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Category Archives: design and styling
Kia EV4 Sedan Debuts in New York
Kia America has unwrapped the all-new 2026 EV4 sedan at the New York International Auto Show. The compact EV4 is Kia’s first global EV sedan. It’s based on a 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which underpins multiple EV models from Kia. How a sedan performs in an EV market dominated by CUVs and SUVs remains to be seen. The U.S. launch of Kia EV4 expected early 2026. Trim Levels, options and pricing among other variables are subject to the unpredictable whims of Trump tariff decrees of course.
“The EV4 makes all-electric ownership accessible for those customers who are seeking a more practical and affordable option on the EV landscape while still desiring an advanced, technology-driven in-car experience,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged ADAS systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Technology, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, E-GMP, Ken Zino, Kia Connect, Kia EV4 Sedan, New York International Auto Show, Steven Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Kia 2026 K4 Hatchback Debuts in New York
The 2026 model year Kia K4 Hatchback debuted today at the New York Auto Show as a brand extension so-to-speak of the K4 sedan. The Hatchback body style provides class-leading rear headroom and rear legroom[footnote 1], and 22.2 cu.-ft. of space behind rear passengers. The K4 Hatchback is expected to arrive in late 2025, with pricing, trim details, and EPA-rated fuel economy to be announced closer to its on-sale date. the K4 Hatchback is available in an exclusive “Sparkling Yellow” exterior color. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, new vehicle, shows and events
Tagged 2026 model year Kia K4 Hatchback, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, K4 Hatchback GT-Line, Ken Zino, new york auto show, Steven Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Concepts of What Could be a C9 Corvette Concept?
The algorithmic-driven world of electronic media is taking over traditional automotive marketing communications. In the latest example, General Motors (NYSE:GM) used the opening of a new UK advanced design studio to show a concept of what a future concept of the next generation C9 Corvette might look like. The publicity ploy involves multiple studios that will see additional Corvette concepts revealed throughout 2025. Concepts of what could ultimately be a concept of what could be a production hypercar. In short, concepts, almost ad infinitum.
“Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles,” said Michael Simcoe, senior VP of global design. “While they collaborate within our global design network on production and concept vehicle programs, these teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C9 Corvette, Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, GM global design studios, Julian Thomson, Ken Zino, Michael Simcoe, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Stellantis, Formitalia, Warner Bros.
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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Discovery Global Consumer Products, Formitalia, Hugo Nightingale, Ken Zino, Klaus Busse, Stellantis, Warner Bros, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom
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
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, milestones, mobility company, people, quality, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bespoke Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ken Zino, Martina Starke, offset tatami stitch, Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom, X @KenAutoinformed
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Honda 0 SUV Appears at Red Bull Showrun x
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
Posted in design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda 0 SUV, Isack Hadjar, Ken Zino, Liam Lawson, Max Verstappen, Racing Bulls, Red Bull Showrun x, X @KenAutoinformed, Yuki Tsunoda
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Aston Martin Debuts Vanquish Volante
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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 5.2-liter V12 engine, Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin twin-turbocharged, Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Acura 2025 ADX SUV Bets on Pricing
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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, new vehicle, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2025 Acura ADX, android auto, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, google, Google Maps, Google Play, Ken Zino, Mike Langel, X @KenAutoinformed
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New EV Vans Coming From IVECO and Stellantis
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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, environment, global warming, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, IVECO, IVECO Group, Jean-Philippe Imparato, Ken Zino, Light Commercial Vehicles, Luca Sra, Stellantis Pro One, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Motor Starts Crown Estate Sales in Japan
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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crown Estate Sales in Japan, HEV and PHEV Toyota models, Ken Zino, Toyota Crown Estate model, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ European Debuts
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
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, e-TNGA, Ken Zino, Lexus RZ, Toyota C-HR+. bZ4X, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans
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
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Iain Forsyth, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center Ladson SC, Ranger Design, Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans, X @KenAutoinformed
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Honda 2026 CR-V Adds New TrailSport Hybrid
Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that the 2026 model year CR-V in four trim levels adds More standard equipment, and there will be a new TrailSport Hybrid. It uses fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system. The Honda CR-V lineup now includes three turbocharged trims: LX, EX and EX-L, plus four hybrid-powered trims: Sport Hybrid, the new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid. The hybrid-electric models are positioned at the top of the lineup and represent more than 50% of CR-V sales.
“Our best-selling Honda CR-V is now even more of an industry benchmark with the addition of a rugged new TrailSport model, which has proven to be incredibly popular on our light trucks,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before.”
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