Category Archives: mobility company

First Look – 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Posted on 17 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The new Mercedes‑Benz (MBG.DE, MBGAF OTC U.S.) C‑Class introduces the most comprehensive update to date for its best-selling sedan model family, according to a release today from MBUSA. The internal-combustion-engine powered sedan with an old tech stop/start system arrives at U.S. dealerships during the first half of 2027. [No word yet on if there will be a special Global Warming edition. The battered German luxury car makers are reeling from the effects of the Trump mis- administration Trade, Tariff and shooting wars.* MBUSA is posting sales declines and all global automakers are wrestling with the negative trade and war policies of the Trump mis-administration. Makers are also facing a marked shift in consumer presences to hybrid vehicles, as well a defection to less expensive brands – AutoCrat. See APEAL story below.] Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Stop Producing Lincolns in China

Posted on 13 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) plans to increase Lincoln model production in the U.S. beginning in 2030. Lincoln will phase out importing of vehicles from China for the U.S. market The Nautilus, Lincoln’s best-selling SUV is assembled in Hangzhou, Zhejiang by the Changan-Ford joint venture. It is imported into the U.S. and is thereby caught in President Trump’s ongoing, unstable and unpredictable tariff, trade and shooting wars. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, … Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Board established the Special Committee to review and consider the unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal received by the Board on July 22, 2026 from Penske Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own for cash consideration of $210 per share (the “Proposal”).

“There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to the Proposal or any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached. The Company does not intend to comment further or disclose any developments regarding the Proposal unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. The Company’s shareholders do not need to take any action at this time,” PAG said. 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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General Motors and Chinese SAIC Motor Lengthen JV to 2047!

Posted on 5 August 2026 by Ken Zino

This is GM’s latest commitment to selling vehicles in world’s largest auto market. GM led the way starting in 1997 among global automakers to profit from China, whose sage industrial policy required that advanced western automakers link with local partners via JVs so that Chinese jobs were created and profits shared with Chinese communities. This also transferred advanced western mass production technologies, engineering processes and prowess, to China so that it emerged as the preeminent Global Force in automobility. GM posted second-quarter 2026 sales of more than 357,000 units in China. Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research on “China Speed”

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“China’s automotive growth is not the result of a single technology, company or policy,” said Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “It reflects a coordinated system designed to move quickly and build scale. North America does not need to replicate that system, but it must become more intentional about reducing complexity, accelerating collaboration and investing in the capabilities that will define the next generation of automotive leadership.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Posts Strong Q1 FY 2027 Results

Posted on 4 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Although there were various changes in the operating environment during the first quarter, we were able to deliver results close to the previous year’s level. I believe this reflects the efforts made across our workplaces to respond quickly to changing conditions, including measures to mitigate the impact of the situation in the Middle East,” said Takanori Azuma, Chief Officer, Accounting Group. Continue reading →

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Nissan Posts ¥77.9B Profit in Q1 of Japanese Fiscal Year

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The environment remains challenging, particularly in China and the Middle East, but our direction is clear. We are managing disruption where it exists, building momentum where we see opportunity, and executing Re:Nissan with discipline and urgency,” said CEO Ivan Espinoza. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – LEXUS Flight Helicopter Service Debuts

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Lexus (NYSE: TM, 7203 T) today announced the launch of LEXUS Flight, a helicopter transportation service operated by Aero Toyota Co., Ltd. Aero Toyota will use an Italian Leonardo AW169, with service starting on 24 August 2026. At the Japan … Continue reading →

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Magna International Posts Record Q2 Earnings per Share

Posted on 31 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna International (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) today reported relatively strong financial results for the second quarter ending 30 June 2026 and H1 2026. Income from operations before income taxes increased 21% to $599 million. Diluted earnings per share were $1.72; Adjusted EPS increased 29% to $1.86, a record for the second quarter. Magna also increased its full year forecast for Adjusted EBIT margin, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.

“Our strong second-quarter results reflect solid operating performance, disciplined execution, and further progress against our strategic priorities. Supported by record second-quarter adjusted EPS, strong free cash flow, and confidence in our business and global team, we are raising our 2026 outlook. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering profitable growth, expanding margins, generating cash, and returning capital to shareholders, while remaining agile in a dynamic global environment,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Chief Executive Officer. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Posts Q2 2026 Earnings Decline

Posted on 29 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“In the second quarter of 2026, our diversified business delivered over 125,000 retail automotive units and more than 5400 commercial truck units. Retail automotive same-store revenue increased 6%. Retail automotive new and used vehicle gross profit per unit remained strong and consistent when compared to the first quarter of 2026, and service and parts gross margin increased by 80 basis points. Additionally, I am encouraged with the trends we are experiencing across the commercial truck market from an improved freight environment, driving strong orders of Class 8 trucks,” Chair Roger Penske said. Continue reading →

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Stellantis Sells Free2move to a Private Equity Firm

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Stellantis and Mutares said today that they have an agreement for the sale of Stellantis’ entire shareholding in the Free2move car-sharing business to Mutares. The transaction is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. This strategy move of shedding companies is a core part of Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 plan. Under it, financially ailing Stellantis will focus investments and resources to the regions, brands and technologies that it thinks can generate the strongest returns. Continue reading →

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EPA Certifies Higher Estimated Range for 2027 Volvo EX60

Posted on 24 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“After its debut earlier this year and the opening of U.S. order books in May, the EX60 positions Volvo Cars in the mid-size electric SUV segment, the largest and fastest-growing category in the electric vehicle market. The game-changing SUV offers impressive range, fast charging, and exceptional performance – all at a competitive price,” Volvo Car claimed. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again!

Posted on 23 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $1.44 per share, an increase of $0.02 per share (+1.4%), bringing the annualized dividend to $5.76 per share. This represents the Company’s 23rd consecutive quarterly dividend increase. It comes as a proposal to take PAG private for $210 per share was announced.*

“Our continued dividend growth reflects the strength of our business and disciplined capital allocation strategy,” said Robert H. Kurnick, Jr., President of Penske Automotive Group. “We remain committed to creating shareholder value through a balanced strategy that includes dividends, securities repurchases, and strategic acquisitions.” The dividend is payable September 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of 14 August 2026. Continue reading →

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