Category Archives: milestones

Center for Automotive Research – Elizabeth Krear is President

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Krear as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Krear assumes the role following interim leadership by David Leckey.

“I am excited and honored to lead CAR during such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Krear. “CAR’s work is essential in helping stakeholders navigate electrification, automation, sustainability, and policy shifts. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure CAR remains a trusted voice and strategic catalyst for the future of automotive,” said Krear. She brings a career-long focus on automotive innovation, electrification, and strategic planning. She is a home-grown Michigan engineer, executive and industry analyst. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 600,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Posted on 6 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The 600,000th unit of the legendary Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria – a G580 with EQ Technology in Obsidian Black Metallic- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this week. Accompanied by the S- and E‑Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-produced model series in the history of Mercedes‑Benz passenger cars. Continue reading →

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BMW iX3 Production, Supply and Use Sustainability

Posted on 4 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the iX3 Neue Klasse marks an important milestone toward achieving the company’s 2030 and 2050 CO2 emission targets,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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Corvette Claims Production Car Records at Nürburgring

Posted on 4 August 2025 by Ken Zino

A Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ZR1 and ZR1X recently ran the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit where it’s said, for the first time in the track’s history, an automaker brought three different cars with three non-race-car drivers to record three lap times in a single visit. Three of the Chevrolet engineers who helped develop these cars drove the so-called Green Hell. While amateurs of a sort, all have extensive experience and advanced driving credentials.

“No auto manufacturer has done a Nürburgring lap attempt like this before,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “From development through production, and now at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Green Hell, we have clearly shown there is no limit to what our GM engineers and vehicles can accomplish. These are the best Corvettes in history, period.” Continue reading →

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Bosch Finishes Largest Acquisition in Its History

Posted on 1 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Bosch Group said today that it completed the largest acquisition in its history. The purchase of the residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business from Johnson Controls, and the acquisition of the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture. They were completed as scheduled on 31 July. The contracts were signed roughly one year ago. The purchase price of 8 billion U.S. dollars (~€7.4 billion) is subject to customary adjustments.

“The entire HVAC industry is in a state of upheaval, and the market and technologies are changing. Bosch is systematically taking advantage of its opportunities and is now moving up to the Champions League in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions business,” said Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. Continue reading →

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Automaker Provided Insurance – Honda Joins Growing List

Posted on 25 July 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company has announced the establishment of Honda Insurance Solutions, a licensed insurance agency that will provide the auto insurance needs of Acura and Honda customers. Competitive pricing and coverage options are claimed for autos, motorcycles, RVs, homes. The new Honda agency is working with omnichannel insurance brokerage VIU by HUB to offer  quoting and advice. This is the beginning of a broader insurance strategy with plans to integrate insurance into digital vehicle sales. Continue reading →

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CARB Amends Clean Truck Regs With Trucking Industry!

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“California’s commitment to cleaner trucks has created an ecosystem of programs and incentives that will continue to drive progress despite the federal administration’s unlawful actions challenging our state’s efforts to reduce emissions and deploy to clean transportation technologies,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The amendments approved today provide manufacturers with flexibility, and we look forward to continued collaboration with manufacturers in efforts to reduce emissions, protect public health and ensure global competitiveness as the rest of the world shifts to zero-emission technologies.” Continue reading →

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July Record – $49.8B Spent New Vehicles in U.S.

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Total U.S. new-vehicle sales for July 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are forecast to reach 1,380,500, a 3.2% increase from July 2024 according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 7.4% from 2024. Nonetheless, consumer spending set record for month with $49.8 billion spent on new vehicles if the forecast holds, which is likely given the track record of the source.

“July retail sales are projected to finish 4.1% higher than a year ago but interpreting that gain requires care due to events both last year and this year that disrupted normal monthly sales patterns,” said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are pleased to provide shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting the continued strength of our balance sheet and strong cash flow,” said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr Continue reading →

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BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading →

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Football marketing – BYD and FC Internazionale Milano

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The BYD Group, a massive China-based electric vehicle company (1211 HKG) announced the launch of a three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the club’s Global Automotive Partner. It’s the latest foray of Chinese EV companies into established markets. 

“BYD’s name means Build Your Dreams, and I think this partnership is a dream for young people, for everybody with a passion for football. Inter Milan is well recognized for its energy, for never giving up, for always fighting for success and for its rapid growth into a global brand with a worldwide fanbase that extends beyond the San Siro stadium and Serie A. These are qualities that BYD shares as a fast-growing brand too – we’re a global green technology company with the dream to fight climate change and cool the earth by one degree. We’re working so hard to do this – we have 120,000 engineers working day and night, producing 45 patents every working day because they love their job and they want to win. This determination, this constant pushing for change and working so hard to make it happen, is something that is really shared between BYD and Inter,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. Continue reading →

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American Honda Joins Tesla Supercharger Network

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners now have access to more than 23,500 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States with the availability of the first Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter, the company said today. The only DC fast charging adapter approved by Honda (NYSE: HMC) was tested for performance and compatibility for use with the Prologue and ZDX at any NACS DC fast-charging point. This confirms a previous announcement made in March 2025.

“Planning a road trip just got a lot easier for our Honda and Acura EV owners with access to the Tesla Supercharger network,” said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Combined with other growing charging networks, Honda and Acura EV drivers now have added peace of mind with a wider range of dependable DC fast charging options nationwide.”

Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Our Volvo Story Sweepstakes

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Everyone has a Volvo story and this is about honoring the people who have been a part of our journey, from families who have passed down their Volvo through generations, to the employees and retailers who have helped shape the brand,” said Luis Rezende, President, Volvo Car Americas. “As we celebrate 70 years and the impact we’ve had in the United States, we’re excited to invite consumers to create their own Volvo story with a chance to win a new Volvo EX90, assembled right here in South Carolina. This celebration is not just about where we’ve been but about honoring the people who’ve been with us along the way, and where we’re going next.” Continue reading →

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BMW Group – My Trips Apps Now Show Driver’s Carbon Footprint

Posted on 21 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group said today that it is now offering customers an analysis of their driving personal carbon footprint stats in the My BMW App and MINI App for the first time. This in AutoInformed’s view is a breakthrough that will ease the ride on the sometimes-bumpy road to electrification.

“Our usage research shows: The information in My Trips is one of the most popular features in the app,” said Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “We are now expanding this successful function with carbon footprint calculation, giving our customers simple and straightforward access to sustainability-related information via a popular and widely used channel.” Continue reading →

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First GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate Debuts in Late 2025

Posted on 17 July 2025 by Ken Zino

GMC (NYSE: GM) said today that the 2026 Acadia mid-size SUV will be the  latest vehicle in GMC’s lineup to receive the so-called ultra-premium Denali Ultimate trim.

“Denali Ultimate represents the pinnacle of premium expression for the GMC brand, delivering an innovative mixture of stunning craftsmanship and real-world capability,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, global vice president, Buick and GMC. “Expanding Denali Ultimate’s innovative technologies and exclusive design elements to the Acadia nameplate allows us to further differentiate our mid-size offering in a highly competitive segment.” Continue reading →

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