Category Archives: marketing

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

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Subaru Debuts New Trailseeker and Revised Solterra SUVs

Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today revealed its newest model in the lineup and its second-ever all-electric SUV, the all-new 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The newest addition to the Subaru lineup introduces a new propulsion system. It has an up to estimated 150-kW charging speed and a standard NACS-compatible charge port. The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker will go on sale at retailers nationwide in 2026.

Subaru also showed a tweaked version of 2026 Subaru Solterra EV that appeared as a 2023 model. The Solterra all-electric 5-seat SUV comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an assortment of EyeSight® driver-assistance technologies. It adds an all-new, 14-inch Subaru Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Continue reading

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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

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Annals of Marketing – McMurtry Upside Down Spéirling

McMurtry Automotive said today that it has driven its record-breaking Spéirling hyper track car upside down. Proprietary Downforce-on-DemandTM fan system enabled the upside-down driving stunt. Customer deliveries of all-electric hypercar are scheduled for 2026; with 100 to be made. The specific car used was the McMurtry Spéirling PURE Validation Prototype 1 (VP1).

“That was just a fantastic day in the office! Strapping in and driving inverted was a completely surreal experience. The 2000kg of downforce that the fan system can generate is truly astonishing to experience and it’s great to show the reason why our Spéirling continues to take records around the world,” Said Thomas Yates, Co-founder & Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive. Continue reading

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Porsche EV Sales Up in Q1 2025

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that it substantially increased the share of electrified vehicles it sold in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 71,470 vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide between January and March, 38.5% of which were electrified. This share is comprised of 25.9% all-electric vehicles and 12.6% plug-in hybrids.

“The Macan performed very well in the first quarter and, with the all-electric variant, is making a significant contribution to our increased electrification rate. Overall, we have a very balanced powertrain mix that reflects the different preferences of our customers, globally,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading

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CARB – More E-Bike Vouchers Coming

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said today it will open its second application window for income-eligible Californians to receive up to $2000 toward the purchase of a new electric bike (e-bike) through the California E-Bike Incentive Project on April 29 at 5 p.m. Applications will be taken through an online portal. The December 2024 launch of the voucher program was completed in less than an hour due to high demand. At one point the online queue had nearly 100,000 people waiting, and it closed once 1500 applications were reserved.

“The unprecedented interest in the vouchers shows there is a big need and strong interest in electric bikes in California,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB executive officer. “The growth of this technology is an important part of our efforts to make zero-emission transportation options available to all Californians.” Continue reading

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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Coming to the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said today that its first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG will be offered in U.S. later in the 2025 calendar year. There will be 12 exterior paint colors, including four MANUFAKTUR hues, along with the optional AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus and AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Standard are 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels with 20-inch AMG 10-Twin Spoke and 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in several finishes are optionally available. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Dining Experience

Cadillac said today that its limited-time dining experience “Cadillac of Reservations” is expanding to three more U.S. cities this spring and summer. More consumers will have the chance to enjoy a dining experience in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ* at some of the buzziest restaurants including La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills (April), COTE Korean Steakhouse in Miami (early summer) and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco (late summer). Continue reading

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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

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Trumped? Hyundai Says It Will Maintain Current MSRPs

Hyundai Motor America today launched a Customer Assurance program “in response to dynamic market conditions and the potential impact of tariffs on the automotive industry.” This proposal may help customers who purchase or lease any new Hyundai vehicle between today and 2 June 2025. They might not see any increase in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) during the protection period. Genesis is also part of the proposal. However, dealers are able to set actual price of a vehicle under various State franchise laws and regulations. [See footnote 1] This appears to be a negotiating strategy with the lame-duck U.S. president, aka April Fool, who has just presented Wall Street with its worst week since the last Trump Administration. Continue reading

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SubieEvents Returns in 2025 at Wicked Big Meet

Subaru of America today said the annual SubieEvents series will once again kick off the 2025 season with Wicked Big Meet on 8 June2024 at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. As the title sponsor of the series, Subaru is bringing together competitions, interactive experiences, tech seminars, giveaways, exclusive vendors, and activities for the whole family. This year, the events will welcome thousands of Subaru vehicles and enthusiasts, and take place in six cities nationwide, including a new location for SubieFest Florida at Orlando Speed World.

“The SubieEvents series has grown into an expansive celebration that has something for every member of the Subaru family. From ride-alongs to racing simulators to autograph sessions to vehicle unveilings, we know that this year’s events are on track to be some of the most exciting ever,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. Continue reading

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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

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GM Q1 2025 U.S. Sales Lead Auto Industry

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that its U.S. sales increased 17% in Q1 OF 2025, with double-digit increases at all four of the company’s brands. For the quarter, GM claimed it led the U.S. automotive industry in total sales at 693,363. It also claimed leadership in retail and fleet sales.

“GM’s sales growth outpaced every other major automaker, and the driving force is our portfolio,” said Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president of global markets. “We’re the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio of EVs in the industry.” Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Subaru and Arbor Day Foundation

Subaru of America (Subaru Corp. NASDAQ: FUJHF) today announced the launch of its nationwide tree distribution program in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation® (ADF). It’s claimed to be the largest such corporate effort in the non-profit’s history. As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, Subaru retailers will give away established and regionally appropriate trees (up to four feet tall, in one-gallon containers) in communities across the country. Continue reading

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Toyota 2025 Mirai Fuel-Cell Sedan Due in Spring

“Mirai has an EPA-Estimated Driving Range Rating of 402 Miles running on hydrogen from onboard tanks and oxygen from the outside air to generate power for the vehicle,” Toyota said. “In essence, the Mirai is a ‘plug-less’ electric vehicle. A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only tailpipe emission. The fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen, along with oxygen from the air, and then a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a vent pipe beneath the car.

“Instead of having to charge a large battery pack like in a battery–electric vehicle, which can take several hours, the Mirai’s driver fills the vehicle’s tanks with hydrogen. With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline,” Toyota said. Continue reading

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