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Category Archives: marketing
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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Rolls-Royce Apprentices Make Dormouse Houses
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 Andrew Ball, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Goodwood Estate, hazel dormouse, Ken Zino, Muscardinus avellanarius, UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, X @KenAutoinformed
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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Defends Auto Industry
“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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, detroit auto show, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, HIRE Michigan, Ken Zino, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Rebuilding Michigan bond plan, Road Ahead Address, road funding, Trump-Proposed Tariffs, Whitmer-Gilchrist administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Posts So-So Sales Results in 2024
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
Chevrolet 2025 Corvette ZR1 Starts at $185,995
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 2025 Corvette ZR1, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, detroit auto show, Ken Zino, Scott Bell, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volkswagen Sales Flat in 2024
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
First Look – Elaphe Sonic.1 Performance EV Motor
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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CES 2025, Elaphe Sonic.1 in-wheel motor, Italdesign Quintessenza, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries
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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Christina Zamarro, Dunlop tire brand, Dunlop trademarks, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino, Mark Stewart, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, X @KenAutoinformed
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EV Market Stays as Customer Satisfaction Leader
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 2024 Car Buyer Journey (Study by Cox Automotive, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Isabelle Helms, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW 2024 U.S. Sales Up Slightly
“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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW passenger cars and light trucks, Ken Zino, MINI passenger cars, Sebastian Mackensen, 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 →