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Category Archives: design and styling
Honda – Global Expansion of Electric Motorcycles
Honda in Tokyo today announced two electric personal commuters in India continuing 2024 as the first year for its global expansion of electric motorcycles. The new ACTIVA e and QC1 are the 12th and 13th models, respectively, of Honda’s “30 electric models to be launched globally by 2030” target. The ACTIVA e is equipped with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e with swappable batteries as its power source. QC1, has a fixed battery.
“Both ACTIVA e: and QC1 will be manufactured in India, strengthening the electric commuter lineup to meet the growing needs for electric mobility in the Indian market. In addition, Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited will operate Honda e:Swap, a battery sharing service, in three major Indian cities (Bengaluru, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Mumbai [footnote 3], providing customers mobility experience with more peace of mind,” Honda said. Continue reading
Posted in design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bengaluru, Delhi, Honda ACTIVA e, Honda QC1, Ken Zino, Mumbai, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hyundai Debuts 2026 IONIQ 9 EV SUV
Hyundai Motor Company today revealed IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV in Los Angeles. The 110.3 kWh battery delivers a WLTP-projected driving range of 620 km [see footnote 2].* The E-GMP architecture delivers 10% to 80% recharge in 24 minutes[3]. The seven seat IONIQ 9 will be shown publicly at the LA Auto Show and on sale in Korea and the United States during the first half of 2025. Rollouts are planned for Europe and other markets subsequently. It has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, at 3130 mm. (read AutoInformed.com on:Vast Executive Reorganization at Hyundai Group)
“IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global EV market.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hyundai 2026 IONIQ 9 EV SUV, Jaehoon Chang, Ken Zino, los angeles auto show, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today showed a one-of-one Phantom Extended that pays homage to the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger – one of twelve Rolls-Royce appearances in the 007 film franchise. Revealed in the film’s 60th anniversary year, it is said to be inspired by the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville owned by the eponymous villain, Auric Goldfinger. The British license plate ‘AU 1’, which graced the Goldfinger Phantom III in the film, has been secured.. This will remain with Phantom Goldfinger, which has now been delivered to” a significant Rolls-Royce client and collector based in England.” It’s a reference to the chemical symbol for gold on the periodic table of elements. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, Auric Goldfinger Chris Brownridge, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Furka Pass, Ken Zino, Nick Rhodes, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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Rolls-Royce 120th Anniversary – Claude Goodman Johnson
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today in acknowledgement of the marque’s 120th anniversary in 2024 published an overview of the life and career of Claude Goodman Johnson, born 24 October 1864. Johnson was born in Buckinghamshire on 24 October 1864, one of seven children. From London’s St Paul’s School, Claude went to the Royal College of Art. Here, he met Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen, Deputy General Superintendent of the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum), where Claude’s father worked. Through him, CJ secured his first job, as a clerk at the Imperial Institute (now Imperial College London). There, he was put to work arranging exhibitions.
“Johnson is celebrated as ‘the hyphen in Rolls-Royce’ but known to all simply as ‘CJ’. A natural showman with an unrivalled talent for generating publicity, he brought an extraordinary mix of skill, dedication and experience to his role as the company’s first Commercial Managing Director; a fascinating, larger-than-life character and a pivotal figure in the Rolls-Royce foundation story,” Rolls-Royce said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged Ambrose McEvoy, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automobile Club of Great Britain & Ireland, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C.S. Rolls & Co, Charles Stewart Rolls, Charles Sykes, Henry Royce, Ken Zino, Le Bureau, Le Rossignol, Lord John Montagu, Phantom Scintilla Private Collection, Roads Made Easy, Silver Phantom, Spirit of Ecstasy, The Silver Ghost’, Villa Mimosa, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Glance – Volkswagen Tiguan Update via Tayron
“The new Tayron is a bonafide Volkswagen: its quality is reflected in every detail; it is comfortable and practical for everyday life, and it is available with a wide range of drive systems. With this new Volkswagen SUV, we are further expanding our range in a growing segment and closing the gap between our best-seller, the Tiguan, and our luxury SUV, the Touareg. I am convinced that the Tayron will make its mark and be well received by our customers,”said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, European Volkswagen Tayron, Ken Zino, Thomas Schäfer, volkswagen of america, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, VWoA Tiguan replacement or revision, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Ford Bronco Free Wheeling Package
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) today announced a new 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package.* The retro marketing ploy adds red, orange, and yellow touches derived from Ford’s Free Wheeling trucks, vans and Broncos of the 1970s and 1980s – back when Ford was able to sell passenger vehicles.
“Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheeling’s looks kick that up a notch with its sunset inspired beach vibes,” claimed Steve Gilmore, Ford Vehicle Personalization chief designer. “We’ve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with today’s fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the exterior stripes and unique pops of color that come together in an optimistic way.” Continue reading
McLaren W1 Supercar Global Reveal This Sunday
McLaren Automotive today said that the next version of its legendary ‘1’ car lineage – a new supercar named W1, will be revealed at 13:00 BST on Sunday 6 October 2024. The McLaren W1 is the successor to the McLaren F1. The W1 name “celebrates McLaren’s World Championship mindset.” The public reveal date marks the 50th anniversary of McLaren winning its first Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship, and Emerson Fittipaldi winning the 1974 World Drivers’ Championship with McLaren.
“The McLaren W1 is defined by real supercar principles and is the ultimate expression of a McLaren supercar. Born of our rich racing history and World Championship mindset, W1 pushes the boundaries of performance and is worthy of the ‘1’ name. Like its predecessors the F1 and McLaren P1™, W1 defines the rulebook of a real supercar,” Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 1974 World Drivers’ Championship, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ken Zino, McLaren F1, mclaren p1, McLaren W1, Michael Leiters, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Turbonite at Fashion Week
“Every designer and graphic artist knows the Pantone color cards. In the same way that the Porsche 911 is the archetype of all sports cars, for more than 60 years the US company’s color standard system has been the reference work for everyone that uses colors in design,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “We are proud to be the first outside brand represented in Pantone’s Fashion Color Trend Report. Turbonite is unique. An innovative, timeless, strong, but not loud color that gives our Turbo derivatives an unmistakable, self-assured look. Like all Porsche colors, the newly developed color shade was created over several years in a labor-intensive creative and development process,” Mauer claimed. Continue reading
Posted in design and styling, marketing, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Laurie Pressman, Michael Mauer, New York Fashion Week, Paint to Sample, Paint to Sample Plus, Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report, Porsche color program, Turbonite, X @KenAutoinformed
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Freshened 2025 Acura RDX Now at Dealers
Acura said this morning that the refreshed 2025 RDX is now arriving at dealers ranging in price from $46,050 to $55,800 including destination. RDX has a new “frameless” Diamond Pentagon grille and “aggressive grille mesh.” Standard RDX now has a “premium gloss-black exterior trim.” All RDX models have new wheel designs, with standard Berlina Black 19-inch wheels. New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic, and new to RDX – Canyon River Blue Metallic and Urban Gray Pearl. Continue reading
Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts
“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading
Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dave Marek, Honda EV Hub in Ohio, Ken Zino, Mike Langel, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV
Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.
“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept EV, Ken Zino, Magalie Debellis, V-Series, X @KenAutoinformed
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GMC Shows Freshened 2025 Terrain Compact SUV
The 2025 GMC Terrain debuted today even though it won’t be in showrooms until later this year. Launching first in the Elevation trim, the 2025 Terrain has more standard technology and equipment added to the compact SUV. All Terrains come standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 1500 pounds max trailering (footnote 5 see all the inevitable footnotes below*). All-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard on Elevation at launch. In 2025, GMC will launch the 2026 model year AT4 and Denali trims. Continue reading
Retro-Vette? 2025 Chevy Corvette Split-Window ZR1 Coupe
“We went into the ZR1 program with lofty goals, but even our first development tests on-track showed the teams were already exceeding them,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “As we worked to develop this car, we continued to leap past expectations, and we knew we had a special Corvette on our hands.” Continue reading
First Look – Cadillac SOLLEI EV Concept Convertible
Cadillac today showed an all-electric, 2+2 convertible dubbed pretentiously SOLLEI. It’s derived from sun – ‘SOL’ – and leisure – ‘LEI’. the exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958.
“SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.” Continue reading
Pope Francis Gets Electric G-Class From Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz said that Ola Källenius and the team members gave a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican today. Mercedes-Benz has supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years, and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the so-called “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.*
“With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral1 new car fleet in 2039,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →