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Category Archives: milestones
Used Ford Vehicles Now for Sale on Amazon Autos
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
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, sales, shows and events
Tagged Amazon Autos, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Blue Advantage certified used vehicles, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NASDAQ: AMZN, Wendy Lane, X @KenAutoinformed
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The American Story Debuts at National Archives Museum
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
Posted in milestones, news, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 250 years of U.S. history, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Declassified records from the Cuban Missile Crisis and UFO sightings, George Washington’s annotated draft Constitution, Jim Byron, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Louisiana Purchase Treaty, National Archives Foundation, Patrick M. Madden, Wright Brothers' test flight, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center
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
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jonathan Wheatley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Massimo Frascella, Mattia Binotto, X @KenAutoinformed
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Trump Tariffs – Toyota to Invest ~$10 Billion In U.S. Ops
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
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, Don Stewart, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, RAV4 HEV, TBMNC, Tetsuo Ogawa, Toyota Motor Corporation, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volkswagen Joins the Tesla Supercharger Network Party
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
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
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, NACS fast charger plug, North American Charging System, Petar Danilovic, tesla, Volkswagen ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Credit Card
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
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Avis Priority airport parking, Enfuce, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, My Porsche app, Porsche Experience centers, Porsche Museum, Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Swedish bank Nordiska, Visa, Volker Reichhardt, Wolfgang Ratheiser, X @KenAutoinformed
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Michigan – Tariffs Cause Higher Grocery Prices, More Expensive Housing, Put Jobs at Risk
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
Posted in auto news, AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, fools 'n frauds, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, auto insurance, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, DIFS, Ford, GM, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, MDOT, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Stellantis, Whitmer-Gilchrist administration, X @KenAutoinformed
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All BMW Group Parsdorf Operations Now in EMAS
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.”
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Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW Group Cell Manufacturing Competence Center CMCC, BMW Parsdorf high-voltage battery pilot plant, Hansjörg Schilp, ISO 14001, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Cayenne Electric – Resourceful Performance
“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
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, public health, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged 2026 Porsche Cayenne electric, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Michael Steiner, graphite-silicon anode and nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum cathode battery, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Porsche PPE, Porsche Taycan battery, Predictive Thermal Management, Premium Platform Electric, X @KenAutoinformed
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World Premiere – New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
“Launched originally as the Toyota BJ in 1951, the Land Cruiser immediately became the first vehicle to climb to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. Since then, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that only the Land Cruiser can reach. Developed and refined based on global, real-world customer usage, it provides reliability, durability, and off-road performance that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere and return safely. This concept has been carried forward and continues to evolve to this day. With cumulative sales of about 12.15 million units [footnote 1] in over 190 countries and regions around the world, the Land Cruiser has supported the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere. It is a flagship Toyota model that has been developed and refined by customers around the world for over 70 years,” Toyota said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Japan Mobility Show 2025, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Koto-ku, land cruiser, Land Cruiser FJ, Tokyo Big Sight, Toyota BJ, X @KenAutoinformed
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First Look – 2026 Mustang Mach-E GT
Ford Motor Company(NYSE: F) said today that it is introducing the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® GT California Special. It’s a special edition as an optional package that brings a heritage-inspired design to the Mustang family’s newest member. In the 1960s, California dealers were responsible for a large portion of all Mustang sales and wanted their contributions to the vehicle’s success commemorated through a unique package. In 1968, the original California Special was born. The coupe’s original red and black accents and aero features would define the trim package for years. Just over 4000 of the original California Special Mustang vehicles were built. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, new vehicle
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, California Special, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Kristen Keenan, Mustang Mach-E, Stefan Taylor, the 2026 Mustang Mach-E® GT California Special, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Yet Again
“We are pleased to reward shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend”, said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr. “We remain confident in our business and continue to generate strong cash flow, preserve a healthy balance sheet and maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation.”
Penske Automotive Group’s Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call is upcoming on 29 October 2025 at 2 pm ET. AutoCrat opines that this is a signal that the earnings will be strong. However, all the usual SEC forward looking statement caveats apply. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, financial results, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, results, 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, NYSE: PAG, penske automotive group, Robert H. Kurnick Jr, roger penske, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Group Buys More U.S. Dealerships
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 →