Category Archives: milestones

Antonio Filosa New Stellantis CEO

Posted on 28 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis will now hold an Extraordinary Shareholder Meeting, which will be called in the coming days for Antonio Filosa to be elected to the Board to serve as an executive director of the Company. “Meanwhile, to give him full authority and ensure an efficient transition, the Board has granted him CEO powers effective June 23.”

John Elkann will continue in his role as Executive Chairman when Antonio Filosa takes up his position as Chief Executive Officer on June 23. At that time, Antonio Filosa will also announce Stellantis’ new leadership team. Continue reading →

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Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Supervisory Board Chair of BMW Retires

Posted on 14 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group* (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG ADR BMWYY) said today that Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BMW AG since 2015, and closely associated with the company for nearly four decades, is stepping down from his position, effective immediately.

“After 38 years, it is time for me to say goodbye to the BMW Group. It has been an honor to be a part of this exceptional company. I would like to thank all our associates, shareholders and stakeholders for your trust and support,” said Reithofer. “Together, we have overcome tremendous challenges and celebrated unparalleled successes. I firmly believe that the BMW Group will continue to follow its own unique BMW path.” Continue reading →

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GM and LG Energy Solution to Make Prismatic Cells in U.S.

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that it will with LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220),* commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. The announcement could be a battery technology breakthrough with significant sales and marketing advantages. This builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries.

“GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028, with pre-production expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, MI, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility,” GM said. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Completes Sale of Dunlop Brand

Posted on 7 May 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires, together with certain associated intellectual property and inventory, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (TYO: 5110). Gross cash proceeds at closing totaled $735 million, comprised of $526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee and $104 million for inventory. Goodyear said it intends to use the transaction proceeds to reduce leverage in connection with the so-called Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 20 Years of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Posted on 6 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA)** said today that it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a Team Member Appreciation Day on 3 May 3 2025, on the HMMA campus. The event brought together HMMA team members, their families, and special community guests for a day filled with family activities, plant tours, prize raffles, musical entertainment, and a closing fireworks display. The plant’s 20th year of production will officially be marked on 20 May 2025. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Five-Millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Posted on 5 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz said today that M-B Vans is celebrating a global milestone with the production of five million Sprinter vans. The five-millionth vehicle, an all-electric eSprinter, was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz Vans customer.

“The global production of five million Sprinter vans and the celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary is a testament to its enduring success. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams, the trust of our customers, and the continuous evolution of a vehicle that has defined the large van segment for three decades. We are proud of this legacy and excited for the future as we continue to drive progress in the van industry,” said Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. Continue reading →

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Milestones – The Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100

Posted on 2 May 2025 by Ken Zino

Rolls-Royce* said today that it is marking Phantom’s centenary by reflecting on some of the fascinating stories where Phantom has played a role. The marque’s designers have also created a series of original artworks about Phantom’s legacy, celebrating the motor car’s cultural impact through the decades and “capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations.”

“Phantom is much more than a motor car. For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it. From its earliest days, Phantom has been one of the most desired rewards for success and a potent symbol of power and prestige on the world stage. Beyond status, it has always offered its owners a canvas for personal expression, transformed through Bespoke craftsmanship into a moving work of art. Across music, politics, art and beyond, Phantom has been present at many of history’s defining moments. The stories that surround it – and the images they’ve inspired our designers to create – reveal its extraordinary reach, and its enduring connection to greatness,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs

Posted on 1 May 2025 by Ken Zino

“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading →

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First Look – Gen 2 Citroën C5 Aircross

Posted on 29 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Citroën unveiled today the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV, which is the first Citroën built from the new Stellantis STLA Medium platform. It has a range of electrified powertrains – hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.

“The New C5 Aircross offers greater peace of mind by incorporating driving aids that make life easier, such as the Citroën Matrix Leds or Pack drive Assist 2.0, and by offering a choice of several electrified energies to suit different needs, setting new standards in terms of freedom of movement: more than 100 km in electric mode in the plug-in hybrid version for everyday journeys in town, up to 680 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the electric version, and more than 950 km in the hybrid version (WLTP combined cycle),” Citroën said. Continue reading →

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Porsche 911 GT3 – Sets Nordschleife Record

Posted on 18 April 2025 by Ken Zino

“More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line. “We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK seven-speed is significantly faster – we drove our official lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK, and with a conventional instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 shaved ~3.6 seconds off the time of its predecessor with PDK.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Cadillac Dining Experience

Posted on 8 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac said today that its limited-time dining experience “Cadillac of Reservations” is expanding to three more U.S. cities this spring and summer. More consumers will have the chance to enjoy a dining experience in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ* at some of the buzziest restaurants including La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills (April), COTE Korean Steakhouse in Miami (early summer) and State Bird Provisions in San Francisco (late summer). Continue reading →

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Honda R&D to Test Life-Support Systems in Space

Posted on 4 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda today announced plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system at the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with space and technology companies Sierra Space and Tec-Masters.

“The project is part of Honda’s vision for a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide advanced energy storage capable of supporting human life on the lunar surface,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Rolls-Royce Phantom Cherry Blossom

Posted on 2 April 2025 by Ken Zino

Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of “Hanami” or ‘”flower viewing.” During Hanami, families and friends gather beneath the delicate pink blooms of cherry trees for picnics and celebrations, enjoying the transient beauty of the season, Rolls Royce noted today. A client in Japan wished to capture their cherished Hanami memories, spanning childhood and parenthood. Thus is the backstory of the latest custom or bespoke Phantom Cherry Blossom. This is a one-of-one Phantom commission said to be inspired by the fleeting beauty of the Sakura blooms and a Japanese client’s formative memories of this natural spectacle. Continue reading →

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Renault and Nissan Shuffle Alliance Holdings

Posted on 31 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Renault Group (Euronext: RNO) and Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced new business projects for the evolving remains of the failed Renault Nissan Alliance. Renault Group would own 100% of Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) by acquiring the 51% shareholding currently held by financially ailing Nissan. Nissan said it will maintain a presence in India with a focus on increasing market coverage. At its heart the shuffle involves complex product programs across global markets, once again requiring cooperation among diverse and distinct corporate cultures that have a troubled past working together. Continue reading →

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Porsche Adding Wider Range of Apps and Services

Posted on 28 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Porsche AG (P911.DE) said this week that  it is optimizing its hardware for improved performance so that its App center offers  a wider range of services, including Dolby Atmos® for an immersive sound,  the integration of the Amazon Alexa® voice assistant among other things. It will also be offering Porsche Connect at no charge for 10 years on the purchase of new Porsche models. Thus Porsche known for its automotive performance technology is finally updating its digital age technology.*

“With the start of the new model year, the 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne model series will benefit from significant improvements in infotainment technology and an expanded range of new functions in this area,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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