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Category Archives: milestones
Aston Martin Debuts Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin in Gaydon today announced the arrival of the new Vanquish Volante. It is the fastest, most powerful open top (convertible in Brit speak – AutoCrat) series production Aston Martin to date. It shares with the coupe the claim as the fastest, most powerful front-engine production car on sale today. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 5.2-liter V12 engine, Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin twin-turbocharged, Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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CARB Using Methane Leak Satellite Data
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today announced that the state is moving forward with an innovative effort to reduce planet-warming methane emissions using satellite technology. The project is made possible by a $100 million state budget investment to purchase methane plume data collected by satellites. Methane is a climate pollutant that warms the atmosphere at least 25 times more than carbon dioxide.
“Decades of progress to protect public health is on the line with these EPA rollbacks. California isn’t having it. Thanks to our state investment, we’re using satellite technology to detect methane leaks as they happen. With this new data, we’ll be able to move faster to cut harmful methane pollution – protecting Californians and the clean air we’ve fought so hard for,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. Continue reading
Posted in environment, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Energy Commission, climate harming pollutants, co2, Governor Gavin Newsom, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ken Zino, methane leaks, satellite methane monitoring and reduction programs, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Indy 500 Milk Cartons
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) said today that the American Dairy Association Indiana and Prairie Farms Dairy are collaborating to bring Indianapolis 500-branded milk pints and cartons to fans across the Midwest. The tradition of drinking milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 goes back to 1936 when Louis Meyer, an avid drinker of buttermilk, requested a bottle after winning his third Indy 500. As the story goes, a dairy industry executive saw the newsreel footage of the iconic moment and requested milk be made available to the winner of each Indianapolis 500 thereafter. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, racing
Tagged American Dairy Association Indiana, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Helio Castroneves, indianapolis 500, Indianapolis 500-branded milk, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, indycar, J. Douglas Boles, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino, Marcus Ericsson, Penske Entertainment, Prairie Farms Dairy, Takuma Sato, Will Power, X @KenAutoinformed
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Global Warming – Rising Weather and Climate Impacts!
There are clear signs that human-induced climate change reached new heights in 2024, with some of the consequences being irreversible over hundreds if not thousands of years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which also underlined the massive economic and social upheavals from extreme weather.
“Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen — seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies with new National climate plans due this year, ” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Continue reading
Posted in environment, global warming, milestones, news, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Celeste Saulo, economic and social upheavals from extreme weather, Ken Zino, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterre, World Meteorological Organization, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan and SK On Reveal EV Battery Deal
Nissan (7201T and NSANY ADR) and SK On said today that SK On will supply ~100GWh of U.S.-made batteries from 2028 to 2033. This is Korean SK On first partnership with a Japanese automaker.
“This agreement with SK On is a significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification journey and supports further investment in U.S. manufacturing,” said Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan Americas. “Through this smart partnership with SK On, we can leverage their growing U.S. production capacity to deliver innovative, high-quality electric vehicles that meet the needs of our customers.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, energy, environment, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Canton Assembly Plant, christian meunier, Ken Zino, nissan americas, Seok-hee Lee, sk on, X @KenAutoinformed
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CFC Reduction Induces Ozone Layer Fixing
A new MIT-led study confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing as a direct result of global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. This is significant because scientists have observed signs of ozone recovery in the past. However, the new study is the first to show, with high statistical confidence, that this recovery is due primarily to the reduction of ozone-depleting substances, instead of other influences such as natural weather variability or increased greenhouse gas emissions to the stratosphere.
“There’s been a lot of qualitative evidence showing that the Antarctic ozone hole is getting better. This is really the first study that has quantified confidence in the recovery of the ozone hole,” says study author Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry. “The conclusion is, with 95% confidence, it is recovering. Which is awesome. And it shows we can actually solve environmental problems.” Continue reading
Posted in environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, results, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, El Niño, Kane Stone, Ken Zino, Klaus Hasselmann, La Niña, massachusetts institute of technology, mit, nasa, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Nobel Prize in Physics, Peidong Wang, Susan Solomon, the Montreal Protocol, the National Science Foundation, the polar vortex, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz and FYI
“By integrating FYI RAiDiO into our vehicles, we are redefining the in-car entertainment experience. This collaboration with will.i.am and his innovative AI platform allows us to offer our customers a truly personalized and interactive journey, transforming how they connect with music, news and cultural content. This is a significant step towards the future of in-car entertainment, where technology and creativity converge to enhance the driving experience,” claimed Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electronics, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged AI or artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FYI RAiDiO App, interactive radio stations, Ken Zino, Markus Schäfer, will.i.am, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota Motor Starts Crown Estate Sales in Japan
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) said today that it is starting sales of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan. The Crown launched in 1955 with a history that has grown alongside the development of the post-war Japanese economy and Toyota. The new Crown has also advanced the “making ever-better cars” ideal through TNGA [Toyota New Global Architecture platform] and the in-house company system. In 2022, Toyota unveiled four models with different personalities, rather than just one sedan, to the world as the Crown series. The latest Crown would seem to be a natural addition to the U.S. model lineup, AutoInformed speculates. The powertrain now includes hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Crown Estate Sales in Japan, HEV and PHEV Toyota models, Ken Zino, Toyota Crown Estate model, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans
Mercedes-Benz USA said today that its new VanSolution is starting for the customization of Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans. VanSolution premieres with foundational shelving upfits, starting at $3152, directly installed by Ranger Design at the Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center in Ladson, South Carolina.
