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.

Mazda Stops Asian, Japanese and Mexican Production

Mazda intends to transfer part of the production originally scheduled for this period to the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2021 or later as it monitors how the situation develops. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Stops All Manufacturing Operations in UK

The period of manufacturing suspension is initially planned to Monday 20 April 2020, however, Aston will continue to review the situation and will look to resume operations when it is reasonable to do so. Continue reading

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General Motors Draws Down Credit Lines in COVID-19 Fight

This increases GM’s cash position and preserves financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will supplement the company’s cash position of approximately $15 billion to $16 billion expected at the end of March. Continue reading

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Ford to Delay N.A. Plants Resuming Production

“In light of various governments’ orders to stay and work from home, Ford is not planning to restart our plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico on Monday, March 30 as originally hoped.” Continue reading

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Ford Motor to Help 3M and GE Healthcare Expand Respirator and Ventilator Production

Ford employees are helping 3M to increase the manufacturing capacity of 3M’s powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) designs, as well as developing a new design using parts from both companies to meet the surge demand for first responders and health care workers. This new respirator could be produced in a Ford facility by UAW workers. Continue reading

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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500-3500 Hoods Fly Open

The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly by Motor City Stamping Chesterfield MI. Continue reading

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Toyota and Hino to Develop Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Truck

Toyota and Hino are “determined to take proactive action toward resolving global environmental issues as one of the most important corporate tasks.” The two companies have declared large-scale goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050 and are developing electric vehicle technologies for widespread use in society. Continue reading

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Ford Stops Production in India, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam

Ford is changing its original IMG production schedule and will temporarily suspend production market-by-market. Continue reading

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GM to Provide Logistical Support for Ventilator Production

“We are working closely with Ventec to rapidly scale up production of their critically important respiratory products to support our country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to explore ways to help in this time of crisis.” Continue reading

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First Look – 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid

The 2021 Elantra has hybrid electric vehicle technology, and segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea as the Avante, and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter. Continue reading

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VW Touts Vehicles by Your Zodiac Sign?

VW has a guide that purports to pair the attributes associated with your zodiac sign to current and classic Volkswagen models. Continue reading

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Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Delayed to October 2020

BMW will continue to monitor the development of the spread of the coronavirus and expects a final confirmation this June. Continue reading

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Ford Britain Shuts Dagenham and Bridgend Engine Plants

This means production at Dagenham Engine Plant in east London will temporarily cease from Monday, March 23. Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales will temporarily cease production from the end of the day on Wednesday, March 25. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Company Stops South American Production

Effective from 23 March in Brazil and 25 March in Argentina, this action “adjusts the production volumes to the lower consumer demand due to this unprecedented situation.” Continue reading

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Porsche Shows 3D-Printing for Racing Seats

Customers will be able to choose between three firmness levels (hard, medium, soft) for the comfort layer in the future. With this new technology, personalized sports seat follows the principles of driver-specific seat fitting customary in professional motor sports.  Continue reading

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