Category Archives: people

Volkswagen Debuts In-Vehicle Gaming on Some 2027 Models

Posted on 23 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen said today that it is introducing N-Dream’s AirConsole in-car gaming platform on some 2027 vehicles. This is the first mass market automotive brand in the US to offer gaming Continue reading →

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Michigan Governor Whitmer Against Trump Tariffs in WSJ

Posted on 16 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“A strong economy requires a trade policy that works with our partners, brings supply chains home and makes life affordable,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I recently called the president to relay how the ever-changing tariff policy is hurting Michigan businesses and families. We need to be smart and strategic about trade policy, and lower costs so we can bring back American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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Indy 500 Winner Rosenqvist to Be Honored in Värnamo

Posted on 15 September 2026 by Ken Zino

The 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist will be honored by his hometown, Värnamo, during a public celebration in the Swedish city. Continue reading →

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Honda Racing – Kelvin Fu Replaces President David Salters

Posted on 9 September 2026 by Ken Zino

“When I joined HRC US, I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of leading this extraordinary organization. I am truly humbled by the opportunity. Throughout my career at HPD and HRC US, I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of programs, from the development of the NSX GT3, Acura DPi race cars, and the LMDh engine and car to building lasting partnerships with our racing teams,” said Kelvin Fu, president HRC US.

“I want to sincerely thank David Salters for his leadership, friendship and mentorship. Dave challenged all of us to think bigger, move faster and never lose sight of the fact that we are competitors at heart. He is a true racer whose vision and commitment have helped shape HRC US into the world-class organization it is today, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.

“Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of HRC US. We recently renewed our commitment to IndyCar as the series continues to grow and strengthen its position in North American motorsports. Our new business ventures also position us to better serve Honda racing fans. We will remain committed to innovation, competition, and developing the people and technologies that define the future of motorsports. The Honda racing spirit has always been about challenging convention and pushing boundaries, and I look forward to leading HRC US as we write the next chapter of that story together,” said Fu. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 2 million Visitors at the Mazda Museum

Posted on 2 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T)* announced yesterday that the cumulative number of visitors to the Mazda Museum, the company’s corporate museum located on its headquarters grounds in Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture, has reached 2 million since its opening in May … Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Amazon Style Taking Over Car Buying?

Posted on 1 September 2026 by Ken Zino

Plunging market share for traditional giants such as Ford, Vauxhall and even top selling Volkswagen reflects an Amazon-style approach to choosing cars by British motorists, according to an analysis just released by Vehicle Data Global (VDG).*

“The decline for some of Britain’s household car brands was not driven by motorists falling out of love with those badges. Instead, it reflects broader changes in the way people buy products in general, beginning online with feature comparisons before visiting stores or dealer showrooms,” said Ben Hermer, Operations Director of VDG. Consumers now choose cars in a similar way to buying products on Amazon. Continue reading →

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Veloce Racing to Run in 2026 FIA Extreme H World Cup

Posted on 26 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Veloce Racing said today that Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor will reunite with the team for the 2026 FIA Extreme H World Cup.* They were indisputably one of the top driver line-ups in Extreme H’s predecessor, Extreme E. Hansen and … Continue reading →

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Kirkwood Wins DC Freedom 250 in a Sam’s Club Honda

Posted on 24 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Kyle Kirkwood yesterday won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC.* IndyCar driver Kirkwood was driving his No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. [We are not making this up , But would change the name by adding Uncle in front of Sam – AutoCrat] Kirkwood posted a 3.0906-second victory over the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Christian Lundgaard on the seven-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street circuit. Kirkwood took his second victory of the season leading 128 of 147 laps after starting second. Continue reading →

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GM Starts Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades Job Training

Posted on 21 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“At General Motors, we believe creating clear pathways to good jobs is central to strengthening our communities and the broader economy,” said General Motors Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship David Massaron. “Yet, too many transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses still face uncertain employment prospects. At the same time, our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled trades and manufacturing talent. Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades, builds on a century of GM’s support for America’s heroes. By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing.” Continue reading →

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Max Verstappen to Stay With Oracle Red Bull Racing

Posted on 20 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Oracle Red Bull Racing has verified today at the Dutch Grand Prix 2026 that Max Verstappen will continue with the Team until the end of the 2030 Formula One season. Verstappen and the Team have won four Drivers’ World Championships, two Constructors’ World Championships and 71 Grand Prix victories. This season the relationship has been tumultuous since car design changed with the FIA’s 2026 regulations which modified “every aspect of F1 car design in order to create a new era of more competitive, safer and more sustainable racing.” The resulting race car wasn’t competitive and/or suited to Verstappen’s driving style. Continue reading →

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AAA Foundation – Speeding and Counter Measures Growing

Posted on 19 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.” When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.” Continue reading →

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IndyCar 2026 – Markum Street Race Ups and Downs

Posted on 16 August 2026 by Ken Zino

IndyCar racing* moved from its traditional street course around Exposition Center in Center in Toronto that saw 40 races a bit Northwest, ~19 miles to Markum streets for the Inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The 12-turn, 2.19-mile (3.52 km)  90 lap-race was the second new venue in 2026 following Phoenix and wedged between the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC next weekend. As with all new venues, driver and team prospects were unknown, made complicated here because the promoter was not able to complete the track build on time.

This changed the pulse and pace of what are incredible fast IndyCar race weekends. What didn’t change was the ensuing fast, tough and aggressive driving along with severe crashes. The ensuing chaos ultimately put a premium on a driver’s ability to run cleanly while meticulously adhering to changing team strategies. There were 258 on-track passes, 242 of those for position – many of them high-risk overtakes. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Valen Super Car Debuts in California

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Aston Martin today in Monterey debuted Valen, the latest V12 special from bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin. Valen appears to be world’s most powerful front-engine production car. Valen, however, is indisputably the most powerful front-engined Aston Martin in the … Continue reading →

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Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible Debuts

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Racing today introduced the new Mustang® Dark Horse® SC convertible, the first new high-performance Mustang convertible since 2013. It’s also the most powerful open-air Mustang ever. Orders open this fall, with cars arriving in dealer showrooms in spring 2027. [Just bring money – a lot of it: A Dark Horse SC sticker starts at ~$108,485. Track Pack adds ~$36,500 for a total of $144,985, There were also Track Pack Special Editions at ~$175,965. – AutoCrat]. The drop-top counterpart to the Dark Horse SC coupe brings Ford Racing engineering to the newest member of the Mustang Dark Horse family. The coupe is built for lap times. The ragtop, err convertible is set up for for open-air street driving with unlimited headroom, zero visual barriers, and the sound of a supercharged V8. Continue reading →

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Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Posted on 7 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report. Continue reading →

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