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Category Archives: shows and events
Annals of Marketing – Aston Martin F1 Safety Car
Aston Martin said today that it is “increasing the intensity at the front of the F1® grid as the new Vantage S becomes an Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1®” This latest addition to Aston Martin’s line of high-performance ‘S’ models. The Aston Martin Vantage S is painted in the same Podium Green as the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team cars.
“Vantage S represents the peak of performance for the model that is the beating heart of the Aston Martin brand. With increased power and even greater dynamic prowess, this car was destined to take on the prestigious role as an F1® Safety Car and it will be a source of great pride for our colleagues and our customers to see it leading the pack whenever it is called upon. In terms of brand awareness, nothing can compete with Formula 1® and we are proud to play our part in what we believe is the greatest show on earth,” said Alex Long, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Alex Long, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team cars, Aston Martin Vantage S, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford BlueOval SK Workers Vote to Join UAW
“There are 41 challenge ballots still outstanding. We believe they are illegitimate and represent nothing more than an employer tactic to flood the unit and undermine the outcome. We will fight these challenges to defend the democratic choices of these workers, as we always do when corporations try to interfere with workers’ democratic choice. The challenged ballots are not part of the group of workers who built their union from the bottom up. They deserve to have their own union, in an appropriate bargaining unit with a representative of their own choosing,” the UAW said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BlueOval SK, Ken Zino, uaw, United Automobile Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Charge Launches at 320 Dealerships
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) said today in a confusingly muddled concoction of press release and social media post that “Ford Charge Launches at 320 Ford Dealerships Nationwide.
“When my great-grandparents Rocco and Emanuela Grappone opened their Gulf gas station in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1924 with just one gas pump, they saw an opportunity to support their family by becoming part of the leap forward sweeping the country and experiencing the freedom that comes with owning a car,” said Amanda Grappone Osmer the Dealer Principal of John Grappone Ford in Bow, New Hampshire. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, milestones, people, shows and events
Tagged Amanda Grappone Osmer, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BlueOval Charge Network, ev charging, Ford Charge, John Grappone Ford, Ken Zino, PlugShare, Shell app, X @KenAutoinformed
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Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China
The new Volvo (VOLCAR-B.STO)* XC70 SUV is Volvo Cars’ first long-range plug-in hybrid with an all-electric driving range of more than 200km (~124 miles) based on the CLTC testing cycle. This is the longest of any Volvo plug-in hybrid to date. No surprise that given its Chinese ownership customers can now pre-order the SUV in China. Yes, China – Europe, North America, and Scandinavia can wait. Volvo Cars said today it plans to bring the car to Europe at some later unspecified time. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, marketing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, CLTC testing cycle, Geely Holding, Håkan Samuelsson, Ken Zino, Volvo XC70 PHEV, X @KenAutoinformed
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Dedicated IndyCar Game Coming from iRacing Studios
IndyCar and iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations today announced a long-term licensing agreement for iRacing Studios to produce standalone IndyCar titles for consoles and PCs. As part of the agreement, iRacing Studios will release an IndyCar title for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam in the second half of 2026. The new product will mark the first dedicated IndyCar game in more than two decades. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, marketing, milestones, performance, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, dedicated IndyCar game, indycar, iRacing Studios, J. Douglas Boles, Ken Zino, playstation, Scott McLaughlin, Steam, Team Penske, X @KenAutoinformed, Xbox
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Formula One – Bottas and Perez to Drive for Cadillac
The Cadillac Formula 1® Team today announced the signing of two experienced drivers – 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas* and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio “Checo” Perez** – to lead the team during its debut season in Formula 1® in 2026. Thus, a Finn and a Mexican will race for the American brand Cadillac next year. The nascent team will operate out of three places: Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK. Clearly experience is key here: Bottas with his Mercedes background as a driver during the Lewis Hamilton glory years; Perez was a driver at Red Bull team when Verstappen ruled.
“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” claimed Team Principal Graeme Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1®. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Formula 1®, Dan Towriss, Graeme Lowdon, Ken Zino, Sergio Checo Perez, TWG Motorsports, Valtteri Bottas, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar – Rasmussen with Chevy Power Wins Milwaukee
Christian Rasmussen driving the No. 21 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing during a late caution period drove past series champion Alex Palou with 16 laps to go to win the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 on yesterday, his … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Alex Palou, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing, Ken Zino, Milwaukee Mile 250, Scott McLaughlin, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Drives His Porsche 963 RSP
Porsche AG said today that Roger Penske took the wheel of the Porsche 963 RSP,* a one-off creation bearing his initials, for the first time. The car was later showcased during Monterey Car Week in California before joining his private … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bruce Canepa, Ken Zino, Patrick Long, Porsche 963 RSP, Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, roger penske, RS Spyder, Timo Resch, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, X @KenAutoinformed
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MINI Expanding Proactive Care to More Markets
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
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW AG, digital concierge, Frankfurt Auto Show, Ken Zino, Proactive Care, Ralf Hattler, X @KenAutoinformed
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More C9 Corvette Concepts Seen in California
Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today gave car enthusiasts and racing fans another, yet another glimpse of the high-performance future. Two Corvette concept cars, the Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, debuted at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in California. If these promotional events proceed at the pace of previous events and press releases, they could outnumber the sales of the production C9 Corvette when it appears. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, Corvette CX.R VGT, Gran Turismo 7, Ken Zino, Phil Zak, Polyphony Digital, Sony Interactive Entertainment, The Quail Motorsports Gathering in California, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nissan Armada Starts at $58,840
“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
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, prices, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, The 2026 model year Nissan Armada, The 2026 model year Nissan NISMO, X @KenAutoinformed
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Production of Ford GT Mk IV Track Day Cars Ending
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
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged at Ford and Multimatic, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GT Mk IV, Ken Zino, Mark Rushbrook, Multimatic On Track, Roush-Yates Engines, Scott Maxwell, X @KenAutoinformed
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Acura RSX Prototype EV Debuts
Acura yesterday at Monterey Car Week staged the world-debut of the Acura RSX Prototype, promoting the brand’s next-generation all-electric performance SUV.
“The dramatic styling of our Acura RSX Prototype demonstrates that it’s not just a new EV, but a compelling all-new Acura model,” said Lance Woelfer, vice president of Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “RSX will deliver on nearly four decades of Acura Precision Crafted Performance brand DNA with appealing design and cutting-edge technology.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged Acura RSX Prototype, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Honda EV Hub, Ken Zino, Lance Woelfer, Marysville Auto Plant, Monterey Car Week, pebble beach concours d'elegance, The Quail, X @KenAutoinformed, Yasutake Tsuchida
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Genesis Adds In-App EV Charging, and Plug And Charge
Genesis today announced the availability of two new charging features for public charging. Along with the Genesis Home marketplace, these intuitive public charging features give owners increased flexibility and new options on charging. The announcement arrives in the midst of the Trump Administration’s war on EVs, imported cars and incentives for clean transportation.
“With the introduction of in-app charging and plug and charge, we are making it even easier for customers to recharge their electric vehicles while on the go,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “These new features reinforce our commitment to an elevated ownership experience for every customer.” Continue reading →