Category Archives: auto news

BMW Group Posts Slight Q1 2025 Sales Drop

Posted on 10 April 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW Group (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that global automotive deliveries were basically flat at 586,149. Compared to the previous year this represented a drop of -1.4%. China. was largely the problem, as it is for all non-native automakers. During the first three months of 2025, the BMW Group saw growth in Europe ( 241,867 for +6.2%) and the US (94,591 for +4.0%). This gives U.S. bragging rights to BMW since MBUSA (Mercedes-Benz Group AG MBGAF) sold 75,100 vehicles in the quarter. Outside of China, BMW growth was +5.9%. year-over-year. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes and Disney+

Posted on 9 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) said today that Disney+, the streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, is now available to Mercedes-Benz customers in the U.S. [footnote 1]. Disney+ will also be available in the new CLA, which arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2025.

“We are excited to collaborate with Disney+ to bring a new level of entertainment to our customers. This integration reflects our commitment to enhancing the in-car experience and providing innovative solutions that align with our customers’ lifestyles. With Disney+ on board, every journey becomes an adventure,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Kill The Cuts National Day of Action Against Trump Administration

Posted on 9 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Researchers and educators who have had their funding cut spoke today at 37 separate demonstrations about the effects this Trump Administration assault on publicly-funded research is having at their institutions and across the country. Senator Ed Markey and Representatives Jayapal and Simon were at the DC rally. President Trump has issued Executive Orders attacking the NIH, NSF, while dismantling the Department of Education.

“Thousands of people across the country came together today for Kill the Cuts, a national Day of Action to raise awareness and fight back against the Trump administration’s devastating attacks on research, health, and higher education. The events (see the full list here) were sponsored by a coalition of education, labor and health advocates, including UAW, SEIU, AFSCME, UE, NEA, AFT, CWA, AAUP, HELU, Labor for Higher Education, the Debt Collective,” the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW),” said. Continue reading →

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Michigan Governor Whitmer Offers Sensible Tariff Fixes

Posted on 9 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer today delivered her “Build, America, Build” speech in Washington D.C. Simply put, it was a plan to show both parties and federal officials how to build America’s manufacturing might, increase jobs, invest in people and protect our national defense. It was based on Whitmer’s proven approach – work with friends and compete against adversaries.

“Before we dig in to my proposals today, I need to acknowledge what’s going on with tariffs. I’m not going to sugarcoat it… these last few days have been tough for Michigan. 20% of our economy is tied to the auto industry, which depends on a steady flow of goods from our largest and closest trading partners. We’re home to THE busiest international border crossing in North America. More than 10,000 vehicles carrying parts and materials cross the bridge between Detroit and Windsor every weekday. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Coming to the U.S.

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said today that its first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG will be offered in U.S. later in the 2025 calendar year. There will be 12 exterior paint colors, including four MANUFAKTUR hues, along with the optional AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus and AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Standard are 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels with 20-inch AMG 10-Twin Spoke and 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in several finishes are optionally available. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Dining Experience

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac said today that its limited-time dining experience “Cadillac of Reservations” is expanding to three more U.S. cities this spring and summer. More consumers will have the chance to enjoy a dining experience in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ* at some of the buzziest restaurants including La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills (April), COTE Korean Steakhouse in Miami (early summer) and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco (late summer). Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Stellantis, Formitalia, Warner Bros.

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis Design Studio in collaboration with Formitalia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP0 today introduced The Joker Collection. * This is an all-new furniture line said to be inspired by the eponymous DC Super-Villain. Ihe furniture debuts at Salone del Mobile 2025, Fiera Milano Rho, 8-13 April in Hall 13 – Stand D26/D28.

“We loved the idea of creating this villain’s lair, a welcoming space that fosters a false sense of security in its guests,” said Hugo Nightingale – Global Creative Director at Stellantis Design Studio. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Posts Q1 Sales Drop

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported Q1 2025 group* sales of 67,400 Passenger Cars. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported Q1 2025 group sales of 7700 units, bringing MBUSA to a total of 75,100 vehicles for the first quarter of the year. Amidst the generally tepid sales results is a sharp 52% decline in van sales.

