Category Archives: mobility company

Lexus Adds F-Sport Trim to the 2026 LX 

Posted on 26 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Lexus said today that the LX for the 2026 model year will offer an F SPORT Appearance Package, available exclusively on the LX 700h F SPORT Handling model. The package has color-keyed lower front and rear bumper accents, black outside mirror covers, black rear spoiler winglets, and color-keyed running board accents. The 2026 LX is offered in five grades: Premium, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and Overtrail. For the first time a Hybrid Powertrain is available. Pricing ranges from $107,950 to $142,450. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Subaru Connection Hub

Posted on 25 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Subaru of America today unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. Customers will begin to see the Subaru Connection Hub at participating retailers in 2026.

“Following decades of growth and evolution at Subaru, the new Connection Hub reflects where our brand stands today and where we are headed, while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to our customers and communities through the Subaru Love Promise. This is more than a design update – it transforms our retailers’ facilities into welcoming hubs for customers and communities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate what they love about our brand,” said Tim Stallings, Vice President, Retailer Development, Subaru of America. Continue reading →

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Bad Seat Belts – Hyundai Recalls 568,580 Palisade SUVs

Posted on 22 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling ~568,580 2020-2025 model-year Palisade SUVs. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch. Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall was prompted by a growing number of customer complaints the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  Office of Defect Investigations. ZF Lifetec in India is the supplier of the defective buckle.

In the mandatory safety recall documents made public by NHTSA today Hyundai said, “Customers may notice a lighter than normal audible “click” during the fastening process and/or a recessed push button on the buckle housing. Additionally, if the seat belt becomes unbuckled, the Palisade is equipped with visual and auditory notifications for all seating positions within the vehicle.” Continue reading →

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Failing IPs – Huge Toyota and Lexus Software Recall

Posted on 22 September 2025 by Ken Zino

In the mandatory recall filing [49 CFR § 573] made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today Toyota said, “The subject vehicles are equipped with a combination meter system where various information is displayed (telltale and indicator lights, vehicle gauges, messages, etc.) in a 12.3-inch display monitor in the instrument panel. Due to improper programming of the combination meter, unnecessary data is repeatedly written to a memory device in the combination meter when the combination meter operates, causing the memory device to deteriorate earlier than intended.”

“If this occurs, the 12.3-in monitor will not be displayed at ignition on and will remain in this state. If the vehicle is driven without a working 12.3-in monitor and certain malfunctions occur during that drive, there is a possibility that indicators, such as brake system or tire pressure warning system, for those malfunctions could be missed if the driver does not notice the redundant notification on the center multimedia screen. Depending on the malfunction, continuous driving could lead to an increased risk of a crash or an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 1908 Billy Durant Founds GM

Posted on 19 September 2025 by AutoCrat

William “Billy” Crapo Durant founded General Motors this week on 16 September 1908 with Buick as the cornerstone. Durant soon brought Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland (Pontiac predecessor) and two dozen other companies under a GM holding company. However, Durant lost control of the company to bankers in 1910 after his money supply was cut off. To get new financing, Durant, while remaining a GM vice president, relinquished control of the company to a new board comprised of bankers, but in those days GM was running without taxpayer subsidies or bailouts.

“The business philosophy was simple and as history shows enormously successful. One company – General Motors – would own and sell multiple brands making for greater growth and profits. It proved true,” said AutoCrat. Continue reading →

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American Honda Advances the Circular Economy

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda (NYSE: HMC) said today that operations of its new Resource Circularity Center have begun. Located near the Marysville and East Liberty Auto Plants in Ohio, the Honda Resource Circularity Center is consistent with Honda’s  global goal to reduce its environmental impact by creating a circular economy business model that maximizes material value and extends the lifecycle of indirect goods.

“Going beyond traditional manufacturing recycling programs that focus on direct materials such as scrap metal and plastics used to produce products, the Honda Resource Circularity Center focuses on recycling and repurposing indirect goods – tools, equipment and other items used in operations, including those that support vehicle production. These include everything from tools like torque wrenches and industrial robots to office chairs and vehicle service replacement parts such as aluminum wheels. Honda aims to recover value from such decommissioned items, helping divert waste from landfills and lower reliance on virgin raw materials,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Updates Growth and Profit Strategy

Posted on 18 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) in New York today unveiled its latest growth strategy at the company’s first CEO Investor Day held outside of Korea. The event served as a stage to convey the company’s mid-to long-term strategy to investors and stakeholders, prompted in large part by Trump’s tariff wars.

