Category Archives: milestones

Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

Posted on 8 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mazda to Make its First Pure EV in Hiroshima

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Mazda Motor Corporation said today in Hiroshima that it will build a new module pack plant for automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The new plant will produce modules and packs of automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells procured from Panasonic Energy Co. The completed battery packs will be installed in Mazda’s first battery EV that uses a dedicated EV platform and will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant. The annual production capacity is planned to be 10 GWh. Continue reading →

Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

Posted on 6 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles today. Called the zūmo™ R1 Radar, it provides riders with rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device has two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles, while indicator lights on the handlebars make riders aware of approaching vehicles. suggested retail price is $599.99, and it is immediately available.

“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well,”said–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – F1, Can Am and Le Mans Winner Jacky Ickx

Posted on 3 January 2025 by Ken Zino

Jacky Ickx, was born on 1 January 1945 in Brussels. His father Jacques Ickx, a motorsport journalist, no doubt awoke his interest in fast vehicles. His first successes came in motocross and Formula 2 racing – becoming Formula 2 European champion in 1967. One year later, Ferrari put him on the Formula 1 grid while he was in his early twenties. His expertise of wet-weather driving was apparent on numerous occasions, including in Rouen where he landed his first Grand Prix victory. Ickx would win eight Grands Prix for Ferrari, Brabham and Lotus. Porsche congratulated Jacky Ickx on his 80th birthday this week.

“After his career in Formula 1, Ickx shifted his focus to endurance races,” Porsche said. “In his first year at Porsche in 1976, he picked up three victories in the World Championship for Makes and four in the World Sportscar Championship. Ickx also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40 in 1969 and repeated this triumph for Porsche in 1977, 1981 and 1982. The race in June 1977 not only saw him mount one of the best recoveries from a trailing position in motorsport history; it is also considered one of the most incredible races in his career. The sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen entered two Porsche 936 models. Continue reading →

Posted in milestones, people, performance, racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones 2025 – the Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary

Posted on 2 January 2025 by Ken Zino

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Goodyear Blimp with flights over more cities to appearances at new events, and chances for fans to fly. There will also be “limited-edition … Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, aviation, marketing, milestones, news, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Look – EPA AirNow Mobile App

Posted on 2 January 2025 by Ken Zino

“State and local air agencies issue AQI forecasts as a public service to help people plan their outdoor activities. The agencies provide them to EPA, which shares them on the AirNow app and Airnow.gov website. Until now, AirNow users had to remember to check the app or website to see their forecasts; with the updates to the AirNow mobile app, people can opt to be notified when the daily forecast reaches an AQI category of their choosing,” EPA said. Continue reading →

Posted in environment, milestones, news, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Private Equity Buys Comau. Stellantis has Minor Stake

Posted on 31 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA ) has confirmed that One Equity Partners – a private equity firm – has completed its majority investment in Comau S.p.A. a global company specializing in industrial automation and advanced robotics. It’s the latest move at struggling Stellantis to clean up its ailing automotive pursuits.*

“I want to express my gratitude to Comau’s employees for providing innovative products and services to all its customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann in a pro-forma statement. “I am confident that Comau, under its new ownership, has the right leadership, strategy and operational discipline to create sustainable, long-term value for all its stakeholders, from Italy to the world.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW i Ventures Buys into Phoenix Tailings

Posted on 30 December 2024 by Ken Zino

BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Phoenix Tailings, a inventive metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. The Series B financing, which was led by Envisioning Partners and included additional participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Escape Velocity, will enable Phoenix Tailings to scale its rare earth processing operations to produce ~200 tons of rare earth metals annually. The output can be used in electric motor magnet , batteries, semiconductors – among other applications.

Phoenix Tailings says it was “founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts  to transform how critical metals are produced – metals essential to the technologies that power modern society.” The nascent firm was heavily subsided by U.S. taxpayers via the United States Departments of Energy and Defense, as well as the State of Massachusetts. With the monies, Phoenix Tailings secured initial off-take agreements, validated its technology to process mining waste, and hired a team of workers to make the metals. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, electronics, environment, global warming, insurance, manufacturing, milestones, news, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Greetings from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room

Posted on 25 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“The holidays have always held a special place in our hearts, and we’ve loved opening the doors of the People’s House wider and wider each year, continuing the spirit of goodwill and gratitude. America’s story is your story, and we hope you feel at home here,” said the President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Continue reading →

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen Settles – Union Jobs Safe Until 2030

Posted on 24 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen AG (VOW.F) and its IG Metall* and Works Council employee representatives for Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles and Group Components as well as its Audi and other brands have concluded a joint agreement – dubbed ‘Zukunft Volkswagen’ (Future) – that guarantees jobs as it reduces production capacities at Volkswagen AG’s German locations. Ultimately, but not now, the workforce will be cut by more than 35,000 at Volkswagen’s German locations by 2030. This includes a newly formulated “job security plan” through to 2030 at the troubled automaker.