“This new approach underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and driving excellence in the commercial vehicle sector. By leveraging our extensive dealer network and industry-leading expertise, we are reshaping the way vocational upfits are delivered, ensuring that our customers receive integrated solutions that streamline both the ordering and invoicing process,” said Iain Forsyth, Director, Product Management and Marketing, Vans. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Iain Forsyth, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center Ladson SC, Ranger Design, Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota and Evgo Open First Charging Stations
Evgo, one of the largest providers of public fast charging stations for electric vehicles (NASDAQ: EVGO), and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today announced the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. They are part of Toyota’s so-called “Empact” vision.* The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and have 350kW fast chargers. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DC fast charging, EVgo, James George, Ken Zino, Nasdaq EVGO, Scott Levitan, Toyota Motor North America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cadillac Formula 1 Team to Run in 2026
“We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, as the team has been accelerating its work,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula One Management leadership for us and for our collaboration with TWG. The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.”
The integration between TWG Motorsports (it also owns Spire Motorsports, Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing – AutoCrat.) and GM creates a badly needed American team for is claimed to be a global series. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing
Tagged 2026 F1 regulations, Andretti Global, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Dan Towriss, fia, Ken Zino, TWG Motorsports, X @KenAutoinformed
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Interlagos Lap Record – Taycan Turbo GT
A Taycan Turbo GT* set a time of 1:42.1 minutes on the 4.3-kilometer Interlagos circuit on 5 February 2025, Porsche said today. The lap time trimmed almost eight seconds off the record set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2022 (1:49.8 minutes). It was also just under a second inside an earlier production-car lap record set by the 911 Turbo S (1:43.087 minutes).
“Coming to Interlagos and getting behind the wheel of the Taycan Turbo GT right after winning the 24 Hours of Daytona was an incredible experience. I expected the strong acceleration and brutal torque but, ultimately, it was the overall performance that really impressed me,” said Porsche works driver Felipe Nasr who was at the wheel. Continue reading
Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, milestones, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, auto industry commentary, Autodrome José Carlos Pace, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Felipe Nasr, Interlagos circuit, Ken Zino, Peter Vogel, Porsche Penske Motorsport, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, Weissach package, X @KenAutoinformed
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Genesis Magma Racing in 2026 FIA WEC
Genesis is into motorsports, with plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027 with an Oreca-based car called GMR-001 Hypercar. “At Genesis Magma Racing, hyperspeed isn’t just a concept – it’s a reality,” said Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul in a recent interview with the Genesis newsroom.
“Building the team together and putting the different building blocks together is a challenge because nothing existed at first. It’s not just a car that we need to build. It’s a racing team. An organization. A new identity,” said Abiteboul. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cyril Abiteboul, FIA World Endurance Championship, Genesis Magma Racing, GMR-001 Hypercar, Ken Zino, Oreca, world rally championship, X @KenAutoinformed
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McLaren Automotive Using Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber
McLaren Automotive said today it has developed a world-first application of an aerospace industry composites manufacturing method scaled appropriately for volume supercar manufacturing. Deployed at the McLaren Composites Technology Center (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, the new Automated Rapid Tape (ART) production method produces McLaren ART carbon fiber structures that can be optimized to be lighter, stiffer and stronger via advanced structural optimization. They are also produced with less waste material generation. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, performance
Tagged Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automated Rapid Tape production method, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, McLaren Automotive, McLaren Composites Technology Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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Genesis Offers Free NACS Adapters
Genesis today announced that current U.S. EV owners who purchased their vehicle on or before 31 January 2025 will begin receiving emails inviting them to redeem their complimentary North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters starting the week of 7 April. This Genesis authorized adapter gives Combined Charging System (CCS1) port GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 owners access to an additional 20,000 NACS DC fast chargers in the U.S. at the Tesla Supercharger Network. Continue reading →