Category Archives: milestones

Milestones – Porsche Factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

Posted on 24 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In 1937, the first sketch for the Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen was drawn up.

“In the 1930s, the Porsche engineering office at Kronenstrasse 24 developed into an innovative actor in the automotive industry. However, the garages at the Porsche villa on Feuerbacher Weg were still being used to develop the first customer-commissioned vehicles. So in 1937, they decided to build a new factory in Zuffenhausen. Ferry Porsche acquired the land from the Wolff entrepreneur family, and architect Richard Pfob was responsible for the design,” said Matthias Kriegel, writing in the Porsche magazine Christophorus 416. Continue reading →

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Magna Expanding EV Powertrain Production in China

Posted on 21 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Magna (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA)* said this week that it is increasing its presence in China with a new facility in the Jiujiang Economic Development Zone, Wuhu to support the growing demand of electric drive systems—starting with Chery but ultimately capable of supplying additional automakers in the future.

“This expansion reflects Magna’s commitment to supporting our customers’ electrification strategies and advancing sustainable mobility,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “Wuhu offers a strong industrial foundation and an environment conducive to innovation. We are excited to bring our world-class electric drive technologies closer to Chery and other partners in China.” Continue reading →

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IONNA Plans $250M Outlay in California EV Charging

Posted on 20 November 2025 by Ken Zino

IONNA* said today that is planning an outlay of more than $250 million in infrastructure across California during the next three years.**

“This week’s expansion into California is a snapshot of the national momentum IONNA has built in under a year’s time,” said Seth Cutler, Chief Executive Officer of IONNA. ‘IONNA Speed’ isn’t just about how quickly we grow, but also how we deliver, and the IONNA team consistently operates with a driver-first mentality to elevate the charging experience. Every new Rechargery reflects our commitment to providing the coverage, quality, and reliability our drivers deserve.” Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Buys More U.S. Dealerships

Posted on 19 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has acquired Longo Toyota and Longo Lexus, located in El Monte, California, Lexus of Stevens Creek, located in San Jose, California, and Longo Toyota of Prosper, located in Prosper, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

“The acquisition of these premier dealerships represents a strategic addition to the Penske Automotive Group portfolio. The transaction strengthens our relationship with the Toyota and Lexus brands and expands the Company’s presence in southern California to the Los Angeles area, complements the Company’s existing presence in northern California and expands our operations in Texas to the fast-growing Dallas market. We look forward to continuing the outstanding legacy of these dealerships and are excited to welcome these new team members to Penske Automotive Group,” said Rich Shearing, North American Operations Officer. Continue reading →

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Used Ford Vehicles Now for Sale on Amazon Autos

Posted on 19 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE: F)* said earlier this week that customers can now shop for, finance and purchase Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned (CPO) Ford vehicles on Amazon Autos (NASDAQ: AMZN). Key, however, is that the business relationship remains with the participating Ford dealer. Amazon enables the transaction. All follow-up, service, and privacy matters are handled by the dealer, not Amazon. Initially only a small number of dealers are participating.

“This new collaboration allows customers to browse a participating local dealer’s inventory directly through Amazon’s website, complete most of the paperwork online, and then schedule a convenient time to pick up the selected vehicle,” said Wendy Lane is senior manager of Ford Blue Advantage vehicles. Continue reading →

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The American Story Debuts at National Archives Museum

Posted on 18 November 2025 by Ken Zino

The National Archives Museum said today that it will open its new flagship exhibition, The American Story, on Friday 21 November to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial. The American Story brings more than two million historic records to life.

“The American Story is boldly presented in this exciting new exhibition that blends 250 years of history with the latest technologies to create a one-of-a-kind museum experience. Millions of records in the National Archives shine light on America’s exceptional people – from the founding to present day – now digitized and waiting to be explored. We encourage visitors from across the United States and around the world to add this new museum to their Washington, DC itineraries and experience The American Story,” said Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Archivist of the United States. Continue reading →

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Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

More than three months before its first race in Formula 1, Audi provided a preview of its presence at its Brand Experience Center in Munich. Just like in future production models, Audi will bring uncompromising clarity to the racetrack and beyond. Carefully crafted statements were made by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella.

“Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger. It’s the next step in the company’s renewal, designed to strengthen our competitiveness on the global stage. In Formula 1, every second counts. Success demands performance, precision and teamwork. This mindset will drive a new performance culture across the entire company and a catalyst for change towards a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Continue reading →

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Trump Tariffs – Toyota to Invest ~$10 Billion In U.S. Ops

Posted on 13 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced an additional investment of up to $10 billion in the United States during the next five years. This will bring the company’s total U.S. investment to ~$60 billion since beginning operations in the U.S. about … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Joins the Tesla Supercharger Network Party

Posted on 12 November 2025 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen of America today announced that its ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners will be able to access the Tesla Supercharger network of 25,000 NACS Partner DC fast chargers, beginning November 18th. To enable the ID.4 and ID. Buzz vehicles to use the network, customers must purchase a Volkswagen-approved NACS adapter that will allow compatible Volkswagen electric vehicles to charge using the North American Charging System (NACS) fast charger plug. [Volkswagen is late to the Supercharger party – AutoCrat]

“This is great news for our EV owners,” said Petar Danilovic, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America. “They will now be able to access the more than 25,000 DC fast chargers on the Tesla Supercharger network across the United States, in addition to the more than 5,000 fast chargers on Electrify America’s grid. This makes life much more convenient, whether you are taking a road trip or you rely on public charging should home charging not be an option.” Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Credit Card

Posted on 11 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In Stuttgart today Porsche said that the new Porsche Card offers more than just the simple payment function, it is the key to the Porsche world.*

“‘Feel Porsche in every moment’ – With this motto, the new Porsche Card promises the Porsche spirit in credit card format. The comprehensive service package is specially tailored to Porsche customers and focuses on experiences, comfort and convenience. At the heart of the card are services from the areas of Porsche Family, Exclusive Lifestyle, Mobility and Peace of Mind. Popular benefits such as free Avis Priority airport parking or the comprehensive insurance package have been retained and expanded to include many other services,” Porsche said. Continue reading →

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Michigan – Tariffs Cause Higher Grocery Prices, More Expensive Housing, Put Jobs at Risk

Posted on 5 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive directive to gauge the impact of federal tariffs on Michigan’s economy, several State of Michigan departments submitted reports pointing to higher prices and costly delays that would ultimately impact Michiganders. Today, the U.S. … Continue reading →

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Volkswagen ID – Money Back in 100 Days

Posted on 3 November 2025 by Ken Zino

In a marketing move that likely will have international implications, Volkswagen* in the U.K. today announced the so-called ID. Promise. This allows its retail electric car customers between 80 and 100 days after collection to ‘drive and decide.’ The time frame in which people can return vehicles is from the point that they take delivery of their new cars. They just need to inform their retailer, who will then arrange a refund minus a 3% fixed usage charge, as well as the cost to repair any damage or modifications to the cars since they were handed over.**

“Official figures show more than 1.3 million UK motorists have already converted to electric, and time and time again our customers tell us they would never go back to petrol or diesel having made the move,” said Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK. “But there are many more people who want to go electric but feel unsure. This straightforward initiative gives them the perfect opportunity to ‘drive and decide’ with no strings attached.” Continue reading →

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All BMW Group Parsdorf Operations Now in EMAS

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino

The BMW Group (BMW.DE) said today that operations in Parsdorf (slightly northeast of Munich) are now part of the European environmental register, EMAS. In addition to the BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Center, (CMCC) and test-parts logistics, the pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf has been included in the environmental impact statement and EMAS registration for the first time. EMAS stands for the “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme,” which claims to be the most stringent environmental management system in the world.

“We are very pleased with the EMAS registration of all our operations in Parsdorf, which underlines that our processes operate at a very high level – both economically and environmentally,” says Hansjörg Schilp, director of the CMCC and pilot plant for high-voltage batteries in Parsdorf. “The entire team has done an outstanding job.”
Continue reading →

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Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance

Posted on 24 October 2025 by Ken Zino

“With the Cayenne Electric, we are taking e-performance to a new level,” said Dr Michael Steiner, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development. “Our innovative high-voltage system combines maximum efficiency with the driving dynamics typical of Porsche.” Continue reading →

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GM Ends Production of BrightDrop EVs in Canada

Posted on 21 October 2025 by Ken Zino

General Motors (NYSE: GM) today confirmed the end of production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van built at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario. BrightDrop production will not be moved to another site. GM said “The commercial electric delivery van market … Continue reading →

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