Category Archives: design and styling

Annals of Marketing – Stellantis, Formitalia, Warner Bros.

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis Design Studio in collaboration with Formitalia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP0 today introduced The Joker Collection. * This is an all-new furniture line said to be inspired by the eponymous DC Super-Villain. Ihe furniture debuts at Salone del Mobile 2025, Fiera Milano Rho, 8-13 April in Hall 13 – Stand D26/D28.

“We loved the idea of creating this villain’s lair, a welcoming space that fosters a false sense of security in its guests,” said Hugo Nightingale – Global Creative Director at Stellantis Design Studio. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom

Posted on 2 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of “Hanami” or ‘”flower viewing.” During Hanami, families and friends gather beneath the delicate pink blooms of cherry trees for picnics and celebrations, enjoying the transient beauty of the season, Rolls Royce noted today. A client in Japan wished to capture their cherished Hanami memories, spanning childhood and parenthood. Thus is the backstory of the latest custom or bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom. This is a one-of-one Phantom commission said to be inspired by the fleeting beauty of the Sakura blooms and a Japanese client’s formative memories of this natural spectacle. Continue reading →

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Honda 0 SUV Appears at Red Bull Showrun x

Posted on 2 April 2025 by Ken Zino

A prototype of the Honda 0 SUV made its global public debut today driven by Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event in Tokyo, Japan.* First seen at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the all-electric SUV, part of the Honda 0 Series, is expected to begin production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in 2026. The Honda and Red Bull Racing partnership is set to conclude at the end of 2025 season. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Debuts Vanquish Volante

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Aston Martin in Gaydon today announced the arrival of the new Vanquish Volante. It is the fastest, most powerful open top (convertible in Brit speak – AutoCrat) series production Aston Martin to date. It shares with the coupe the claim as the fastest, most powerful front-engine production car on sale today. Continue reading →

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Acura 2025 ADX SUV Bets on Pricing

Posted on 18 March 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2025 ADX, an all-new premium compact SUV, begins arriving at Acura dealerships today. It’s billed as a new access model that will heighten the appeal of Acura as a destination brand for a new generation of buyers looking for youthful styling, top-class features and an engaging driving experience, all at an allegeable attainable price point. The bet on pricing is that a $36,000 to $45,000 SUV – plus options – will attract younger buyers, who are in a perilous position given a U.S. economy facing another Trump Administration trade-war and tariff -induced recession. (Read AutoInformed.com on: First Look New 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV) Continue reading →

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New EV Vans Coming From IVECO and Stellantis

Posted on 14 March 2025 by Ken Zino

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?

Posted on 14 March 2025 by Ken Zino

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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Toyota Motor Starts Crown Estate Sales in Japan

Posted on 13 March 2025 by Ken Zino

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

Posted on 12 March 2025 by Ken Zino

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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Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

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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Vision V – Mercedes- Teases Luxury Limousine

Posted on 7 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today in a release from Shanghai and Stuttgart that its new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will appear starting in 2026. It showed the so-called Vision V concept car, err van, err MPV…

“This innovative architecture re-imagines spacious, privately positioned vehicles elevating them into the luxury segment with a focus on the ‘Private Lounge’. The future model portfolio will cater to a range of customer needs offering a versatile, spacious vehicle designed to provide exceptional space and comfort. From exclusive VIP and high-end limousine transport to luxurious family vehicles, the new model will deliver on both the flexibility customers require and the refined luxury they desire. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury,” Mercedes claimed. Continue reading →

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McLaren Automotive Using Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber

Posted on 6 March 2025 by Ken Zino

McLaren Automotive said today it has developed a world-first application of an aerospace industry composites manufacturing method scaled appropriately for volume supercar manufacturing. Deployed at the McLaren Composites Technology Center (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, the new Automated Rapid Tape (ART) production method produces McLaren ART carbon fiber structures that can be optimized to be lighter, stiffer and stronger via advanced structural optimization. They are also produced with less waste material generation. Continue reading →

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AC GT Roadster Debut at ModaMiami Tomorrow

Posted on 28 February 2025 by Ken Zino

AC Cars* said today that it is debuting the AC GT Roadster at ModaMiami at the start of March before it kicks off its first client test drives and viewing appointments in the United States. Britain’s oldest active vehicles manufacturer said “it will be showing the iconically styled, but highly advanced, modern sports car to guests at The Biltmore Hotel luxury show, ahead if its initial client engagement events in the US over the following weeks. With the first two years of production already sold, AC cars will also host reception appointments in Miami for the exclusive roadster as it allocates the next round of limited production spaces.” 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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First Look – New Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Posted on 10 February 2025 by Ken Zino

Volvo Cars (Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B)* at a literal fireside chat in the North of Sweden revealed today the new EX30 Cross Country SUV. Outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven was part of the show. The EX30 Cross Country is a compact fully-electric SUV. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring. It will eventually appear in North America.**

“We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.” Continue reading →

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