Category Archives: marketing

Rolls-Royce Apprentices Make Dormouse Houses

Posted on 20 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Apprentices at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have designed and handmade a series of nest boxes for one of the UK’s most endangered mammals, the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), as part of the brands long-term environmental partnership with the neighboring Goodwood Estate, Rolls Royce said today.

“Studies have shown that our 42-acre site and the adjoining Goodwood Estate are home to some of Britain’s most important mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and plants – all of which we’re helping to conserve through our long-term environmental partnership. In this latest initiative, we’re working together to measure and monitor the local population of another rare and protected species, the hazel dormouse, using nest boxes designed and handmade by our Apprentices,” said Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, design and styling, engineering, environment, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Posted on 16 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today announced the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek returns with a hybrid model for 2026 in the fall of 2025, equipped with a next-generation Subaru series-parallel hybrid system, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, electric vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Defends Auto Industry

Posted on 15 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“To grow Michigan’s economy and fight for the auto industry, I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems in Lansing or DC,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now, there’s an ongoing, global competition between Michigan, China, and other states to build the future of the auto industry. To make sure we win, we need commonsense, bipartisan tools that create good-paying jobs and bring supply chains home. We must also find a fiscally responsible, sustainable solution to fix the damn roads work with our Canadian neighbors to ensure tariffs don’t lead to higher costs for families and businesses. Together, let’s create Michigan jobs, fix Michigan roads, and grow Michigan’s economy. The road ahead is bright, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, awards, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group Posts So-So Sales Results in 2024

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

With a total of 2,450,804 vehicles delivered to customers in 2024, the BMW Group said today that it achieved its new annual sales target that was adjusted downward during the second half of 2024. Electrified vehicles represented 24.2% of total BMW Group sales in 2024, with 593,215 units delivered to customers. Fully-electric vehicles accounted for 17.4% of total sales.

“The BMW brand delivered 2,200,177 vehicles to customers in the full year 2024 (-2.3%). With its attractive product portfolio across all technologies, the brand maintained its position as the global leader in its segment. In the Europe region, the BMW brand expanded its market share, registering double-digit sales growth in Italy, France and the UK. The BMW brand also posted sales growth in the U.S. In Germany, despite a declining market for fully-electric vehicles, BMW saw growth in new BEV registrations,” BMW said in a garbled release. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, marketing, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995

Posted on 13 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet has finally announced pricing for the 2025 Corvette ZR1, the fastest, quickest and most powerful Corvette yet. With a top speed of 233 mph on the track, 0-60 in 2.3 seconds [footnote 1] and 1064 horsepower, the Corvette ZR1 is unmatched by any current production car priced under $1 million. The 3LZ coupe is available for a starting MSRP of $185,995 (excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees, optional equipment. Dealer sets final price) or $195,995 for the 3LZ convertible. Production of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 will begin at Bowling Green Assembly sometime during Q2.

“ZR1 is an example of design and engineering excellence, one where we push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of performance,” said Scott Bell, vice president of global Chevrolet. “It was important for us to stay true to Corvette’s promise of a vehicle whose world-class capabilities completely outmatch its price.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen Sales Flat in 2024

Posted on 10 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen brand delivered ~4.8 million vehicles to customers worldwide last year – 1.4 % fewer than in the previous year. However, it was the market leader in Germany with a market share of 19.1% , according to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – Elaphe Sonic.1 Performance EV Motor

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Elaphe debuted a high-performance front-wheel in-wheel motor (IWM), dubbed Sonic.1, at CES 2025. Sonic 1 it’s – claimed – is a drop-in performance upgrade for ICE and BEV vehicles where it was previously not possible to fit additional drives.

“The integration of the Sonic.1 in-wheel motor (IWM) directly into the wheel not only optimizes space and weight, but also contributes to a more controllable wheel. 20-times greater wheel control enables increased vehicle performance in acceleration, stability and braking. Furthermore, Sonic.1 design enables easy integration into existing and new supercar models. It enables significant design improvement opportunities, from aerodynamics, to component placement and styling,” Elaphe said. Continue reading →

Posted in concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EV Market Stays as Customer Satisfaction Leader

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2024 Car Buyer Journey (CBJ) Study by Cox Automotive* published today shows record highs in new-car buyer satisfaction, driven by advancements in digital tools helping seamlessly integrate online and in-dealership activities. This seamless integration – an omnichannel buying experience  in industry jargon – saves time, reduces repetition and ultimately improves satisfaction with the overall car-buying journey. The 2024 CBJ also highlights the growing satisfaction among electric vehicle (EV) buyers, who are once again leading the way in satisfaction during the car-buying process. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, marketing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X Debuts

Posted on 7 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group today is providing the first opportunity to experience the “close-to-production version of the new BMW iDrive, complete with its so-called centerpiece, BMW Panoramic Vision, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Los Vegas. The software behind it is the new BMW Operating System X, which acts as the intelligence hub behind the new display and operating concept. The system will be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025.

“High tech meets highly intuitive operation, a quarter of a century of pioneering work and technological leadership in operating concepts has been channeled into the new BMW Panoramic iDrive,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “The foundations are provided by the new BMW Operating System X. With this advance, we are giving one of the world’s best and most comprehensive infotainment systems even greater capability and once again setting the industry benchmark in multi-modal interaction. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, distracted driving, electronics, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles today. Called the zūmo™ R1 Radar, it provides riders with rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device has two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles, while indicator lights on the handlebars make riders aware of approaching vehicles. suggested retail price is $599.99, and it is immediately available.

“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well,”said–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW 2024 U.S. Sales Up Slightly

Posted on 4 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“This is a fantastic result, which is a direct reflection of the BMW brand’s strength and superior product line-up. U.S. customers really love our ‘Ultimate Driving Machines’ – regardless of drivetrain – which fueled sales growth of both ICE and BEV vehicles,” said Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM 2024 U.S. Sales 2.7 Million

Posted on 3 January 2025 by Ken Zino

GM claimed it had a strong 2024 today in a social media post saying, GM expanded overall U.S. sales by 4%, to 2.7 million vehicles, its highest total since 2019. GM estimates its 2024 U.S. market share at 16.5%.

“We finished the year with inventory of about 54 days, meeting our target. All of our brands -Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac – posted strong sales gains. For the fourth quarter, sales were up 21% from the year-earlier period,” said Rory Harvey, GM executive VP and president of global markets. “How did we do it? By investing to have the best portfolio in the industry. We have something for everyone, no matter what they like to drive.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, marketing, news analysis, results, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones 2025 – the Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary

Posted on 2 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Goodyear Blimp with flights over more cities to appearances at new events, and chances for fans to fly. There will also be “limited-edition … Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, aviation, marketing, milestones, news, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Significant 2024 Automotive Stories and Trends

Posted on 1 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Once again at the beginning of 2025 AutoInformed notes – matter-of-factly – that its vision is 20-20 on the consequences of long past occurrences. However, in the here and now our perception is cloudy. We do not have the advantages of historians re-assessing events years later with help from other news outlets, blogs, letters, memoirs, magazines and whatever new forms of expressed thought emerge. Thus far the most valued revisions and nuanced interpretations appear in books and essays after more documents and perspectives surface from the players or perpetrators engaged in them. These are not yet available, and under Trump 2.0 they would likely be banned anyway. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, news, news analysis, sales, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment