Category Archives: marketing

GM, Andretti Global to Seek Formula One Cadillac Entry

The two well-known American brands in the automotive and motorsport sectors, have announced their intent to pursue the opportunity to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. GM would be represented by the Cadillac brand. The Andretti Cadillac team would be based in the U.S. with a support facility in the U.K. The Andretti Cadillac team is planning to submit an Expression of Interest when the FIA opens the formal process. If selected, the team is seeking to compete as soon as practical with at least one American driver. Let the speculation begin. Continue reading

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Ford Claims F-Series Retains Title of Best-Selling Truck in 2022

However, since Ford’s Edsel and Mercury brands are long gone and Lincoln is not in this segment, there is room to debate that General Motors with it Chevrolet, GMC and Hummer pickup lines might sell a greater number of pickups when final sales numbers are in. This also means that Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, all the way up to F-750 should also be included in the competitive tally. Continue reading

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Japanese Global Sales Weak in November. China is a Disaster

The global sales results of major Japanese automakers just released for November of 2022 show weakness and an uncertain outlook for 2023. The world’s largest car market, China, as well Putin’s war against Ukraine are major culprits. This in our view significantly clouds the outlook for 2023. However, Toyota Motor is showing resilience to the sales flu thus far as winter sets in.  Continue reading

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Min Kyu Song is New Global Head of Genesis

“He will be responsible for accelerating Genesis’ global presence with his proven strategic and operational skills,” Hyundai said. Yesterday Genesis further expanded its customer-focused retail experience with the grand opening of Genesis of Greer, the brand’s second standalone retail facility in the United States, and first in South Carolina. Continue reading

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Encore Performance – 2023 Toyota Prius

Development goals appear to be based on styling and marketing and not breakthrough jumps in technology at conservative Toyota. This approach has generally served Toyota and its customers well when it comes to quality and durability. It is however getting pushed by other makers in the technology race. Continue reading

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Honda Alabama Begins Making Largest Pilot SUV Ever

The largest Honda SUV ever, the new Pilot is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite and TrailSport**. The mid-sized, three-row SUV has a new, stronger and more capable platform that also provides more passenger and cargo space. With a new optional opening panoramic sunroof, the new Pilot is the only vehicle in its class to combine 8-passenger seating and this type of roof. Continue reading

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More Horsepower for All 2024 Mustang Engines Next Summer

In a release today, Ford Motor said that all seventh-generation 2024 Mustang engines will have more horsepower, starting with the Dark Horse rated at 500. It has a fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque* … Continue reading

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Chief Marketing Officer Suzy Deering Abruptly Flees Ford Blue

Let the media speculation begin. However, as we have noted Ford Blue – the old internal combustion engine business that is being phased out, is not the future of Ford Motor. Neither now is it the future of Ms. Deering. Continue reading

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Stellantis Autonomy Disability Program for People with Motor Disabilities Now Expanding to all European Brands

Created in Italy by the Fiat brand, the Autonomy program will be extended to all brands in the European markets where the Group maintains a presence. Autonomy has been active in Italy since 1995, with 15 Mobility Centers – specialist facilities where people with disabilities can find the medical and technical advice they need to apply for a special driving license. Partnerships with the main converters in the industry are key to the program. Continue reading

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Porsche Supercup Remains Formula 1® Support Series

Both parties have extended the agreement for eight years until 2030. For the 2023 season, the international one-make cup will use the  375 kW (510 PS or 503 horsepower) Porsche 911. During the eight races of the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 28 registered competitors and 25 guest drivers competed. Continue reading

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Stellantis Overhauling European Dealer Network in 2023

In essence, electrification is a challenge facing all global automakers. Currently in the US Ford Motor is facing a major dealer revolt over its proposed electrification model. At Stellantis – the mega merger of FCA and PSA companies – the problem is acute – with its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall automotive brands, as well as Free2move and Leasys services – the multi-brand distribution network is, well, complex. Continue reading

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Porsche Showing 911 Dakar at LA. Honda Wins Baja 1000

Welcome to the confusing world of performance car and truck racing and production car and truck marketing. There are clear differences in the vehicles, but the promotional aspects are virtually identical. Continue reading

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Subaru Impreza at LA Auto Show 30 Years Later

The Impreza debuted 30 years ago at the 1992 Los Angeles Auto Show as a compact car with optional Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Impreza was the only vehicle at the time to offer all-wheel drive, albeit as an option long before the Subaru WRX performance car appeared with rally racing championships spanning four decades supporting it. Continue reading

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Hyper Marketing as Mercedes-AMG ONE Sets Nordschleife Record

Mercedes-AMG is the first car manufacturer to have run the Nürburgring Nordschleife with such a hypercar and set official records there just by finishing. It does allow for hyper marketing though, so to speak. The Mercedes-AMG ONE is therefore not only the absolute fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nordschleife, but also first – for the moment in AutoInformed’s understanding until, say, McLaren, Aston Martin and Ferrari show up – in the Nürburgring “super sports car” category. Continue reading

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Milestones: 75 millionth Opel – Grandland GSe

Opel recently announced that it would revive GSe as a new sub-brand for electrified models with GSe now standing for Grand Sport electric. The Opel Grandland GSe follows the Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe. Opel claims it is a high-performance, plug-in hybrid with electric all-wheel-drive in the SUV compact class, arguably the fastest growing segment in Europe and Asia. Continue reading

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