Category Archives: milestones

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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Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Entering the captive finance business will help us support our sales division and our retailers, and strengthen our relationship directly with our customers, which will provide long-term value for our shareholders and partners. This is a strategic opportunity to create future growth and continue our focus on customer loyalty,” said Yoichi Hori, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SOA. 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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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Motor City Garage to Debut

Posted on 3 August 2026 by Ken Zino

At the Goodyear Motor City Garage during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend, Goodyear will display the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from the opening sequence of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Heritage Collection. The vehicle is equipped with Goodyear Performance Series F70/14 custom wide-tread tires with raised white letters, a factory-accurate recreation of the original equipment specification. “The tires deliver unmistakable vintage performance and period-correct muscle-car presence,” Goodyear said. 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 to Supply Chery with 800V 2-Speed eDrive

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) said today that it has secured an 800-volt electric drive (eDrive) program award with Chery, advancing the Canadian parts supplier advanced electrification strategy in China. The program will be produced at Magna’s new Wuhu plant bringing what is inarguably state of the art electric drive technologies into localized production for leading Chinese OEMs. Unlike U.S. based suppliers and automakers, Magna operates relatively unfettered by government policies in stark contrast to King Trump’s latest threatened 50% tariff tirade against Canadian goods. Continue reading →

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Bosch Fuel-Cell System Begins Testing in Madrid

Posted on 28 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Urban public transit with a Bosch fuel cell has started test operations in Madrid. Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.

“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations,” said Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions. 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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Non-Binding ‘cellcentric’ Fuel Cell Agreement Moves Ahead

Posted on 27 July 2026 by Ken Zino

So-called ‘cellcentric’ will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous company and serve a broad range of customers in heavy-duty on-road and off-road transport, as well as other heavy-duty applications such as coaches, stationary power generation, marine, rail and heavy off-highway equipment. The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG and Toyota said they will continue to compete independently in all other areas of their respective businesses. [This will be a tricky task – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →

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Autokiniton Workers in Milan, Michigan Vote to Join the UAW

Posted on 24 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“The main reason I wanted to unionize is our wages,” said Randy Struble, a member of the Workers Volunteer Organizing Committee. “I worked at American Axle in 2006 making $25/hour. I do the same job now at Autokiniton for $23/hour. I have not had a raise since September 2022. When someone quits or gets fired, they don’t replace them. They just put the work on the remaining workers.”

“Autokiniton workers won their union election with 92% of the vote. It is clear from this overwhelming majority that they are ready for change — they are tired of the disrespect from management, low wages, and unpredictable schedules,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “They are ready to fight for the fair treatment and fair contract they deserve. I congratulate each and every Autokiniton worker on their victory. Welcome to the UAW.” Continue reading →

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Take Private Offer Made to Penske Automotive Group!

Posted on 23 July 2026 by Ken Zino

Late yesterday, the Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* announced that it had received an unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal from Penske Corporation (PC) and Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) 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 Board has established a special committee comprised of disinterested and independent directors to review and consider the Proposal. The special committee is authorized to retain advisors, including independent legal and financial advisors, to assist it in its work. There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached,” PAG said. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz Studio Los Angeles

Posted on 21 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“As one of the world’s most valuable brands, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for combining engineering excellence with emotional experiences that bring our ‘Welcome home’ promise to life. That is why we are introducing Mercedes-Benz Studios, bringing our brand into the heart of the world’s most iconic cities. Los Angeles is an important part of this global network, creating new ways for people to experience Mercedes-Benz in everyday life and making our brand feel even more accessible, personal, and welcoming,” claimed Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Sales & Customer Experience. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Honda Transmission Plant-Ohio 30th Anniversary

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

“As we celebrate 30 years of Honda manufacturing excellence in Ohio, we’re not just reflecting on our history; we’re accelerating toward the future,” said Jason Foster, Power Unit Manufacturing Plant lead. “The unyielding continued commitment of TMP-O associates to producing top-quality drivetrains will allow us to continue building on the legacy we celebrate today,”

With a total investment of more than $1 billion, the 1.1-million square-foot Ohio transmission plant employs more than 1200 associates, with the annual capacity to produce more than 1 million transmissions and gear shifts, 500,000 two-motor hybrid systems, along with transfer cases and differentials for four-wheel drive vehicles. Continue reading →

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Auto Lending – BMW i Ventures Takes Piece of KredosAi

Posted on 9 July 2026 by Ken Zino

BMW i Ventures* said today that it is the lead investment in KredosAi, a Seattle-based AI company helping businesses recover revenue.**The $7 million Series A round, led by BMW i Ventures with participation from maiden investors Motley Fool Ventures and … Continue reading →

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