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Category Archives: marketing
Ford to Show Revised 2025 Explorer at Chicago Auto Show
“The new Explorer starts with a great foundation. Customers told us they love the way it drives and the choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. So, we focused on improving other areas including redesigning the interior with new materials, textures and colors to make sitting inside Explorer as enjoyable as driving one,” said Kelley Clark, Explorer chief engineer. Continue reading
Posted in connected vehicles, marketing, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged 2025 Explorer, Amazon Music, Audible, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford BlueCruise option, iHeartRadio, Kelley Clark, Ken Zino, siriusxm, Spotify
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Polestar 4 now on Sale in Europe and Australia
“The introduction of Polestar 4 into all our markets through the course of 2024 is key to our success, adding this third model to our line-up. Polestar 4 tackles the premium performance class in the D-SUV segment. Polestar 4’s innovative interpretation of an SUV coupé offers great interior space and a stunning appearance,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged (Nasdaq: PSNY), auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Borås Textilhögskolan, Geely Holdings SEA factory Hangzhou Bay China, Ken Zino, Polestar 4, Thomas Ingenlath
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Rolex 24 At Daytona – Record Crowd as Porsche Beats Cadillac
The finish of Rolex 24 At Daytona yesterday saw a record crowd watch tight racing thought the 59 car field with five cars in the fastest Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class on the lead lap when the checkered flag dropped short of the 24 hour mark. Leaving aside the officiating confusion, Porsche took the overall victory with No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963, even though the drivers weren’t immediately aware of the historic triumph along with the other four cars running on the same lap after twice around the clock. Maybe the timing officials should be wearing Rolex watches. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Acura ARX-06, AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW M4 GT3, Ken Zino, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Porsche Penske Motorsport, Risi Competizione, Rolex 24 At Daytona, Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche AG Buys into VfB Stuttgart
“We are delighted that the Deutsche Fussball Liga has recognized our investment to be independent,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman and Executive Board Member for Finance and IT at Porsche. “This gives us the opportunity to increase our stake to more than 10%. We want to contribute our know-how actively in order to keep developing the team successfully together with all our partners. We share a great tradition with VfB Stuttgart. Porsche is hereby strengthening its long-term commitment to the Stuttgart region, in which both of us have deep roots.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, mobility company, people, shows and events
Tagged Albrecht Reimold, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Claus Vogt, Deutsche Fussball Liga, Ken Zino, MHP Arena Stuttgart, Rouven Kasper, VfB Stuttgart
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January 2024 US Light Vehicle Sales Forecast to Drop a Tad
“After December 2023 reached the strongest sales pace in several years, January’s pace has slowed to 15.2 million units. December’s SAAR of 16.2 million was inflated by elevated discounts from manufacturers, particularly as they aimed to clear out remaining inventory of 2023 model-year vehicles. In addition, changes in the eligibility of many electric vehicles to qualify for government rebates, which took effect Jan. 1, meant many EV purchases that would have occurred in January were made in December. Since January is the month of the year when the fewest vehicles are sold, the aforementioned factors have a bigger effect on the SAAR than they would in higher volume months. In fact, while the drop in the SAAR is notable, January sales results historically are not particularly indicative of future sales performance,” says Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading
Porsche Reveals New Macan EV at Singapore Art Week
“The new Macan is a performance-oriented SUV with a high level of practicality for everyday use, high-quality equipment and spacious configuration. Electrification has led to increased luggage space in the Macan. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the capacity behind the rear seat bench is up to 540 liters (cargo mode). In addition, there is the ‘frunk’, a second luggage compartment under the bonnet (hood) with a capacity of 84 liters. This amounts to 136 liters more than the previous model. If the rear seat backrest is folded down completely, the rear luggage compartment capacity increases to up to 1348 liters. The maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg rounds off the highly practical qualities of the new Macan,” said Porsche. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged 2024 Porsche Macan SUV, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, electric SUVs, Ken Zino, Marc Fornes, Marina Bay Garden, Porsche Leipzig plant
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Some VW ID.4 EVs Qualify for Full Federal Tax Credit
