Category Archives: marketing

Tech-Aches – Vehicle Owners Overwhelmed by New Gizmos

Posted on 22 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Vehicle owners are overwhelmed with technology features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use or are just too limited in functionality. The results of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index* (TXI) StudySM released today shows that. The study, which focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technologies as they come to market, finds that while owners offer praise for some advanced features, others are found to be lackluster. Continue reading →

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Customer Deliveries Start – for GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

Posted on 21 August 2024 by Ken Zino

GMC said today that prospective customers can now purchase the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 from dealers across the country. The all-electric pickup truck has 440 miles of GM-estimated range with a full charge [see footnote 1 below], GMC “exclusive” CrabWalk mode [3], MultiPro MidGateTM and 10,000 pounds max towing capacity [4] from a GM-estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode [2]. This by our count means that GMC is the only US brand now with three EV trucks, which won’t likely last long given the US vehicle popularity of trucks. Just bring money –  prices begin at $97,500, plus the $1995 destination charge. Continue reading →

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Relatively Cheap – The 2025 Nissan Rogue On Sale

Posted on 19 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan said today that the 2025 Nissan Rogue* is on-sale now with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price [MSRP footnote 2 below] of $29,230, a minor price increase following a less than successful mild changes for the 2024 model year and the addition of Google built-in. Continue reading →

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Acura Performance EV Concept Debuts

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“The Acura Performance EV Concept kicks off the exciting next step in our electrification strategy, showcasing the styling direction of our next all-new, all-electric Acura model that will debut next year,” said Mike Langel, assistant vice president, Acura National Sales. “Building on the just-launched all-electric 2024 Acura ZDX, our next all-electric Acura SUV will continue our focus on delivering Acura clients an exhilarating driving experience in the electrified future.” Continue reading →

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Performance Driving – Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Acura today debuted the Integra Type S HRC Prototype, showcasing a potential new line of street and track-focused Honda Racing Corporation* performance parts. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, a congregation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts, the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype is said to build “upon the dynamic capabilities of the most powerful, best performing Integra ever to deliver ultimate street and track performance for Acura enthusiast customers to enjoy on their own Integras.”

“HRC performance parts is an exciting concept focused on building a stronger connection with Acura and Honda enthusiasts eager to access exclusive HRC race engineering to augment their performance driving experience,” said Jon Ikeda, Senior Vice President, Honda Racing Corporation USA.”Every spec of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype screams performance. Everything is functional – if it doesn’t add performance it isn’t on the car.” Continue reading →

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West European July New Car Market Diesel Share at ~15%

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

In July, for the 12th month in a row, diesel* captured around 15% of the region’s new car market, according to an analysis released today by the respected GlobalData consultancy.**

“In fact, the preliminary July result was exactly that figure with June being confirmed at 14.2%. July historically is a robust month for diesel sales though the reason for this isn’t clear. So, while the MoM diesel share was positive, the YoY comparison was more negative than seen in June,” said the GlobalData European Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting Team. Continue reading →

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Brittany Blue Added to Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept EV

Posted on 16 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today introduced the Opulent Velocity* concept vehicle, with claimed advanced technology and personalized luxury. It also combines EV and self-driving technology, or a split-personality of two emerging dynamic technologies.

“Opulent Velocity is an experience-based design study,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “It’s the future vision of luxury performance, incorporating Cadillac’s leadership in hands-free driving capabilities, electrification and performance excellence. Opulent Velocity expresses the most artful integration of technology, luxury and exhilaration characterized by Cadillac’s halo V-Series variants, and future electrification design expressions,” Nesbitt claimed. Continue reading →

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July 2024 Global Light Vehicle Sales at 91 Million Year’s Best

Posted on 14 August 2024 by Ken Zino

“Sales in China maintained a solid pace as NEVs sales continue to gain traction. In the US, YoY sales declined as high vehicle pricing and concerns over the economy weighed on vehicle consumers. The same can be said for Western Europe, which saw its selling rate struggle in July. Meanwhile, the Japanese market surged as supply has begun to catch up from the losses created by the previous vehicle certification issues,” the Global Data forecast team said. Continue reading →

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GMC Shows Freshened 2025 Terrain Compact SUV

Posted on 12 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The 2025 GMC Terrain debuted today even though it won’t be in showrooms until later this year. Launching first in the Elevation trim, the 2025 Terrain has more standard technology and equipment added to the compact SUV. All Terrains come standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 1500 pounds max trailering (footnote 5 see all the inevitable footnotes below*). All-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission are standard on Elevation at launch. In 2025, GMC will launch the 2026 model year AT4 and Denali trims. Continue reading →

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Western European Passenger Car Sales Down in July

Posted on 7 August 2024 by Ken Zino

The Western Europe passenger vehicle (PV)  selling rate dropped in July, at 11.2 million units/year, returning to the levels seen pre-June. PV registrations fell 0.2% YoY to 916,000 units.* “Following an improvement in the selling rate in June, Western Europe … Continue reading →

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Cadillac Racing Expands WEC Entries to Two Cars in 2025

Posted on 6 August 2024 by Ken Zino

Cadillac Racing said today that its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)* Hypercar program will expand to a two-car factory program to be named Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA** beginning with the start of the 2025 season. It’s a major realignment of two separate racing programs that have tried to beat each other for two seasons now. Jota is leaving Porsche. Drivers of the No. 12 and No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R racecars, powered by the purpose-built Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine, will be announced in the future. Continue reading →

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AC Cars Revives Cobra GT Coupe

Posted on 1 August 2024 by Ken Zino

AC Cars released today the first images of the new AC Cobra GT Coupe. The first ever official AC Cobra coupe set for production, working from an augmented version of the existing AC Cobra GT Roadster architecture. This road-going model, you might remember – if you are of a certain age and Monte Carlo Rally, LeMans and Kammtail resonate – draws on AC’s racing heritage. Continue reading →

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BMW Classic Partners Party in Dielsdorf August 10th

Posted on 29 July 2024 by Ken Zino

The process of certifying BMW Group authorized retailers and workshops as BMW Group Classic partners began in 2019. There are now 148 international partners. Support provided by BMW Group Classic headquarters in Munich for the local partners covers its full range of services, from assistance with technical issues, help with procurement of replacement parts, as well as re-manufacturing of specialist tools to provision of specific data/information from the BMW Group Archive and elsewhere. Continue reading →

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Retro-Vette? 2025 Chevy Corvette Split-Window ZR1 Coupe

Posted on 26 July 2024 by Ken Zino

“We went into the ZR1 program with lofty goals, but even our first development tests on-track showed the teams were already exceeding them,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “As we worked to develop this car, we continued to leap past expectations, and we knew we had a special Corvette on our hands.” Continue reading →

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