Category Archives: milestones

Toyota, Mazda Testing EV Battery Energy-Storage System

Posted on 21 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) said today that they have started field tests of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The system rapidly switches each battery’s power flow on and off, even when new batteries are connected to degraded or different capacity batteries.

“For the tests, the power system at Mazda’s headquarters campus, the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan, and Toyota’s system that uses batteries from electrified vehicles will be connected through their respective energy management systems. This will enable the verification of stable, high-quality, and efficient charging and discharging. In the future, the storage system will be used to regulate power supply and demand from renewable energy, which fluctuates depending on weather and time of day, contributing to carbon neutrality,” the companies said. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car USA to Offer Insurance

Posted on 20 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“By launching Volvo Car Insurance Services, we are extending Volvo Cars’ commitment to safety and simplicity well beyond the vehicle,” said Tony Nicolosi, President & CEO, Volvo Car Financial Services. “This expanded offering combines a seamless digital experience with flexible, personalized coverage options, supported by licensed insurance agents who provide expert, transparent guidance, creating a new standard for what customers should expect from automotive insurance.” Continue reading →

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MINI Expanding Proactive Care to More Markets

Posted on 20 August 2025 by Ken Zino

MINI said today that it is expanding its so-called Proactive Care service to more markets, including the U.S. eventually. The service lets the vehicle act as a digital concierge, recognizing existing and predictable service needs and proactively reaching out to the customer with proposed solutions.

“With the introduction of Proactive Care at MINI, we are now implementing our service promise ‘RELAX. WE CARE.’ in the premium segment of small and compact cars. Our offering acts as a digital concierge, proactively analyzing all service needs and providing timely support to our customers. This ensures that our customers are always well-informed and that potential needs are identified early,” says Ralf Hattler, Senior Vice President Customer Support and Aftersales. Continue reading →

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Nissan Armada Starts at $58,840

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Following the all-new debut of the 2025 model year, Nissan continues to deliver an Armada for every adventure – offering supreme comfort, premium technology, a bold new design and uncompromising capability. With three rows of seating, a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds [3], and the added confidence of standard Nissan Safety Shield® 3604, the Armada is ready for whatever the road – or trail – may bring,” Nissan said. Continue reading →

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Production of Ford GT Mk IV Track Day Cars Ending

Posted on 15 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance (NYSE: F) said today that it is about release the third and final wave of production of the Ford GT Mk IV. After nearly a decade of hand assembling every Ford GT of this generation in the same facility, this run will mark the end of this line for the road and race cars.

“With the majority of the 67 total units produced already in the hands of customers, Ford Performance is now taking orders on the remaining cars. Created in conjunction with our GT racing partner Multimatic Motorsports, the Mk IV boasts technology that exceeds that of most GT race cars and on-track capabilities unimaginable for the street. The Ford GT Mk IV finds itself perfectly placed as a collector car that will be too thrilling to be kept in the garage,” said Mark Rushbrook global director of Ford Performance. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Off-Roader – Elevated Velocity

Posted on 14 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today revealed the so-called Elevated Velocity concept. It is said to be a continuation of the Cadillac V-Series performance formula. [It’s not available for sale yet – Autocrat] This off-roader built on an elevated platform appears to be a serious concept that is winding its way through the sand, rocks, and mud of the GM bureaucracy to become a production vehicle. Yes, an off-road Cadillac?! Continue reading →

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Honda Racing Starts Merchandise and Memorabilia Sales

Posted on 13 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the global racing branch of Honda, will launch a new merchandise and memorabilia business this week during California’s Monterey Car Week. To commemorate the new memorabilia business, HRC will auction the Honda V10 engine used by Ayrton Senna in his McLaren Honda MP4/5B during the final two rounds of the 1990 Formula 1 season. The historic engine will be auctioned by Bonhams during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering at Quail Lodge on 15 August.
“Throughout our history, Honda has won at the highest levels of motorsports all over the world, and the new HRC merchandise and memorabilia business is all about sharing our incredible racing heritage with our race fans in exciting new ways,” said Jon Ikeda, senior vice president, Honda Racing Corporation US. “HRC will build an even stronger connection with Honda and Acura enthusiasts by offering exclusive opportunities to own a piece of racing history, including limited-edition collectibles and rare artifacts from our storied legacy in motorsport.”

Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac

Posted on 12 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“Curated by Cadillac embodies our commitment to delivering an elevated level of customization,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Drawing upon experience from the ultra-luxury, hand-built CELESTIQ, we are now offering a limited number of CT5-V Blackwing customers an opportunity to create a vehicle that is as unique as their own story.” Continue reading →

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Pep Boys to Run Auto Service Centers on U.S. Navy Bases

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Pep Boys said today that it has a contract with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). Under the contract, Pep Boys plans to operate 14 of NEXCOM’s automotive service centers located on U.S. Navy bases across the country. This transition, which will be implemented on a rolling basis, will provide service to military personnel and their families. The converted locations* will be rebranded under the Pep Boys name, continuing a legacy that dates back to the company’s founding by Navy veterans Manny, Moe & Jack.

“We are honored to work with NEXCOM*** to bring Pep Boys’ best-in-class automotive & tire services to Navy personnel and their families,” said Joe Auriemma, CEO of Pep Boys. “Our company was founded by three Navy veterans, and we take immense pride in continuing that tradition by serving the military community with the same dedication and excellence that has defined us for more than 100 years.” Continue reading →

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Center for Automotive Research – Elizabeth Krear is President

Posted on 7 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Krear as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Krear assumes the role following interim leadership by David Leckey.

“I am excited and honored to lead CAR during such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Krear. “CAR’s work is essential in helping stakeholders navigate electrification, automation, sustainability, and policy shifts. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure CAR remains a trusted voice and strategic catalyst for the future of automotive,” said Krear. She brings a career-long focus on automotive innovation, electrification, and strategic planning. She is a home-grown Michigan engineer, executive and industry analyst. Continue reading →

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Milestones – 600,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Posted on 6 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The 600,000th unit of the legendary Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria – a G580 with EQ Technology in Obsidian Black Metallic- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said this week. Accompanied by the S- and E‑Class, the G-Class is one of the longest-produced model series in the history of Mercedes‑Benz passenger cars. Continue reading →

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BMW iX3 Production, Supply and Use Sustainability

Posted on 4 August 2025 by Ken Zino

“During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the iX3 Neue Klasse marks an important milestone toward achieving the company’s 2030 and 2050 CO2 emission targets,” BMW said. Continue reading →

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Corvette Claims Production Car Records at Nürburgring

Posted on 4 August 2025 by Ken Zino

A Chevrolet Corvette Z06, ZR1 and ZR1X recently ran the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit where it’s said, for the first time in the track’s history, an automaker brought three different cars with three non-race-car drivers to record three lap times in a single visit. Three of the Chevrolet engineers who helped develop these cars drove the so-called Green Hell. While amateurs of a sort, all have extensive experience and advanced driving credentials.

“No auto manufacturer has done a Nürburgring lap attempt like this before,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “From development through production, and now at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Green Hell, we have clearly shown there is no limit to what our GM engineers and vehicles can accomplish. These are the best Corvettes in history, period.” Continue reading →

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Bosch Finishes Largest Acquisition in Its History

Posted on 1 August 2025 by Ken Zino

The Bosch Group said today that it completed the largest acquisition in its history. The purchase of the residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business from Johnson Controls, and the acquisition of the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning joint venture. They were completed as scheduled on 31 July. The contracts were signed roughly one year ago. The purchase price of 8 billion U.S. dollars (~€7.4 billion) is subject to customary adjustments.

“The entire HVAC industry is in a state of upheaval, and the market and technologies are changing. Bosch is systematically taking advantage of its opportunities and is now moving up to the Champions League in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions business,” said Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. Continue reading →

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Automaker Provided Insurance – Honda Joins Growing List

Posted on 25 July 2025 by Ken Zino

American Honda Motor Company has announced the establishment of Honda Insurance Solutions, a licensed insurance agency that will provide the auto insurance needs of Acura and Honda customers. Competitive pricing and coverage options are claimed for autos, motorcycles, RVs, homes. The new Honda agency is working with omnichannel insurance brokerage VIU by HUB to offer  quoting and advice. This is the beginning of a broader insurance strategy with plans to integrate insurance into digital vehicle sales. Continue reading →

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