Volkswagen Group of America said today that model year 2023 ID.4 compact SUVs with SK On battery components and model year 24 Volkswagen ID.4 models when released with SK On components placed in service in 2024 are eligible for the full $7500 Federal Tax Credit* on a purchase by a qualifying purchaser. Model year 2023 ID.4 vehicles with LG components do not qualify. During 2023, the ID.4 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US market. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, labor issues, marketing, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, compact SUV EVs, Ken Zino, LG batteries, Pablo Di Si, SK On battery, Volkswagen Group of America
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Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S EVs Start at $64,500
“The arrival of the all-electric Acura ZDX demonstrates our commitment to a zero-emissions future, but more than that it represents our passion for performance in the electrified era,” claimed Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news
Tagged 2024 Acura ZDX and Type S, android auto, apple carplay, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Emile Korkor, Ken Zino, non UAW built SUVs
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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform
“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Ken Zino, Stellantis, Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, STLA large platform
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GMC to Add New Markets – Australia, New Zealand, China
GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that it is adding three new international markets. The premium truck brand at General Motors said customers in Australia, New Zealand and China will have the choice of the Yukon full-size SUV in these high-growth markets. China sales are expected to begin in 2024, with Australia and New Zealand following in 2025. This announcement follows the launch of GMC in South Korea in 2023 with the GMC Sierra LD pickup truck, pioneering the premium pickup market in the country. These new markets add to GMC sales in the US, Mexico, Canada and Middle East. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, blog, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged AT4, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Denali, Duncan Aldred, GMC 2023 sales, GMC export markets, Ken Zino, Sierra LD, Yukon and Yukon XL
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BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever
“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading
Posted in blog, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw motorrad, C 400 GT, F 750 GS, Ken Zino, M 1000 RR, Markus Flasch, R 1250 GS, R 1300 GS, Stephan Reiff
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Western European Market Diesel Car Sales Down in 2023
“The slowdown in BEV growth will no doubt have boosted the internal combustion engine (ICE) sector to some degree and perhaps fed into the relatively buoyant end to the year as far as diesel is concerned,” said GlobalData. “All markets ended 2023 with a smaller diesel share than seen in 2022 except one. Our figures indicate that Germany, with a diesel share of 24.4% for 2023 saw a rise from the 2022 value of 23.6%. Diesel demand has held up well in the country, supported by plenty of product from the dominant domestic brands and driving patterns that highlight the value available from diesel versus alternatives very well.” Continue reading
EU Car Market Drops in December after 16 Months of Growth
During 2023, the EU car market concluded with a 13.9% expansion compared to 2022, reaching a full-year volume of 10.5 million units. All EU markets grew in the past year except for Hungary (-3.4%). Double-digit gains were recorded in most markets, including three of the largest: Italy (+18.9%), Spain (+16.7%), and France (+16.1%). Conversely, Germany recorded a more modest 7.3% year-on-year increase, influenced by its weaker December performance. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, EU car markets sales, GlobalData, Ken Zino, The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association
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American Honda 2024 Sales Forecast – Acura and Honda Up
“In 2023, we were finally able to meet the pent-up demand for our products with both brands rebounding and American Honda finishing the year up over 30%. We projected a strong recovery, and we achieved that,” said Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of Sales. “This year we will continue to capitalize on hybrid models and light trucks as we begin sales of our first high volume BEV models. Along with a continued investment in our ICE products, we are anticipating increased annual sales for both Honda and Acura in 2024.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, marketing, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged american honda, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CR-V Fuel Cell Vehicle, Ken Zino, Mamadou Diallo, Prologue SUV, ZDX SUV
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Slow Sales Start for US Light Vehicles in January 2024
“After a flurry of sales activity in December, there was always a risk that January would see some payback, with fewer consumers on the hunt for a new vehicle, and so it transpired. Apart from normal seasonal effects, the current environment is such that buyers remain price-sensitive and if the right deals are not available, volumes are liable to suffer,” said David Oakley, Manager, Americas Sales Forecasts, GlobalData. Continue reading →