Category Archives: marketing

Annals of Marketing – New User Interface on GM Pickups

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“Infotainment is a top priority for drivers,* but complex menus shouldn’t get in the way. Built directly around real customer feedback, GM’s new interface unifies software, hardware, and design to deliver fast access, clear information, and effortless control on every drive,” GM said. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin and Brough Superior Debut AMB 002 Motorcycle

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“Having created two of the most remarkable track-only motorcycles ever built in the AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro, it was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road,: said Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Opens All-Makes Bodyshop Repair Label

Posted on 8 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“When customers need body or collision repairs, they want a solution that is reliable and fairly priced. With the Eurorepar Car Service All-makes Bodyshop label, we are bringing together trusted local service, qualified expertise and a broad choice of parts to help customers get their vehicles safely back on the road. It is a natural extension of the Eurorepar Car Service promise: professional care for every car, whatever the make or age,” said Cyril Billard, Stellantis Strategy, Independent Aftermarket and Channels Vice-President and Eurorepar Car Service President. Continue reading →

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First Look – Lexus NX Compact Crossover Hybrid SUV

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203T) offered a world debut of an updated NX on September 1. The compact crossover hybrid model is scheduled to be introduced across global markets from the end of 2026. Presumably as a 2027 model. [However as with all global automakers, Lexus is subject to the tariff whims, resentments and revenge actions of the Trump Mis-Administration. The Lexus NX is made in Cambridge Ontario in Canada – AutoCrat.]* As of the end of July 2026, cumulative sales have reached approximately 1.9 Million units across more than 90 countries and regions, establishing the NX as a core model in the global Lexus SUV lineup. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Amazon Style Taking Over Car Buying?

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Plunging market share for traditional giants such as Ford, Vauxhall and even top selling Volkswagen reflects an Amazon-style approach to choosing cars by British motorists, according to an analysis just released by Vehicle Data Global (VDG).*

“The decline for some of Britain’s household car brands was not driven by motorists falling out of love with those badges. Instead, it reflects broader changes in the way people buy products in general, beginning online with feature comparisons before visiting stores or dealer showrooms,” said Ben Hermer, Operations Director of VDG. Consumers now choose cars in a similar way to buying products on Amazon. Continue reading →

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BMW to Make New Active Safety Assistance Systems Standard

Posted on 27 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The broad rollout of our new active safety functions as standard is based on our ‘Smart, Symbiotic, Safe’ philosophy. We bring drivers and assistance systems together into a cooperative system that works in harmony. At BMW, active safety functions operate as quiet, intelligent companions in the background, discreet yet highly effective when it matters most in critical situations,” says Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

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Acura Branded Honda to Race IndyCar Freedom 250 in DC

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Acura brand is returning to the NTT IndyCar Series for the fourth time this season with 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson driving the #28 Andretti Global Acura-branded Honda at the Freedom 250 race next weekend in Washington DC. Ericsson will make a special appearance at Chevy Chase Acura in Bethesda, Maryland on Thursday 20 August from 3-5 PM. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Toyota Corolla 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 18 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Since its debut in Japan in 1966, the Corolla has grown from a compact car designed for a rapidly changing world into one of the most significant vehicles in Toyota history,” Toyota said in a news release.

“Along the way, Corolla helped introduce Toyota to drivers around the world, becoming a familiar presence on roads and in driveways across generations. Through six decades of change, it has continued to evolve alongside the people who drive it,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well a defection to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.] Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac V-ONE Concept Shown

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac (NYSE: GM) today revealed the V-ONE, a concept study “combining the brand’s race-winning authenticity and bespoke Cadillac refinement,” at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California. Its name unites the Cadillac V-Series performance legacy with a one-of-one, single-seat Super Car articulation, the first of its kind for the GM brand. [Thus far it is the automotive equivalent of  computer vaporware – it’s not for sale. Also, production street versions would likely need a second seat – AutoCrat.]

“The Cadillac V-ONE Concept is the ultimate manifestation of a customer performance concept and is a clear sign of our ambition for the Cadillac V-Series brand in the future,” said Dominic Najafi, Executive Design Director, Global Cadillac. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Valen Super Car Debuts in California

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Aston Martin today in Monterey debuted Valen, the latest V12 special from bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin. Valen appears to be world’s most powerful front-engine production car. Valen, however, is indisputably the most powerful front-engined Aston Martin in the … Continue reading →

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Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible Debuts

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Racing today introduced the new Mustang® Dark Horse® SC convertible, the first new high-performance Mustang convertible since 2013. It’s also the most powerful open-air Mustang ever. Orders open this fall, with cars arriving in dealer showrooms in spring 2027. [Just bring money – a lot of it: A Dark Horse SC sticker starts at ~$108,485. Track Pack adds ~$36,500 for a total of $144,985, There were also Track Pack Special Editions at ~$175,965. – AutoCrat]. The drop-top counterpart to the Dark Horse SC coupe brings Ford Racing engineering to the newest member of the Mustang Dark Horse family. The coupe is built for lap times. The ragtop, err convertible is set up for for open-air street driving with unlimited headroom, zero visual barriers, and the sound of a supercharged V8. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Nissan Kicks Rock Creek Edition

Posted on 13 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The 2027 Kicks Rock Creek is for drivers who want more adventure from their daily drive, with trail-ready styling and added confidence when the road ends,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. “With the addition of Rock Creek to an already well-equipped lineup, the 2027 Kicks continues to deliver the style, capability and value that have made it a favorite among customers.” Continue reading →

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The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule Partially Announced

Posted on 12 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“It has been another remarkable year of growth through our powerful partnership with FOX Sports, and we look forward to focusing on even greater opportunities through the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We are pleased to confirm Phase One of next year’s championship alongside another accelerated start with races in St. Petersburg, Phoenix and Arlington. 2026 has been proof of concept that our sport is fueled by an expanding presence across marquee events and destinations, and we look forward to carrying that momentum into 2027.”

During the current 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, viewership is up 16% from the previous season, creating the highest viewership of the championship since 2008. Season 2027 will mark the second consecutive year, and just the fifth time in the 118-year history of the IndyCar Series, that a season begins on three consecutive weekends. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, … Continue reading →

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