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Category Archives: marketing
Chevrolet Blazer EV SS to Pace Daytona 500 on Sunday
Chevrolet said this morning that a 2025 Blazer EV SS, the fastest SS model Chevrolet ever, will pace the 67th DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway this Sunday in box stock form. The Blazer EV SS, set to go on sale late in Q1, is equipped with Wide Open Watts (WOW), which propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with 615 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. torque. The pace car is a production vehicle with no performance upgrades, but has custom graphics and embedded strobe lighting. It’s the first EV to ever pace the race. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Craftsman Truck Series, Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway, Frank Kelleher, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Ken Zino, nascar, Scott Bell, William Byron, X @KenAutoinformed, Xfinity Series
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz Miami Real-Estate
“With construction of Mercedes-Benz Places in Miami well underway, we are laying the foundation for one of the most ambitious and innovative residential projects in Florida. Together with our partner, JDS Development Group, we will showcase outstanding architecture, which is undeniably Mercedes-Benz and deliver a community experience that is second to none,” Eva Wiese, Head of Mercedes-Benz Customer Solutions GmbH. Continue reading
Volvo Cars Posts Record Sales, Revenue, Profits in 2024, but…
Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today posted a record-breaking year in 2024 with the highest full-year retail sales, revenues and core operating profit in its 98-year history. However, the Chinese owned company anticipates a turbulent 2025 “due to challenging market conditions,” aka Trump’s Trade and Tariff Wars.** “Full-year revenues exceeded SEK 400 billion for the first time in the company’s history, due to a new all-time sales record of 763,389 cars. Its full-year core operating profit of SEK 27 billion, excluding joint ventures and associates, was another record and up 6% compared to 2023. The core operating margin came in at 6.8%, up from 6.4% in 2023,” Volvo said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, environment, financial results, insurance, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Geely Holding, Jim Rowan, Ken Zino, Trump Trade and Tariff Wars, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Motor Posts FY2025 Q3 Net Revenue Gain
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC: Tokyo 7203. NYSE: TM) today announced financial results for the third quarter fiscal year 2025, which ended 31 December 2024. TMC also announced significant changes in China. Consolidated vehicle sales totaled ~7,000,000 units, a decrease of ~295,000 units compared to the same period fiscal year 2024. On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the period totaled 35.673 trillion yen ($233.2 billion), an increase of 4.9%. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, financial results, insurance, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Lexus BEVs and batteries in Shanghai China, Tokyo 7203, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, X @KenAutoinformed, Yoichi Miyazaki
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Volvo Car USA and Canada Posts January Sales Increase
Volvo Car USA and Canada (Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B) today reported sales of 8755 cars for January, up 5.4% year-over-year. Electrified models, fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, increased 43.8% year-over year (YoY). They accounted for 35.8 % of sales during the first month of the year.
“We are excited to see a strong start to the year and look forward to continued growth in the US and Canada with our new XC90, EX90 and EX30 SUVs complementing a full lineup of cars that make life easier, better and safer for everyone,” said Mike Cottone, President, Volvo Car USA and Canada. No mention whatsoever was made of President Trump’s ongoing and unpredictable trade and tariff wars.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Mike Cottone, Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B, VOLCAR B:STO, Volvo Car USA and Canada, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Scent of Money?
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said today it’s taking the interior experience of its cars with the launch of Rolls-Royce Scent, introduced on its Phantom.* Developed by an in-house perfumer of the marque’s Bespoke Collective, the Scent is said complement the natural aromas of the materials used within the motor car. The fragrance combines notes of Amyris, Cedarwood, Rosewood and Iris.
“A Rolls-Royce interior is a unique space in which every element is meticulously curated to create an unparalleled multi-sensory experience. With our new fragrance concept, Rolls-Royce Scent, we move beyond the visual and tactile realms into a new dimension. Designed and developed by our in-house perfumer and delivered using patented technology, this fragrance elevates the already peerless Rolls-Royce experience, creating an environment that is even more special, and absolutely unmistakable,” said Martina Starke, General Manager, Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, milestones, news analysis, 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, Rolls-Royce Scent, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cox Automotive Alters January Forecast Sales Down
New-vehicle sales in January increased compared to year-ago levels, but initial results indicate that market volume likely came in slightly below the forecast, Cox Automotive** said today. The original Cox Automotive forecast* called for year-over-year growth of 5.2%, but early estimates “suggest the increase was closer to 4%.” Some automakers posted record January volume and others saw declines from January 2024 levels.
