Category Archives: marketing

Electrify America EV Charging Adds WS Development

Posted on 18 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Electrify America* has announced plans to support WS Development with its white-label electric vehicle (EV) charging ‘solution’ in the launch of 15 Hyper-Fast electric vehicle (EV) stations across the United States. installation will begin in Massachusetts this winter followed by 15 properties across the U.S.

[In alignment with the demographics of EV owners, the properties are for the affluent. – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Eliminates Model E in Profit Seeking About Face

Posted on 16 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* effectively abandoned its Electric Vehicle strategy this week in an attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of billions of dollars in shareholder money. Ford announced a series of actions to improve its so-called Ford+ plan, reassigning capital to meet what it described as customer demand and drive profitable growth. Ford will write off $19.5 Billion as it attempts to do this.

“This is a customer-driven shift to create a stronger, more resilient and more profitable Ford,” said (claimed?) Ford president and CEO Jim Farley. “The operating reality has changed, and we are redeploying capital into higher-return growth opportunities: Ford Pro, our market-leading trucks and vans, hybrids and high-margin opportunities like our new battery energy storage business.” Continue reading →

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Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team

Posted on 15 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The Audi Revolut F1 Team today unveiled its official name, logo, and announced that its global launch will take place in Berlin on 20 January 2026. This is the latest phase for the Audi Revolut F1 Team toward joining the Formula One World Championship in 2026. The team name and logo combine Audi F1 and global fintech Revolut, following the confirmation of the title partnership in July 2025.*

“Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit. We now look ahead to Berlin in January, where we will officially present this exciting new chapter for the Audi brand to the world,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading →

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Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive

Posted on 12 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the … Continue reading →

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IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team. It was at least two instances of Penske team cheating that forced the issue. Still the IOB will be funded by Penske. Letting team owners including Penske run the rule enforcement so to speak is a dubious proposition. Key here is the next step. Who is the Managing Director? – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026

Posted on 11 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the … Continue reading →

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First Look – $34,995 Subaru Uncharted EV

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced pricing of the new 2026 Uncharted EV due to arrive at dealers early next year. The all-new, all-electric compact crossover has standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most models, and an … Continue reading →

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Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility

Posted on 9 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Bolt, a European mobility platform, today announced they have entered a partnership to jointly explore the development and use of Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe. [The move is a defensive one as the Chinese undoubtedly are preparing to attack this lucrative segment – AutoCrat]*

“Our AV-Ready Platforms™ are designed for maximum flexibility, so we can deliver the best possible experience for European customers. Autonomous fleets can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint by enabling a shared and optimized mobility, reducing congestion and emissions. Partnering with Bolt is intended to bring this vision closer to reality, combining our engineering expertise with their operational reach in the hopes of making driverless mobility a trusted part of everyday life in Europe,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading →

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Lotus Esprit Refresh offered by Encor

Posted on 5 December 2025 by Ken Zino

“Production of the Encor Series 1 is limited to 50 individually commissioned cars worldwide. Prices begin at £430,000, excluding taxes, options and the required donor Esprit V8. Commissioning takes place either at Encor’s Chelmsford, UK HQ or via private consultation for international clients. Deliveries will begin in Q2 2026 and continue through 2027,” Encor claimed. Continue reading →

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Subaru of America November Sales Drop 10%

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today reported 52,081 vehicle sales for November 2025 – a ~10% drop, and year-to-date sales of 586,154, a 3.3% decrease.* In November, Crosstrek remained the top seller for the seventh consecutive month with 16,142 vehicles sold (-4.8%). Forester sales were tolerable with 13,871 vehicles sold (-6.6%), and Outback sold 13,089 vehicles (-6.5%).

“Subaru retailers keep driving exceptional experiences with programs like Subaru Love-Encore™, earning top marks for sales satisfaction. Paired with a standout vehicle lineup and the Share the Love® Event supporting charitable impact nationwide, Subaru is set to finish the year strong,” claimed Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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American Honda Posts November Sales of 102,824

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda (NYSE: HMC) said today that sales totaled 102,824 units in November. Year-to-date sales were up a meager 1.8%. An industry-wide semiconductor supply shortage was a factor.

“Both the Honda and Acura brands continue to benefit from strong sales of all-new vehicles with balanced sales across light trucks and passenger cars along with a new annual sales record from electrified models,” American Honda claimed. Continue reading →

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Visit Qatar to Be Principal Partner of Audi F1 Team

Posted on 29 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The Audi F1 Team today announced that Visit Qatar will become a principal partner upon the team’s entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. Qatar of course is developing as a hub of sport and tourism. It holds the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the FIFA World Cup. The timing was propitious. Not only is it the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend  underway at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha with  both sprint race and a Grand Prix, but the disqualifications of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7: – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All three drivers could be contending there for the Driver’s Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit, United Arab Emirates. [Read AutoInformed.com on: F1 – Qatar Investment Authority Buys Into Sauber – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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New Mercedes-Benz Electric CLA to start at $47,250

Posted on 28 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA said the week that its  all-new electric CLA sedan will start at $47,250 (footnote 1) when the first vehicles appear on U.S. roads in December, with the available volume progressively ramping up through the first quarter of 2026.

“The compact sedan sets new standards with intuitive technologies, striking design, enhanced comfort and up to 374 miles (EPA) of electric range,” Mercedes-Benz claimed. Continue reading →

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First and Last Look – BMW Z4 Final Edition

Posted on 26 November 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW said today in Woodcliff Lake, NJ that it will debut the Z4 Final Edition – a special Z4 M40i commemorating the end of production of the 2-seat Roadster. The Z4 Final Edition will be characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates. The two-seat sports car with a 3-liter inline six cylinder engine will have a MSRP of $77,500 plus $1175 destination and handling. There’s a long history of BMW sports cars including the BMW 328 Roadster, the BMW 507, and the BMW Z8.

“Fans will instantly recognize the BMW Z4 Final Edition by its exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint – a color that highlights the Z4’s unique design characteristics and dynamic flair. The special paint is subtly contrasted by the standard Shadowline Package, which adds high-gloss black trim to the mirror caps, kidney grill, lower air intake, air breathers, and exhaust finishers. The exterior design package of the Final Edition also incorporates a Moonlight Black soft top and red calipers on the standard M Sport brakes,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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U.S. November New Vehicle Sales Forecast Down

Posted on 25 November 2025 by Ken Zino

November’s new-vehicle sales, when posted next week, are expected to fall in both volume and pace from last year’s levels. The November new-vehicle sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), is forecast today by Cox Automotive to reach 15.7 million. This is up slightly from October’s 15.3 million pace, but significantly down from last year’s 16.5 million level. Through October, the monthly SAAR has averaged 16.2 million.*

“The new-vehicle sales pace had been expected to slow in the fourth quarter, and that’s what we are seeing,” said Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough. “The headwinds from higher prices and fewer government subsidies for electric vehicles are finally slowing the market after a surprisingly strong previous six months. Continue reading →

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