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.

Ferrari Official Channel via Motorsport Network

Race and sporting coverage include Competizioni GT, F1 Clienti, XX Programs and Ferrari Challenge (Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and UK) as well as video content on the road car range. There is also a focus on Ferrari’s participation in WEC, Le Mans 24 hours and Blancpain GT series. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Q1 Prelim Results Hint at COVID-19 Illiquidity

Ford’s Q1 vehicle wholesales were down 21% from a year ago, largely as a result of lower production and demand related to the coronavirus.  Ford currently expects to report revenue of about $34 billion and first-quarter adjusted losses before interest and taxes of about negative -$0.6 billion, which excludes about $0.3 billion of special-item charges. The company has not yet calculated its tax rate for the first quarter and is not able to provide its preliminary net loss or loss per share. As of 9 April, the company had about $30 billion in cash on its balance sheet, including $15.4 billion of proceeds from borrowings last month against two existing credit lines. Continue reading

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Back-Up Camera Recall on More than 318,000 FCA Models

If the rear-view image is displayed after the backing event has ended, a driver may be distracted by repeatedly and/or continuously shifting attention in attempt(s) to cancel the image which can cause a vehicle crash without warning. Continue reading

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Chinese Junk Watch: Continuum Recalls Lenox Tea Kettles

Continuum’s Lenox-branded 2.5 Quart Whistling Stainless Steel Tea Kettle with a three-layered bottom are expelling hot water through the top. Continue reading

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COVID-19 – GM Gives $2.65 Million to 40 Non-Profits

Included in these efforts is a $1 million grant to the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning plan, which provides $1,000 credits to 1,000 teachers in high-need school districts to help send basic resources like books, pencils, notebooks, food and cleaning supplies to students’ homes. Continue reading

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Trade to Plunge as COVID-19 Upends Global Economy

The response of political leadership can also have a big impact in the outcome. But WTO economists believe the decline will likely exceed the trade slump brought on by the global financial crisis of 2008‑09. Estimates of the expected recovery in 2021 are equally uncertain, with outcomes depending largely on the duration of the outbreak and the effectiveness of the policy responses. Continue reading

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Unions, FCA Sign Agreement on Workplace Health and Safety

The guidelines established focused on “rigorous implementation of government directives aimed at combating the spread of the Covid-19 virus and application of best practices implemented by the Group at its sites around the world.” This presumably applies to the United States where the ‘Do Nothing’ Trump Administration claims that this is a job for the states, not National leadership. Continue reading

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Electrify America, Kia Offer DC Fast Charging Plan for Niro EV

The ‘Kia Select’ program offers a flat rate of 35 cents per-minute charging for current Kia Niro EV drivers, designed specifically for the unique DC charging characteristics of the model. The program also waives session fees and has no subscription fees for participants. Continue reading

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Porsche “Gives” Employees A Voluntary Bonus

Porsche* is combining an optional bonus to its employees with an appeal for donations to support the “Porsche aid” program. The bonus of  €9,000 Euro will be paid out to the Porsche workforce for the 2019 financial year; €700 will … Continue reading

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Teamsters, CtW Investment Group Demand Amazon Reveal Workplace Safety Record

The request comes after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowed Amazon to exclude a shareholder proposal that the two investors had filed to be voted on at the online retailer’s annual meeting of shareholders, scheduled for May 27. It’s the latest example of government agencies suppressing democracy under the current administration. The investors are appealing the SEC’s staff decision to the full Commission today. Continue reading

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Goodyear, Just Tires Offer “Zero Contact” Service

This new service is in addition to the preventative measures previously announced. These include a reduction in store hours, as well as enhanced disinfection, visitor protocols and physical distancing according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue reading

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Airbag Shrapnel at Nissan Prompts Recall of 216,678

The rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. The so-called PSDI-5D inflator – no surprise here – was made by now bankrupt Takata at Monclova, Mexico. How long Nissan new about the deadly defect is unknown. In the required NHTSA filing, it said the Chronology will be supplied later. Continue reading

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Corona Crisis – March UK New Car Registrations Fall -44.4% 

The performance represented a steeper fall than during the 2009 financial crisis and the worst March since the late nineties when the market changed to the bi-annual plate change system. With lock-downs taking place in many European countries earlier than the UK, even more dramatic falls have been reported elsewhere, with Italy down -85%, France -72% and Spain down -69% in March. Continue reading

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IMSA: Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Canceled for 2020

The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) received official notification today from the organizers of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix that this year’s event, scheduled from May 29-30, has been canceled for 2020. Continue reading

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