“Our market continues to be one of diverging stories,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “While the macro view is one of growth, ‘actual experience may vary.’ January is typically a low-volume sales month, and there were no shortages of sales challenges last month – from extreme cold over much of the market to major fire disruptions in Southern California. Consumer confidence also declined more than expected in January and was lower than in January 2024, the first yearly decline since September. All factors considered, the positive sales performance in January was a good sign for the market,” Smoke said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive Forecast: January U.S. Auto Sales, Jonathan Smoke, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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State Privacy Laws Failing to Protect Your Data
The more data companies collect about us, the more our data is at risk. When companies hold your data, the greater the odds it will be exposed in a breach or a hack and end up in the hands of identity thieves, scammers, or shadowy companies known as data brokers that buy and sell a huge amount of data about Americans “Many of these ‘privacy laws’ protect privacy in name only,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director of EPIC. “In effect, they allow companies to continue hoarding our personal data and using it for whatever purposes they want. Big Tech should not be allowed to write the rules.” Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electronics, marketing, news, people, Privacy, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Caitriona Fitzgerald, EPIC, Kara Williams, Ken Zino, R.J. Cross, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford to Return to Le Mans in 2027
“We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford. You can see it from what we’re doing on-road and off-road. When we race, we race to win. And there is no track or race that means more to our history than Le Mans. It is where we took on Ferrari and won in the 1960s. It is where we returned 50 years later and shocked the world and beat Ferrari again” said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Executive Chair I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing. We are ready to once again challenge the world, and ‘go like hell!’” The Ford announcement didn’t mention Carrol Shelby who not only coined the “go like hell” phrase on a pit board message to a driver, but was instrumental in Ford’s first LeMans victory. Carroll Shelby is the only man to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race as a driver, team owner and automotive manufacturer.*
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bill ford, Ford WEC LMDh, Frédéric Lequien, Ken Zino, Lewis Hamilton, Martin Brundle, Richard Mille, world endurance cup, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Motor Leads Global 2024 CY Sales at 10.8M
Toyota Motor Corporation (7203.T) today posted its sales, production, and export results for December 2024 , and significantly the total from January to December 2024, including those for subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Hino Motors. With 10.8 million sold – down ~3.7% because of regulatory compliance issues in Japan and the ongoing EV price war in China – TMC easily out sold the Volkswagen group, which reported a 2.3% drop in global sales for 2024 at ~9 million. This makes TMC the undisputed global sales leader for the fifth straight year. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Daihatsu Motor Co, Hino Motors, Ken Zino, Takashi Watanabe, toyota motor, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2026 Model Cadillac LYRIQ-V
Cadillac is adding a significant model to its high-performance V-Series family with the 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V – the first-ever all-electric V-Series performance vehicle. Cadillac- estimates it has 615 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft . (880 Nm) of torque, which deliver a Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max. This makes it the quickest Cadillac ever starting at $79,990. The timing is unfortunate given Trump’s emerging trade and economic policies that likely will negatively affect Lyric’s prospects in the U.S., Canada and globally. LYRIQ-V will also be sold in the Australia, New Zealand, as well as other markets to be announced. Production starts early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dave Stutzman, John Roth, Ken Zino, Trump Mis-Administration, Trump tariffs, Trump trade policies, X @KenAutoinformed
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Used Vehicle Mileage Fees – Nissan Expands Flexible Leases
Nissan Motor Acceptance Company (NMAC) and INFINITI Financial Services (IFS) said today the SignatureFLEX lease program will expand to include drivers with legacy leases maturing on 1 Feb 2025 or after.
“SignatureFLEX is an innovative lease program that puts customers first by offering them the flexibility to manage mileage needs while avoiding lease-end overage penalties,” said Jim DeTrude, vice president, NMAC Sales & Marketing. “By including legacy leases in the program, we’re enabling a more customized lease experience to better fit their lifestyles while reducing unexpected costs.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, end of lease mileage fees and penalties, INFINITI Financial Services, Jim DeTrude, Ken Zino, Nissan Motor Acceptance Company, SignatureFLEX, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2025 BMW R 18 Heritage Series Motorcycles
BMW Motorrad USA today announced an updated R 18 family of Heritage series of cruising motorcycles, presumably not to take advantage of the non-cycling weather. MSRP pricing for the new 2025 BMW R 18 models, not including destination, is $15,395 (R 18), $18,395 (R 18 Classic), $18,995 (R 18 Roctane), $20,375 (R 18 B), and $24,395 (R 18 Transcontinental). There’s an increase of 4 lb.-ft. of torque to 120 lb.-ft for all R 18 models. And all are Euro 5+ emissions compliant. For 2025, all R 18 models gain 4 ft.-lb. in torque at 3000 rpm ( up to 120 lb.-ft) and meet the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. More than 110 lb.-ft. of torque is available between 2000 – 4000 rpm. Power from the 1802 cc air/oil cooled boxer twin engine remains at 91 horsepower.
“Even more riding fun ,that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We have refined the design, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard,” said Markus Lederer, Head of BMW Boxer Series Continue reading
Posted in design and styling, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged (R 18 Roctane, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW R 18 Heritage Series Motorcycles, Ken Zino, R 18, R 18 B, R 18 Classic, R 18 Transcontinental, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – New Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Volvo Cars (Nasdaq Stockholm VOLCAR B)* at a literal fireside chat in the North of Sweden revealed today the new EX30 Cross Country SUV. Outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven was part of the show. The EX30 Cross Country is a compact fully-electric SUV. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring. It will eventually appear in North America.**
“We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.” Continue reading →