Category Archives: shows and events

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 →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, milestones, news, news analysis, shows and events, software defined vehicles, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in auto news, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hypercar, Hyper Price – 2026 Corvette ZR1X

Posted on 6 August 2025 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said today that the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, inarguably the most advanced Corvette ever, will be available with an exclusive, limited production Quail Silver Limited Edition model. It will debut at this year’s “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,” in Carmel, California on August 15. There will also be the debut of GM Design’s concept car for the future C9 Corvette. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, performance, prices, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, people, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Says Trump Tariffs Will Slash Earnings by $2B

Posted on 31 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) reported late yesterday its Q2 and H1 2025 financial performance. The now common internally created factors of Ford’s warranty costs,* losses on electric vehicles and the external Trump’s tariff chaos negative effects were in play. Tariffs slashed $800 million from Ford profits during Q2, the Dearborn-based company said. Its latest estimate of $2 billion in tariff costs for the year includes the impact of cost-cutting and other measures Ford is taking in response to President Trump’s trade policies. Ford Motor booked a $1.3 billion loss from repairs of vehicles under warranty, cancellation of plans to build an electric sport utility vehicle and other one-time costs. The Q2 net loss was $36 million. Ford common stock per share has been trading in the $8.44 – $11.97 range during the last year, hovering ~$11 a share recently. Its three-year return of ~5% compares to the S&P 500 at 54%. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, financial results, manufacturing, mobility company, results, sales, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Audi F1 – Revolut Becomes Title Partner

Posted on 30 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Audi is entering Formula 1 with a clear ambition: to use the platform as a technologically relevant and economically sustainable investment in the future of the Audi brand. We firmly believe in the success of our project, which we are approaching with a realistic attitude and a mindset of continuous improvement. In Revolut, we have found a partner that shares our ambitions and attitude. Formula 1 is a global stage that offers us the opportunity to reach new target groups together and generate enthusiasm for our products,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stellantis Posts H1 2025 Loss of €2.3 Billion

Posted on 29 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA)* today announced results for the H1 2025, reporting Net revenues of €74.3 billion, down 13% compared to H1 2024. The breathtaking net loss was -€2.3) billion, including €3.3 billion of net charges excluded from Adjusted operating income, down compared to H1 2024 Net Profit of €5.6 billion. It updated its tariff cost assumptions to an estimated 2025 net tariff of~€1.5 billion (~$1.7B), of which only €0.3 billion was incurred in H1 2025. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IndyCar – Palou 8 wins for 14 Taking Grand Prix of Monterey

Posted on 28 July 2025 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou driving the #10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda continued his IndyCar dominance yesterday at Laguna Seca by taking his eighth victory in fourteen races at the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey. Palou set the fastest lap time of the race at 70.7851seconds and 113.821 mph. Christian Lundgaard driving the number 7 Arrow Mclaren with Chevy power finished second. McClaren was also having a banner day in Formula One. McLaren Formula One drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, finished first and Second at the Belgian Grand Prix. Pato O’Ward in the other Arrow McLaren finished fourth after starting second. O’Ward is the reserve driver for the McLaren Formula One team.  

“Amazing day. Number one! Almost one-two for Honda, but two podium finishes is still great,” said Palou. “We had amazing speed all weekend and got our 8th win of the season. I couldn’t have asked for more from this year. I’m ready and hungry for more, of course, but I couldn’t be more proud (sic) of everything this #10 team has achieved.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, performance, racing, results, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cap-and-Invest Cleans Air in Most Polluted Areas

Posted on 25 July 2025 by Ken Zino

A new report released today by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows that the California law funded by Cap-and-Invest dollars improves air in the state’s most polluted communities. In each of the 19 communities the program supports, CARB and the local air districts established partnerships to develop plans to address local pollution problems where people live, work and play. CARB is now expanding the program’s offerings to 64 communities in coordination with other regulatory partners. In AutotInformed’s view this is democracy in action – in sharp contrast to the politics of grievances by the super-rich.

“The Community Air Protection Program has become a critical tool for improving air quality in areas most impacted by sources of pollution,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “As one of the hallmark efforts funded by Cap-and-Invest revenue, it is recognized as a national model for substantially and cost-effectively reducing harmful emissions in vulnerable communities. The success of the program is a testament to the power of partnerships and a result of our collective commitment to the pursuit of clean air for all Californians.” Continue reading →

Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, customer satisfaction, economy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health, results, shows and events, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CARB Amends Clean Truck Regs With Trucking Industry!

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“California’s commitment to cleaner trucks has created an ecosystem of programs and incentives that will continue to drive progress despite the federal administration’s unlawful actions challenging our state’s efforts to reduce emissions and deploy to clean transportation technologies,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The amendments approved today provide manufacturers with flexibility, and we look forward to continued collaboration with manufacturers in efforts to reduce emissions, protect public health and ensure global competitiveness as the rest of the world shifts to zero-emission technologies.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, economy, engineering, environment, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Another Corvette C9 Concept from SoCal

Posted on 24 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Our Advanced Design teams are dedicated to shaping the future, driving innovation, and exploring what’s possible,” said Bryan Nesbitt, vice president of global design. “The California Corvette concept is another example of forward-thinking design. We invited multiple GM studios to envision Corvette-inspired hypercars, the first of which was revealed by our UK studio in March. The California team has now delivered a complementary study that honors Corvette’s legendary performance, while infusing it with their own distinctive vision.” Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, concept, design and styling, electric vehicles, marketing, performance, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend Again

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“We are pleased to provide shareholders with another increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting the continued strength of our balance sheet and strong cash flow,” said Penske Automotive Group President Robert H. Kurnick, Jr Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, financial results, milestones, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW i Ventures Invests in Estes Energy Solutions

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“What makes Estes different isn’t just the unique technology, it’s the people.” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “This is a team that’s been in the trenches, building rugged, high-density battery systems with real-world safety and scale in mind. It’s that rare blend of deep engineering chops, operator mindset, and execution urgency. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.” Continue reading →

Posted in electric vehicles, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, news, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation | Leave a comment

Football marketing – BYD and FC Internazionale Milano

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Ken Zino

The BYD Group, a massive China-based electric vehicle company (1211 HKG) announced the launch of a three-year strategic partnership with FC Internazionale Milano (Inter), becoming the club’s Global Automotive Partner. It’s the latest foray of Chinese EV companies into established markets. 

“BYD’s name means Build Your Dreams, and I think this partnership is a dream for young people, for everybody with a passion for football. Inter Milan is well recognized for its energy, for never giving up, for always fighting for success and for its rapid growth into a global brand with a worldwide fanbase that extends beyond the San Siro stadium and Serie A. These are qualities that BYD shares as a fast-growing brand too – we’re a global green technology company with the dream to fight climate change and cool the earth by one degree. We’re working so hard to do this – we have 120,000 engineers working day and night, producing 45 patents every working day because they love their job and they want to win. This determination, this constant pushing for change and working so hard to make it happen, is something that is really shared between BYD and Inter,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, marketing, milestones, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GM Posts Q2 Earnings of $3 Billion

Posted on 22 July 2025 by Ken Zino

“Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star. As we adjust to changing demand, we will prioritize our customers, brands, and a flexible manufacturing footprint, and leverage our domestic battery investments and other profit-improvement plans,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, “Overall, GM is well positioned to succeed in an ICE market that now has a longer runway, Barra said. Continue reading →

Posted in alternative fuels, economy, engineering, financial results, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, news analysis, prices, results, sales, shows and events, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment