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- S&P Global Mobility – GM Tops Maker Loyalty Ratings Again
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- Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
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- Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
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- UAW Ford Department Director VP Laura Dickerson on Trump's Ford Plant Visit on Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
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- Magna on its Share Repurchase Plan in reference to on Magna Posts Solid Q3 2025 Earnings Gain
- Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador on Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
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Category Archives: shows and events
Happy Fourth of July 2025! Let’s Return to our Founding Ideals
On this day, the Fourth of July 1776, the Continental Congress after considerable debate released our Declaration of Independence. AutoInformed notes that this is or should be our still continuing guide to what were then awakened American ideals. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston – the so-called Committee of Five – did much of the enlightenment conceptual work. Jefferson, the most eloquent writer in the Congress, created one of our essential documents with the input of what were 56 men of the opinion that all of us equals could and would work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Then in the course of human events these ideals led to our following War of Independence. It turns out that these ideas were powerful. So powerful that they were bigger than the despots, Redcoats, Hessians and other mercenaries deployed against us. We overcame this oppression and the Divine Right of Kings against impossible odds with the help of the French. Who also later added the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, concept, milestones, news, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Benjamin Franklin, Fourth of July 2025!, John Adams, Ken Zino, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, X @KenAutoinformed
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Nürburgring – BMW M2 CS Beats Audi RS-3 Record
BMW said today that the new BMW M2 CS setsa new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. In March Audi set a new record lap in the compact vehicle class on the Nordschleife at 7:33.123 minutes. Depending on the ongoing Trump tariff wars, Audi might still retain the lower price entry point for a top Nordschleife runner., depending on who you value – in currency units – the ~8 seconds in elapsed times. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW M GmbH, BMW M Test Center, BMW M2 CS, Franciscus van Meel, Ken Zino, Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies
The Trump administration is amid a political purge of CPSC Board members. It requested earlier this week that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss three Democratic members appointed by President Biden to seven-year terms on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were fired in May by President Trump. However, they were then reinstated by a federal judge.
The Trump mis-administration asked the court for an immediate order to allow the firings to go forward. Lawyers for the commissioners objected of course. More fireworks will be coming here – safe or unsafe for Democracy. Bungling presidencies can cause tragedies too. Continue reading
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, litigation, news, news analysis, public health, safety, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration, cpsc, Ken Zino, Peter Feldman, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Trump Mis-Administration, U.S. Supreme Court, X @KenAutoinformed
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Penske Automotive Adds Ferrari Dealership in Modena!
Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has completed the acquisition of the Ferrari dealership in Modena, Italy. Located in Emilia Romagna, the heart of the so-called Italian Motor Valley that is home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati and Dallara, this Ferrari dealership expands the PAG’s existing luxury presence in Italy to 29 automotive retail locations. PAG now represents nine Ferrari locations worldwide, including Maranello Classic Parts, the only official Ferrari classic parts distributor in the world. The forecast estimated annualized revenue of the Modena location is $40 million. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dallara, ducati, ferrari, Ken Zino, lamborghini, maserati, pag, Pagani, penske automotive group, Penske Transportation Solutions, Randall Seymore, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive
Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Dr. Andreas Zygan, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz VLE. MB Van Electric Architecture, X @KenAutoinformed
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Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV
The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200. The first-ever QX60 SPORT grade, which elevates the model with its “most statement-making appearance yet,” is priced from $61,700. The QX60 is offered in four grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. Destination and handling charge on all grades adds $1350.
“QX60 continues to be a cornerstone of our lineup and a compelling choice for today’s premium SUV buyer,” said Brian Maragno, director, Product Marketing, Infiniti USA. “Accounting for 45% of Infiniti sales last quarter, QX60 reflects our product strategy at work – blending bold design, advanced technology and thoughtful features that resonate with our Infiniti clients.” Continue reading
IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes
Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a Congressional hearing today.
