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Category Archives: milestones
EVs Outsell Internal Combustion Vehicles in EU!
EV sales outsold internal combustion vehicles in EU during December 2025, according to data published today by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Notably, Tesla at 150,504 dropped -38% for the year. Chinese maker BYD at 128,827 posted a 228% increase. [aka ACEA at AutoInformed after its original French name].* EV sales for the full year amounted to 17.4% of the European market. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, news analysis, public health, results, sales, transportation
Tagged acea, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese maker BYD, Death of the diesel, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, tesla, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan Sells South African Plants to Chery SA
Nissan and Chery SA, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Chery Group** [China’s Number One exporter with more than 100,000 employees and sales in 132 countries or regions. AutoCrat*], said today they have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
“Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners. External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilization of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan. Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” claimed Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bidvest, Chery Group, Jordi Vila, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Nissan and Chery SA, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2026 Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 Racer
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team today unveiled the first images of its 2026 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. Race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, at the carbon fiber wheel of the W17, completed 67 laps of the Silverstone 2.979 km circuit, combining for almost 200 km of total mileage. The 2026 season inarguably the biggest technical revamp in the sport’s history, with all-new chassis, Power Unit, and fuel regulations.
“Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Andrew Shovlin, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Doriane Pin, George Russell, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 Racer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, PETRONAS, Toto Wolff, X @KenAutoinformed
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Corvette ZR1X Runs 8.675-Second Quarter Mile
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the most advanced and expensive Corvette ever, is the quickest American production car available – and the fastest way to get down a quarter-mile drag strip for under a million dollars.
“Testing on the ZR1X culminated in October 2025 with validation at US 131 Motorsports Park – reflective of the real-world environments where Corvette customers exercise their vehicles. On a prepped surface, the ZR1X completed the quarter mile in 8.675 seconds at 159 mph(see footnote 1), on pump gas, using standard-equipment tires and production 50-state street-legal engine calibration, and achieving a 0-60 mph time of 1.68 seconds (1) on the same run. The ZR1X blasted to 60 mph in less than 100 feet, generating a peak of 1.75G of acceleration force,” Chevrolet said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LT7 V8 engine, Stefan Frick, US 131 Motorsports Park, X @KenAutoinformed, ZTK Performance Package
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Cadillac Formula 1® – Checo Perez Completes First Track Laps
A Cadillac Formula 1 Team Filming Day happened this past Friday at the Silverstone track in England. The team was at the track during a pre-season promotional day as it continues preparations for its debut Formula 1® campaign during 2026. The car ran entirely in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1® Team livery set to be revealed on Sunday 8 February 2026 , via a globally televised championship broadcast during the Australian Grand Prix. [Let’s hope black isn’t symbolic of the first season of real racing – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Australian Grand Prix, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Formula 1®Team, Checo Perez, Dan Towriss, Graeme Lowdon, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Silverstone, X @KenAutoinformed
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Global Warming – Michigan Studying Geologic Hydrogen
“Michigan is a leader in clean-energy solutions,” said Governor Whitmer. “This initiative will uncover more about Michigan’s geologic hydrogen stores, which have the potential to attract long-term investments in our state and create thousands of good paying jobs for Michiganders. Together, we’re building the future of clean energy in Michigan.” [Whether this prompts an Invasion by the Trump Administration remains to be seen – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Clean Fuels Michigan, geologic hydrogen, Gretchen Whitmer, Ishan Sharma, Jane McCurry, Jim Saber, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Michigan State University, Whitmer-Gilchrist administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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Rolls-Royce – 2025 Trends, Innovations, and Achievements
“Our clients’ increasing interest and engagement in more ambitious commissions are realized in our joint pursuit of perfection. Every motor car is a singular expression of its owner’s vision, and together they reflect the spirit of innovation, craft, and cultural fluency that defines Rolls-Royce today,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, quality, sales, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Brownridge, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Phantom Centenary, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Rolls-Royce Spectre, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Laments the Death of Hans Herrmann
Porsche AG is mourning the loss of Hans Herrmann. The former racing driver passed away on 9 January 2026, at the age of 97. During his motorsport career, he achieved more than 80 overall and class victories, the vast majority of them for Porsche. Herrmann not only competed in all major endurance races and European hill climb championship events, but also conducted countless test drives at the Weissach Development Center. Above all, Hermann was instrumental in making Porsche a serious competitor in endurance racing.
