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 Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts

Kia has revealed its so-called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at a trade show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will start around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This was presented … Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Completes Acquisition of Rybrook Group

“We are pleased to expand our brand footprint and increase our scale,” said Darren Edwards, CEO of the Company’s Sytner Group subsidiary in the U.K. “The Rybrook dealerships represent exceptional brands with a strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service. We look forward to continuing this legacy and welcome the Rybrook associates to our team.” Continue reading

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Volkswagen to Add ChatGPT into its Vehicles

Volkswagen said today that it will introduce the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into all Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant.1 Cerence Chat Pro from technology partner Cerence Inc. is the foundation of the new function, which claims to off … Continue reading

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Hyundai Shows its Hydrogen Value Chain

“At Hyundai, we believe that science and humanity are two sides of the same coin; that advanced technology should also make people’s lives better,” said Jay Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Clean hydrogen should be for everyone, powering everything, and available everywhere.” Continue reading

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Western EU Car Sales Down ~5% in 2023

The Western Europe PV selling rate rose to 13 million units/year in December 2023, with 951,000 car registrations in the month. Compared year-over-year (YoY ), sales were down almost 5%, though that compares to a strong December 2022, according to an analysis just released by European Light Vehicle Sales Forecasting Team at the GlobalData consultancy.The region finished 2023 overall with 11.6 million units, higher than the 10.1 million units recorded in 2022, but well behind the 14.3 million units registered in pre-covid 2019. Continue reading

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MAMA Favorite Vehicle of 2024 Finalists Announced

“With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Continue reading

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Noto Aftershocks – Toyota Japanese Plants to Run on Monday

“In regard to Toyota Motor Corporation’s plant operation schedule for January 8 onward, after much consideration, we have made the decision to operate our vehicle plants in Japan. Many of our local suppliers and their affiliates were affected by the earthquake. Therefore, we will utilize parts in stock outside the affected areas, Toyota said. Continue reading

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Air Travel Shows Improvement After DOT Scrutiny, Fines

The release of air travel service complaint data in the ATCR has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. In AutoInformed’s view airlines encourage the use of automobiles.* Continue reading

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Hyundai Motor, Kia, Gore to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell PEMs

“We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore,” said Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. “By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future.” Continue reading

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Bidenomics – Sales Soaring as US Auto Market Ends 2023

“December has traditionally been a good time of year to buy a vehicle as automakers seek to hit year-end targets, but that had been less true in recent years amid tight inventory levels. However, with stocks now significantly replenished across the industry, discounting was back on the agenda last month. Consumers who have been sitting on the sidelines appear to have been willing to jump back into the new vehicle market again, although it also seems that fleet deliveries accounted for some of the December surge,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading

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China Vehicle Sales at Record High in November 2023

“The main driving force of this year’s exports was the improved competitiveness of Chinese products and the breakthrough into the European and American markets. Also, the international brands in the Russian market have now been fully replaced by Chinese vehicles because of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. In addition, a huge export increase has resulted from the improvement in China’s NEV competitiveness. As long as there is stable market demand in the world, there is still plenty of scope for developing China’s auto exports in the future,” GlobalData said. Continue reading

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Hyundai, Kia, Samsung Electronics to Link Cars and Homes

“This is an opportunity to make the connected car’s Car-to-Home and Home-to-Car services more convenient in various fields,” said Haeyoung Kwon, Vice President of Hyundai and Kia’s Infotainment Development Center. “We plan to accelerate our technology development.” Continue reading

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Ford Motor US Sales Up 7% in 2023

“In a year of challenges, from a labor strike to supply issues, our amazing lineup of gas, electric and hybrid vehicles and our fantastic dealers delivered solid growth and momentum. We have the products that customers want,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. Continue reading

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American Honda 2023 Sales Up More than 30%

“We began 2023 optimistic for increased sales volumes, with our commitment to fun-to-drive cars, a refreshed light truck line-up and increasing hybrid-electric volumes. To have achieved a 33% increase over last year’s sales is an incredible testament to the strength of our products, dealer network and brands,” said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co. Continue reading

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GM Delivers 2.6 Million Vehicles in US During 2023

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it along with GM dealers delivered 2.6 million vehicles in the US during calendar year 2023. This was an increase of 14% year-over-year reflecting the ongoing Biden Administration economic recovery, in AutoInformed’s view. Continue reading

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