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Category Archives: milestones
IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series
“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team. It was at least two instances of Penske team cheating that forced the issue. Still the IOB will be funded by Penske. Letting team owners including Penske run the rule enforcement so to speak is a dubious proposition. Key here is the next step. Who is the Managing Director? – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2026 NTT IndyCar Series, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Federation Internationale de I’Automobile, fia, FIA Drivers Commission, INDY NXT, indycar, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp., Raj Nair, Ray Evernham, roger penske, Ronan Morgan, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Ward, Dark Horse R cars, Ford Racing, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mustang Cup Classic cars, Mustang Cup series, USAC, X @KenAutoinformed, Yokohama tires
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Toyota Enhances Arizona Proving Ground
Toyota Motor North America (NYSE: TM, 7203T) today celebrated the completion of new construction and updated offerings at its Arizona Proving Ground. Joined by local government officials during an event, Toyota leaders discussed the improvements for vehicle and automotive technology testing and development.
“We are proud to strengthen the offerings at our world-class facility in Arizona, not only for Toyota, but for any company that has use for these amenities,” said Monte Kaehr, group vice president of Vehicle Development Engineering at Toyota Motor North America’s Research and Development. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, road test, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Monte Kaehr, Stefan Young, Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, Toyota Motor North America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Driverless Mobility
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Bolt, a European mobility platform, today announced they have entered a partnership to jointly explore the development and use of Level 4 (driverless) autonomous vehicles for commercial operations across Europe. [The move is a defensive one as the Chinese undoubtedly are preparing to attack this lucrative segment – AutoCrat]*
“Our AV-Ready Platforms™ are designed for maximum flexibility, so we can deliver the best possible experience for European customers. Autonomous fleets can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint by enabling a shared and optimized mobility, reducing congestion and emissions. Partnering with Bolt is intended to bring this vision closer to reality, combining our engineering expertise with their operational reach in the hopes of making driverless mobility a trusted part of everyday life in Europe,” said Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, car sharing, environment, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged Antonio Filosa, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Markus Villig, ride-hailing services, shared mobility services, Stellantis eK0 medium size van and STLA Small platforms, X @KenAutoinformed
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Detroit Auto Show – Official U.S. Route 66 Centennial Project
The Detroit Auto Show today announced it has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. The exhibition is part of “The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure,” a … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged America’s Automotive Trust, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, Sam Klemet, The Drive Home caravan, X @KenAutoinformed
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Lotus Esprit Refresh offered by Encor
“Production of the Encor Series 1 is limited to 50 individually commissioned cars worldwide. Prices begin at £430,000, excluding taxes, options and the required donor Esprit V8. Commissioning takes place either at Encor’s Chelmsford, UK HQ or via private consultation for international clients. Deliveries will begin in Q2 2026 and continue through 2027,” Encor claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chelmsford UK, Daniel Durrant, Encor Series 1, Hethel England, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lotus Esprit, Skyships, William Ives, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Increases Its CO2 Reduction Goals
The BMW Group said today that it has defined a new 2035 milestone for cutting CO2e emissions on the road to net zero. The company aims to reduce its CO2e emissions by at least 60 million metric tons compared to 2019 levels, an additional reduction of approximately 20 million tons of CO2e beyond the existing 2030 target.
“The BMW Group has intentionally set itself the additional 2035 milestone to consistently advance its de-carbonization strategy. Global customer demand for electric vehicles alone will not be sufficient to achieve the CO2e targets set for 2030 and 2035. The comprehensive approach to reducing CO2e emissions therefore spans the entire vehicle life cycle, irrespective of the drive variant,” BMW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW EfficientDynamics, BMW Group CO2e emissions, de-carbonization, Debrecen, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, life cycle de-carbonization strategy, renewable energies, secondary raw materials, X @KenAutoinformed
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Visit Qatar to Be Principal Partner of Audi F1 Team
The Audi F1 Team today announced that Visit Qatar will become a principal partner upon the team’s entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. Qatar of course is developing as a hub of sport and tourism. It holds the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the FIFA World Cup. The timing was propitious. Not only is it the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend underway at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha with both sprint race and a Grand Prix, but the disqualifications of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7: – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All three drivers could be contending there for the Driver’s Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit, United Arab Emirates. [Read AutoInformed.com on: F1 – Qatar Investment Authority Buys Into Sauber – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi F1 Team, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, FIFA World Cup, Jonathan Wheatley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, McLaren F1 Las Vegas disqualifications, Oscar Piastri, Qatar Grand Prix, red bull, Visit Qatar, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan to Test Autonomous Mobility Service in Nada Gogo
Nissan Motor (7201T and NSANY ADR) today announced that, in collaboration with Kobe City, it will begin a field test of an autonomous mobility service in the Nada Gogo area starting 19 January 2026.
“The Nada Gogo area in Kobe is a renowned tourist destination, celebrated worldwide for its traditional sake brewing and rich history. Through this test, Nissan will leverage its autonomous driving technology to offer a new travel experience for visitors touring sake breweries, enhancing convenience for tourists and exploring opportunities for regional revitalization. The autonomous mobility service seeks to create new experiential value for visitors and contribute to the promotion of tourism in Kobe,” Nissan said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, car sharing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kobe City, Nada Gogo Sake Brewers Association, Nissan Motor Serena autonomous vehicles, Serena-based Level 2 autonomous vehicles, X @KenAutoinformed
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First and Last Look – BMW Z4 Final Edition
BMW said today in Woodcliff Lake, NJ that it will debut the Z4 Final Edition – a special Z4 M40i commemorating the end of production of the 2-seat Roadster. The Z4 Final Edition will be characterized by its exclusive BMW Individual paint, unique interior accents, and commemorative badging on the door sill plates. The two-seat sports car with a 3-liter inline six cylinder engine will have a MSRP of $77,500 plus $1175 destination and handling. There’s a long history of BMW sports cars including the BMW 328 Roadster, the BMW 507, and the BMW Z8.
“Fans will instantly recognize the BMW Z4 Final Edition by its exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic paint – a color that highlights the Z4’s unique design characteristics and dynamic flair. The special paint is subtly contrasted by the standard Shadowline Package, which adds high-gloss black trim to the mirror caps, kidney grill, lower air intake, air breathers, and exhaust finishers. The exterior design package of the Final Edition also incorporates a Moonlight Black soft top and red calipers on the standard M Sport brakes,” BMW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW Z4 Final Edition, BMW Z4 M40i, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Porsche Factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
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
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG., Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Matthias Kriegel, Porsche Factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Porsche magazine Christophorus, X @KenAutoinformed
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Magna Expanding EV Powertrain Production in China
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
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, chery automobile, Jiujiang Economic Development Zone, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Magna Powertrain, Wuhu Diba Ilunga, X @KenAutoinformed
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IONNA Plans $250M Outlay in California EV Charging
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
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, milestones, public health, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW, general motors, honda, hyundai, IONNA Plug & Charge, IONNA Rechargery stations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, kia, mercedes, Seth Cutler, Stellantis, toyota, X @KenAutoinformed
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Pre-Owned Vehicle Marketing – Stellantis, Cox Automotive
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI) and Cox Automotive Europe today announced the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement that is intended at creating a remarketing ecosystem dedicated exclusively to Stellantis-owned Pre-Owned Vehicles, to be accessible to all professional operators in the … Continue reading →