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.

Wheel Lockup Recalls on Cadillacs and Camaros

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling more than 2019-2020 Cadillac CT6, 2020-2021 CT4 and CT5, and 2020-2022 model year Chevrolet Camaro vehicles equipped with a 10-speed transmission. The transmission may become damaged internally cause the wheels to lock-up. Drivers may notice harsh shifting.

“A transmission control valve in some of these vehicles may be susceptible to excess wear over time, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve that can cause harsh shifting. In rare cases, the wheels may experience a momentary lock up,” GM said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz USA Recalls Four EQEs

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling four, yes four, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 350+ vehicles. The mounting of the wheel rim inserts might not withstand the forces while driving.

As a result, “the rim inserts may detach from the wheels while driving,” according to the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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New EV Vans Coming From IVECO and Stellantis

Stellantis Pro One and IVECO (EXM: IVG), which designs, manufactures and markets light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, today announced the signing of agreements for the supply of two all-electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) to IVECO* for the European market. They will be based on the Stellantis Pro One mid-size and large van all-electric platforms, ranging from 2.8 to 4.25 tons Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Debuts New CLA in Rome?

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA (MBGAF) was launched in Rome yesterday, a surprising site for a German automaker. Mercedes said a launch of this magnitude deserves a backdrop of equal prestige…, which is why it chose Rome – a metropolis defined by timeless elegance, flair and progressive vision. Amidst the hype and hoopla some details of what is and has been a significant Mercedes car emerged.

“The premiere of the new CLA in Rome – a city just as iconic and timeless as Mercedes-Benz – was more than just another car launch. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz and for our customers: The CLA will be the most efficient and the most intelligent Mercedes we’ve ever made. It’s the one-liter car for the electric age – and at the same time will also be available as a highly efficient hybrid version. It is the first in a series of new models we’re adding to the Mercedes-Benz family,” said Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz and FYI

“By integrating FYI RAiDiO into our vehicles, we are redefining the in-car entertainment experience. This collaboration with will.i.am and his innovative AI platform allows us to offer our customers a truly personalized and interactive journey, transforming how they connect with music, news and cultural content. This is a significant step towards the future of in-car entertainment, where technology and creativity converge to enhance the driving experience,” claimed Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor Starts Crown Estate Sales in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) said today that it is starting  sales of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan. The Crown launched in 1955 with a history that has grown alongside the development of the post-war Japanese economy and Toyota. The new Crown has also advanced the “making ever-better cars” ideal through TNGA [Toyota New Global Architecture platform] and the in-house company system. In 2022, Toyota unveiled four models with different personalities, rather than just one sedan, to the world as the Crown series. The latest Crown would seem to be a natural addition to the U.S. model lineup, AutoInformed speculates. The powertrain  now includes hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Continue reading

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Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ European Debuts

Toyota Motor Corporation announced in Japan today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. Continue reading

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Porsche Posts €5.6B Profit in 2024

“We have renewed five out of six model lines and extensively refreshed our product portfolio. This has laid the foundation for our success in the coming years, with the clear goal of exciting our customers with our iconic sports cars,” said CEO Dr Oliver Blume. “In view of the changed circumstances, we have adjusted our product strategy in all segments. And we further developed our proven and successful Porsche strategy over the course of last year to make the company even more flexible, robust and high-performing,” said Blume. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Group 2024 Results Drop Significantly

Volkswagen Group said today that 2024 operating result declined significantly to €3.9 billion, mainly due to restructuring expenses related to the site in Brussels and residual value effects, as well as intense competition and the current model offensive. The operating Margin was a scant 6.0%. Continue reading

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Electrify America Invests Millions in ZEV Workers

Electrify America announced today a $7.4+ million investment in organizations across the U.S. to support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) access programs, education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce development. The funding builds on Electrify America’s previous investments in organizations to advance equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) transportation in low-income and disadvantaged communities and building a skilled EV workforce. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans

Mercedes-Benz USA said today that its new VanSolution is starting for the customization of Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans. VanSolution premieres with foundational shelving upfits, starting at $3152, directly installed by Ranger Design at the Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center in Ladson, South Carolina.

“This new approach underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and driving excellence in the commercial vehicle sector. By leveraging our extensive dealer network and industry-leading expertise, we are reshaping the way vocational upfits are delivered, ensuring that our customers receive integrated solutions that streamline both the ordering and invoicing process,” said Iain Forsyth, Director, Product Management and Marketing, Vans. Continue reading

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Toyota and Evgo Open First Charging Stations

Evgo, one of the largest providers of public fast charging stations for electric vehicles (NASDAQ: EVGO), and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today announced the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. They are part of Toyota’s so-called “Empact” vision.* The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and have 350kW fast chargers. Continue reading

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Nissan CEO Uchida Ousted

Nissan Motor Company today said that effective 1 April 2025  the Board of Directors has approved titles and areas of responsibility for the representative executive officer and executive officers. Ivan Espinosa, currently the chief planning officer, has been appointed as the representative executive officer, president, and CEO, succeeding Makoto Uchida.

Thus the Nissan soap opera continues going all the way back to the overthrowing of CEO Carlos Ghosn. The move comes as the Honda Nissan merger talks collapsed. Continue reading

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Nissan Motor Shows Latest Autonomous-Drive Technologies

“This is a significant step to empower mobility by resolving transportation service challenges faced by local communities, such as driver shortages resulting from an aging population. By leveraging its technology, Nissan will provide a broad range of new services that enable freedom of mobility. Nissan is maximizing its efforts to establish and verify the safety of AD technology tailored to different traffic conditions worldwide. To do this, it is utilizing insights and technologies gained through research in Japan, research in Silicon Valley conducted by the Nissan Advanced Technology Center, and participation in the U.K.’s evolvAD project,” Nissan Motor said. Continue reading

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Ford Motor Recalls a Previous Hybrid Powertrain Recall

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling some 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.

“The Ford process is capable of determining which software part numbers have been installed in production and service. Affected vehicles do not contain the remedy Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software for recall 24S33, Ford Motor said in the mandatory Safety Defect Filing made public today by the still functioning National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading

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