“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, autonomous vehicles, distracted driving, insurance, news analysis, public health, safety, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David Harkey, insurance institute for highway safety, Ken Zino, maximum speed limit, safety features on semitrailers, Subcommittee on Commerce Manufacturing and Trade, vehicle automation, X @KenAutoinformed
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Audi Adds AirConsole Gaming for Passengers
AirConsole and Audi claimed progress in the controversial area of in-car entertainment with the launch of AirConsole’s interactive gaming platform today. In Audi models equipped with a passenger display, Audi’s Active Privacy Mode, a so-called digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to perhaps prevent distraction, allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming now allows non-driving passengers to play throughout the ride. This electronic doodad now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, distracted driving, electronics, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged AirConsole and Audi, AirConsole gaming platform, Anthony Cliquot, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Erika Winterholler, interactive gaming, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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UAW Praises NYC Mayoral Runner Zohran Mamdani
In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran as the Democratic primary candidate for New York City mayor. At the time, the UAW noted that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform was to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare. This confirmed the UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters. On 30 May 2025, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed its support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first. It was to AutoInformed’s knowledge, the only major union to do so.* Continue reading
Posted in auto news, economy, labor issues, milestones, news, news analysis, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, New York City mayoral race, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla, X @KenAutoinformed, Zohran Mamdani
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First Look – 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO
Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, new vehicle, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars, Vinay Shahani, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Restructures Its Waning Japanese Business
Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced its “Domestic Business Structural Reform Policy” to revive its failing operations in its home market. Domestic sales volume for the Japanese Fiscal Year ending 31 March 2025 was 152,000 units – just barely above its all-time low of 148,445 in 1974. Mazda has a ~4% market share in Japan.
“The three pillars of the business structural reform are investment for growth to nurture brand, designate priority regions and thorough front-line support to improve in-store experience,” Mazda said in a release. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, news analysis, results, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Kazuyoshi Todou, Ken Zino, Mazda Business Partner Co Ltd, Mazda Motor Corporation Japanese market restructuring, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Porsche Italia and Ferragamo
Porsche (P911.DE) said today that Porsche Italia is observing its 40th anniversary with two special-edition models based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Porsche Taycan 4S. Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur workers have decoratively enhanced the exterior and the interior of the two sports cars.
“Our dream was to create something truly unique that embodies the spirit that has guided us for the past 40 years: Porsche style combined with Italian culture and aesthetics. That’s why we chose Ferragamo as a partner for this project, a brand with which we share values such as excellence of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and a tireless attention to detail,” said Pietro Innocenti, CEO of Porsche Italia. Salvatore Ferragamo became famous in Hollywood by custom-making shoes for movie stars. In 1927, the ‘shoemaker of dreams’, as he was known, returned to his homeland and settled near Florence. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, people, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Leonardo Ferragamo, P911.DE, Pietro Innocenti, Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and Porsche Taycan 4S, Porsche Italia, Porsche Italia and Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo, X @KenAutoinformed
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VW Driver Access Program adds Torsten Gross
“As someone who’s experienced both the challenges and the triumphs of adaptive driving, I’m honored to join VW in a mission to help others find their way forward,” said Torsten Gross. “Every time I get behind the wheel, whether it’s my race car or my street car, I’m reminded that possibilities are endless and through the Driver Access program, we’re opening that sense of freedom and confidence to even more Volkswagen drivers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen vehicles, Ken Zino, physical disabilities and driving, Rachael Zaluzec, Torsten Gross, Volkswagen Inclusive Environment Workforce, VW Driver Access program, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar – Cunning Scott Dixon wins at Mid-Ohio
Veteran IndyCar driver Scott Dixon was the third different winner in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, in the number 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to the win in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport yesterday. Dixon scored his record seventh win at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He made completed all 90 laps on just two pit stops using his considerable “lift and coast” racing skills. His other Mid-Ohio victories were in 2019, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009 and 2007. Continue reading →