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.

Kia ABS Modules Can Short Circuit

Kia has known about the problem, but not the cause, since April 2017. KMC will now conduct a recall of Sedona and Sorento vehicles to prevent key OFF engine compartment fires by depowering the HECU when the vehicle is in the ignition key OFF setting. Continue reading

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Abarth Scorpio Tour of Europe in 1949 hours

Its scorpion logo is from the founder Carlo Abarth’s zodiac sign. Fiat bought Abarth in 1971. Continue reading

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Prince of Wales at Aston Martin Lagonda St Athan

St Athan is the home of Aston Martin’s first SUV, the DBX. Upon the commencement of full production at St Athan in the second quarter of 2020, the company will have created up to 600 new highly-skilled jobs, rising to 750 – if the looming Brexit disaster is cleaned up. Continue reading

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Wells Fargo to Pay $500 Million for Misleading Investors

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay $500 million to settle the charges, which will be returned to investors. The $500 million payment is part of a combined $3 billion settlement with the SEC and the Department of Justice. Continue reading

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Daimler Facing Profit and Sales Declines Reorganizes

“This will have a negative impact on our earnings in 2020 and 2021. To remain successful in the future, we must therefore act now and significantly increase our financial strength.” Continue reading

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Politics of Racing – Aston Martin Balks at Valkyrie Program

This means the oft-hyped Valkyrie Hypercar will not make its WEC debut at Silverstone in August 2020 or compete in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans. Continue reading

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Aston Martin Valkyrie: Formula One Drivers Get First Laps

Each verification prototype – there will be eight built – is exposed to a variety of tests to develop and validate specific attributes that contribute to achieving the performance of what Aston boasts will be the world’s fastest ever road-going hypercar, with a price to match. Continue reading

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EU Passenger Car Registrations Decline in January 2020

ACEA claims that major taxation changes announced by some EU member states for 2020 pulled registrations forward into December 2019, explaining the January drop. Continue reading

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First Glance – Czinger 1250 Horsepower 21C Hypercar

This performance is attained through Czinger’s own hybrid powertrain. An odd vehicle architecture is centered around a “driver-focused, two-person in-line seating configuration.”  Continue reading

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U.S. Sales in 2020 – SUVs Will Govern a Down Market?

Compact SUVs during 2019 were the largest segment in the US and declined with the slowing market with a 19.2% share. For 2020, LMC forecasts 20%, thanks to the first full year of sales of the new Ford Escape as well as the ongoing popularity of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Continue reading

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Grand Touring? Bentley Mulliner Bacalar to Debut at Geneva

With a battery electric power train, intelligent power and charge management, optional autonomy and a carefully selection of exquisite materials, the EXP 100 GT is an “environmental showcase” for the luxury automotive brand. Continue reading

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Ford Rear Toe-Links Fracture from Driving

Ford said it is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition for the specified vehicles. This potentially deadly safety defect affects 211,207 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 15,281 in Canada and 1,396 in Mexico. It appears to be related to a larger Ford Explorer toe-link recall. Continue reading

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Data Retrieval Via a Universal Onboard Diagnostic Adapter

Carly’s Universal Adapter is available to purchase for $79.90. The annual subscription ranges from free to $64, depending on the car brand and feature you’d like to use, and offers unlimited access to all features and updates supported by your car. The Carly app is available on both the Apple and Google Play stores. Continue reading

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Silverado, Sierra Software Recalled for Botched Older Recall

This pre-launch EBCM software contains a potentially deadly error. If the pickup is started remotely using the OnStar mobile app or the driver enters the vehicle and waits five or more minutes before starting the vehicle using the ignition, this software error can disable the vehicle’s electronic brake assist and illuminate the ESC, ABS and BRAKE warning lights. Continue reading

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Kroger Camaro On Pole for Daytona 500

It was Stenhouse’s second day driving a Camaro. Next Sunday’s Daytona 500 will be Stenhouse’s first start with JTG-Daugherty Racing where he replaced Ryan Preece in the No. 47 Chevrolet during the off-season. Continue reading

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