Category Archives: milestones

BMW Group Increases Its CO2 Reduction Goals

Posted on 2 December 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group said today that it has defined a new 2035 milestone for cutting CO2e emissions on the road to net zero. The company aims to reduce its CO2e emissions by at least 60 million metric tons compared to 2019 levels, an additional reduction of approximately 20 million tons of CO2e beyond the existing 2030 target.

“The BMW Group has intentionally set itself the additional 2035 milestone to consistently advance its de-carbonization strategy. Global customer demand for electric vehicles alone will not be sufficient to achieve the CO2e targets set for 2030 and 2035. The comprehensive approach to reducing CO2e emissions therefore spans the entire vehicle life cycle, irrespective of the drive variant,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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Visit Qatar to Be Principal Partner of Audi F1 Team

Posted on 29 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The Audi F1 Team today announced that Visit Qatar will become a principal partner upon the team’s entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. Qatar of course is developing as a hub of sport and tourism. It holds the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the FIFA World Cup. The timing was propitious. Not only is it the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend  underway at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha with  both sprint race and a Grand Prix, but the disqualifications of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7: – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All three drivers could be contending there for the Driver’s Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit, United Arab Emirates. [Read AutoInformed.com on: F1 – Qatar Investment Authority Buys Into Sauber – AutoCrat] Continue reading →

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Nissan to Test Autonomous Mobility Service in Nada Gogo

Posted on 28 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced that, in collaboration with Kobe City, it will begin a field test of an autonomous mobility service in the Nada Gogo area starting 19 January 2026.

“The Nada Gogo area in Kobe is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated worldwide for its traditional sake brewing and rich history. Through this test, Nissan will leverage its autonomous driving technology to offer a new travel experience for visitors touring sake breweries, enhancing convenience for tourists and exploring opportunities for regional revitalization. The autonomous mobility service seeks to create new experiential value for visitors and contribute to the promotion of tourism in Kobe,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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First and Last Look – BMW Z4 Final Edition

Posted on 26 November 2025 by Ken Zino

BMW said today in Woodcliff Lake, NJ that it will debut the Z4 Final Edition – a special Z4 M40i commemorating the end of production of the 2-seat Roadster. The Z4 Final Edition will be characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates. The two-seat sports car with a 3-liter inline six cylinder engine will have a MSRP of $77,500 plus $1175 destination and handling. There’s a long history of BMW sports cars including the BMW 328 Roadster, the BMW 507, and the BMW Z8.

“Fans will instantly recognize the BMW Z4 Final Edition by its exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint – a color that highlights the Z4’s unique design characteristics and dynamic flair. The special paint is subtly contrasted by the standard Shadowline Package, which adds high-gloss black trim to the mirror caps, kidney grill, lower air intake, air breathers, and exhaust finishers. The exterior design package of the Final Edition also incorporates a Moonlight Black soft top and red calipers on the standard M Sport brakes,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Porsche Factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

Posted on 24 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In 1937, the first sketch for the Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen was drawn up.

“In the 1930s, the Porsche engineering office at Kronenstrasse 24 developed into an innovative actor in the automotive industry. However, the garages at the Porsche villa on Feuerbacher Weg were still being used to develop the first customer-commissioned vehicles. So in 1937, they decided to build a new factory in Zuffenhausen. Ferry Porsche acquired the land from the Wolff entrepreneur family, and architect Richard Pfob was responsible for the design,” said Matthias Kriegel, writing in the Porsche magazine Christophorus 416. Continue reading →

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Magna Expanding EV Powertrain Production in China

Posted on 21 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA)* said this week that it is increasing its presence in China with a new facility in the Jiujiang Economic Development Zone, Wuhu to support the growing demand of electric drive systems—starting with Chery but ultimately capable of supplying additional automakers in the future.

“This expansion reflects Magna’s commitment to supporting our customers’ electrification strategies and advancing sustainable mobility,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “Wuhu offers a strong industrial foundation and an environment conducive to innovation. We are excited to bring our world-class electric drive technologies closer to Chery and other partners in China.” Continue reading →

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IONNA Plans $250M Outlay in California EV Charging

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

IONNA* said today that is planning an outlay of more than $250 million in infrastructure across California during the next three years.**

“This week’s expansion into California is a snapshot of the national momentum IONNA has built in under a year’s time,” said Seth Cutler, Chief Executive Officer of IONNA. ‘IONNA Speed’ isn’t just about how quickly we grow, but also how we deliver, and the IONNA team consistently operates with a driver-first mentality to elevate the charging experience. Every new Rechargery reflects our commitment to providing the coverage, quality, and reliability our drivers deserve.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys More U.S. Dealerships

