Author Archives: Ken Zino

Annals of Marketing – Japanese Music Awards with Toyota

Posted on 25 February 2025 by Ken Zino

The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA)* and the Toyota Group said today they will launch the so-called Music Way Project, a collaborative venture aimed at supporting and driving the globalization and sustainable growth of the Japanese music industry. They will do this through an Awards Ceremony program. Continue reading →

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Mitsubishi Revises 2025 Outlander SUV

Posted on 24 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) said today its 2025 Outlander has Extensive interior and exterior changes, along with updates steering and suspension. “Sound insulation material achieves a reduction of more than 0.5dB in road noise and nearly 6dB in overall sound isolation compared to the 2024 model. For 2025, the use of steel for the hood and front fenders enhances the vehicle’s NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) damping characteristics,” Mitsubishi said. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Honda Dream Up Anything

Posted on 24 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda said today that its all-new 2026 Passport makes its television debut today as part of a new model launch campaign. The multi-channel campaign, led by the 2026 Passport TrailSport, introduces what’s said to be the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever to take weekend explorers further off the beaten path where their next adventure awaits.

“Dream Up Anything uses a series of animated brush strokes to mirror the slope and shape of rugged terrains to draw a connection between the all-new adventure vehicle Honda engineers dreamed up and the challenging roads Passport owners will strive to conquer. The spot is set to a soundtrack by Good People, a single by Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Testing Solid State Battery on Roads

Posted on 24 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that its engineers from the road and racetrack worked in collaboration with Factorial cell engineers to deliver an all-new solid-state battery test program, resulting in the first car – a Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan – powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading →

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Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming

Posted on 21 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Despite all the legal and political controversies surrounding the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, there is emerging clarity in one area with a high potential for damaging the auto industry and the U.S. economy. Anderson Economic Group identified the threat of tariffs as a “two-alarm fire for the auto industry” as early as November 2024. It recently estimated the costs per car of tariffs on Mexico and Canada at $4000 to $10,000, based on its analysis of ten different vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

“The Trade Expansion Act (TEA) has clear statutory authority. It’s been used before. It’ll probably be used again, whether now or next year, said Patrick Anderson,* Anderson Economic Group CEO today speaking to the Automotive Press Association. Continue reading →

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MINI Oxford Edition – Rerun for 2025

Posted on 20 February 2025 by Ken Zino

MINI USA is bringing back the Oxford Edition for the 2025 model year MINI lineup, the BMW Group USA said today. It claimed that that premium design and innovative features can come in a compact, city-friendly package. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Oxford Edition 2 Door starts at $24,950 and the 4 Door at $25,950, plus a destination and handling fee of, gulp, $1175. This makes the total price $26,125 for the 2 Door and $27,125 for the 4 Door.

“The Oxford Edition includes all the standard features of the MINI Cooper models, plus exclusive options at no additional cost. Customers can choose from three stunning exterior paint options: Sunny Side Yellow, Nanuq White Metallic, and Blazing Blue Metallic. The Oxford Edition also comes with 18″ Slide Spoke 2-Tone wheels with summer tires, adding a sporty touch to its iconic design,” said MINI. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive

Posted on 20 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) today debuted  STLA AutoDrive 1.0, the Company’s first in-house-developed automated driving system. It claims to deliver Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) functionality. STLA AutoDrive is a key to Stellantis’ technology strategy, alongside STLA Brain and STLA Smart Cockpit, by advancing vehicle intelligence, automation and user experience. STLA AutoDrive enables automated driving at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), reducing driver workload in stop-and-go traffic. It’s described as ideal for commuters in dense urban areas since , STLA AutoDrive will allow drivers to temporarily engage in non-driving tasks such as watching a movie, catching up on emails, reading a book or simply looking out the window, reclaiming valuable time. Continue reading →

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Michigan Signs MOU With UAE

Posted on 19 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), and leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the University of Michigan (U-M) to sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance global innovation, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation. The ceremony was attended by Robert Raines, Consul General of the United States in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with a delegation of business, academic, and innovation leaders from the State of Michigan.

“Michigan is an international leader in manufacturing and innovation,” said Governor Whitmer. “By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with RAK and the University of Michigan, we are highlighting our advanced manufacturing strength, engineering talent, and cutting-edge R&D while showing the world why they should continue to create jobs and invest in Michigan.” Continue reading →

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Society of Automotive Analysts – New Board of Directors

Posted on 18 February 2025 by Ken Zino

The Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) today announced its Board of Directors for 2025. Adam Bernard, Founder and Principal of AutoPerspectives, will serve as SAA president, while Jeff Schuster, President of Forecasting, GlobalData, moves into the vice president role. The SAA’s stated goals are to provide automotive professionals exclusive access to industry leaders, early insights and outstanding networking opportunities. “SAA members include every automotive industry professional interested in timely and useful auto industry data, discussion and dissemination of ideas, concepts and solutions,” the SAA said. Continue reading →

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Honda and Oracle Red Bull F1 Machines to Run through Tokyo

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Motor Company and Red Bull said today that they are proud to support “Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda,” a special event featuring an F1 machine showrun organized by the International TOP Motorsports Experience Executive Committee [ITOM]. On 2 April 2035 (Wed) Honda and Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 machines will run through Tokyo. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Lexus Recalls for Bad Safety Belts

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling ~50,000 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles for damaged Mexican made seat belts.

“The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, Seat Belt Assemblies,” Toyota told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect filing made public by NHTSA today. Continue reading →

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GM Recalls Sierra 1500 Trucks for Grilles Flying Off

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is recalling more than 70,000 2022 model GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment, according to the mandatory safety defect filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor America recalls 2025 IONIQ 5 EVs

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2025 IONIQ 5 EV vehicles. The rear floor wiring harness may contain an open circuit, which can result in the rear side airbag not deploying as intended, according to the mandatory safety recall filing made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today. The driving will see the Illumination of the airbag warning lamp. A rear side airbag non-deployment may increase the risk of injury to occupants during crashes warranting commanded deployment of the SRS. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car USA Recalls EX90s for Headlight Failures

Posted on 17 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling 2025 EX90 electric full-size SUVs. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving, according to the mandatory safety recall filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Temporary DIM message is displayed for 2-3 seconds during the safety defect. Continue reading →

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Trump Tax Cuts for Rich among other things Wildly Unpopular

Posted on 14 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Data for Progress said today that House Republicans currently debating budget reconciliation are planning to extend and expand President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for corporations and high-income households, which are expected to cost trillions in the coming years. To pay for this, GOP Congress members have proposed slashing health care, food assistance, education funding, and many tax credits benefiting low-income communities and shifting costs to states and families.

Together with the Student Borrower Protection Center and Groundwork Collaborative, Data for Progress conducted a survey from 31 January – 2 February measuring voter sentiment toward cuts to federal funding and tax breaks for the wealthy. The poll shows that many government programs are very popular with likely voters: Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP each have support from more than 3 in 4 respondents. Continue reading →

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