Category Archives: connected vehicles

BMW i Ventures Invests in Skylo Technologies

Posted on 13 February 2024 by Ken Zino

Skylo has launched its initial service across US, Canada, and Europe, in partnership with major chipset makers including Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, together with the leading device OEMs and mobile carriers, such as Deutsche Telekom. Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, connected vehicles, electronics, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Dag Ødegaard’s F-150 Lightning

Posted on 13 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“This is a dream vehicle for us especially as we love the USA and Texas so much,” Ødegaard said. “Finally we don’t have to drive two cars to transport two teenage children, my wife and all our luggage to our cabin in Trysil. In particular, the fact that it has five seats means that we can finally afford (sic) to buy ourselves a proper family pickup, which is also fully electric and packed with new technology. It is absolutely outstanding both in terms of comfort, space and driving.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, milestones, people | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Daihatsu Ousted from CJPT for Certification Fraud

Posted on 13 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“CJPT has decided to accept Daihatsu’s request based on the belief that the continued inclusion of Daihatsu in activities will not gain the understanding of the public needed to progress its projects to build the future together,” CJPT said. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, blog, connected vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis, public health, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All 2025 GM Vehicles Get OnStar at No Cost

Posted on 2 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“By standardizing some of our most appealing OnStar features, we can deliver more technology and value at every price point, helping ensure our vehicles and customers stay connected for the long term,” said Marissa West, president, GM North America. “With this move, every new vehicle in our lineup will include a compelling set of safety and connected services that is distinct to GM thanks to nearly 30 years of OnStar experience and innovation.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, marketing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford to Show Revised 2025 Explorer at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 1 February 2024 by Ken Zino

“The new Explorer starts with a great foundation. Customers told us they love the way it drives and the choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. So, we focused on improving other areas including redesigning the interior with new materials, textures and colors to make sitting inside Explorer as enjoyable as driving one,” said Kelley Clark, Explorer chief engineer. Continue reading →

Posted in connected vehicles, marketing, mobility company, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Polestar 4 now on Sale in Europe and Australia

Posted on 31 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“The introduction of Polestar 4 into all our markets through the course of 2024 is key to our success, adding this third model to our line-up. Polestar 4 tackles the premium performance class in the D-SUV segment. Polestar 4’s innovative interpretation of an SUV coupé offers great interior space and a stunning appearance,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, shows and events, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche Reveals New Macan EV at Singapore Art Week

Posted on 25 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“The new Macan is a performance-oriented SUV with a high level of practicality for everyday use, high-quality equipment and spacious configuration. Electrification has led to increased luggage space in the Macan. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 liters (cargo mode). In addition, there is the ‘frunk’, a second luggage compartment under the bonnet (hood) with a capacity of 84 liters. This amounts to 136 liters more than the previous model. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1348 liters. The maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of the new Macan,” said Porsche. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S EVs Start at $64,500

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“The arrival of the all-electric Acura ZDX demonstrates our commitment to a zero-emissions future, but more than that it represents our passion for performance in the electrified era,” claimed Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GMC to Add New Markets – Australia, New Zealand, China

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino

GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that it is adding three new international markets. The premium truck brand at General Motors said customers in Australia, New Zealand and China will have the choice of the Yukon full-size SUV in these high-growth markets. China sales are expected to begin in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand following in 2025. This announcement follows the launch of GMC in South Korea in 2023 with the GMC Sierra LD pickup truck, pioneering the premium pickup market in the country. These new markets add to GMC sales in the US, Mexico, Canada and Middle East. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EU Car Market Drops in December after 16 Months of Growth

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino

During 2023, the EU car market concluded with a 13.9% expansion compared to 2022, reaching a full-year volume of 10.5 million units. All EU markets grew in the past year except for Hungary (-3.4%). Double-digit gains were recorded in most markets, including three of the largest: Italy (+18.9%), Spain (+16.7%), and France (+16.1%). Conversely, Germany recorded a more modest 7.3% year-on-year increase, influenced by its weaker December performance. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Honda 2024 Sales Forecast – Acura and Honda Up

Posted on 18 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“In 2023, we were finally able to meet the pent-up demand for our products with both brands rebounding and American Honda finishing the year up over 30%. We projected a strong recovery, and we achieved that,” said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of Sales. “This year we will continue to capitalize on hybrid models and light trucks as we begin sales of our first high volume BEV models. Along with a continued investment in our ICE products, we are anticipating increased annual sales for both Honda and Acura in 2024.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – Volkswagen 75th Anniversary in the United States

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“Over the past 75 years, Volkswagen has grown from a tale of two Beetles into a part of America’s cultural fabric,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience & Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “We carry people in our name and our heart. As we look forward to the next 75, we will celebrate the real people and real-life moments that have made Volkswagen brand the people’s love story it is today.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fleet or Fire Sale? SIXT to Buy 250,000 Stellantis Vehicles

Posted on 16 January 2024 by Ken Zino

SIXT rental customers will have choices of vehicles of Stellantis including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall and Maserati. The deliveries to SIXT will include a variety of classes from city cars to SUVs to vans and trucks, including 7- and 9-seaters, as well as a full range of propulsion types, including battery electric vehicles, with the latest software and infotainment tech features. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, blog, car sharing, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volvo Cars Recalls 2024 XC40 Hybrids for Bad Software

Posted on 15 January 2024 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car USA is recalling ~17,409 2024 XC40 hybrid SUVs. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a filing made public today. What is characterized as “a diagnostic mis-detection of short to ground of the left-hand rear turn indicator will result in no function of the left-hand rear turn indicator.” Continue reading →

Posted in connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, mobility company, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment