Category Archives: mobility company

Honda 2026 CR-V Adds New TrailSport Hybrid

Posted on 30 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that the 2026 model year CR-V in four trim levels adds More standard equipment, and there will be a new TrailSport Hybrid. It uses fourth-generation Honda two-motor hybrid system. The Honda CR-V lineup now includes three turbocharged trims: LX, EX and EX-L, plus four hybrid-powered trims: Sport Hybrid, the new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid. The hybrid-electric models are positioned at the top of the lineup and represent more than 50% of CR-V sales.
“Our best-selling Honda CR-V is now even more of an industry benchmark with the addition of a rugged new TrailSport model, which has proven to be incredibly popular on our light trucks,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before.”
Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group – Q1 2025 +13% Net Income

Posted on 30 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG) today posted Q1 2025 financial results that showed record first quarter revenue with an increase of 2% to $7.6 Billion. Adjusted earnings before taxes increased 5% to $310 Million. Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $3.39.

“Our diversified international transportation services business generated record first quarter revenue, the seventh consecutive quarter of stable gross margin, and a 70-basis point improvement of adjusted selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of gross profit. New and used vehicle gross profit per unit retailed remained consistent and strong with new vehicle gross declining only $87 per unit while used vehicle gross increased $352 per unit when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024,” said Chair Roger Penske. Continue reading →

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First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross

Posted on 29 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Citroën unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.

“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said. Continue reading →

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McKinsey on EVs – China Most Advanced Region by Far

Posted on 28 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing market share, cars are becoming more connected, and autonomous vehicles are gradually starting to appear on more streets worldwide. However, the transition to new technologies has not been without challenges and kinks, especially with consumer sentiment in the EV sector, according to the Annual Mobility Survey by the respected McKinsey & Company consultancy. Respondents came from China, Europe, and the United States. The 2025 survey released today is ongoing. It will eventually include respondents from nine countries [an unknown number of which Trump wants to takeover – AutoCrat].

“After rising rapidly for years, EV sales growth has slowed in many regions. Meanwhile, new competitors, especially those from China, are entering the EV market and attracting attention by offering innovative and technologically-sophisticated vehicles that are often more affordable than offerings from incumbents,” according to the detailed, multi-sourced McKinsey analysis.* Continue reading →

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Stellantis – Notable Progress in Solid State Batteries

Posted on 24 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) and Factorial Energy today announced the successful validation of Factorial’s automotive-sized FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells. This feat claims to be  a significant step forward on the path to bringing next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries to market.

“Reaching this level of performance reflects the strengths of our collaboration with Factorial,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “This breakthrough puts us at the forefront of the solid-state revolution, but we are not stopping there. We continue working together to push the boundaries and deliver even more advanced solutions, bringing us closer to lighter, more efficient batteries that reduce costs for our customers.” Continue reading →

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New Toyota and Lexus Models Debut at Auto Shanghai

Posted on 23 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM) announced at Auto Shanghai 2025 in China today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in China.

“China is a highly advanced market that leads the way in electrification, with BEVs accounting for a high proportion of new car sales. Toyota announced the new bZ7 BEV, which follows the bZ4X, bZ3, bZ3X, and bZ5, while Lexus announced the new ES BEV, which follows the UX and RZ BEVs, in order to further accelerate a multi-pathway approach while responding to the needs of local customers,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariff Pandemic is Crisis for the U.S. Auto Industry

Posted on 17 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Swamy Kotagiri the Chief Executive Officer of MAGNA spoke to the Automotive Press Association this week in Michigan about the complexities of the global automobile industry. He spoke as global volumes are relatively flat and volumes in North America and Europe are down. Now programs are being canceled after the investments are made. Volumes are being reduced after the capacity is installed.

“There is increased spending over a smaller number of units. This is sub-optimal for returns. And what does our industry look for? Scale and we need stability to be efficient through the value chain, given how the industry works to be efficient,” said Kotagiri, whose next big event is the Shanghai Motor Show at the end of the month to be held in the midst of the ongoing Trump versus the world trade wars. Last year MAGNA did ~$5.5 billion in sales in China, growing 15%. Continue reading →

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Porsche EV Sales Up in Q1 2025

Posted on 11 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said today that it substantially increased the share of electrified vehicles it sold in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 71,470 vehicles were delivered to customers worldwide between January and March, 38.5% of which were electrified. This share is comprised of 25.9% all-electric vehicles and 12.6% plug-in hybrids.

“The Macan performed very well in the first quarter and, with the all-electric variant, is making a significant contribution to our increased electrification rate. Overall, we have a very balanced powertrain mix that reflects the different preferences of our customers, globally,” said Matthias Becker, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. Continue reading →

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Nissan Launches Next Gen Autonomous Drive in FY 27

Posted on 10 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) said today it will launch the next generation of autonomous driving technology in the Japanese fiscal year of 2027 (1 April 2026 and ends on 31 March 2028).*

“The system, featuring Nissan Ground Truth Perception technology with next-generation Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software, will set a new standard for autonomous driving with advanced collision avoidance capability,” Nissan claimed. 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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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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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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Honda 0 SUV Appears at Red Bull Showrun x

Posted on 2 April 2025 by Ken Zino

A prototype of the Honda 0 SUV made its global public debut today driven by Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen at the Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event in Tokyo, Japan.* First seen at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the all-electric SUV, part of the Honda 0 Series, is expected to begin production at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in 2026. The Honda and Red Bull Racing partnership is set to conclude at the end of 2025 season. Continue reading →

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Renault and Nissan Shuffle Alliance Holdings

Posted on 31 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Renault Group (Euronext: RNO) and Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced new business projects for the evolving remains of the failed Renault Nissan Alliance. Renault Group would own 100% of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) by acquiring the 51% shareholding currently held by financially ailing Nissan. Nissan said it will maintain a presence in India with a focus on increasing market coverage. At its heart the shuffle involves complex product programs across global markets, once again requiring cooperation among diverse and distinct corporate cultures that have a troubled past working together. Continue reading →

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