“The passing of Hans Herrmann has deeply affected us all,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “He was one of Porsche AG’s most successful factory racing drivers. With the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, Richard Attwood and he made history.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 550 Porsche Spyder at Carrera Panamericana and Mille Miglia, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, B.R.M., Borgward, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Gerhard Mitter, German Sports Car Champion, Hans Herrmann, Jo Siffert, Juan Manuel Fangio, Karl Kling, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, maserati, nürburgring, porsche 356, Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder, Porsche 917 at 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolf Stommelen, stirling moss, Targa Florio, Thomas Laudenbach, Udo Schütz, Vic Elford, Weissach Development Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes AMG 2026 Experience Goes Off-Road
Mercedes‑AMG today announced the continuation and expansion of its 2026 AMG Experience season with the inclusion for the first time of off-road driving. “Back by popular demand, AMG Experience’s ‘On Road’ program returns in 2026. This exclusive six-day excursion features … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 2026 AMG Experience, AMG G 63, AMG Purchase Reward Program Discount, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, circuit of the Americas, Grand Teton National Park, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Road Atlanta, Sonoma Raceway, Virginia International Raceway, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese RoboVan Maker Neolix Debuts Next Gen Products
Neolix, a maker of autonomous logistics products (RoboVan), today announced the debut of its next-generation AI-powered autonomous logistics products at CES 2026. Its full RoboVan lineup is said to enable large-scale, end-to-end urban logistics. Neolix thinks that autonomous is the cornerstone of the future urban infrastructure.
“Autonomous logistics has reached a critical tipping point, transitioning from experimental pilots to true commercial scale,” said YU Enyuan, Founder and CEO of Neolix. “2025 was a milestone year where we achieved mass deployment, refined our mapless technology, and expanded our global footprint. At CES 2026, we are presenting the global market with our fully integrated autonomous solution in action, showcasing a new generation of urban infrastructure that is always-on, highly efficient, and ready for global growth.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged AI-Powered Fleet Management, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, autonomous logistics products, CES 2026, china, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, L4 mapless autonomous driving, Neolix, Neolix Qingdao, Neolix X1, RoboVan X1, RoboVans, X @KenAutoinformed, YU Enyuan
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Cox Fleet Commences for Trucking and other Industries
“Cox Fleet is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the fleets that keep our economy moving,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP of Cox Fleet. “By bringing our people, technology, and service capabilities together under one brand, Cox Fleet is designed to help clients improve uptime and better manage total cost of ownership.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cox Automotive, Fleet Services and FleetNet America, Joe George, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Patrick Brennan, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – 50 Years of the VW Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI (VWAGY) turns 50 this year. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date, according to Volkswagen, In The anniversary s will be celebrated with a variety of national and international events, and of course an exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 50 [footnote 1 below. There will also be world premiere of the first all-electric GTI. But it will be smaller than compact- size versions of a sporty car – AutoCrat]. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Polo GTI EV, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bremen Classic Motorshow, Golf GTI, GTI EDITION 50, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Rétromobile, X @KenAutoinformed
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Happy Clean New Year California Air Resources Board!
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said today that it continued its critical mission and remained focused on its duties to improve air quality and public health and to tackle climate change.
This is inarguable, despite the Trump Administration’s direct and ongoing assault on public health and active resistance to the compounding worsening effects of Global Warming on the economy and the continued existence of planet earth itself. (Read AutoInformed.com on Clean air, climate change and global warming -AutoCrat. See *below) Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, California’s Cap-and-Invest Program, carb, greenhouse gas emissions, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Landfill Methane Regulation, large methane leaks, Lauren Sanchez, Liane Randolph, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Mobile Monitoring, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, X @KenAutoinformed, Zero-emission vehicles
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First Look – Genesis X Skorpio Concept
Genesis this week unveiled the X Skorpio Concept, an off-road vehicle designed to perform within demanding terrain including deserts. This happened in Rub’ al Khali “Empty Quarter” desert in the UAE.* “The X Skorpio concept is an extreme off-road vehicle … Continue reading →