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Category Archives: people
Lawsuit Filed Against Trump-Vance National Data Banks
“This country was founded on the principle that government has no business arbitrarily intruding in our private affairs,” said John Davisson, Director of Litigation for the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). “Yet this administration is trampling on our privacy at the grandest scale, illegally hoarding our sensitive personal information and threatening our most cherished rights. The law is clear: no national data bank. Together we’ll put a stop to this in court.” Continue reading
Posted in fools 'n frauds, litigation, news, news analysis, people, Privacy, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, Electronic Privacy Information Center, John Davisson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, X @KenAutoinformed
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Jaguar Land Rover Cyber-Attack Effects Ongoing
Since 1 September 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has experienced a cyber-attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people affected is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8000 agency staff. The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering support.
“The impact of the cyber-attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production,” said, Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben. Many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BEN, hacking, Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack, JLR hacking, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, vehicle hacking, X @KenAutoinformed
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Approved Auto Repair – AAA celebrates 50th Anniversary
AAA said today that it is proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program. Since its inception in 1975, the AAR program has connected drivers with auto repair services that uphold the highest standards of quality and affordability.
“Fifty years ago, we recognized a huge gap in the automotive repair marketplace, where consumer frustration was all too common,” said Margaret Pittelkow, Vice President of AAA Automotive Services. “Today, our AAR program stands as a testament to AAA’s commitment to supporting drivers in their journey, providing them peace of mind and a hassle-free repair experience.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, people, quality, shows and events
Tagged AAA & NAPA Autotech Mentorship, AAA Approved Auto Repair shops, ASE, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Automotive Service Excellence, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Margaret Pittelkow, X @KenAutoinformed
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Goodyear Tire & Rubber to Form a Global Racing Unit
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced the formation of its new Global Racing organization. This combines all motorsport operations under a single global structure. Xavier Fraipont will lead the newly formed organization as vice president, Global Racing, effective 1 October.
“Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer. “With Xavier’s deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we’re advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BTCC, Chris Helsel, Goodyear Global Racing, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, nascar, nhra, WEC LMGT3 class, Will Roland, X @KenAutoinformed, Xavier Fraipont
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Caterham Competitor – New Zenos E10 RZ
Zenos Cars today revealed in engineering prototype form the new Zenos E10 RZ. Zenos Cars is a partnership between former Caterham Cars CEO Ansar Ali and COO Mark Edwards. They both also worked together at Lotus. Ali and Edwards have more than 30 years of experience in the niche sports car sector. The Zenos name is a combination of ‘Zen’ to represent purity, and ‘os,’ roughly Latin for ‘vertebra.’
“The start of a new generation of cars for Zenos, the marque will once again focus on innovation and ingenuity as it seeks to do more with less, in the tradition of the Great British sports cars manufacturers that inspired the company’s founding,” Zenos said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, people, performance, shows and events
Tagged Ansar Ali, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, British sports cars, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lotus, Mark Edwards, X @KenAutoinformed, Zenos Cars
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GM 1940 Design Sketches Found in Rochester NY
“Nobody knows how the binder journeyed from Detroit to upstate New York. When Josh Quick found it in a barn at an estate sale, he grabbed it without thinking. It was only days later, while flipping through the pages, that Quick realized he was holding a missing piece of General Motors history,” Bob Sorokanich, senior editor, GM News posted last week.
In 2024, Josh Quick went to a farm estate sale in the small town of Conesus, about 45 minutes south of Rochester, New York, on the hunt for antique tractor parts. He thought he’d hit the jackpot. “I asked the guy, what do you want for all this stuff? He said, ‘two cases of Busch Light beer,’” Quick told GM News.
Posted in auto news, blog, concept, design and styling, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bob Sorokanich, Christo Datini, Clare MacKichan, Detroit Institute of Automobile Styling, Elwood Engel, Gene Bordinat, Joe Oros, Josh Quick, Ken Zino as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ned Nickles, Quick Speed Shop, X @KenAutoinformed
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Facing Road Rage? You’re Not Alone as It Grows
A new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released today shows that an astounding 96% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving behaviors during the past year. The study also found that the more drivers are exposed to aggressive behavior on the road, the more likely they are to drive aggressively themselves. This non-virtuous upward cycle of aggressive driving and road rage is energizing a culture where impatience and hostility are becoming the norm behind the wheel.
“Driving can be a stressful experience due to behaviors of others on the road and how you respond to various situations. Our study finds that experiencing various forms of aggressive driving behaviors is common for almost all motorists and many drive aggressively,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “This work also concludes that road etiquette and manners can be a protective factor against aggressive driving. Let’s change our driving culture so we can achieve the safe mobility vision for all road users.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving behaviors, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. David Yang, Dr. Jose Torres, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, X @KenAutoinformed
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Constitution Day 2025 Thoughts
The point here is that to govern without facts is madness. Leaving aside the historical revisions that show that King George III, the monarch who lost the colonies to what became the United States, was, well, mad as a hatter in his later years. Donald J. Trump – the man who wishes to be our King now – should not be our president based on his deteriorating mental condition. He doesn’t even know what is going on in his own administration.Is Trump going to fire the entire CBO? [See the following] It’s time for “We the People” to fire Trump and his Curia Regis, the advisors – cabinet members, agency heads and the like – who are against the facts or falsify them. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, global warming, milestones, news analysis, people, public health, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Congressional Budget Office, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Curia Regis, Donald J. Trump, Erika McEntarfer, Ken Zino, King George III, The American Revolution, U.S. Constitution, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Economics – Growth Slowing, Unemployment Rising
John C. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer Federal Reserve Bank of New York spoke at the Economic Club of New York on 4 September 2025. The views expressed are his own. However, AutoInformed notes that, regrettably, the data when … Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Economic Club of New York, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, John C. Williams, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Magna Names Philip D. Fracassa CFO
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Pat for his significant contributions and partnership, particularly during a dynamic period in the global economy and our industry,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna President and Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of the entire Magna team, we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
“Phil is a seasoned financial leader with a strong track record of delivering results and driving transformation,” said Kotagiri. “His experience and perspective will be invaluable as we continue executing our strategy and advancing Magna’s financial position. I am looking forward to partnering with Phil on our continued journey,” said Kotagiri. Continue reading
A BMW Motorcycle for Pope Leo XIV?
BMW today said that on 3 September 2025, a specially modified BMW R 18 Transcontinental motorcycle was presented to Pope Leo XIV for his blessing and signature during a celebratory event at the Vatican. This R 18 Transcontinental bearing the Pope’s signature will be auctioned by Missio Austria via Sotheby’s in October 2025, with the proceeds going to children’s aid projects in Madagascar. Markus Flasch, the CEO of BMW Motorrad and Michael Sommer, head of BMW Motorrad Germany, presented the motorcycle to the Pope for blessing and signing, after the general audience at the Vatican.
“What initially sounded more like a crazy idea has developed into a great charity campaign. I am happy that we at BMW Motorrad can support aid projects for children in Madagascar with our R 18 Transcontinental. I would also like to thank Pope Leo XIV for taking the time to support this project,” said Flasch. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, mobility company, news, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw motorrad, BMW R 18 Transcontinental, BMW Welt in Munich, JESUS-BIKER®, Ken Zino, Pope Leo XIV, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
“This is not a marketing exercise. This is a promise. It signals a new, more focused mission to tear down the wall between our race teams and the engineering of the vehicles you drive every day on and off road. Under one global Ford Racing banner, our engineers and designers will develop our performance road cars right alongside our race cars. The technology that survives the Baja 1000 will be in the DNA of the next F-150 Raptor. The aerodynamic lessons we learn at Daytona and Le Mans will be sculpted into the body of the next Mustang,” said Will Ford.
The move comes during a period of intense change at the upper levels of Motorsport in Formula 1, endurance racing or the World Endurance Championship, and various international and national forms of sports car racing where Ford Motor in the past has had considerable success. This could be a rite pf passage for Will moving him out of the protective family environment into bare-knuckled competitive realms. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Baja 1000, F-150 Raptor, Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing, Ken Zino, le mans, mustang, William Clay ‘Will’ Ford III, X @KenAutoinformed
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Colton Herta joins Cadillac F1 Team
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team announced today that nine-time NTT IndyCar Series race winner Colton Herta will serve as a Test Driver as it prepares to join the F1 grid for the 2026 FIA Formula 1® World Championship season.
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver,” said Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team. “Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, British F3, Bryan Herta, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Colton Herta, Euroformula Open Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, indycar, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tarriff Chaos – GM EV Sales Set Record
General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that U.S. electric vehicle sales likely set an all-time monthly record in August, as customers rushed to make purchases ahead of the expiration of Federal EV tax credits.*
“August was our best month ever for EV sales – and we expect that buying surge to pay long-term dividends, given our industry-leading manufacturer loyalty, and EV customers’ overwhelming commitment to the technology. I’m grateful to our team and our dealers for helping us outperform nearly every EV competitor,” said Duncan Aldred, GM Senior Vice President and President, North America. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fools 'n frauds, global warming, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, sales, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, Autocrat, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bolt ev, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Duncan Aldred GM North America, EVgo, GM Energy, GM U.S. electric vehicle sales, IONNA, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Honda – Happy National Manufacturing Day
“With more than 45 years of manufacturing in America, Honda has a proud tradition of celebrating Manufacturing Day when we can open the doors of our production facilities to students and have associates share their passion about careers in manufacturing,” said Meredith Reffey, National Manufacturing Day Workforce Partnerships Leader at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These events provide a unique opportunity to show students what a career in modern manufacturing truly looks like, making it feel more attainable and appealing.” Continue reading →