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 and Hyundai Models Have Highest Theft Rates in 2023

Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to a new report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Social media posts explaining how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in the latest data.

“These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. “NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.” Continue reading

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Chinese EV Trade War Commences

The Biden Administration has announced today that it will increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 passed overwhelmingly under the Republican President Gerald Ford administration on $18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses.

“The President’s actions reflect the conclusions of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s mandatory four-year review that China continues to engage in unfair practices, such as forced technology transfer and restrictions and intellectual property theft from U.S. companies,” media were told on a background briefing by National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard and Senior Administration Officials. Continue reading

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VW Microbus Will Come to the US in Three Trims

Volkswagen of America today said that the 2025 ID. Buzz, the electric powered nostalgia marketing, Microbus* will be offered in three trims, unlike the untrimmed original owners  — Pro S and Pro S Plus, along with a launch-only 1st Edition—with a 91 kWh battery and 282 horsepower for rear-wheel drive models; 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models will have maximum horsepower of 335. Range and pricing will be announced closer to launch. Continue reading

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DOT Funds New Climate and Transportation Research Center

The announcement came, perhaps not coincidentally but certainly fortuitously after the current occupant, aka Donald Trump, of a courtroom in Manhattan who is being tried for fraud, asked the oil and gas industries for $1 billion in political contributions so that he can stop all work on decarbonization and climate change. Continue reading

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Clean Air Act – Prison for Man Disabling Emissions Controls

A man was sentenced today for ongoing violations of  the Clean Air Act through an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of diesel trucks. Davis Owens, 34, of Cleves, Ohio was sentenced to serve 30 days in prison, seven months of home confinement and one year of supervised release. Continue reading

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Porsche 911 Hybrid Debuts on 28 May

Porsche said this morning in in Stuttgart that a hybrid-drive 911 sports car has completed development and will premiere on 28 May 2024. It is said to be 8.7 seconds faster than its predecessor on the Nürburgring, the track that is often used by marketers of performance sports cars for bolstering credulity of claims. Porsche performance claims have an extremely high degree of certainty in AutoInformed’s experience.  Continue reading

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Honda Post Record Operating Profit of $7B in FY 24

“In FY25, we will steadily proceed with dedicating resources towards electrification and aim to achieve operating profit of ¥1 trillion 420 billion and an operating profit margin of 7%, which is one year ahead of our original target,” said Toshiro Mibe, Director, President and Executive officer. He was the first Honda chief executive in history to attend the annual results conference. Normally, the finance staff conducts it with regional operating officers. Continue reading

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Toyota Motor Posts Record FY24 Net Income of $39.1B

“We faced many challenges, including those posed by COVID-19 and production restrictions due to tight semiconductor supplies, but the results showed the efforts of each front-line employee, including those of our suppliers and dealers, each recognized what they needed to do and acted accordingly, and a management structure and profit structure that was built to be resilient to crises,” said Koji Sato, president. Continue reading

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Nissan Motor Posts FY Net Profit of $2.7 billion

Global sales remained at 3.44 million units, which were squeezed by intensified s competition. Nissan’s consolidated net revenue was ¥ 12.686 trillion. The operating profit of ¥568.7 billion translates to an operating margin of 4.5%. “This was due to logistics, other risks such as the Noto Earthquake and various cost relief made to suppliers such as inflation, and other factors,” Nissan said. Continue reading

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Hyundai Capital America Fined for Civil Rights Violations

“Members of our Armed Forces should not have to worry about having their cars repossessed while they are in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Continue reading

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BMW Group – Good Q1 Earnings on Slight Sales Increase

The BMW Group said today in Munich that during Q1 of 2024 it delivered 594,533 automobiles. This means, the company posted a tiny increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Throughout the three-month period, the major automotive markets largely showed an upward trend based on pent up demand and increased sales in the mid-price volume segment. Continue reading

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Greenhouse Gases – EPA Final Rule for Oil and Gas Sector

“As we implement the historic climate programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is applying the latest tools, cutting edge technology, and expertise to track and measure methane emissions from the oil and gas industry,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Together, a combination of strong standards, good monitoring and reporting, and historic investments to cut methane pollution will ensure the U.S. leads in the global transition to a clean energy economy,” Regan said. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Audi Electric Mountain Bike

Audi of America said this morning that it will increase its range of e-mobility products with the launch of a limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike – dubbed eMTB – powered by Fantic. It becomes available through Audi Genuine Accessories by the summer of 2024. The Audi eMTB has livery said to be inspired by the design of Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron race car. Audi eMTB at ~$9795 comes from a deal with Italian motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer Fantic based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike. Continue reading

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Ford Maverick Pickups Recalled for Tail Light Failures

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 243,000 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) on 2022-2024 models may deactivate one or both rear tail-lights without warning. The problem appears to simple math error during the design phase of product development. The rear lamps use two position bulbs on a single circuit. However, the BCM current threshold was calibrated to the current draw for one bulb. This is a variation and expansion of a previous rear light recall. Continue reading

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The 2025 Genesis SUV – $57,700 to $79,300

“The 2025 GV80 brings a new level of elevated cabin experience to the Genesis SUV lineup, making all occupants feel like honored guests,” said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Its new 27-inch widescreen display and array of new interior colors, materials, and finishes introduce an even greater sense of elegance to GV80.” Continue reading

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