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.

McLaren Wants Tailors and Dressmakers to Build Cars

As all automakers argue, composite materials, together with future powertrain technology, will save vehicle weight, boost performance and provide more energy-efficient vehicles. McLaren has been a pioneer with ultra-lightweight, ultra-strong carbon fiber material for decades and builds every car with a carbon fiber chassis, or ‘tub’, at its core. Continue reading

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Capital Punishment Day for Auto Workers at Daimler

Personnel costs will drop by the  end of 2022 as Mercedes-Benz Cars plans to save more than €1 billion in personnel costs. Jobs will be cut in both management and “indirect areas.” Continue reading

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Volkswagen Breaks Ground on Expanded US EV Production

Volkswagen began EV production earlier this month in Zwickau, Germany, and will then roll out assembly worldwide, including in Anting and Foshan, in China, in 2020 and in the German cities of Emden and Hanover by 2022. The Chattanooga site will be VW’s North-American hub for EV manufacturing. Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor Group Refines Active Noise Control

Cabin quietness becomes more important as internal combustion vehicles are phased out. Continue reading

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Nissan Motor Net Income Dives -73.5% to 65.4 Billion Yen

First half net income1 decreased by, gulp, 73.5% to 65.4 billion yen. Continue reading

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FCA-PSA Merger – Surviving Platforms and Powertrains

The new consolidated company can be broken down into three basic engine categories: North America, Gasoline and Diesel. Continue reading

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FCA US Recalls More Than 107,000 Diesels for Engine Fires

Thus far no fix is proposed even though the company is aware of four injuries related to the safety defect. In the required NHTSA filing, FCA says it has identified 61 field reports potentially related to EGR cooler failure. Total EGR cooler warranty replacements is 8,909. Continue reading

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New Executives For Safety, AV, Strategy, and Ford Credit

Ford Motor Company has made public the retirement of two longtime executives, new assignments for two corporate officers, and promotions to senior positions for three people at the company. Continue reading

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FCA + PSA = Massive Job Losses

For enthusiasts as well a workers there are other threats. How about a spin-off FCA’s expensive low-return Alfa Romeo/Maserati operations? Simple math here: It would provide funds for the new FCA-PSA group while improving its utilization rate. Continue reading

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Lithium Mustang Project at SEMA

The fact remains that electrification can be a boon to performance enthusiasts as witnessed by a so-called Phi-Power dual-core electric motor and dual power inverters – fueled by an 800-volt Webasto battery system that can discharge a mega-watt of electrical energy. At 800 volts, that’s twice the voltage of most electric cars on the road today. Continue reading

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Hamilton Now 6-Time F1 Championship Driver

Hamilton started the race from fifth place, his lowest grid spot of the season, but after the start he quickly was in the top three as both Ferrari drivers had dreadful starts. Continue reading

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UAW Negotiators Send Tentative Agreement to Ford Council

“Out of respect for our members, we will refrain from commenting or releasing full details of the agreement until the UAW-Ford Council leaders meet and review the details,” said Gamble. Continue reading

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Akio Toyoda Wants Mobility Centered on People

Wacky marketing babble alert: “Through the evolution of artificial intelligence, I think that cars, too, can also become able to communicate with people and their hearts. that’s right… I think cars of the future will be like horses. Continue reading

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General Motors Q3 Earnings Hit Hard – $1.3B – by UAW Strike

GM said it would not be able to makeup lost production and revenue losses this year. About two weeks of vehicle production was lost. GM predicts the 2019 calendar-year impact of the strike to be approximately -$2.00 per diluted-share. Continue reading

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Deadly Takata Airbags – Toyota Recalls +900K Vehicles Again

Thus, Toyota is recalling a recall on 97 models. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. Continue reading

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