“Cost savings for Volkswagen AG of more than €15 billion per year in the medium term,” VW said. “Of this, over €4 billion per year will come from the present negotiations on labor costs, structural and production measures and plant utilization. Labor cost effects alone amount to €1.5 billion per year.” However, the capital markets remain skeptical taking a wait and see attitude about VW’s ability to compete with higher quality and less expensive brands. AutoInformed notes that this is a five-year bet on the come line or the promise that material cost savings will be secured. VW stock closed yesterday at €88.85. A year ago on 23 December it was €93.95. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, electric vehicles, financial results, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan and Honda Sign Integration MOU!

Posted on 23 December 2024 by Ken Zino

Nissan Motor Co. (7201T. NSANY ADR) and Honda Motor Co. (NYS: HMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to start discussions and considerations toward a business integration between the two companies through the establishment of a joint holding company. In effect this will be the merger of the two companies with Honda as the stronger member so to speak given Nissan’s perilous operating results. It also raises questions about the continuance of Honda’s business ventures with General Motors.* What it does potentially do is create the world’s third largest automaker with potential annual sales of ~8-9 million, behind Toyota and struggling Volkswagen.

AutoInformed opines that as with all such complex multi-national corporate mergers, the details at the outset and more importantly in the final agreements and their implementation are key to its success. Given the twists and turns of the road and diverse corporate cultures of the participants – where there are no balance sheet entries – this is an endurance race that makes the 24 hours of Le Mans look like a 30-second TV spot. It also likely makes the venture subject to US SEC regulations, including form 4F and forward looking statements. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

2025 Corvette ZR1 – 2.3 Seconds 0-60 MPH

Posted on 20 December 2024 by Ken Zino

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. At a test track in Germany in October 2024, General Motors (NYSE: GM) President Mark Reuss drove a 2025 Corvette ZR1 233 mph, setting a top speed record for any current production car priced under $1 million.* The Corvette team set this two-way average speed on the northbound and southbound straightaways of the High-Speed Oval Track at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg. Now building on the marketing campaign, Chevy said this week that a 2025 Corvette ZR1 with 1064 horsepower is the quickest Corvette ever, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds with the optional ZTK Performance Package. The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. At a test track in Germany in October 2024, General Motors (NYSE: GM) President Mark Reuss drove a 2025 Corvette ZR1 233 mph, setting a top speed record for any current production car priced under $1 million. Now building on the marketing campaign, Chevy said this week that The 2025 Corvette ZR1 with 1064 horsepower is the quickest Corvette ever, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds with the optional ZTK Performance Package. Clearly waiting is the next event – a Nürburgring run, AutoInformed opines.* Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, milestones, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – Sculptor Charles Sykes – Spirit of Ecstasy Creator

Posted on 18 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“Best known to posterity as the creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Charles Sykes was a multi-talented artist with deep connections to the principal players in the Rolls-Royce story. His professional and artistic relationship with Eleanor Thornton was pivotal in his work, for which she was perhaps his greatest muse; he also benefited from two powerful patrons in Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and Claude Johnson, on whose behalf he produced some of the finest and most enduring works of art. His paintings of Rolls-Royce motor cars uniquely capture their grace and beauty, and in his depictions of their almost exclusively aristocratic owners, he provides a fascinating window into a world that has now vanished,” said Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, car sharing, design and styling, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Technical Tidbits – Porsche 1900 Wheel-Hub Motor

Posted on 13 December 2024 by Ken Zino

“Almost 125 years ago, Ferdinand Porsche was involved in the development of an electric vehicle. It was powered by a wheel-hub motor,” Porsche said in a release today.

“It’s April 14, 1900, and a groundbreaking electric car, based on the Lohner-Porsche system, is celebrating its premiere at the Paris Exposition’s Palace of Electricity. It’s the innovative drive concept that brings widespread recognition of the Porsche name,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM About Face on Robo Taxi Development

Posted on 11 December 2024 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) plans to realign its autonomous driving strategy and prioritize development of advanced driver assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles. GM will build on its Super Cruise program, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicle models and currently logging over 10 million miles per month. GM made the announcement on a conference call for analysts late yesterday. The move could mean significant savings next year on research and development costs at the embattled company.

“GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital efficient manner,” said Mary Barra, chair and CEO of GM. “Cruise has been an early innovator in autonomy, and the deeper integration of our teams, paired with GM’s strong brands, scale, and manufacturing strength, will help advance our vision for the future of transportation.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, car sharing, connected vehicles, electronics, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment