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- Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived
- Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
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Category Archives: milestones
Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
“This milestone reflects the skill of our Canton team and the strength of the community behind them,” said Victor Taylor, division vice president, U.S. Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Production Engineering. “Canton’s precision, pride and consistency are in every truck that rolls off the line.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant, christian meunier, Frontier pickup, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Victor Taylor, X @KenAutoinformed
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California Air Resources Board Tweaks Cap-and-Invest
“At a moment when climate policy is under attack and global economic upheaval is creating real uncertainty, this rule-making is critically important for California,” said CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez. “California has both an opportunity and a responsibility to lead with consistency. By moving forward today, we are responding to real affordability concerns while sending a clear and unwavering signal to the world that we remain committed to long-term investment in clean energy, good jobs, and healthier communities.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, energy, environment, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, opinions, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Air Resources Board, CARB Cap-and-Invest Program Changes, energy affordability, Ken Zino commenting as AutoCrat, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lauren Sanchez, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Volkswagen Chattanooga at 15 Years
Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga Plant is celebrating 15 years since its grand opening in May 2011 (VOW3.DE or OTC VOW3.DE). Volkswagen Chattanooga has assembled more than 1.85 million vehicles, invested $4.3 billion in its operations, and now employs more than 4,000 team members. Today, the plant is home to the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The models together composed about 30% of Volkswagen’s U.S. sales in 2025. The plant is also noteworthy as becoming UAW organized despite VW’s long opposition to a union in North America. Tennessee is a Right to Work state [right to work for less? – AutoCrat] since 1947. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, opinions, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chattanooga State Community College, Henning Habicht, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mechatronics Academy at Volkswagen, Oakridge National Lab, Summer STEM camps, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Chattanooga, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Eliminates Production Engineering Development Center
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said today that it is eliminating its Production Engineering Development Center. It’s part of the organizational changes TMC is taking to recover from its weak 2026 Japanese fiscal-year results as well as changes announced at the 122nd Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in April 2026.
“Manufacturing engineering functions across the Production Group, Production Engineering Development Center, Powertrain Company, and other relevant organizations will be consolidated under the newly established Production Engineering Group,” TMC said in a release.
“By bringing together the capabilities and expertise cultivated in each area and further integrating engineering, production, and manufacturing engineering, Toyota will strengthen its manufacturing capabilities for the future,” TMC claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Motoki Watanabe, Takefumi Shiga, Toyota Motor Production Engineering Group, X @KenAutoinformed, Yuko Kamata
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Indianapolis 500 in 2026 – Closet Finish in 110 Years!
The final lap of wheel-to-wheel racing to take the checkered flag at the Indianapolis 500 culminated in the closest finish in the 110-year history at the Brickyard. However, it was only one of the “500” or more heart-throbbing moments that inarguably supports the claim that the 500 is the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Felix Rosenqvist drove the high line against the concrete wall exiting Turn 4 on Lap 200 in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian and powered past the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet of David Malukas to triumph by .0233 of a second. The previous closest finish in “500” history came in 1992, when Al Unser Jr. held off a charging Scott Goodyear by .043 of a second. Continue reading
Posted in milestones, news analysis, opinions, people, performance, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged 110th Indianapolis 500, Alex Palou, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Malukas, Felix Rosenqvist, IndyCar cheating, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Penske Entertainment, roger penske, Scott Dixon, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – NISMO Coming to Australia
“NISMO represents one of the most authentic expressions of Nissan’s passion for performance, innovation and customer excitement,” said Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Company. “As we advance our long-term vision of mobility intelligence for everyday life, we will continue to deliver new experiences to our customers. The expansion of the NISMO brand in markets such as Australia is an important step in bringing exciting experiences to customers who value performance and authenticity,” Espinosa claimed. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ivan Espinosa, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, nismo, NISMO Omori Factory, NISMO Performance Centers, Nissan Motorsports & Customizing, X @KenAutoinformed, Yutaka Sanada
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Annals of Marketing – BMW LEGO M3 E30
“The BMW M3 E30 is now available as a LEGO® Speed Champions set. The exclusive kit featuring a special-edition livery design is a unique heritage item for fans of all ages,” BMW said.