“I am proud to see our teams and valued dealer partners continue to work together with an unwavering focus on the core of our business – our valued customers. We closed Q1 in a very strong position for wholesale group sales and celebrated our best-ever March in MBUSA’s history for retail sales,” said Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Continue reading →

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BMW North America Recalls 2025 xDrive Models

Posted on 7 April 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW of North America is recalling more than 4000 model year 2025 330i, 330i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive) and X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The electrical connection between the Chinese-made starter-generator and battery may come loose. The supplier is Shanghai Valeo Auto-Elec System Company.

“This safety recall involves the power connector component of the starter- generator which may not have been produced by the supplier according to specifications. During the supplier production process, a gap could form at the connector location. If a gap exists, this could cause a loose connection between the connector and the positive battery cable (or wiring harness). As a result, resistive heating could start to occur,” BMW said in the required safety defect recall filing made public this morning by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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More Ford Motor Recalls – Fires, Power Loss, Seat Belts

Posted on 7 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Numerous Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) recalls covering a wide variety of serious Ford and Lincoln brand safety defects were publicly released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. Continue reading →

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Indy 500 Veteran Shigeaki Hattori Dead at 61

Posted on 7 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Shigeaki Hattori, one of eight Japanese-born drivers to compete in the Indianapolis 500, died April 5 in a car accident in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was 61.

“The native of Okayama in southern Japan, Hattori competed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway three times, earning a pair of starts. After serving as the first alternate to the 33-car field in 2001, he finished 20th in 2002 for Bradley Motorsports, completing 197 laps. The next year, he finished 30th driving for AJ Foyt Racing as the car’s fuel system failed. Those two races in the “500” were among Hattori’s 34 career INDYCAR SERIES starts in a four-year span that ended in 2003. His best series finish came at Texas Motor Speedway when he finished sixth in 2002,” the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said this morning. Continue reading →

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Trumped? Hyundai Says It Will Maintain Current MSRPs

Posted on 4 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America today launched a Customer Assurance program “in response to dynamic market conditions and the potential impact of tariffs on the automotive industry.” This proposal may help customers who purchase or lease any new Hyundai vehicle between today and 2 June 2025. They might not see any increase in the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) during the protection period. Genesis is also part of the proposal. However, dealers are able to set actual price of a vehicle under various State franchise laws and regulations. [See footnote 1] This appears to be a negotiating strategy with the lame-duck U.S. president, aka April Fool, who has just presented Wall Street with its worst week since the last Trump Administration. Continue reading →

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Honda R&D to Test Life-Support Systems in Space

Posted on 4 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda today announced plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system at the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with space and technology companies Sierra Space and Tec-Masters.

“The project is part of Honda’s vision for a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide advanced energy storage capable of supporting human life on the lunar surface,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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SubieEvents Returns in 2025 at Wicked Big Meet

Posted on 3 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today said the annual SubieEvents series will once again kick off the 2025 season with Wicked Big Meet on 8 June2024 at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. As the title sponsor of the series, Subaru is bringing together competitions, interactive experiences, tech seminars, giveaways, exclusive vendors, and activities for the whole family. This year, the events will welcome thousands of Subaru vehicles and enthusiasts, and take place in six cities nationwide, including a new location for SubieFest Florida at Orlando Speed World.

“The SubieEvents series has grown into an expansive celebration that has something for every member of the Subaru family. From ride-alongs to racing simulators to autograph sessions to vehicle unveilings, we know that this year’s events are on track to be some of the most exciting ever,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom

Posted on 2 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of “Hanami” or ‘”flower viewing.” During Hanami, families and friends gather beneath the delicate pink blooms of cherry trees for picnics and celebrations, enjoying the transient beauty of the season, Rolls Royce noted today. A client in Japan wished to capture their cherished Hanami memories, spanning childhood and parenthood. Thus is the backstory of the latest custom or bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom. This is a one-of-one Phantom commission said to be inspired by the fleeting beauty of the Sakura blooms and a Japanese client’s formative memories of this natural spectacle. Continue reading →

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