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Recent Posts
- Sudden EV Power Loss – Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, Subaru Solterra Recalled
- Milestones – 15 Million Honda Accords Sold in U.S.
- UAW to “Practice Pickett” Tomorrow at Woodward MPC
- June 2026 U.S. Auto Sales Forecast Up 3.6%
- BMW Expands Factory Use of Humanoid Robots
- “Disasters” – UAW on NAFTA, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreements
- Connectivity Snags Haunt Improvements in New-Vehicle Quality
- Trumped! – 2026 Vehicles Sales Forecasts All Down
- Annals of Marketing – Chevrolet Heartbeat of America Revived
- Milestones – Nissan Canton Builds 1 Millionth Frontier Truck
- Porsche AG Board Drastically Cuts 2025 Annual Dividend ~50%
- Ford Recalls Expand – Six More Covering ~172,000 Vehicles
- AAA – Independence Weekend Travel Forecast Flat
- IndyCar – Lundgaard Last-to-First Win at Road America!
- Carry Over Pricing Planned on the 2027 Subara Solterra
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- Magna International on Magna International Posts Q1 2026 EPS Loss of $0.04
- Council on Foreign Relations on Iran and Strait of Hormuz on AAA – Pump Gasoline Prices Still Soaring
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
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Category Archives: milestones
NYAS – Honda To Show Fastport eQuad EV Delivery Van
Honda Motor Company (7267.T and NYSE: HMC) said today that it will show the all-electric Fastport eQuad EV Hybrid at a press event on 1 April 1 at the Test Track where the New York Auto Show is held [Level 1 Javits’s Center -AutoCrat.]* Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies will share updates and lead a walk-around and demonstration of the vehicle.
“Fastport uses the Honda Mobile Power Pack (MPP) swappable batteries and is a software-defined vehicle (SDV) project. The Fastport eQuad in theory will help address urban congestion and rising consumer demand for faster, more frequent deliveries,” AutoInformed previously noted. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Fastport Chief of Operations Jamie Davies, Honda Mobile Power Pack, Honda Motor Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, new york auto show, X @KenAutoinformed
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Chinese Owned Volvo Cars to Import Lynk & Co Cars in Europe
“With this new arrangement, we will leverage our commercial system to support Lynk & Co’s growth ambitions in Europe,” said Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer at Volvo Cars. “At the same time, it enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to address a wider customer base. With the support of our retailers and our commercial organization, Lynk & Co can achieve its true potential in Europe.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, labor issues, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, software defined vehicles, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erik Severinson, Geely Auto, Geely Holding, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lynk & Co, Lynk & Co 01 SUV, Volvo Cars, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Acura Celebrates 40th Birthday
My own personal experience and respect for Acura came in 1990. Covering the auto business Acura debuted of the groundbreaking NSX. This mid-engine sports car that would establish new levels of performance, refinement and drive-ability at a relatively inexpensive price compared to, oh, Ferrari and Porsche. I remembered a conversation with the esteemed and estimable John Dinkel of Road&Track who I had known years before I joined the magazine as its Detroit editor. Having gone to Japan to drive the car prior to its introduction, John – when I asked about it – just shook his head and said “they are going to own the world.” This opinion was not contested among the entire R&T staff as I recall. Ferrari performance, Japanese quality and an undervalued price. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, acura nsx, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, John Dinkel Road&Track magazine, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, MDX, Mike Langel, TLX, X @KenAutoinformed
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Corvette Grand Sport to Share LS6 6.7L V8 with Sting Ray
“Grand Sport has always been the Corvette for drivers who want the spirit of a race car in a package they can enjoy every day,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “With the new Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, we’ve taken that formula into the mid-engine era, pairing a heritage-rich design with the most advanced Corvette technologies we’ve ever offered. The Grand Sport model has historically acted as a high-volume player in the Corvette lineup. We expect the Stingray and Grand Sport lineup combined to account for the vast majority of Corvette sales.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chevrolet small-block V8 engine, Corvette Grand Sport, Flint Engine Operations, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, LS6 6.7L V8, Mike Kociba, Scott Bell, small block V8 engines, X @KenAutoinformed
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Magna Increases Its Hybrid Drive Offerings
“Magna’s approach to electrification is centered on giving our customers flexible pathways forward,” said Diba Ilunga, President Magna Powertrain. “DHD REX reflects our commitment to adaptable, customer‑focused solutions that support a wide range of performance and market expectations.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DHD Duo, DHD REX, Diba Ilunga, hybrid drive systems, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mustang GTD Applications Open April 17
“If you don’t try, you’ll never know. That’s not just a motivational saying. It’s true of Mustang GTD ownership, too,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang GTD brand manager. This is part of the celebrations of the 62nd birthday of the Ford Mustang. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Joe Bellino, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mustang GTD, X @KenAutoinformed
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Toyota – $1 Billion Investment in Kentucky and Indiana
“The investment is part of Toyota’s ‘best-company-in-town, approach – investing and producing locally, contributing to the local community and offering diverse options tailored to local needs through a multi-pathway strategy. In the U.S., Toyota employs approximately 50,000 people and has been involved in the development and manufacturing of over 35 million vehicles across 11 manufacturing plants,” TMNA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis
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, Toyota Indiana Plant, Toyota Kentucky Plant, Toyota Motor North America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Honda Heritage Parts Program Debuts
“In this 40th anniversary year of the Acura brand, the launch of Honda Heritage Parts is especially meaningful, giving Acura enthusiasts the support they need to continue enjoying their first-generation Acura NSX,” said Steven Bailey, vice president of Honda and Acura Parts, Service and Technical Division. “At its core, the new Honda Heritage Parts program honors our shared passion for these iconic vehicles and helps ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.” Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Heritage Parts Program, Honda Heritage Works, Honda Restoration Service, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Steven Bailey, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar – Freedom 250 to Run Past U.S. Capital
“This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said two‑time NTT IndyCar Series champion and back‑to‑back Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who toured the circuit on Monday morning. “You’ve got a high‑speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect. Racing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful. I can’t wait to be back here to race and celebrate America’s birthday at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Freedom 250 Grand Prix, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, National Archives. Roger Penske, National Gallery of Art, NTT IndyCar Series, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, X @KenAutoinformed
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Acura and Honda to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan
“Since Honda began auto production in America more than four decades ago, we have been dedicated to delivering quality for the world, made in the U.S.A.,” said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. “From the onset, Honda has believed in our American manufacturing talent, and we are proud to export quality vehicles built by our associates in Alabama to Honda customers in Japan.
“Building Acura models in America for the past thirty years has been a source of immense pride, and now exporting the American‑built Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level,” said Jayaraman. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged Anna Engine Plant, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda Alabama Auto Plant Lincoln Alabama, Jun Jayaraman, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Marysville Ohio Auto Plant, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Largest U.S. Auto Exporter
“Plant Spartanburg is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength,” said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. “Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, balance of trade, bmw group, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Plant Spartanburg, Port of Charleston SC, Robert Engelhorn, U.S. Department of Commerce, X @KenAutoinformed
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IIHS Pushing for Optimal State Safety Belt Use Laws
“This calculator will help advocates and policymakers understand the safety benefits a state can reap with simple legislative changes,” said Chuck Farmer, IIHS vice president for research. “For the 22 jurisdictions that already have the strongest provisions in place, it shows the cost of any potential backsliding.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, distracted driving, insurance, milestones, news analysis, people, public health, safety, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, belt use laws, Chuck Farmer, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Safety Belt Reminders, Seat Belt Law Calculator, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Goodyear Vault Online Debuts
Goodyear* (NASDAQ: GT) has introduced another way for consumers to “experience the company, its brands and its 128-year legacy.” The so-called “The Vault” is an online marketplace where consumers can explore and purchase historic artifacts, signed memorabilia, limited-edition merchandise and … Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Doug Grassian, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, The Vault, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Manual Trans Return to Nissan Z
“We try to do something every year for the sports cars to keep them relevant and top-of-mind. We love working on these cars for our customers, and it’s a joy for us to continuously improve these things. We’ve been listening to our customers and talking to them. I think we’ve made a substantial improvement. The big thing everyone kept talking about is the desire for a manual transmission option for Z NISMO. It’s now here. Initially we didn’t launch with it because it’s a track-focused car,” said Paul Hawson, director of Advanced Product Planning & Strategy at Nissan North America. Continue reading →