“The distinctive livery pays tribute to the car’s legendary heritage and draws inspiration from the BMW M Motorsport division. Besides the visually captivating forms and colors of the livery, it is unique in that it is applied not only to the scaled-down replica LEGO® Speed Champions BMW M3 E30 version, but also to the actual BMW M3 E30,” BMW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW M3, BMW M3 E30 show car, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LEGO® Speed Champions BMW M3 E30, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030 Financial Reform Revealed
“We have great people, the muscle of global scale, unmatched brands that connect and inspire, the deep local roots of our regions and dealer partners to meet our customers’ distinctive needs, and a relentless focus on innovation and excellence in execution. With these strengths, we are uniquely positioned to offer delight, functionality, and affordability. Adding to these the accelerating and amplifying benefits of our ‘win-win’ partnerships, we have everything we need to deliver our FaSTLAne 2030 ambitions,” claimed Filosa. [This is the corporate equivalent of betting on the come line in the Casino at Monte Carlo – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, engineering, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, opinions, results, shows and events
Tagged alfa romeo, Anthony Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, chrysler, citroën, Dodge, Dongfeng Group, Fiat, jeep, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, opel, Peugeot, ram, Stellantis FaSTLAne 2030, STLA One platform, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles Coming to EU Via Stellantis
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and the Dongfeng Group today announced their intention to form a European joint venture for shared sales, distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, and engineering activities. The joint venture would take responsibility for the sales and distribution of Dongfeng’s Voyah-branded vehicles in designated markets in Europe. This would circumvent EU tariff’s on Chinese-made vehicles. [Stellantis and Dongfeng Group recently announced the production of all-new Peugeot and Jeep models in China for the domestic market and export – AutoCrat]*
“The plans we are announcing today take our recently strengthened cooperation with Dongfeng to an all-new dimension of an international partnership to the benefit of customers around the world,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing, leveraging the best of Stellantis’ global footprint alongside Dongfeng’s access to China’s advanced new energy vehicles ecosystem.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, opinions, software defined vehicles
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, bevs, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobile Co., Dongfeng Voyah Vehicles, extended-range EVs, fcvs, fuel cell vehicles, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, PHEVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Qing YANG, Rennes plant in France, Stellantis and Dongfeng, Voyah Free, Wuhan plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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HondaJet APMG S Upgrade Expands to Mexico
Honda Aircraft Company said today that the so-called APMG S program (footnote 1) is now available to owners in both the U.S. and Mexico of HondaJet Classic and APMG aircraft. This improves performance and adds the capabilities of recent technical innovations.
“We are excited to provide our customers in Mexico the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations of the award-winning HondaJet,” said Amod Kelkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Honda Aircraft Company. “We are pursuing additional international certifications and hope to expand availability of the APMG S upgrade package to more HondaJet customers around the world soon.” Continue reading
Posted in aviation, electronics, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, performance
Tagged Amod Kelkar, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, avionics software, Honda aircraft company, hondajet, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, legacy HondaJet fleet, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Annual General Meeting – Chair Oliver Zipse Retires
At the 106th Annual BMW (XETRA: BMWG.DE) General Meeting today, Chair Oliver Zipse retired after 35 years with the German maker of premium automobiles and motorcycles.* Effective tomorrow, Milan Nedeljković assumes the Chair position on the Board of Management of BMW AG. Raymond Wittmann will succeed Nedeljković as Board Member for Production.
“For more than 35 years, the BMW Group has been my professional home. I am leaving with a deep sense of gratitude: for the trust that was placed in me, for the professional challenges that have taken me to various areas in the company; and above all, for an exceptional team that is shaping the mobility of the future with passion and a pioneering spirit. It has been a great honor for me to lead the BMW Group as Chairman of the Board of Management for seven years,” said Zipse. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, people, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, BMW iX3, BMW M, bmw motorrad, EU CO2, european commission, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, mini, Net Zero, Oliver Zipse, Raymond Wittmann Milan Nedeljković, rolls royce, Stefan Quandt, Susanne Klatten, tariff debate, X @KenAutoinformed, XETRA: BMWG.DE
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Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join UAW
“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”
“The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) has been informed that eligible hourly employees have voted in favor of union representation through the United Auto Workers (UAW). We respect the outcome of this process and our employees’ right to make this decision. As we move into the next phase, our focus remains on working together, as one team, in support of our mission to ‘put YOU at the center of science.’ We are committed to continuing to deliver immersive, engaging, and impactful STEM experiences for the communities we serve in Detroit and across Michigan,” MI-SCI told AutoInformed. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Christian Greer, Ken Zino, LaShawn English, MI-SCI, Michigan Science Center, Myriam Springuel, Smithsonian Affiliate, UAW Region 1, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities,” said Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing. “Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics.” Continue reading →