Posted on 19 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has acquired Longo Toyota and Longo Lexus, located in El Monte, California, Lexus of Stevens Creek, located in San Jose, California, and Longo Toyota of Prosper, located in Prosper, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

“The acquisition of these premier dealerships represents a strategic addition to the Penske Automotive Group portfolio. The transaction strengthens our relationship with the Toyota and Lexus brands and expands the Company’s presence in southern California to the Los Angeles area, complements the Company’s existing presence in northern California and expands our operations in Texas to the fast-growing Dallas market. We look forward to continuing the outstanding legacy of these dealerships and are excited to welcome these new team members to Penske Automotive Group,” said Rich Shearing, North American Operations Officer. Continue reading →

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Used Ford Vehicles Now for Sale on Amazon Autos

Posted on 19 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F)* said earlier this week that customers can now shop for, finance and purchase Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned (CPO) Ford vehicles on Amazon Autos (NASDAQ: AMZN). Key, however, is that the business relationship remains with the participating Ford dealer. Amazon enables the transaction. All follow-up, service, and privacy matters are handled by the dealer, not Amazon. Initially only a small number of dealers are participating.

“This new collaboration allows customers to browse a participating local dealer’s inventory directly through Amazon’s website, complete most of the paperwork online, and then schedule a convenient time to pick up the selected vehicle,” said Wendy Lane is senior manager of Ford Blue Advantage vehicles. Continue reading →

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The American Story Debuts at National Archives Museum

Posted on 18 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The National Archives Museum said today that it will open its new flagship exhibition, The American Story, on Friday 21 November to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial. The American Story brings more than two million historic records to life.

“The American Story is boldly presented in this exciting new exhibition that blends 250 years of history with the latest technologies to create a one-of-a-kind museum experience. Millions of records in the National Archives shine light on America’s exceptional people – from the founding to present day – now digitized and waiting to be explored. We encourage visitors from across the United States and around the world to add this new museum to their Washington, DC itineraries and experience The American Story,” said Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Archivist of the United States. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

More than three months before its first race in Formula 1, Audi provided a preview of its presence at its Brand Experience Center in Munich. Just like in future production models, Audi will bring uncompromising clarity to the racetrack and beyond. Carefully crafted statements were made by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella.

“Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger. It’s the next step in the company’s renewal, designed to strengthen our competitiveness on the global stage. In Formula 1, every second counts. Success demands performance, precision and teamwork. This mindset will drive a new performance culture across the entire company and a catalyst for change towards a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariffs – Toyota to Invest ~$10 Billion In U.S. Ops

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced an additional investment of up to $10 billion in the United States during the next five years. This will bring the company’s total U.S. investment to ~$60 billion since beginning operations in the U.S. about … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Joins the Tesla Supercharger Network Party

Posted on 12 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen of America today announced that its ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network of 25,000 NACS Partner DC fast chargers, beginning November 18th. To enable the ID.4 and ID. Buzz vehicles to use the network, customers must purchase a Volkswagen-approved NACS adapter that will allow compatible Volkswagen electric vehicles to charge using the North American Charging System (NACS) fast charger plug. [Volkswagen is late to the Supercharger party – AutoCrat]

“This is great news for our EV owners,” said Petar Danilovic, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America. “They will now be able to access the more than 25,000 DC fast chargers on the Tesla Supercharger network across the United States, in addition to the more than 5,000 fast chargers on Electrify America’s grid. This makes life much more convenient, whether you are taking a road trip or you rely on public charging should home charging not be an option.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Credit Card

Posted on 11 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In Stuttgart today Porsche said that the new Porsche Card offers more than just the simple payment function, it is the key to the Porsche world.*

“‘Feel Porsche in every moment’ – With this motto, the new Porsche Card promises the Porsche spirit in credit card format. The comprehensive service package is specially tailored to Porsche customers and focuses on experiences, comfort and convenience. At the heart of the card are services from the areas of Porsche Family, Exclusive Lifestyle, Mobility and Peace of Mind. Popular benefits such as free Avis Priority airport parking or the comprehensive insurance package have been retained and expanded to include many other services,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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Michigan – Tariffs Cause Higher Grocery Prices, More Expensive Housing, Put Jobs at Risk

Posted on 5 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive directive to gauge the impact of federal tariffs on Michigan’s economy, several State of Michigan departments submitted reports pointing to higher prices and costly delays that would ultimately impact Michiganders. Today, the U.S. … Continue reading →

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