with the Autoliv supplied cable since 2016, but had trouble determining the cause it said in the required NHTSA filing. Continue reading

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Chinese CATL and Honda Alliance to Make EV Batteries, Technology and Maybe Autonomous Vehicles

The companies said the agreement will enable them to begin discussions on a broad range of areas including joint development, stable supply, and the recycling and reuse of batteries. Honda is spreading the risk and costs and hedging its bets on battery electric vehicles, the development of which is threatened by the ongoing Covid crisis that has already cost automotive companies billions of dollars. A key byproduct of EVS is autonomous vehicles – which may not justify the investment required for a decade or more. Continue reading

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Toyota Plating Machine Significantly Reduces CO2

This new stamping-type plating machine eliminates the need of a dipping process where parts to be plated are completely immersed in multiple baths of plating solution, which is required in the most common plating processes at present. As a result, waste solution can be dramatically reduced to about one-thirtieth and CO2 emissions to about one-third, which contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact. The technology also reduces plating time and the process footprint. Continue reading

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Covid Coupon – Carryover Pricing on 2021 Corvette

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has carryover pricing – the same as the introductory model – with MSRP starting at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. Continue reading

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Uber to Acquire Postmates, Cornershop Closing in Days

Postmates has been an early pioneer of “delivery-as-a-service,” which complements Uber’s growing survival efforts in the delivery of groceries, essentials, and other goods. Continue reading

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Toyota Recalls 266k More Prius Models for Stalling

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with hybrid system faults, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. Continue reading

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Xpeng Now Delivering P7 Intelligent EV Sports Sedan

The P7 claims cutting-edge autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle technology. On paper it’s formidable. P7 arrives as the Trump Administration is being outflanked in a trade war that Trump started and is losing. Continue reading

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BMW Motorrad Expands Rent-A-Ride

At www.rentaride.com customers can reserve a virtually new BMW motorcycle and, if necessary, rider equipment with just a few clicks, to go on a ride with friends or to take a bike out for a thorough test ride. Continue reading

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4 July 2020 – We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident

Jefferson, rightly regarded as the clearest, most eloquent writer, created what remains one of our core documents. It simply states that all of us equals could work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This of course led from our Articles of Confederation, to our Declaration and thence to one of the finest organizing documents of the 18th or any other century – our Constitution Continue reading

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Chinese Junk Watch – Cub Scout Pins Recalled for Lead

The pin’s face and shaft contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. Continue reading

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New Fiat 500 Debuts at the Quirinale and Palazzo Chigi

The New 500 BEV was created, designed and engineered in Turin. “Just another shining example of the creativity and innovation of which the company and the city – where Fiat was founded over 120 years ago – are proud,” FCA said.
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Q2 US Sales Snippets and Notes

“While the industry experienced significant declines due to the outbreak of COVID-19, full-size pickup truck sales performed exceptionally well, and overall sales showed signs of recovery, especially deliveries to retail customers,” GM claimed. Continue reading

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GM Reports Q2 US Sales at -34% Year-over-Year

“While the industry experienced significant declines due to the outbreak of COVID-19, full-size pickup truck sales performed exceptionally well, and overall sales showed signs of recovery, especially deliveries to retail customers,” GM claimed. Continue reading

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Ford, Wayne State University and ACCESS Coalition Expand Mobile COVID-19 Testing

Since launching in April, the mobile testing operation has added four Ford Transits – each fully equipped for mobile COVID-19 testing – as clinical test vehicles to conduct and support testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Continue reading

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