“In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Demolish Glass House, Build New WHQ

Posted on 15 September 2025 by Ken Zino

In a letter sent to Ford employees this morning Bill Ford, executive chair, and Jim Farley, president and CEO, said Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) will demolish its World Headquarters, aka Glass House, and replace it on the newly named Henry Ford II World Center, formerly the Product Development Center or Campus. It is scheduled to open this November. It will be dedicated as Ford World Headquarters. Ford did not name the architect.

“This is more than just a new building; it’s a catalyst for innovation and a physical symbol of our Ford+ transformation. To win in this new era, we must work more closely together than ever before,” Bill Ford and Jim Farley said. “This is more than just a new building; it’s a catalyst for innovation and a physical symbol of our Ford+ transformation. To win in this new era, we must work more closely together than ever before.” Continue reading →

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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Priced – Bring Money

Posted on 12 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA said today that 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid* arrives at U.S. dealerships in early fall 2025, starting from $93,3502. That excludes a $1150 destination and delivery charge as well as options. AutoInformed speculates that Trump Tariff chaos had something to do with the price. Green would be an appropriate color under the circumstances. No U.S. photos or the rear interior area of the wagon were provided. Continue reading →

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New Porsche 911 Turbo S Most Powerful 911 Ever

Posted on 12 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche (P911.DE) showed the new 911 Turbo S series at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The twin-turbo powertrain with so-called T-Hybrid technology makes the new 911 Turbo S the most powerful production 911 thus far. The sports car, available as a coupé and cabriolet, claims more intelligent aerodynamics, an optimized chassis and more exclusive equipment. Prices, inevitably high, are thus far are unknown. They will be influenced negatively by the ongoing Trump Tariff economic chaos.

“The 911 Turbo S is the most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911. Whether in daily use, on long autobahn journeys or on the racetrack – we have made the new 911 Turbo S even more comfortable, more individual and significantly faster than its predecessor,” said Frank Moser, Vice President of the 911 and 718 model line. Continue reading →

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Nissan Testing Cooperative Congestion Management

Posted on 10 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan said today that a trial with UC Berkeley and Contra Costa Transportation Authority showed how connected vehicles can help reduce congestion. Nissan’s Cooperative Congestion Management (CCM) trial resulted in 85% fewer hard-braking events and 70% less time stopped in traffic during 600 miles of testing. It’s the latest example of how connected vehicles can yield safety benefits, although there are still huge, unanswered questions about privacy rights and the lack of regulations with the impending monitoring by State and the Federal government entities. Continue reading →

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A BMW Motorcycle for Pope Leo XIV?

Posted on 9 September 2025 by Ken Zino

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 →

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Togg Türkiye Debuts Two Models at IAA Mobility

Posted on 8 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Mobility brand Togg said today that it is celebrating its market entry in Germany at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, alongside the world premiere of its production-ready T10F fastback sedan. With the all-electric SUV T10X and the T10F, Togg is introducing two models to the German market, both of which achieved the top rating of five stars in the independent Euro NCAP safety assessment.

“With the T10X and T10F, we are entering the European market with confidence. Achieving five stars from Euro NCAP underlines that safety has been a top priority for us from the very beginning” said CEO Gürcan Karakaş. Starting September 29, 2025, both models will be available for online orders exclusively via Trumore, the in-house service and ordering platform of Togg. More than 70,000 users in Türkiye are already driving the flagship T10X. Continue reading →

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Porsche to Debut Wireless Charging on 26 Cayenne!

Posted on 4 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche said today that it will offer an 11-kW charging system with a one-box base plate for wireless charging on its upcoming battery-electric vehicles. This at the moment appears to be breakthrough. If things go as planned, Porsche will be the first automaker to offer a convenient recharging system already in widespread use in cellphone apps.

“Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility,” said Porsche Board Member for Development Dr. Michael Steiner. “We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient.” Continue reading →

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Toyota Joins Tokyo Hydrogen Fuel Venture

Posted on 3 September 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) announced today that it has joined “TOKYO H2,” a new project launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on 3 September aiming to make Tokyo a global leader in hydrogen. As part of this public-private initiative, the Crown has been introduced into the fuel cell taxi fleet to expand adoption.

“The Crown combines the exceptional quietness unique to a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) with spacious rear seating and excellent ease of entry and exit, delivering comfortable and a premium travel experience unmatched by conventional taxis,” Toyota said. Continue reading →

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