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Category Archives: marketing
WillScot Holdings to Provide Hospitality Spaces for IndyCar
Penske Entertainment* today announced a partnership with WillScot Holdings Corp., a provider of temporary spaces, that will see the company become an Official Partner of IndyCar** and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through the multiyear partnership, WillScot will provide turnkey space solutions, including mobile offices, storage containers, climate-controlled storage, clear-span structures, restrooms, fencing and other hospitality spaces for use at race events throughout NTT IndyCar Series and IMS seasons. Continue reading
Cabin Fever at Corvette?
Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said today that for the 2026 model year, the entire Corvette* lineup of Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1will have an interior cabin with larger and more advanced driver-centric displays and fresh interior colorways, finishes and materials.
“Corvette is the ultimate American sports car, which is why it has remained the luxury sport segment leader for more than 20 years – with the next competitor a distant second in terms of market share,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “With these updates, the mid-engine Corvette will continue to cement its leadership for years to come.” Continue reading
Nostalgia Marketing – 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition
Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today in Texas that for the 2026 model year, the Corolla Hatchback will have an FX edition, which has been dormant in the model since the 1987 FX16. Based on the SE grade Corolla, it should appear in Toyota Dealerships during fall of 2025. The new Hatchback FX Edition will be available in three color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. There will be 1600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. Additional details and pricing for the full Corolla lineup will be shared later this year.
“The Corolla Hatchback FX adds a black vented sport wing for aggressive flair and improved aerodynamics. The 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts give an unexpected wow factor,” Toyota said. Power of the Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is a 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine with claimed ratings of 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4800 rpm. It has a Toyota-estimated 33 combined MPG rating. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, Ken Zino, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Motor 2025 Q1 Net Income $47M Down from $1.3B!
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)* late yesterday announced weak first- quarter 2025 financial results and “suspended” financial guidance, including full year adjusted EBIT and adjusted free cash flow because of Trump tariff-related” uncertainties.” Ford first-quarter revenue of was $40.7 billion; net income $471 million with an adjusted EBIT of $1 billion. Operating cash flow was $3.7 billion. Improvements in cost and quality favorably contributed to performance in the quarter, Ford claimed. When excluding the nearly 200 million impact of tariffs, this was Ford’s third consecutive quarter of year-over -year cost improvement. Ford estimates a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for full year 2025, subject to ongoing tariff-related policy developments. For comparison, General Motors earned $2.78 billion, $3.35 per share, for the three months ended March 31. During Q1 of 2024 GM earned $2.98 billion, or $2.56 per share. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Blue, ford credit, Ford Model e, Ford Motor cost improvements, Ford Motor Q1 2025 financial results, Jim Farley, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz said today that M-B Vans is celebrating a global milestone with the production of five million Sprinter vans. The five-millionth vehicle, an all-electric eSprinter, was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz Vans customer.
“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FedEx, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, Pat Donlon, Thomas Klein, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – The Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100
Rolls-Royce* said today that it is marking Phantom’s centenary by reflecting on some of the fascinating stories where Phantom has played a role. The marque’s designers have also created a series of original artworks about Phantom’s legacy, celebrating the motor car’s cultural impact through the decades and “capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations.”
“Phantom is much more than a motor car. For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it. From its earliest days, Phantom has been one of the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Beyond status, it has always offered its owners a canvas for personal expression, transformed through Bespoke craftsmanship into a moving work of art. Across music, politics, art and beyond, Phantom has been present at many of history’s defining moments. The stories that surround it – and the images they’ve inspired our designers to create – reveal its extraordinary reach, and its enduring connection to greatness,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Charles Sykes, Chris Brownridge, Duke of Edinburgh, Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, HRH Princess Elizabeth, Ken Zino, Maharajah of Nabha, Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, The British Royal Family, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Lotus Emira Clark Edition
Lotus* said today that it will honor one of its works drivers with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. This model, limited to just 60 cars for selected markets, will make its world debut leading at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK,€140,000 in Germany.
“The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 – a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina,” Lotus said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Formula 1, Formula 2, Jim Clark and Team Lotus, Ken Zino, Lochcarron Scotland, Lotus Emira Clark Edition, Tasman Series, 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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Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, Honda 2026 CR-V, Jessika Laudermilk, Ken Zino, off-road SUVs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Pace 109th Indianapolis 500
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will lead the field to the green flag for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday 25 May, Chevrolet announced today. Capable of 233 mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer is up for any challenge. Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, has been named honorary Pace Car driver and will pace the field of 33 drivers in the Corvette ZR1 to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
“Chevrolet is proud that the 2025 Corvette ZR1, our fastest Corvette ever, will be the Official Pace Car for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2025 race marks the 36th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 22nd time overall, all since 1978, for what is arguably America’s sports car. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Hoosier milk, INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles, Ken Zino, Michael Strahan, Scott Bell, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.
“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged at Citroën's Rennes plant, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact C-segment SUVs, Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross, Ken Zino, Stellantis STLA-medium platform, X @KenAutoinformed
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Hybrid-Electric Cars Dominate EU Car Sales
During Q1 2025, new EU car registrations declined by 1.9% compared to Q1 2024, with March 2025 figures showing a slight 0.2% year-on-year (YOY) decline according to registration data released today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name.* The battery-electric car market share stood at 15.2% market in Q1 2025, far from where it was expected to be by regulators and analysts. Hybrid electric models continue to grow in popularity, retaining their place as the most popular power type among buyers. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health, results, sales
Tagged acea, ACEA European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, eu march sales, hybrid-electric car sales, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche 911 GT3 – Sets Nordschleife Record
“More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line. “We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK seven-speed is significantly faster – we drove our official lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK, and with a conventional instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 shaved ~3.6 seconds off the time of its predecessor with PDK.” Continue reading
VW Shows 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo
Volkswagen of America has unveiled the all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo at the New York Auto Show, which will be the nameplate’s top trim beginning in the 2026 Model Year starting this fall. The Tiguan Turbo incorporates the “refined” aspects of the 2025 Tiguan adding 67 more horsepower to give the compact SUV more oomph. The 2.0-liter EA888 turbo four-cylinder engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 67 hp and 51 lb.-ft. compared to the base engine
“The improved performance compared with the base engine comes from a number of changes. The engine has a larger turbocharger that enables higher boost pressure, combined with a lower 10.5 to one compression ratio. Internally, the engine benefits from stronger pistons and connecting rods, as well as a nitrided crankshaft. The engine also has oil cooling for the pistons, as well as variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust side. It still uses Miller-cycle technology to help improve fuel economy compared to a conventional four-cycle engine, and runs on regular gasoline,” VWoA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MQB evo platform, new york auto show, VW 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, X @KenAutoinformed
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A Freshened 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Debuts
TMNA, the North American arm of Toyota (NYSE: TM) said today in Plano, Texas that the 2026 model Toyota Cross compact SUV has been tweaked.
“The 2026 Corolla Cross is continuing to bring entry SUV customers the combination of style and value that’s just right. For model year 2026 it receives two new front fascia designs, with a modern, color-matched look for the Hybrid version and a bold, rugged design for the gas-powered model. The new front-end designs create a distinct look for each powertrain while also evolving the crossover’s compact, sporty shape. The interior also receives an update with a reconfigured console storage design and larger available touchscreen,” Toyota said. Continue reading →